Chulmleigh, Devon, EX18

Steeped in history and brimming with character, Glebe Cottage is a truly exceptional Grade II listed home, believed to date back to the late 17th century. Set within generous south-facing gardens and enjoying far-reaching countryside views, this beautifully evolved property seamlessly blends period charm with comfortable living. From its thatched roof and exposed timbers to its versatile accommodation and impressive stone barn, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a home of remarkable heritage and timeless appeal.

Accessed from New Street, the property is approached via a charming entrance that immediately sets the tone for this characterful and historically significant home. The front door opens into a welcoming central hallway, from which the principal reception rooms unfold.

To one side lies a generous lounge, a wonderfully light-filled space with patio doors opening directly onto the parking courtyard, with access across to the two-storey barn, creating an easy connection between indoor and outdoor living. Returning to the hallway, there is access to a convenient downstairs cloakroom and storage cupboard, while a further door leads into the heart of the home, a beautifully proportioned sitting/dining room.

This inviting space centres around a feature fireplace housing an oil-fired log effect burner, blending period charm with modern comfort. The room enjoys a dual aspect with windows to both the front and rear elevations, enhancing the sense of light and space. From here, doors open into a cosy snug/study with its own feature fireplace, which also has the potential to be used as a fourth bedroom if required. This in turn leads through double doors into a delightful conservatory. This charming addition overlooks and opens onto the beautifully maintained south-facing gardens, offering an ideal setting for relaxation and entertaining.

Also accessed from the sitting/dining room is the kitchen, fitted with an oil-fired Aga, providing both a practical and characterful focal point. Steps rise to a rear door where a useful utility area and space for the boiler can be found. A former doorway within the sitting room, now disused, hints at the property's historic layout, once serving as the original front entrance.

Stairs rise from the sitting room to the first floor, where three generously proportioned bedrooms can be found. The principal bedroom is particularly impressive in scale, while the second bedroom has stunning views across the valley to Dartmoor. Each bedroom has a fitted wash basin and built-in wardrobe, while retaining a wealth of character, including exposed structural timbers and beams that reflect the property's early origins and craftsmanship. These period features, combined with the building’s historic fabric, create a unique and atmospheric living environment.

The first floor is served by a family bathroom with a three-piece suite, the second bathroom has a modern shower and there is a separate toilet and wash basin, offering flexibility for family living. With a large walk-in cupboard and two airing cupboards – Glebe cottage has no shortage of storage space!

Externally, the property continues to impress. Gated driveway parking provides access to a substantial two-storey stone barn, a striking and versatile structure currently divided into a garage with timber double opening doors and a good size workshop/store room with stairs to the second floor. Both sections have power and light. Adjoining the barn are two small buildings with separate entrances acting as tool shed and log store. Subject to the necessary consents, this building offers exciting potential for conversion into ancillary accommodation such as an annexe or studio or a variety of alternative uses.

The large, secluded gardens are a true highlight. A brick paved patio seating area encourages enjoyment of the sunny south-facing lawn and flower beds with far-reaching views across the little Dart valley. Thoughtfully arranged, the grounds include an apple and prolific fig tree, a greenhouse, productive vegetable garden and soft fruit bushes alongside areas planted with established shrubs and flowering plants, which in the summer months create a vibrant and colourful display.

SOME HISTORY: This distinguished home, known as Glebe Cottage, is Grade II listed and dates from the late 17th or early 18th century, with later additions and alterations. Constructed of painted rendered stone rubble and cob beneath a half-hipped thatched roof, the property exhibits a rich and evolving architectural history. Originally arranged with a traditional through-passage plan, the cottage has developed over time to incorporate former service areas, a dairy, and stabling, now seamlessly integrated into the main accommodation.

Many original features remain evident, including exposed ceiling beams, historic fireplaces with bread oven and timber lintel, and elements of traditional roof construction with pegged trusses and waney rafters. These details, alongside later sympathetic adaptations, contribute to the property's unique character, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a home of both architectural and historical significance.


AGENTS NOTE: We understand that the septic tank has not been tested for compliance, and therefore its compliance with current regulations is unknown.

SELLERS INSIGHT: Our parents loved the welcome they received in sociable Chulmleigh. They moved to be closer to their grandchildren who could walk to them after school. Chulmleigh is one of the top-rated schools in Devon, but also popular because children can move seamlessly between nursery, primary and secondary, by walking across the road. They loved the location of Glebe Cottage, with its rural views over the valley, churchlands on one side and the steep lane down to the Little Dart river on the other. The perfect daily walk for Mum and her dog. Quiet, but an easy stroll to the shops. Chulmleigh has a delicatessen, baker, central stores, hairdresser and florist. Both butcher and fishmonger deliver and there’s even a weekly bus to South Molton market which consistently wins the title Britain’s favourite market. Chulmleigh offered plenty of chances to make new friends. For our parents it was the church, bridge club, arts outings, film club, charity work and the Saturday coffee mornings which each week are run by different local charities. In their later years, they enjoyed the monthly Sunday lunch club and the offer of lifts to the doctor’s surgery or dentist (both in town.) For younger families there is football, tennis, badminton and a gym based either at the sports centre or the pavilion. Chulmleigh even has its own golf course and cricket pitch. What they enjoyed best was sitting in the conservatory or outside in their beautiful garden overlooking the valley. Or hosting friends in the large downstairs room with the double patio doors, which we call the piano room because Dad loved to play the piano.
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