Sterridge Valley, Berrynarbor, North Devon EX34

There is something special about the approach into Sterridge Valley. The lane narrows, the landscape folds in around you, and the sound of running water begins to replace everything else. Lower Rowes Farm sits quietly within this beautiful valley setting, surrounded by its own pasture, sheltered by wooded valley sides, and bordered by the river. It feels private, grounded and entirely at ease in its surroundings.

This is a rare pocket of North Devon where the landscape still feels natural and unspoilt. The house is not imposed on it, it sits within it, as though it has always belonged.

At its heart, Lower Rowes Farm is an original Devon longhouse, full of character and substance, yet carefully improved for modern living. The focal point is the vaulted kitchen extension, a striking space with extensive glazing overlooking the gardens and lake. Light moves through it across the day, and the outlook becomes part of everyday life. Doors open onto a terrace, allowing the house to flow easily into the garden.

From here, the accommodation unfolds with balance. A sitting room with warmth and depth, a panelled library offering a quieter retreat, and bedrooms that feel calm and private. The layout reflects the natural evolution of the house rather than something imposed.

Across the courtyard sits a separate one bedroom coach house style annexe. Independent yet connected, it provides flexible space for guests, family or working from home, and adds a further layer to how the property can be used.

The grounds shape the whole experience of living here. Formal gardens of around 1.862 acres sit around the house. The lake provides a natural focal point, while the river and valley floor bring movement and life through the seasons. The formal gardens lead each side into pasture land of approximately 4.939 acres and 1.626 acres together with a further 3.222 acres. In all around 11.6 acres.

In total, the main holding extends to approximately 11.6 acres. With the additional barn, the whole would be around 13.2 acres.

This is land that feels part of daily life. It offers privacy, outlook and a genuine connection to the setting.

Berrynarbor sits quietly above the coast, a village that has held onto its character without trying to prove it. White cottages, village lanes and a sense of familiarity that comes from people knowing where they belong.

From here, Sterridge Valley opens out in a softer, more sheltered landscape. The valley folds gently through pasture and woodland, with water running along its floor and light shifting across the slopes through the day. It feels calm and contained, a place where time slows without effort.

A short walk brings you back to the village, to the pub, the school and the small rhythms of daily life. Yet within the valley, you feel a world away.

Despite its sense of seclusion, Lower Rowes Farm remains well connected. Berrynarbor lies less than a mile away, while Ilfracombe and Combe Martin provide everyday amenities and a traditional coastal setting.

Barnstaple is within easy reach and offers a full range of shopping, schooling and services.

Rail links connect through to Exeter, with onward services to London Paddington, while Tiverton Parkway provides a direct mainline alternative. The A361 links to the M5, giving straightforward access to the wider motorway network.

Exeter Airport is around an hour away, with Bristol Airport offering a broader range of destinations.

Schooling is well served, with Berrynarbor primary close by, secondary options in Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, and independent education available at West Buckland School.

North Devon is a place people tend to feel rather than just describe. Its appeal lies in the contrast, long sandy beaches, hidden coves, open moorland, wooded valleys and a coastline that can feel both dramatic and restorative within the same afternoon.

This is a landscape that naturally draws life outdoors. Walkers, swimmers, surfers, golfers, cyclists and those who simply value open space and sea air are well served here. The coastline offers some of the South West’s most loved beaches, including Woolacombe, Croyde, Putsborough, Saunton Sands, Instow and Westward Ho!, while quieter coves, cliff paths and estuary walks give the area a softer, more hidden character.

Inland, the scenery changes again. Exmoor National Park opens up a very different world of moorland, wooded combes, river valleys and far-reaching views. The Tarka Trail, the Torridge Valley and the wider network of footpaths and lanes make the countryside part of everyday life rather than something saved for weekends.

There is also something increasingly valuable about the pace of life here. North Devon still feels grounded. The communities are real, the landscape is close, and there is a sense of breathing room that many buyers are now actively seeking. Homes in this part of the world appeal because they offer more than bricks and mortar. They offer space, rhythm, connection and a different quality of life.

Barnstaple provides the main commercial hub for the region, with shops, schools, leisure facilities, healthcare and rail links, while the North Devon Link Road gives access towards the M5, Tiverton Parkway and Exeter. It means North Devon can feel tucked away without being cut off, which is an important part of its appeal.

For many, the decision to move here is not simply about changing address. It is about choosing a life with more landscape in it, more time outdoors, more room to breathe, and a stronger connection to coast, countryside and community.

Lower Rowes Farm is a complete offering. A longhouse of real character, a vaulted kitchen extension looking out across gardens and water, a separate coach house annexe, and a beautiful valley setting with land that gives both purpose and privacy. Combined with the wider appeal of North Devon, it is a place to settle into and enjoy over the long term.

Tenure: Freehold

Listing: N/A

Council Tax Band: G

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Construction: Traditional stone with timber framed windows

Services: Mains electricity, mains water, private well, LPG gas

Septic tank drainage. (Compliance with current regulations has not been confirmed. Buyers must rely on their own enquiries and professional advice.)

Heating: Biomass system, LPG central heating, open fires

Broadband: Airband, approx 100 Mbps

Parking: Driveway and courtyard parking for multiple vehicles

Restrictions: None known

Management/Service Charges: None

Japanese Knotweed has previously been identified within the vicinity of the land. Treatment works were undertaken historically; however, full documentation and guarantees are not currently available. Buyers are advised that the presence of Japanese Knotweed is considered material information and should make their own enquiries, including obtaining independent professional advice, to satisfy themselves as to its current status and any implications for lending or future maintenance.

Lower Rowes Farm lies within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This designation recognises the landscape’s national importance and helps protect its character, setting and views. Properties within the AONB may be subject to planning policies and controls designed to conserve and enhance the surrounding environment. This may influence future alterations, extensions or development on the property or nearby or adjoining land. Buyers should make their own enquiries with the local planning authority to understand any restrictions or requirements that may apply.

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.

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.