Littleham, Bideford, Devon, EX39

A Grade II listed former mill in a beautiful valley location, bordered by the River Yeo and set in 11.9 acres, with an excellent range of outbuildings.

Location - The property is situated in a beautiful location in rural surroundings, yet is conveniently placed within close proximity to local amenities in the pretty village of Littleham, the port and market town of Bideford and spectacular North Devon coastline.

The charming villages of Littleham and Buckland Brewer are around 0.8 and 2.8 miles away respectively, with both boasting popular public houses and superb communities. The port and market town of Bideford sits on the banks of the River Torridge, about 3 miles away, and offers a fantastic range of amenities including various shops, pubs and restaurants, banks, supermarkets and schooling for all ages.

The spectacular North Devon coastline was selected in April 2022 as a ‘World Surfing Reserve’ (WSR) – the first in the UK and only cold-water WSR in the world – with a range of fantastic sandy beaches nearby the property. The closest sandy surfing beach is found at Westward Ho!, along with extensive amenities and popular eateries, whilst the popular coastal village of Instow is located about 6.5 miles away, which boasts a sandy estuary beach with sand dunes, plus a great range of amenities, with pubs and restaurants as well as a superb deli with a café.

The regional centre of Barnstaple is located about 13 miles away and offers all the area’s main business, shopping, commercial and leisure facilities, as well as access onto the A361 North Devon Link Road.

Communications - The area can be accessed from Junction 27 of the M5 Motorway, and along the A361 North Devon Link Road which leads onto the A39 Atlantic Highway. The nearest train station is located at Barnstaple, which connects to Exeter where there are regular mainline rail services to London (Paddington) in just over 2 hours. Alternatively, Tiverton Parkway Mainline Railway Station is about an hour’s drive away, which connects to London and beyond.

Mileages

Littleham – 0.8 miles
Bideford – 3 miles
Westward Ho! Beach – 5.5 miles
Barnstaple – 13 miles
M5 Motorway/Tiverton Parkway – 48.5 miles

The Property - Standing within approximately 11.9 acres of its own grounds, with the River Yeo bordering the gardens, this spacious and characterful Grade II listed former mill offers a wonderful sense of privacy and tranquillity without feeling isolated.

The property provides expansive accommodation arranged over three floors, combining a wealth of period character with modern conveniences. Features include impressive inglenook fireplaces, exposed beams and a variety of original details throughout. The accommodation includes three reception rooms, a charming kitchen/breakfast room enjoying lovely views over the gardens, a study, and five bedrooms, two of which benefit from en-suite facilities.

A particularly attractive feature of the property is the excellent range of outbuildings, which offer potential for a variety of uses. These may include conversion to holiday accommodation, an Airbnb, annexe, studio, workshops or stabling, subject to any necessary consents. During their ownership, the current vendors successfully obtained planning permission for one of the barns (located to the front of the mill) to be converted into a holiday cottage. We understand that this permission has since lapsed; however, a Certificate of Existing Lawful Development has been granted, as work had commenced in implementation of the planning permission, including the installation of a new treatment plant.

The property is surrounded by delightful gardens and grounds which provide a high degree of privacy and seclusion. The gardens are bordered by the River Yeo and benefit from fishing rights. On the opposite side of the river there is an additional area of pasture land extending to just over 10 acres. This is excellent level pasture and benefits from its own separate road access, as well as a bridge connecting it to the gardens of the mill, and the whole amounts to approximately 11.9 acres.

Properties offering such potential, character and setting rarely become available on the open market and can only be fully appreciated by an internal inspection.

The accommodation, with approximate dimensions more clearly identified on the accompanying floorplans, comprises:

Front door allowing access to a porch and then:

Kitchen/Breakfast Room - A delightful dual aspect room overlooking the garden. Exposed lintels. Kitchen comprising a range of matching wall and base units, with Belfast sink set into quartz work surfaces and a range of integrated appliances including dishwasher, fridge and a range style cooker with extractor over. Oil fired Rayburn set in a chimney recess.

Snug - Window to the side elevation. Exposed beams and lintels. Inglenook fireplace with woodburning stove on a slate hearth. Built-in storage cupboard.

Sitting Room - A superb dual aspect room with beamed ceiling and exposed lintels. Inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove on a slate hearth.

Hall - Stairs rise to the first floor landing. Door to side elevation.

Dining Room - A superb triple aspect room overlooking the garden. Exposed lintels and beams. Panelling to dado height. Built-in storage cupboard.

From the kitchen there is access to:

Utility Room - Window to the front elevation and a door giving access to the parking and courtyard. Range of matching wall and base units with Belfast sink set into quartz work surfaces and space for washing machine and tumble dryer. There is also access to the rear garden and garage.

