Lustleigh, Newton Abbot, TQ13

INTRODUCTION

In an elevated position at the end of a long, private and gently meandering drive, Parklands enjoys a wonderfully discreet setting close to the heart of Lustleigh — widely regarded as one of Devon’s most picturesque villages. Positioned on the eastern fringes of Dartmoor National Park within the idyllic Wray Valley, the property offers a rare equilibrium: complete peace and seclusion, yet with swift access to the A38 and onward connections beyond.

A handsome example of Victorian Gothic architecture, the house, which is not listed, immediately conveys both stature and permanence. Internally, the accommodation unfolds with the scale, symmetry and ceiling heights so emblematic of the period, creating a home of genuine architectural presence.

Reception space is both generous and versatile, thoughtfully arranged to provide an excellent flow for family life and entertaining alike. The principal rooms are light-filled and beautifully proportioned, while the bedrooms are equally well-scaled, each enjoying captivating views across the mature gardens and rolling countryside beyond. The overriding sense of tranquillity is remarkable and can only truly be appreciated upon viewing.

Throughout, high ceilings and balanced proportions are complemented by an abundance of original detail — exposed boarded flooring, decorative cornicing, picture and dado rails, traditional window shutters and elegant fireplace surrounds. Together, these elements celebrate the craftsmanship of the era, while the overall layout delivers the flexibility and practicality required for modern living.

SELLERS INSIGHT

“We have been incredibly fortunate to call Parklands home for more than thirty years, and it has truly been the most wonderful place to bring up our family. When we first arrived, we knew immediately that it was somewhere special — a house full of character, surrounded by beautiful grounds, and set in a landscape that feels endlessly inspiring. It quickly became our dream home.

Our children have grown up here and absolutely flourished in this setting. There is something magical about living somewhere like this — the freedom of the gardens, the sense of adventure in the grounds, and the ever-changing landscape beyond. It offers everything you could hope for from a countryside home, and it has provided the backdrop to so many cherished memories as a family.

One of the things we have loved most is the location. Lustleigh is such a special place and increasingly rare to find these days. There is a genuine sense of community in the village, and it’s something we’ve always valued enormously. Being able to walk into the village in just five or ten minutes has been a real joy — whether for the shop, meeting friends, or village events — yet when you return to Parklands, you feel completely removed from everything, as though you are a million miles away.

The views are something we will miss deeply. Every window frames a different outlook across the gardens, trees and surrounding countryside. The landscape constantly changes — with the seasons, the light and even throughout the day — so there is always something beautiful to look at.

Parklands has become such a part of us and our lives that it will always hold a very special place in our hearts. However, the time has come for a new chapter, and we hope another family will come here and start creating their own memories. We certainly know that we will never forget a single day of living here.”

STEP INSIDE

An original timber door leads into a practical sun/boot room with stone paved floor — an appropriate prelude to a house so intrinsically connected to its landscape. The hallway branches off to the ground floor accommodation.

The principal drawing room enjoys French doors opening directly onto the terrace and gardens, alongside an open fire that creates a natural focal point. A generous sitting room with bay window and log burner provides a second, equally inviting reception space.

Across the hall lies a more intimate snug with wood burner and a library area — ideal as a reading retreat or creative space. At the heart of this family home is the impressive kitchen/dining room: a substantial, sociable space designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is fitted with solid wooden units with a central island and four-oven AGA which anchors the room. Integrated appliances offer a clean finish. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining space and across to the sitting area with French doors that open onto the terrace, framing far-reaching views across the outstanding Dartmoor countryside.

A rear lobby provides a useful alternative entrance from the driveway, ideal for practicalities such as bringing in groceries. A staircase leads down to a highly practical basement level, which feels nothing like a basement. It comprising a family room with natural light, utility/laundry room, wine cellar, extensive storage and a WC — perfectly suited to the rhythms of country living. Completing the ground floor is a spacious cloakroom.

An ornate wooden staircase rises from the main hall to the first floor landing, a spacious area well-lit stemming to five well-proportioned bedrooms and two bathrooms providing excellent family accommodation, all with incredible views. The second floor offers two further characterful bedrooms and a shower room, together with generous eaves storage, lending flexibility for guests, multi-generational living or dedicated home working.

STEP OUTSIDE

If the house is impressive, the grounds are truly exceptional. Extending around the property in a series of mature, landscaped areas, they provide an idyllic and entirely private setting.

Sweeping lawns are punctuated by magnificent granite boulders — including the striking Parklands Tor — and interspersed with specimen trees, spring bulbs and an abundance of camellia, azalea and rhododendron. The land encompasses formal gardens, a paddock, parkland and areas of woodland, offering both beauty and biodiversity in equal measure.

A charming collection of ancillary buildings enhances the estate’s appeal: a thatched garage block, thatched stables and a delightful timber summerhouse. For leisure, there is a hard tennis court complete with a thatched pavilion — a quintessentially English feature within a Dartmoor landscape.

The private drive continues beyond the house to provide a secondary exit onto Hammerslake Road — a practical advantage rarely found in such secluded settings.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Tenure: Freehold - unlisted
Council Tax Band: H
EPC Rating: E
Services: Mains water and electricity, Oil central heating, Septic Tank
Local Authority: Dartmoor National Park Authority
What3words: roughest.impaled.serenade

Parking - Driveway