Shute, Axminster, Devon

An exceptional Victorian Vicarage with elegant and beautifully proportioned accommodation of superb quality, with a Coach House and outstanding formal gardens and grounds. A residence where a modern and convenient lifestyle is enabled by a perfectly suited range of amenities… and elevated to another level of enjoyment and appreciation by the beauty of the house and grounds.

THE PROPERTY.
Built in 1863, The Old Vicarage stands in a commanding position overlooking its own spectacular gardens and grounds with wider and unrivalled vistas over the whole valley down to the coast. From the grounds there are stunning views back to the house which show off the warm and welcoming aspect of this classic period residence, bathed in sun from dawn to dusk.

HERITAGE.
The accommodation is beautifully proportioned and retains notable period features which include the magnificent mullioned windows, a number of which have the original hardwood shutters. The two principal reception rooms are remarkable for their elegance, with 3.3m high ceilings, both with French doors into the large conservatory which wraps round the south wing of the house.

MODERN LIVING.
The heart of the house is the large and bright kitchen/dining space by Bradbury’s of Exeter. The kitchen end has sumptuous areas of prep and cooking space, with every appliance high-end Miele. Adjoining the kitchen is a vestibule, a larder and a utility room, keeping all the functional areas handy but out of sight. The dining end easily accommodates a 10/12-person table. The layout at The Old Vicarage is very adaptable: the property benefits from two staircases and can easily accommodate family life and home working.

Carefree indoor/outdoor living is possible almost year-round, thanks to the generous conservatories. From the kitchen/dining area it is a step to the rear conservatory with its fig tree and vine, and a step more - through bifold doors - to the large terrace. Having dinner there, watching the sun set over the valley, is to experience a sense of complete wellbeing.

CRAFTSMANSHIP AND RESTORATION.
The Old Vicarage has been the subject of a significant programme of improvement, remodelling and restoration over the past decade and is found in superb order with great care and attention given to the fittings and overall finish. The finest local trades were used, be it glazing, carpentry, plasterwork, services and (of course) Axminster carpets. The A-rated double-glazed windows are the finest available for heritage buildings, of powder-coated stainless steel, combining the narrowest of sightlines with security, durability and elegance. As used at Lancaster Castle, Durham University Library and numerous other architectural landmarks.

THE COACH HOUSE.
Converted in 2018 from the former hay barn. It provides a very comfortable and roomy self-contained two-bedroom apartment, equipped for reduced mobility, and currently used as a luxurious granny-annexe. The Coach House offers multi-generational flexibility, or independent guest accommodation, or (subject to planning) potential rental income.

GARDENS & GROUNDS.
Undoubtedly one of the main features of The Old Vicarage is its simply breathtaking setting. The grounds have been meticulously designed and thoughtfully planted over many years to offer enormous appeal and great maturity. The sweeping lawns, which include a croquet lawn, are interspersed with a glorious variety of established shrubs and specimen trees providing colour and texture all year round. The grounds are dotted with terraces and tucked-away seating areas which make the most of the day’s sunshine and the delightful country vistas.

The gravel drive leads past several parking areas and the imposing gothic porch and front door to an attractive cobbled courtyard around which sit the Coach House, the Linhay (open double garage), the Stables and various other stores.

SITUATION.
The Old Vicarage has a wonderfully tranquil setting, enjoying complete privacy and forming part of the mosaic of properties in the beautiful river valley whose pattern of lanes and hedges is as it was in medieval times.
It is located in the popular village of Shute, which is in the East Devon National Landscape, with access to some glorious walks close at hand over some of the county’s most picturesque countryside. The village has a lively community, a primary school, a National Trust medieval manor house, and St Michael’s church dating from the 13th century. It also has three bus routes (giving access to Axminster, Exeter and Taunton), two of which stop just 100 yards from the front gate.

LOCAL AMENITIES.
The popular town of Colyton, with its beautiful medieval church, lies about 3 miles away and offers a good range of independent shops, eateries, primary school and recreational facilities. Colyton Grammar School is nationally renowned as one of the country's top mixed state schools. Millers Farm Shop, Lyme Bay Winery and River Cottage, top foodie destinations, are nearby. There are several golf courses in the area and sailing at Lyme Regis and Axmouth, plus the renowned Seaton Wetlands for walking and bird-watching.

The busy market town of Axminster is approximately 4 miles to the northeast and has a main line rail link to London Waterloo. The Cathedral City of Exeter is 25 miles to the west and has an excellent shopping centre, sport and leisure facilities, university, hospital, express rail link to London Paddington and international airport. From Shute there is easy access to the M5, A303 and A35.