Study - Window to rear elevation.

Cloakroom - Comprising low level WC and pedestal wash hand basin. Window.

Double Garage - Power and light connected.

First Floor Landing - Window at the top of the stairs overlooking the gardens and rear elevation. Exposed lintels. Stairs rise to the second floor and bedroom 2.

Bedroom 3 - A dual aspect room overlooking the gardens. Exposed beam and lintels. Built-in wardrobes.

Bedroom 4 - Window to the side elevation. Exposed beam and lintel. Built-in wardrobe.

Bedroom 5 - Window to the side elevation overlooking the garden. Exposed lintel. Hatch access to loft space.

Family Bathroom - Comprising pedestal wash hand basin, double shower cubicle, free standing bath and a low level WC. Chrome heated towel rail. Window to the front elevation. Airing cupboard.

Bedroom 1 - A dual aspect room overlooking the gardens.

En-Suite - Comprising low level WC, wash hand basin and a corner shower cubicle. Chrome heated towel rail.

Second Floor

Bedroom 2 - A triple aspect room with Velux windows.

En-Suite WC - Comprising low level WC and pedestal wash hand basin. Chrome heated towel rail.

Outside - The property is approached via a five bar gate which leads onto the driveway to the front of the property, providing ample off-road parking and turning space for several vehicles, with additional room for horse boxes, lorries or motorhomes.

Adjacent to the front of the property is a walled courtyard garden laid to stone chippings. Beyond the parking area is an open-fronted four-bay carport, one bay of which has been converted into a bat house. This was installed by the current vendors in order to satisfy a planning condition relating to the proposed conversion of the stone barn located to the front of the mill.

Beyond the parking area stands a detached single-storey barn, previously used for stabling and as a workshop. The building provides three good-sized stables with a turnout area immediately outside and benefits from power, light and water connections. Backing onto the River Yeo, this versatile building could suit a variety of uses.

The delightful gardens sweep around the rear and sides of the property, bordering the River Yeo and offering a high degree of privacy. Within the grounds are a number of seating areas, together with a substantial timber deck and hot tub (included within the sale), creating an ideal space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. Outside WC.

To the side of the mill is a two-storey stone barn offering significant potential for conversion into a two-bedroom holiday cottage or annexe (subject to the necessary planning consents), enjoying views over the valley and the River Yeo. The current vendors previously obtained planning permission under application number 1/1127/2019, which has since lapsed. However, a Certificate of Existing Lawful Development has since been granted, as works had been commenced in implementation of the permission.

Opposite this building is a further single-storey stone structure currently used as a workshop and log store. In addition, accessed further along the country lane, there is another outbuilding/workshop which is considered to offer potential for a range of uses (subject to any necessary consents).

To the left of the stable building, the current vendors have created a timber deck which overlooks the river and the valley beyond—an idyllic setting for al fresco dining or relaxing beside the water. From here, a bridge provides access to the additional pastureland extending to approximately 10 acres, which can also be reached via a separate five-bar gate. The land comprises excellent level pasture together with an enclosed and productive vegetable garden with raised beds.

The gardens and grounds form a peaceful and private setting for the property and its outbuildings and, in total, extend to approximately 11.9 acres.

Agent’s Note: It is understood that the property experienced flooding in April 2025; however, this was not caused by the river bursting its banks. Surface water from the property drains into the river via a drainage pipe fitted with a non-return valve, designed to prevent river water from flowing back into the system when river levels rise.
On this occasion, it is understood that the non-return valve failed, allowing excess water to back up through the drain and enter the property. To prevent a recurrence of this unlikely event, the valve has since been repaired and an additional non-return valve has been installed as a secondary safeguard.
The property remains insurable. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the selling agent.

Property Information

Services - Mains water (private water available in the stables from a well) and electricity. Private drainage (treatment plant). Oil fired central heating.

What3words: ///tadpoles.flags.songbird

EPC Rating: Exempt.

Local Authority - Torridge District Council – .

Contents, Fixtures and Fittings - Only those mentioned within this brochure are included in the sale. All others, such as light fittings, mirrors, garden ornaments and furniture etc are specifically excluded, but may be available by separate negotiation. Items available by separate negotiation are clearly described as so.

Viewing - By appointment with Jackson-Stops, North Devon on .

For sale by private treaty with vacant possession upon completion.

Directions - From Bideford proceed towards Great Torrington on the A386. Just before you enter the village of Landcross, turn right signposted towards Littleham, Parkham, Buckland Brewer and Bradworthy. Proceed for just under 2 miles and then turn left, signposted towards Monkleigh. Proceed for a short distance passing over a small bridge, and the property will be found within a short distance on the left hand side.