A handsome period country house with elegant accommodation, extensive grounds and versatile outbuildings on the edge of Dartmoor.

Description

Approached by its long sweeping gravel drive, Paynes Bridge House sits beautifully within its mature woodland and garden setting. It stands well within Dartmoor National Park (365 square miles), on the eastern slopes of Cawsand Beacon with immediate access to the 169 square miles of Dartmoor’s open moorland where wildlife, flora & fauna abound.

The house is an interesting classic gentleman’s residence of generous and elegant proportions with high ceilings, built mainly of local granite under a slate roof . Ever changing with the seasons, there are wonderful views from all its main rooms.

During the current ownership considerable time & funds have been spent restoring both house & its grounds from near derelict condition into a spacious gentleman’s residence offering 21st century comfort.

The entrance hall with its wood burning stove sets the tone for the well -proportioned rooms & well planned layout throughout the house.

The drawing room is a particularly attractive space with its high dual aspect windows looking out over the grounds and brook to open moorland beyond, working fireplace with convector wood burning stove & door leading to conservatory, perfect for all year round entertainment.

The dining room on the opposite side of the hall proves an elegant setting for entertaining & has a woodburning stove .

The kitchen /breakfast room is a practical family with stunning views across the valley. Its oil fired AGA is used for cooking and hot water to two bathrooms, scullery and kitchen.

The scullery is accessed off the kitchen and gives access to the pantry and what was the small servants’ entrance off which is a freezer/storage/boot room. Outside, an external set of steps leads down to the upper parking area and a path leads round under the vestibule making a covered way to a small store and the gardeners toilet. Beyond the lower parking area is a garage and woodstore.

An impressive staircase leads to first floor and a spacious landing currently in use as a small writing/sewing area
There are three bedrooms sharing the family bathroom and
the principal suite with an ensuite bathroom. This spacious suite has spectacular views across the Teign Valley. Its bathroom is fitted with jacuzzi bath,shower,sink and toilet.

The loft is a vast high space that subject to planning & building regs consent may be suitable for conversion into further accommodation

The guest wing is a valuable feature of the property. It is thought to be a later addition built before planning legislation introduced in 1948. This wing has a large basement, accessed from outside, housing the private water filtration plant and the new central heating boiler.
From the main entrance hall, a door leads to a corridor off which, is a third reception room, separate cloakroom and store. Over the last 26 years this section of the house has been used both as a study/library and as a self-contained guest suite.

The guest suite is an elegant bedroom with its own bathroom ensuite and views across the grounds and brook to the open moor accessed by its own staircase off the mezzanine landing above the main entrance hall.
The attic is reached by loft ladder from a small landing and is boarded with Velux roof window and has been used for storage.

From the grounds (3 ¾ acres 1905 O.S.) the owners have direct access by Paynes Bridge (or ford weather permitting) to Throwleigh Common, with both Cawsand and Beacon’s triple row of Standing Stones and Shilley Pool, a hidden moorland bathing spot.

The formal grounds are a gardener’s delight set in approximately 1.5 acres of sweeping lawns, shrubbery borders and a variety of mature trees. These include specimens of Lime, Sweet Chestnut, Acer, Myrtle, Azaleas, Rhododendron, Summer Sweet (Clethra Alnifolia), Photinia, Sweet Bay, Amelanchier, Lilac (Syringa), Magnolias, Camillias, Hydrangeas & Roses which with bulbs & flowers such as Snow drops, Daffodils, Bluebells and lillies.

Location

Paynes Bridge House is a hidden away gem in a prime location standing on the Dartmoor Way and Teign-Taw Link right against the wide open moor, midway between South Zeal (1mile)& Throwleigh (1mile), yet only four miles from Whiddon Down Junction of A30 dual carriage way (4 miles) putting the property within easy reach of Exeter & M5.

Sitting on the edge of South Zeal, one of Dartmoor’s most picturesque and sought-after villages. South Zeal offers two popular inns, a village shop, primary school, village hall and an active local community.

Nearby Okehampton provides a wider range of everyday facilities including supermarkets, schooling, a leisure centre, and a rail station providing a direct service to Exeter.

Dartmoor National Park offers endless opportunities for walking, riding, and outdoor pursuits




Acreage: 3.9 Acres

Directions

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Additional Info

Private water supply and two wells. Private drainage. Sceptic Tank. Oil fired central heating. New boiler fitted 06/11/25