Catherine Street, Exeter

A unique opportunity to live in one of Exeter's best residential addresses. This historical townhouse has incredible views across Cathedral Green and its breathtaking Cathedral and the Ex Valley beyond.

This incredible building has stood the test of time since the the late Middle Ages has been stylishly refurbished to retain the 16th century character with modern kitchen and bathrooms set over 3 floors with 2/3 bedrooms, balcony on the top floor and a secluded garden in the rear. Available September 2025

A unique opportunity to live in one of Exeter's best residential addresses. This historical townhouse offers a panoramic outlook across the serene expanse of Cathedral Green, showcasing the full grandeur of the Cathedral and the picturesque uplands of the Exe Valley beyond

This enchanting property, nestled charmingly between a quaint church on one side and another elegant Tudor building on the other, is a magnificent 16th-century timber-framed townhouse with three impressive storeys Its distinctive, white-painted façade is beautifully adorned with two striking oriel windows apiece on its first and second floors, while a full-width timber balcony graces the third, adding to the home's undeniable charm and character.

Throughout its rich history, this building has served various purposes, from an ecclesiastical college to a thriving commercial establishment. Now, the ground floor and basement continue as a shop (1 Cathedral Close), but the upper three floors have been exquisitely refurbished to an exceptionally high standard, creating a stunning two/three-bedroom townhouse (now registered as Mol's House). This remarkable transformation seamlessly blends the building's captivating history and original features with a sensitively modernised interior, resulting in a truly extraordinary home.

On the first floor, a grand reception room awaits (which could be used as a third bedroom), complete with a stately fireplace, two wide window seats, and elegant oak-paneled walls adorned with the intricate coats of arms of Devon nobility. The second floor boasts the luxurious principal bedroom with its own ensuite shower room, as well as a second spacious double bedroom and adjacent bathroom.

The crowning glory of the house is the top floor a spectacular combined living room and kitchen on the third floor with a soaring vaulted ceiling, beautifully exposed roof timbers, windows on all four sides, and access to a full-width timber balcony that offers a sweeping, uninterrupted view. This room is finished with pale oak LVT flooring, a characterful fireplace housing the original range (not commissioned), and bespoke timber kitchen units featuring top-of-the-line Siemens studio Line appliances and elegant quartz work surfaces.





Outside

The property is accessed via a shared passageway, leading to a private entrance that opens onto a delightful, high-walled courtyard garden. This tranquil oasis is thoughtfully landscaped with a York stone paved path and seating area, bordered by raised beds bursting with a vibrant array of flowering shrubs and perennials that form a lush, 'jungle' style tapestry of rich, dark foliage punctuated by delicate white blooms. A bespoke staircase, crafted from green oak and cleverly screened for privacy, leads up to the front door, with a green oak bin store and a convenient folding bicycle
storage area discreetly tucked beneath the staircase.

History

Given its location near the Cathedral, there has probably been a building on the site for over 1,000 years. In 1410 it was granted to the Cathedral's chantry priests to use as a residence, known as the Annuellars' College. It was subsequently disbanded during the Reformation of the 1530s, when it fell into private ownership. In 1596 the building was totally remodelled, probably by John Dyer, a wealthy Exeter yeoman, for use as the city's Custom House. In 1726 it opened as possibly the first coffee house in the UK, called Mol's after its first proprietor, Mary Wildy, and was then run exclusively by women until it closed in 1829.

Location

Mol's House is situated in the heart of Exeter within the Central Conservation Area, on the northwest corner of Cathedral Green looking out onto the northern side of the cathedral and the fields beyond. It is just a short walk to all that a vibrant, attractive city centre has to offer.

This includes a wonderful selection of shops, a diverse choice of restaurants, sporting and cultural venues; plus the distinguished Exeter University. Exeter has two railway stations, which are both within easy walking distance. Exeter Central is just a six minute walk away with direct services to Waterloo (3 hours 17 minutes), whilst Exeter St David's is a longer 20 minute walk offering a faster service to Paddington (2 hours 7 minutes). In addition, Junction 30 on the M5 is to the east of the city as is Exeter International Airport.

There is a wide choice of local schools both from the independent and state sectors including Exeter School, The Maynard and Exeter Cathedral School, which are all within walking distance. Blundell's School in Tiverton offers a daily bus service from Exeter.

NOTES

- Modern Electric Boiler
- Mains Water
- Students considered
- Available September 2025

Holding Fee For Advert - Fresh Move Ltd is an ARLA Member ensuring that we are trained in the very latest letting legislation. All our contracts and practices are ARLA approved.

As well as paying the rent, you may also be required to make the following permitted payments.

Permitted payments

Before the tenancy starts (payable to Fresh Move Ltd ‘the Agent’)
Holding Deposit: 1 week’s rent
Deposit: 5 weeks’ rent

During the tenancy (payable to the Fresh Move or the Landlord)

For English properties:
Payment of up to £50 if you want to change the tenancy agreement
Payment of interest for the late payment of rent at a rate of 3%
Payment of cost for the reasonably incurred costs for the loss of keys/security devices
Payment of any unpaid rent or other reasonable costs associated with your early termination of the tenancy
During the tenancy (payable to the provider) if permitted and applicable
Utilities – gas, electricity, water
Communications – telephone and broadband
Installation of cable/satellite
Subscription to cable/satellite supplier
Television licence
Council Tax

Other permitted payments
Any other permitted payments, not included above, under the relevant legislation including contractual damages.

Tenant protection
Fresh Move is a member of PropertyMark, which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of The Property Ombudsman, which is a redress scheme. You can find out more details on the agent’s website or by contacting the agent directly.Please note that lettings agents are required by law to publish on their websites information for potential tenants about relevant fees, redress schemes and client money protection schemes (including the names of those schemes). Relevant fees must also be published on third party websites, such as Rightmove. For properties to rent in England, details of the agent’s membership of any redress scheme and client money protection scheme must also be published with their fees on Rightmove. It is the agent’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant information is provided to Rightmove and is up to date and accurate. If the relevant information does not appear here, the agent may have included it within the property description.

Please refer to fresh moves applicant information form that further details the applicants lettings process

IMPORTANT NOTE:

We endeavour to make our property particulars accurate and reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. Any services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All measurements have been taken as a guide to prospective renters only, and are not precise. If you require clarification or further information on any points, please contact us, especially if you are travelling some distance to view.