Parracombe, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31

A highly versatile character farmhouse that could suit a variety of uses, in a unspoilt, tranquil setting boasting a lake and pond and about 9.4 acres in total. Location - Situated at the end of a long, tree lined driveway, on the western fringes of Exmoor National Park is this beautiful detached period property. Exmoor is famous for its undulating moors and pastureland, with streams and rivers running down through deep wooded combes and valleys to the spectacular cliffs along the North Devon coastline. There are outstanding opportunities for walking and cycling, with an abundance of wildlife and nature within Exmoor with breath-taking scenery and vistas to be enjoyed. As well as world class countryside surrounding the property, there is also easy access to the North Devon coastline which, in 2022, was selected as a ''World Surfing Reserve' (WSR) - the first in the UK and only cold-water WSR in the world - with Combe Martin around 4.5 miles away, as well as the famous sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Putsborough, Saunton and Croyde also within easy reach. The nearest village is Parracombe, around 2.25 miles away, which benefits from a public house and community shop and cafe, whilst a wider range of amenities are available at Ilfracombe, including a supermarket, farmers market, theatre, restaurants and shops, or the regional centre of Barnstaple, which houses all the area's main business, commercial, retail and leisure venues, both located around 13 miles from the property. Communications - The area can be accessed from Junction 27 of the M5 Motorway, and along the A361 North Devon Link Road which leads onto the A39 Atlantic Highway. The nearest train station is located at the regional centre of Barnstaple, which connects to Exeter where there are regular mainline rail services to London (Paddington) in just over 2 hours. Alternatively, Tiverton Parkway Mainline Railway Station is around an hour's drive, which connects to London and beyond. Mileages Parracombe - 2.25 miles Combe Martin - 4.5 miles Woolacombe - 13 miles Barnstaple - 13 miles Ilfracombe - 13 miles The Property - Jackson-Stops are proud to present to the market, this superb property enjoying a private and peaceful setting within Exmoor National Park. Properties in this kind of tranquil position rarely become available to the open market, and can only be truly appreciated with a viewing. This delightful period residence is thought to date back at its origin to the 17th Century and is not listed, yet retains a wealth of character features, complimented by modern refinements. The property has been the subject of considerable improvement and expenditure recently by the current vendors and now offers well-presented and versatile accommodation with three reception rooms, six bedrooms, a study, utility, laundry, bootroom, hobby room/gym and three bath/shower rooms. There is the potential for dual family occupation, or a home with an annexe/income with some alterations. The property also has an indoor heated swimming pool. The property is equally as impressive on the outside, and enjoys far reaching countryside views and a mixture of formal gardens, pasture and woodland, bordered by a stream. There is equestrian potential with the pasture amounting to approx 5 acres and ample space for stabling to be added (STP). It is a haven for wildlife with a superb mixture of habitats including, pasture, ancient woodland, marsh land as well as the stream, large pond and lake. A variety of wildlife can be seen at the property including, deer, otter, trout, dragon flies and wide variety of bird life to name but a few. A particular feature of the property is the lake and large pond, and a delightful summerhouse from which to enjoy the magnificent views. It is thought this building has the potential for a variety of uses including a home office (STP). There is also a large, well-established and productive orchard and a well organised and attractive kitchen garden with glasshouse, raised beds and cold frames. An attractive stone barn offers further potential for accommodation or a party barn (STPP). In total, the property enjoys seclusion and privacy, and stands in grounds of around 9.4 acres. The accommodation, with approximate dimensions more clearly identified on the accompanying floorplans, comprises: A front door leads to a generously proportioned entrance hall, with stairs rising to the first floor landing. There is a downstairs WC and a rear porch which allows access onto the garden. From the entrance hall, a door leads to the sitting room, which is a superb dual aspect room with a large inglenook fireplace, two bread ovens and a wood burning stove set on a stone hearth. There are also ceiling mouldings and a doorway giving access to an inner hallway, where the second staircase rises to the first floor landing. Off the inner hallway is a study with brick fireplace. From the inner hall, another door gives access to the drawing room, which is a stunning triple aspect room enjoying views over the garden and hills beyond, and allowing access onto the large terrace via French doors. There is a built-in bookcase and a