Ford, Holbeton

The Property
Ford End occupies a peaceful and sheltered position in the small South Hams hamlet of Ford, surrounded by mature gardens and adjoining land. From its deep thatched roof (recently replaced 6 years ago) and soft rendered elevations to the natural planting around the house, it sits with great ease in its rural setting.

Understood to date from the early 17th century, the cottage retains the character of a traditional Devon home, with exposed timbers, deep-set windows and stone and timber floors. Following a comprehensive restoration, the present owners have further improved the property with a green oak-framed garden room, dedicated study and utility/boot room. These additions have transformed the way the house is lived in, bringing natural light into the centre of the ground floor and creating a generous kitchen, dining and living space that opens directly onto the terrace and gardens. The result is a house with genuine character and a delightful atmosphere that works exceptionally well for modern daily life.

The Accommodation
The original front door opens into the dining hall, a welcoming arrival space with ample room for a generous dining table. A broad fireplace recess with a substantial natural timber mantel forms the focal point, complemented by stone flooring and a deep-set cottage window overlooking the garden. The stable-style door can still be used as the principal entrance and the room to connect easily with the kitchen.

The sitting room occupies much of the original cottage and, despite its generous proportions, retains a wonderfully snug and welcoming feel. White-painted beams, a slate flagstone floor and a wood-burning stove create a warm setting for relaxed evenings. Several deep-set windows draw in natural light and offer views over the garden.

The kitchen forms part of the principal open-plan living space and can be entered directly from the driveway, making it a practical everyday arrival point. From here, there is a long view through the adjoining green oak-framed garden room and into the gardens beyond. Shaker style cabinetry is paired with solid wood worktops, a ceramic sink, and black iron fittings. Full-height cupboards provide excellent pantry and household storage, while painted timber boarding and stone flooring sit comfortably within the character of the cottage.

The flooring continues into the beautifully constructed green oak-framed garden room. A vaulted ceiling exposed oak posts and cross-bracing give the room a strong architectural presence, while rooflights and full-height glazing bring in an abundance of natural light. Arranged with space for both dining and relaxed seating, it is the natural place to eat and gather throughout the day.

Wide glazed doors open onto a generous stone terrace which wraps around the extension, allowing the interior and garden to flow easily together. During the warmer months, the terrace becomes a natural continuation of the living space, with ample room for outdoor dining and entertaining.

Adjoining the garden room is a dedicated study/occasional bedroom 3 Exposed green oak beams, a pitched ceiling and stone flooring continue the character of the extension, while a timber-framed window and full-height glazed door to the terrace provide plenty of light and a peaceful outlook across the garden.

The separate utility and boot room, accessed from the side of the property, is fitted with painted cabinetry, timber worktops and a deep ceramic sink, together with space and plumbing for laundry appliances. A half-glazed external door makes this a particularly useful everyday entrance after walking, gardening or time spent within the gardens.

First Floor
The principal bedroom is an exceptional room, extending to almost 20 feet in length. Deep-set windows to two elevations bring in plenty of natural light and frame views across the gardens and adjoining land. Wide timber floorboards and gently sloping ceilings retain the cottage character, while the proportions allow ample space for a substantial bed, seating and further furniture. An extensive range of fitted wardrobes provides excellent storage.

Bedroom two is also a generous double room, with painted timber floorboards and a deep-set cottage window incorporating a window seat overlooking the garden. Its proportions allow plenty of space for additional bedroom furniture. The adjoining en-suite is unusually spacious and includes a large tiled shower enclosure, pedestal basin and WC. A window brings in natural light and provides a further green outlook.

A separate family bathroom completes the first-floor accommodation. Light and well proportioned, it is fitted with a panelled bath with traditional-style fittings, a pedestal basin and WC. A cottage window overlooks the gardens, while simple neutral finishes remain in keeping with the house.

The generous proportions of the first floor offer clear potential for reconfiguration to create a third first floor bedroom, subject to the necessary consents.

In all, Ford End provides approximately 1,424 sq ft of accommodation.

Gardens and Grounds
The gardens and grounds are central to the appeal of Ford End and give the property its remarkable sense of privacy and escape.

A driveway provides private parking beside the cottage. Immediately outside the oak-framed garden room, the broad stone terrace wraps around the extension and provides an excellent setting for outdoor dining, entertaining and relaxed seating.

Beyond the terrace, lawns blend into mature planting, flowering borders and established trees. There are numerous places to sit, from open sunny areas close to the house to more secluded corners amongst the attractive grounds.

Further into the grounds, mown pathways wind through meadow grass and wildflowers, leading between glades and areas of woodland. A stream passes through the lower ground, adding another layer of interest and creating a peaceful, natural environment rich in seasonal colour and wildlife.

The gardens and meadowland extend to approximately 2.1 acres and greatly enhance the enjoyment of the cottage. Meadow, woodland, mature planting and the stream create a rich variety of habitats, offering particular appeal to wildlife enthusiasts and supporting an abundance of birdlife, insects and other native species. Mown pathways wind through the long grass and wildflowers, allowing the land to be enjoyed without diminishing its natural character, while offering the freedom to encourage biodiversity and embrace a gentler, nature-led and more self-sufficient approach to country living.

Two stores and a garden shed provide approximately 213 sq ft of additional space for tools, garden machinery and outdoor equipment.

Situation
Ford is a small rural hamlet surrounded by rolling South Hams countryside, yet conveniently placed for both Holbeton and the coast.

Holbeton is within walking distance and is an attractive village with a community shop and Post Office, primary school, parish church, village hall and the Mildmay Colours public house. The Erme estuary can also be reached on foot, placing beautiful countryside and waterside scenery close at hand.

Mothecombe Beach and the South West Coast Path are within easy reach, while Yealmpton and Modbury provide a broader range of everyday amenities. Plymouth is accessible for its city centre, historic waterfront, mainline railway station and wider shopping, educational and leisure facilities.

Ford End offers a rare combination: the peace and privacy of a cottage immersed in its own grounds, together with village life, the estuary and the South Devon coast all close by.