Deer Leap Farm Cottage, Higher Ashton, Exeter, EX6

A beautifully restored Devon longhouse with a self-contained annexe, set within the sought after Teign Valley. Deer Leap Farm has a beautifully established mature gardens and the enchanting France Brook running through the grounds all within easy access to Exeter and Dartmoor National Park.

Accomodation
There are houses that you simply live in, and there are houses that become a way of life. Deer Leap Farm is very much the latter. Tucked away in the beautiful Teign Valley, this charming Grade II listed Devon longhouse combines centuries of character with the comfort and practicality of a comprehensively refurbished family home. With countryside views towards Haldon Forest, mature, landscaped gardens and the magical France Brook flowing through the grounds, this is a property where the setting is every bit as special as the house itself.

Then there is the self-contained ground-floor annexe, this is an exceptionally useful and versatile addition that opens up a whole range of possibilities for modern family life, from a Granny Annex to a holiday let.

Dating from around 1640, Deer Leap Farm retains the character that makes period Devon properties so desirable, including exposed features, inglenooks, an original cross-passage, bread oven and period floor tiles. Yet the house has been carefully brought up to date by the current owners, creating a home that feels both authentic and comfortable.

At its heart is a superb contemporary farmhouse kitchen, complete with a comprehensive range of fitted units, integrated appliances, Rangemaster electric range cooker, water filter and boiling-water tap. Underfloor heating adds another layer of comfort, while the wrap-around corner window brings the garden and surrounding countryside into the room.

The principal sitting room is wonderfully atmospheric, centred around an impressive inglenook and wood-burning stove, the perfect place to retreat on a winter evening. A further reception room, with its own inglenook bread oven, original features and period floor tiles, provides tremendous flexibility as a family room, snug, study or entertaining space, while the adjoining dining room provides an ideal setting for long lunches and relaxed gatherings with family and friends.

The Annexe
One of Deer Leap Farm's standout features is its self-contained, accessible ground-floor annexe, created from the property's attached barn. With its own external access, the annexe incorporates a generous bedroom/living area, private galley kitchen and an impressive en-suite bathroom with a Victorian-style slipper bath and large accessible walk-in shower.

It could provide an independent home for a parent or family member, comfortable accommodation for adult children, a private space for guests, or simply somewhere for visitors to enjoy their own independence. It could equally lend itself to a home office, studio or potential holiday-letting opportunity, subject of course to any necessary permissions and regulations.

The Garden
Step outside and the character of Deer Leap Farm continues. The established gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to create a series of different spaces for enjoying the outdoors throughout the day. A lawn immediately outside the kitchen provides the perfect spot for morning coffee or summer dining, while a raised lawn beneath three mature apple trees creates a more secluded place to sit, relax and enjoy the garden. A fire pit provides an obvious focal point for evenings with friends. There is also a substantial greenhouse, stone store and covered log store, making the gardens as practical as they are beautiful.

But the truly special feature is at the bottom of the garden. The France Brook, which meanders through the grounds, passing beneath its own bridge and creating an extraordinarily peaceful backdrop to the property. The sound of running water, the mature trees and changing seasons give this part of the garden a character of its own. In winter, the stream develops into a small waterfall, while in summer the surrounding greenery creates a wonderfully private and tranquil setting. It is the sort of feature that is difficult to replicate and one that makes Deer Leap Farm feel genuinely connected to its surroundings.

Deer Leap Farm Completed Works
The current owners have undertaken a substantial programme of refurbishment, bringing the property up to a much higher standard while retaining its historic character.
The main improvement works have included:
• New thatch (2026)
• A complete new electrical rewire
• A new oil-fired central heating system
• Refurbishment and updating of the accommodation
• New kitchen and bathroom and annexe.
• Improvements to the kitchen
• New bathrooms and plumbing throughout
• Continued landscaping and development of the established gardens

For a Grade II listed property of this age, the extent of the work already undertaken provides an important foundation for the next owners. The result is a rare combination of maintaining the atmosphere and character of a historic Devon home without the sense that the purchaser taking on a restoration project.

Location
Deer Leap Farm enjoys a south-facing position on the edge of Higher Ashton, surrounded by the beautiful Teign Valley countryside. The location offers the best of both worlds, the peace, space and beauty of rural Devon, while remaining remarkably accessible.

Haldon Forest is close by, with its extensive network of walking, cycling and riding trails, while the surrounding villages of Lower Ashton, Christow, Doddiscombsleigh, Trusham and Dunsford provide traditional village amenities and pubs. Exeter is approximately 20 minutes away by car, providing extensive shopping, restaurants, culture, mainline rail services and access to Exeter International Airport.
Dartmoor National Park is also within easy reach.

Mileages (All distances are approximate.)

Chudleigh – 4 miles | A38 Devon Expressway – 4 miles | Exeter – 6 miles | Exeter St David's Railway Station – 8 miles | Exeter International Airport - 10 miles

Condition | The property has been fully refurbished including new thatch, full new rewire and new oil fired central heating system.

Services | Mains electricity, water, Private drainage (modern waste treatment plant), Oil-fired central heating, High-speed fibre broadband

Council Tax | Band G

Tenure | Freehold

EPC Rating | D65

Agents Note

These particulars do not form any part of any offer or contract. They are intended to provide a fair description of the property but neither Anton Estates nor the Vendor accept any responsibility for any error they may contain, however caused. Any intending purchaser must therefore satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their correctness. Neither Anton Estates nor any of their employees has any authority to make or give any further representations or warranty in relation to this property.