Dun Esk, Teignmouth, Devon

Dating from the mid-1800s, the majestic Grade II-listed Dun Esk is embraced by its verdant surroundings in Teignmouth, Devon. Once the home of a countess, over 5,000 sq ft of space extends over a series of exquisitely finished living spaces, defined by arched leaded windows, elaborate cornicing and generous proportions. A two-bedroom annexe has its own separate entrance, and the house is surrounded by carefully maintained gardens. The shops, restaurants and cafes of Teignmouth are within easy walking distance, and the South West Coast Path is also close by.



Setting the Scene



This extraordinary home was originally built for Countess Isabella Jane English, a wealthy heiress who commissioned the building of the neighbouring St Scholastica’s Abbey. The latter was to be the new home of the Benedictine convent of Dunkirk, which had been moved to Hammersmith in 1795 before its relocation to Teignmouth.



Both the abbey and Dun-esk were built in the mid-19th century. This house retains a wealth of period features, including ornate leaded glass windows, carved stone fireplaces and stained-glass detailing.



The Grand Tour



The main entrance is found at the side of the house, its timber-framed double doors set into a neat archway with a motif of three lions above. A tiled porch leads through to a reception hall with a pretty stained-glass door, leaded windows and a fireplace with carved stone mantelpiece.



In the sitting room, soaring ceilings are traced by intricate cornicing, while a floor-to-ceiling bay window has original shutters. A cast-iron fireplace has a striking red marbled surround. A billiards room lies adjacent, with handsome garden views and a moulded ceiling pattern. In the snug, walls are washed in green, and fitted cabinetry flanks a fireplace with a wood burning stove and carved stone surround.



The kitchen is flooded with light care of a series of leaded windows, and a stainless steel cooker sits in a large alcove. A rare green granite topped island has black granite sinks on either side, and an adjoining utility room offers additional storage. There is also a breakfast room, washed in yellow and with a cast-iron fireplace, and a study.



An intricately carved timber staircase rises under a magnificent stained-glass lantern to five bedrooms on the first floor. Arched sash windows with original shutters illuminate the principal bedroom, framing lush treetop views. An en suite bathroom is attached, and has a bathtub and separate shower.



There are four further double bedrooms; one with an en suite shower room and the rear bedroom is a delightful room with a high vaulted ceiling that extends into an oriel window overlooking the abbey. This room is believed to have been the bedroom of the countess. A study, dressing room and shared bathroom with a roll-top bathtub and walk-in shower complete the first floor accommodation.



On the ground floor, an annexe is connected to the main house and has two private entrances. It has a sitting room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, a dressing room and two bathrooms.



The Great Outdoors



A verdant garden surrounds the house, filled with mature oak, copper beech, cedar and Scots pine trees. A gravelled dining area is perfect for outdoor entertaining.



Out and About



Teignmouth is a peaceful seaside town on the Devon coastline. It is home to several well-regarded restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops, including Nourish and Catch 22 restaurants, The View café (in the Pavilions cultural centre), The Ship Inn and Quayside Bookshop.



There are an abundance of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, including two golf courses nearby, Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren, and a very active sea rowing community.



The South West Coast Path traces the sea wall, and can be followed to Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve to the east, while to the west England’s oldest passenger ferry crosses the River Teign to reach the pretty coastal village of Shaldon. At the top of the village, an old smugglers’ tunnel leads down to secluded Ness Cove Beach on the other side of the headland. Dartmoor National Park is a 35-minute drive away, and is another excellent choice for weekend excursions.



The all-through Trinity day and boarding school can be reached in approximately 20 minutes on foot. Shaldon Primary is less than a 10-minute drive away, and further schooling options can be found in the region.



Teignmouth rail station is an 11-minute walk from the house and offers railway connections reaching London in under three hours. It also provides access to the pretty ‘Riviera’ train line, which traces the coastline and offers spectacular sea views. Access to the M5 is within easy reach, connecting to the national motorway system.



Council Tax Band: G