Lympstone, Devon

Description

Dating from the late 16th century, Boundary Cottage is a quintessential Devon home, distinguished by its sweeping thatched roof, softly rounded cob walls and charming eyebrow eaves. Much of the internal timberwork is understood to be original, with only minor replacements over the years. The beams retain their natural tones and markings while the doors, windows and fireplaces are believed to be traditional protective symbols intended to safeguard the home and its occupants.

Original parchment documents which have been passed down with the house over the centuries say that the large beam in the lounge was salvaged from a historic whaling ship dating from the 1600s, an evocative link to Devon’s seafaring past. Together with the horse-mounting stone outside the gates, give Boundary Cottage its distinctive sense of history: a much-loved home whose beauty lies in its individuality and enduring character, with a compelling sense of history.

Approached via a sweeping driveway, with a generous lawn to one side, this charming cottage has undergone extensive refurbishment, including the installation of a completely new roof and thatch in 2025. Many rooms benefit from dual or triple aspects, allowing natural light to fill the interiors.

A newly built entrance porch opens into a spacious hall. To the left, the modern, well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room features a large Rangemaster cooker, breakfast bar and lovely views across neighbouring fields. A substantial utility room adjoins it, adding further practicality.

To the right, the formal dining room has a feature fireplace with log burner and patio doors opening onto a west-facing terrace. At the heart of the home, the impressive 25ft sitting room showcases beautiful original beams and an inglenook fireplace. It houses a fireback believed to date from the reign of Charles I, alongside a log-burning grate thought to be medieval. The ground floor also includes a snug, a home office and a cloakroom.

Upstairs are four bedrooms. The characterful principal bedroom has access to a dual-entry shower room, which is also accessible from bedroom two. The second bedroom has its own staircase leading to the ground floor. Two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom with a separate shower complete the accommodation.

The expansive grounds of 0.69 acres offer a variety of spaces to relax and entertain. Most of the gardens are laid to lawn, while a large raised deck enjoys a southerly aspect and stunning countryside views. Further features include a private courtyard, generous vegetable beds and paved seating areas. A single garage with EV charge point, power and lighting completes the property.

Situation

Situated on the boundary of the East Devon parishes of Lympstone Village and Woodbury both offering an array of amenities.

Lympstone is a very popular village which grew from an ancient settlement on the eastern shores of the Exe estuary, building its reputation on maritime trade and agriculture. The village has a well-established local primary school in the middle, with St Peter’s independent school on its outskirts. There is a GP surgery, church, public houses, a cafe and a store with a Post Office.

The award-winning Darts Farm, a destination store selling local West Country food, drink and lifestyle products, is a ten minute drive away. and Michael Caines restaurant and boutique hotel at Courtlands, are on the edge of the village.

Lympstone supports a wide variety of clubs and societies, including sailing and tennis clubs, an active gardening club, film society and other societies bringing live music and drama to the village. The half-hourly Avocet line train service, with its beautiful views across the River Exe, links the village with Exeter’s two main stations: Exeter St David’s with its fast train service to London Paddington and Exeter Central with its service to Waterloo. Exeter Central station is at the heart of Exeter’s lively shopping centre.

Woodbury Parish, which includes the Villages of Woodbury, Woodbury Salterton and Exton, is one of the largest Parishes in Devon. It encompasses much of Woodbury Common, an outstanding area of natural beauty and enjoys a thriving community spirit rooted in the church and chapel, in the school and in agriculture. Some of the facilities of the Village include 2 excellent Public Houses, a Village store and Post Office, doctor's surgery, nearby golf club and leisure facilities at Woodbury Park and a bus service operating between Exmouth and Exeter.

Directions

From Topsham, head towards Exton via Station Road and Elm Grove Road and at the St. George & Dragon Inn roundabout (after passing Darts Farm on your left), turn right onto the A376. Continue for just under 3 miles, turning right onto Meeting Lane. The entrance to the property is directly on the right hand side.