Budleigh Salterton

Description

A traditional cottage style home built around 1927 with a Bohemian spirit, versatile living space and a well-established garden of just under ¼ of an acre. Situated just over 500 metres from the sea, Bluebird Cottage is an extended semi-detached family home, retaining much of the original character and period features, including wooden floors, panelled doors, fireplaces and picture rails.

Occupying a position within close proximity of the Otter Valley leading to the South West coastal path and Budleigh Town centre, the property offers much space and flexibility including 3 reception rooms, large kitchen/dining room and 4 bedrooms with 2 staircases accessing first floor areas.

A most appealing feature of the property is the generous L shaped garden, extending to around 0.2 acres. The grounds offer a wonderful sense of privacy, secluded and shielded from adjoining houses. Split into several interconnected areas there is a magical feel to the spaces with mature shrubs, trees and other planting creating wild areas and versatility.

An entrance porch gives access to the front door with a hall beyond and stairs rising to the first floor. To the right, off the hall, the family room has dual aspect windows and period open fireplace. To the left is an open plan kitchen/dining room with bespoke wooden units and dresser, gas cooker and space for a tall fridge and dishwasher. A door leads from the kitchen to a glazed cloakroom with separate WC/shower and further separate utility room, plus access to the garden.

A door from the dining room leads to a large sitting room containing dual aspect windows and glazed doors to the garden. Forming the ground floor of the extension completed in 2002, this room includes a multi fuel stove with reclaimed 1920s oak surround and stairs leading to the first-floor principal bedroom.

On the first floor the original part of the house contains two double and one single bedroom and family bathroom. A charming landing gives views over the rear garden. The principal
bedroom in the extension is a particularly spacious room, dual aspect with views over garden and an en-suite bathroom.

The gardens are a particularly special feature of Bluebird Cottage and provide a larger than average amount of space and seclusion in such a convenient coastal location. From the rear of the property stone steps rise up to the elevated garden, extending some 30 metres to the rear boundary, with a similar width.

The grounds have been developed by the present owners over 25 years to create several established areas with mature trees, native hedging planting to borders, various seating areas enjoying sun or shade and a vegetable area presently set aside for wilding.

Garden buildings include several storage sheds, a large games room/workshop and a charming summerhouse offering a further place to retreat and a good sized greenhouse.

With it’s mature planting, varied spaces suitable for both adults and children and relaxed atmosphere the garden provides a quiet and tranquil haven - a place to entertain, unwind and relax throughout the year.

To the front, a driveway provides parking for several vehicles.

Situation

Budleigh Salterton is situated in a particularly sought-after location on the East Devon, World Heritage site - the “Jurassic Coast”. The local thriving town centre contains a good selection of regular and independent shops and services which cater for everyday needs plus a range of pubs and restaurants both near and on the sea front. There are many bus routes to neighbouring towns and a train link from Exmouth to Exeter main line station.

Budleigh Salterton lies along the South West Coast path and there are numerous opportunities for walking and cycling in and around the area. Local recreational facilities include the beautifully located East Devon Golf Club, tennis, bowls and the internationally famous croquet club. There are also opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and fishing along the coast and along the Exe Estuary.

As well as the local primary school there are many excellent secondary schools nearby including the prestigious Colyton Grammar school and other independent schools. The nearby city of Exeter, famous for its Cathedral and university, provides a range of theatres, cinemas and music venues as well as major stores, restaurants and places of historical interest and culture.

Budleigh Salterton hosts an annual music festival in the summer, featuring an eclectic mix of renowned artists as well as opportunities to witness BBC Young Musicians finalists. In addition, it hosts one of the most outstanding literary festivals in the South West that is wholly supported by the local community. Other local community events include the Salterton Playhouse which showcases local actors and the Budleigh Gala week in May.

Directions

From Topsham, proceed along Elm Grove Road, heading past Darts Farm on the left. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit, and at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Woodbury Road (B3179). Continue for 3.5 miles, at the junction, continue straight over (signposted to Yettington). Proceed for another 2.6 miles until you reach Bicton Cross. Turn right onto the B3178 and continue towards Budleigh for just under 2 miles turning left in to Stoneborough lane. The property can be found on the left.