Burrington, Umberleigh, North Devon

TO BOOK YOUR VIEWING, WHEN CALLING QUOTE REFERENCE: RY0585

Owner's comments

"Northcote Cross Cottage is such a lovely place to be. Peace and quiet galore. Sitting with a cup of tea and a book in the garden listening to birdsong is heavenly. We love gathering round the fire pit, playing music without worrying it’s disturbing anyone, and toasting marshmallows with the kids. Stargazing is incredible here. No light pollution at all! We adore our little wildlife visitors too. Particularly the hedgehogs, tiny bats, and the variety of birds - gold finches, coal tits, woodpeckers, nuthatches, the sweet robins and blackbirds on the lawn, the family of buzzards soaring above in summer months. We have really loved the flexible accommodation and space as our boys have grown, never under each other’s feet. And the Airbnb was such a joy to run (as well as a nice income) - meeting new people, hearing their stories and sharing our love of Devon with them. We love the proximity to the great outdoors - all the adventures on Dartmoor and Exmoor, the huge selection of beautiful beaches for surfing and dog walks - all just a short drive away. When you miss the hustle and bustle, Exeter offers the shopping, theatres, gigs, galleries & museums that we missed from London."

Accommodation

Stepping through the front door, a useful porch leads into a hallway, with access to the kitchen/breakfast room on the right and the dining room on the left. The kitchen is rich in character, fitted with a range of wall and base units set beneath ample work surfaces, with two front-facing windows, one positioned above a traditional butler’s sink overlooking the gardens. A striking exposed brick inglenook fireplace houses an electric cooker and retains an original bread oven, while exposed beams add to the cottage’s rustic charm. A particularly generous pantry cupboard is a notable feature, and a door leads to a secondary staircase rising to the first floor. The adjoining utility room provides further practicality with additional storage, space for appliances, and a second butler’s sink beneath a side window, along with access to a side porchway opening directly onto a covered pathway leading from the driveway. A downstairs WC and separate laundry room, housing the newly installed boiler (March 2026) and white goods, complete this functional area, with further access out to the rear garden. 

The reception space is both versatile and full of character. The dining room is a sociable setting with ample space for a large table and chairs, complemented by bespoke shelving and window seats, along with an exposed brick fireplace with a wood-burning stove, while twin front-facing windows flood the room with natural light. This flows through to the sitting room, a warm and inviting space with a double aspect, another feature fireplace with wood-burning stove, and stairs rising to the first floor. Double doors open into a bright conservatory, offering panoramic garden views and direct access outside. To the rear of the sitting room, a flexible family/playroom provides an ideal snug or children’s space, also benefiting from garden access via double doors. This is complemented by a separate office and an additional study area/hobby space, perfect for those requiring home working space.

Upstairs, the landing provides access to five well-proportioned bedrooms. The principal bedroom is a generous double with built-in storage and an adjoining large bathroom, fitted with a four-piece suite including bath and separate shower, WC and wash basin, as well as an airing cupboard. A second substantial double bedroom is served by a further four-piece family bathroom. Bedrooms three and four are comfortable doubles, while the fifth bedroom is a single, all enjoying pleasant views over the surrounding gardens and countryside. A secondary staircase descends from the landing back to the kitchen, enhancing the home’s practical layout.

"The Nest"

A detached double garage has been partially converted to create "The Nest", a superb addition offering flexible, self-contained accommodation. The ground floor features a kitchenette area, which could easily be enhanced into a more permanent kitchen, alongside a modern shower room comprising WC, wash basin, and enclosed shower. Stairs rise to the first floor where a spacious open-plan bedroom and sitting area enjoys a pleasant double aspect. This space is perfectly suited for independent relatives, visiting guests, or as a potential Airbnb/holiday let, offering both privacy and versatility. 

The remaining section of the garage retains excellent storage with two sets of double doors, power and lighting, and internal access to the annex space. Despite the conversion to "The Nest" the garage still retains space to house a vehicle if required.

Outside & parking

A gated entrance opens onto a generous gravelled driveway, providing ample parking for multiple vehicles and access to the detached garage, with further potential to expand parking if required.

The southerly facing gardens extend to approximately 0.37 acres and are thoughtfully arranged and capturing sun virtually all day round, predominantly laid to lawn and bordered by mature hedgerows, fruit trees, and established planting, creating a private and peaceful setting. Additional features include a "Rhino" greenhouse, brick-built storage shed, further outbuildings for garden maintenance and storage, and a discreetly positioned oil tank. A covered side area provides practical access to both the garage and the utility room, along with useful log storage. 

To the front, a charming lawned garden sits behind a pedestrian gate, with a central pathway leading to the front door, while additional seating areas are positioned around the plot to take full advantage of the tranquil surroundings. The gardens wrap around the property, offering multiple vantage points for relaxation and entertaining, all within a truly idyllic countryside setting around a fire pit, enjoying the most incredible sunsets. Here at the far section of the garden, the owners have created a barbeque and pizza oven area as well as a fenced off pond feature which adds to the naturally beautiful outside space. 

Location

Set on the edge of the Taw Valley, this home enjoys a truly enviable rural position, with the rolling North Devon countryside quite literally on your doorstep. Despite its peaceful setting, the property remains well connected — located just one mile from the Tarka Line railway at Portsmouth Arms (request stop), offering convenient access into Exeter within approximately an hour.

For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Northcote Manor is within easy walking distance, now home to an impressive new spa facility complete with gym and swimming pool. The village of Burrington itself boasts a welcoming and vibrant community, with regular events including bake sales, fun days and local gatherings, as well as active skittles teams for those keen to get involved. Additionally, there is also a handy well stocked community shop and churches. 

There is also a great selection of well-regarded pubs nearby, perfect for relaxed dining and socialising. The closest is The Portsmouth Arms, just a gentle stroll down the hill, while The New Inn and others in surrounding villages such as Dolton, Torrington, High Bickington and Chulmleigh are all within easy reach by car or bicycle.

Barnstaple is accessed in just over 20 minutes and is the regional centre of North Devon, boasting numerous high street shops including Green Lanes Shopping Centre, various supermarkets, department stores, cinema, live theatre, numerous eateries and leisure facilities. The popular sandy surfing beaches of Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe are within around 20-30 minutes drive from here, as is the border of Exmoor National Park. The property is particularly well located for the A361 network and beyond, taking you to the M5 and also Tiverton Parkway train station in around 45 minutes, where there is fast services to London Paddington. Other notable areas for further shopping include Exeter in around an hour's drive, and the Cornish border within about the same time.

Viewings

If you would like to view this wonderful home, please contact local North Devon estate agent, Ryan Young. Viewings are strictly by appointment with the sole selling agent and 24hrs notice will usually be required, please confirm your appointment before travelling.

Agent's note

These property particulars are issued in good faith but do not form part of any offer or contract. All descriptions, floorplans, photographs and other information are provided as a guide only and may not be exact. Buyers are advised to verify key facts such as tenure, planning permissions, fixtures and fittings, lease length, ground rent, service charges, council tax bands and energy performance ratings through their legal representative. 

In line with UK anti-money laundering regulations, all named purchasers must complete an AML (Anti-Money Laundering) check. A small charge of £30 per person applies for this service. Please ensure all relevant parties are submitted for verification to avoid delays.

TO BOOK YOUR VIEWING, WHEN CALLING QUOTE REFERENCE: RY0585