Sky End, Templeton
Arrival and setting
Sky End sits quietly in its own land, the whole around 6 acres, just outside the village of Templeton in Devon. Arriving through electric gates and following the paved private drive the view opens out around you. The house reveals itself gradually, positioned carefully within the landscape rather than imposed upon it. It feels settled and confident in its setting, as though it has always belonged exactly where it is.
There is an immediate sense of calm on arrival. Open countryside stretches away, light moves across the land, and the pace subtly changes. Sky End feels private without feeling remote, and from the outset it is clear that the setting has been as carefully considered as the house itself.
Design philosophy and build
Sky End was designed and built by the current owners as their own home, shaped by years of delivering bespoke houses across the UK. That experience is evident in the assured design and in how naturally the house works, day in, day out.
This is a substantial 7 bedroom 6 bathroom home of some 5,000 sq feet, but it does not ramble. The scale is carefully controlled, with a layout that flows naturally rather than spreading aimlessly and includes an internal annexe. Open, connected family spaces are balanced by distinct areas that allow privacy and flexibility, making the house well suited to a growing family and to changing needs over time.
The house has been deliberately positioned within its land to take full advantage of the views, the direction of the sun, and the changing light throughout the day. Extensive glazing draws the outside in, creating a constant connection with the surrounding landscape and a strong sense of belonging to the setting rather than sitting apart from it.
First impressions and reception spaces
From the moment you step inside, the quality of space and light is immediately apparent. The reception hall is a defining feature, with double height ceilings, oak and glass balustrades, and a gallery style linking bridge connecting the first floor bedrooms above. It feels dramatic without being overpowering and sets the tone for the rest of the house.
The layout unfolds easily from here. Spaces are open and sociable but never exposed, with transitions that feel intuitive and well judged.
Living spaces and family life
The main living areas have been designed around real family life. The house works comfortably whether full of people or quietly occupied.
The principal sitting room is generous and welcoming, with a strong sense of height and light. Large areas of glazing frame the countryside beyond, reinforcing the feeling that the landscape is part of the house rather than something viewed from a distance.
At the heart of Sky End is the open plan kitchen, dining and family room. This is the social centre of the home, designed for gathering, cooking, conversation and time together, with direct access onto the terraces outside. The orientation allows the space to fill with light throughout the day, particularly in the afternoon and evening, making it equally suited to everyday living and entertaining.
An internal two bedroom annexe is seamlessly contained within the house, operating as a distinct wing while remaining naturally connected.
Quieter, more defined spaces include a separate study, allowing work or retreat without disconnecting from the rest of the house. Practical rooms such as the boot and drying room are well placed and thoughtfully included, reflecting the reality of rural living and life with land.
Bedroom Accommodation
Upstairs, the bedroom accommodation balances privacy with connection. The galleried linking bridge above the reception hall reinforces the sense of openness while clearly defining the more private areas of the house.
Bedrooms are generous, well proportioned and positioned to maximise light and views. They feel calm and removed from the busier living spaces below. The principal suite is spacious without being ostentatious, with a well finished en suite that reflects the understated quality found throughout the house.
The layout allows rooms to adapt over time, ensuring flexibility as family needs evolve.
The annexe and flexibility
A significant strength of Sky End is the internal annexe
It suits older children or guests who value independence, while remaining fully connected to the main house. This thoughtful balance allows different generations, including dependent relatives, to live together comfortably, giving the home a genuine flexibility that adapts naturally as life evolves.
The Gardens
The gardens sit easily around the house, shaped with a sure hand and a clear understanding of the setting. Broad lawns flow outwards, edged by thoughtfully planted borders and pockets of natural wildflower, while architectural planting provides structure, colour and quiet interest through the seasons, all designed to be enjoyed rather than laboured over.
Granite terraces are positioned around the house to follow the path of the sun, creating different places to pause as the day unfolds. The generous west facing kitchen terrace is the heart of outdoor living, ideal for relaxed lunches, long evenings, open air cooking and gathering as the light softens and the sunsets draw the day to a close.
To the front, a gravelled area serves a dual purpose as parking and pétanque court, practical yet gently sociable. Beyond, the gardens take on a more theatrical feel, with a beautifully landscaped and softly lit sunken fire pit leading through to a rustic party barn with bar. Set within around a quarter of an acre of mature woodland, it feels wonderfully tucked away, a place for laughter, conversation and late evenings, wrapped in trees and the quiet rhythm of the land.
Outbuildings, land and equestrian use
Beyond the house and gardens, Sky End truly comes into its own for those with horses or countryside pursuits at heart. The land lends itself naturally to a well run, manageable equestrian set up, one that has been designed for proper day to day use rather than show alone.
At its centre sits an American style barn, solid, purposeful and quietly impressive. Half glazed, fully sliding doors open into three bright, airy internal stables, each with in and out access to all weather corrals. There is a well fitted tack room, thoughtfully arranged, with a boarded storage area above, along with a wash area, internal water supply and separate WiFi.
The opposite side of the barn offers excellent flexibility. With ample power and lighting and a large industrial electric roller door, it is currently used for general storage, horsebox and motorhome parking, though it could just as easily be opened up into one larger space if required.
Adjacent to the barn is a full size 40m x 20m manège with excellent drainage and a sand and Flexiride surface, ready for schooling in all seasons. The paddocks are neatly arranged, each with a connected water supply and enclosed with permanent electric Hotcote fencing, creating a safe, efficient layout that works quietly in the background.
Altogether, it is a balanced, well considered equestrian environment. Nothing flashy, nothing wasted, simply a set of facilities that do exactly what they are meant to do, and do it well.
There is also a substantial quadruple garage offering space for vehicles, storage or workshop use, along with a detached party style barn that opens up further potential for entertaining, leisure or alternative uses.
Together, the house, annexe, land and outbuildings create a rare level of versatility, allowing Sky End to function as possibly far more than a single dwelling.
Location, connectivity and schooling
Despite its rural setting, Sky End is extremely well connected. The driveway entrance on What3Words is: ///intrigued.himself.backswing
Tiverton Parkway is around 15 minutes by car, providing fast mainline services to London Paddington, often in under two hours, with direct routes to Bristol and the Midlands. Exeter St David’s is approximately 30 minutes away, offering wider national rail connections, while Exeter Airport is around 30 minutes away, providing access to UK and European destinations.
Road connections are straightforward, with M5 Junction 27 reached in roughly 15 minutes, allowing easy travel north and south across the region. The South Devon coast can be reached in around 60 minutes, while the beaches of North Devon are approximately 45 minutes away, making coastal days out a realistic part of everyday living.
For schooling, Sky End is well placed for respected independent options. Blundell’s School is around 15 minutes away, while West Buckland School can be reached in approximately 25 minutes, suitable for both day pupils and weekly boarders.
Key destinations and connections. A summary.
All mileages are approximate, taken from Google Maps and averaged out and by car. (Journey times can of course vary depending on traffic conditions).
Templeton Village Hall – 0.5 miles
A proper village hub with bar, parking and a busy calendar of community events.
A361 North Devon Link Road – 1.7 miles
Fast east to west access across North Devon, Exmoor and onward towards the M5.
Tiverton Parkway Railway Station – 14 miles, approx. 20 minutes
Direct mainline services to London Paddington, often under two hours.
Exeter Airport – 21 miles, approx. 35 minutes
UK and European connections without the long drive to Bristol.
Exeter City Centre – 19 miles, approx. 35 minutes
Cathedral city with shopping, dining, theatres and culture.
Blundell’s School – 6.8 miles, approx. 15 minutes
One of the South West’s most respected independent schools.
West Buckland School – 21 miles, approx. 25 minutes
Renowned independent education on the edge of Exmoor.
Taunton – 27 miles, approx. 35 minutes
Regional centre with fast rail links, hospitals and county amenities.
Saunton & Croyde – 36 miles, approx. 45 minutes
Golden sands, Atlantic surf and outstanding coastal walking.
Golf and country pursuits – within 15 to 45 minutes
A strong selection of traditional Devon golf clubs nearby, with Tiverton Golf Club just 15 minutes. Riding & country sports are in the immediate area, with Polo available in Taunton. Please enquire for further details.
The overall lifestyle
Sky End offers space, flexibility and a strong sense of place. It is a home designed to support real life, with the ability to adapt as circumstances change.
Thoughtful, well connected and grounded in its landscape, it offers a long term lifestyle rather than a short term statement. A house with confidence, balance, further potential and room to grow.
Services & Useful Information (To be verified via your legal representative).
Tenure: Freehold. EPC Rating: B. Super Fast Broadband via Fibre optic cabling. Mains electricity, water and private drainage and sewage via a bio treatment plant. Oil-fired central heating. Local Authority: Mid Devon District Council. Council Tax Band: G and Annexe Band: A. Long Term Flood Risk: Very Low from both Surface, rivers and sea.
Rights of Way: None across the property. EV charging point to garage.
Square feet / meters:
Main house: 5,006 sq ft (465 sq m)
Garages: 1,919 sq ft (178 sq m)
Outbuildings: 1,598 sq ft (148 sq m)
Annexe: 691 sq ft (64 sq m)
Total internal area: 8,277 sq ft (769 sq m)
By Design Homes North Devon & Exmoor is part of the wider By Design Homes network – a collective of experienced, premium estate agents delivering bespoke one-to-one service across the UK and internationally. Based here in the heart of North Devon, I combine local knowledge and personal attention with the strength and reach of a national brand. For discreet, expert advice, please feel free to contact me directly.
Important Notice: By Design North Devon & Exmoor, for themselves and for the vendors of this property, give notice that:
Particulars: These details are provided as a general outline for intending purchasers and do not constitute, nor form part of, any offer or contract. Descriptions: All descriptions, dimensions, references to condition, necessary permissions, and other details are given in good faith and believed to be correct. Purchasers must not rely on them as statements of fact and should verify accuracy by inspection or otherwise. Warranty: No person employed by By Design North Devon & Exmoor has authority to make or give any representation or warranty in relation to this property. Measurements: All measurements are approximate. Wayleaves and easements. The property is sold subject to any wayleaves or easements, whether or not they are referred to within these particulars. Floor plans are for illustrative identification only and may not be to scale. Photography: Photographs are provided for general information only and should not be assumed to include any items shown. Images are not materially altered but may be enhanced for marketing purposes (e.g. skies, twilight effects, digital staging). Services: Services, systems, and appliances have not been tested and no guarantee of condition or functionality is given. Purchasers should satisfy themselves as to suitability and working order. Due Diligence: Buyers are responsible for verifying matters such as flood risk, private drainage compliance, planning consents, covenants, and all other property-related details before viewing or incurring expense. Availability: Properties may be withdrawn or sold at any time. Buyers should confirm availability and up-to-date information prior to viewing. Money Laundering Regulations: In compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as amended), all purchasers must provide proof of identity, address, source, and proof of funds before any sale can be agreed. By Design North Devon & Exmoor use Credas, an FCA-regulated provider, to complete these checks. A fee of £50 plus VAT per buyer applies. A secure link will be issued. The property status cannot be changed to Sold Subject to Contract or a Memorandum of Sale produced until all checks are satisfactorily completed.