wood burning stove set on a slate hearth, and solid oak flooring. Off this room is the laundry room with Belfast sink and access to the rear courtyard garden. There is also a further downstairs WC and a door which gives access to the pool room, where the heated swimming pool is situated. The pool room also benefits from direct access to the garden. At the other side of the entrance hall, the dining room enjoys a dual aspect with a window seat and shutters to the front elevation. The dual aspect kitchen/breakfast room has been beautifully re-furbished by the current vendors, with an extensive range of cupboards and a Belfast sink set into quartz work surfaces, with integrated dishwasher, fridge freezer and space for a range cooker. The kitchen benefits from limestone flooring. Off the kitchen is a boot room, also with limestone flooring, and access onto the front elevation. The utility room, also with limestone flooring is equipped with a free-standing storage unit, with a Belfast sink set. Steps then lead to a hobbies room or study which has exposed beams and a stable door leading onto the rear elevation, providing the perfect place for working from home or running a business, as it has an independent access. The first floor landing has windows overlooking the rear elevation with exposed beams. Bedroom 1 enjoys a triple aspect with far reaching countryside views and a small balcony accessed by French doors. There are also built-in wardrobes. The shower room has been recently re-fitted by the current vendors, and comprises a corner shower cubicle, WC and dual vanity sink units. Bedroom 2 is a dual aspect room with views over the gardens and surrounding land, and a built-in wardrobe. The family bathroom offers a roll top claw footed bath, shower cubicle, low level WC and pedestal wash hand basin. Bedroom 3 enjoys a dual aspect with a vanity wash hand basin. Bedroom 4 benefits from built-in wardrobes and a vanity wash hand basin and bedrooms 5 and 6 overlook the front elevation and orchard beyond. There is a recently re-fitted shower room, which comprises a shower cubicle, wash hand basin and low level WC. Outside - The property is approached over a long driveway of around 0.4 of a mile, which terminates to the left of the property, where there is ample parking and turning space for several vehicles. There is a cobble stone continuation of the driveway to a lower gravelled seating area leading around to the detached stone barn, which is open fronted and measures 30' x 16'4 and has power and light connected. This space is currently utilised as a garden store, but could certainly accommodate vehicles or has the potential to be converted into additional accommodation if required, subject to any necessary consents. To the right of this is a detached stone shippon store. There is also a stone wood shed which contains the water system equipment. The gardens and grounds are well-tended and designed with ease of maintenance in mind, and are laid to sweeping lawns interspersed with trees, shrubs and borders. There is an extensive paved terrace from which to enjoy the best of the views on offer. The garden gently slopes down to the scenic enclosed lake, with a pond below, overlooked by a stone and slate summerhouse/studio building, which in turn, looks towards the boundary of the property and the stream. Beyond the barn is an orchard with established fruit trees and a number of new plantings of pears, cherries, plum and apple trees, and kitchen garden with a beautiful wooden glasshouse. Beyond this is a large pasture field and an area of woodland bordering the stream which includes some mature oaks. The gardens and grounds provide an appropriate setting, with beautiful open views of the countryside beyond, as well as a good deal of seclusion and privacy, and in all, amount to approximately 9.4 acres. Property Information Services - Mains electricity. Private water (borehole). Private drainage (treatment plant). Oil fired central heating. Local Authority - Exmoor National Park. EPC Rating: E Agent's Note: - There is a footpath that crosses the property's land but does not encroach on the property or the formal garden areas. We understand that this footpath is little used. Please ask the selling agents for further information. - The current vendors have not used the swimming pool during their ownership. Contents, Fixtures and Fittings - Only those mentioned within this brochure are included in the sale. All others, such as curtains, light fittings, mirrors, garden ornaments etc. are specifically excluded, but may be available by separate negotiation. Viewing By appointment with Jackson-Stops, North Devon 01271 325153. For sale by private treaty with vacant possession upon completion. Directions - From Barnstaple, proceed on the A39 until reaching the crossroads at Blackmoor Gate. Turn left towards Combe Martin on the A399 and continue for around 1 mile. Then turn sharply right into an unmarked lane and continue for 0.6 of a mile, until reaching a staggered crossroads. Continue straight across here, signposted Lower Cowley Farm, and continue down the driveway to the very bottom, where the property will be situated in front of you. The driveway is around 0.4 of a mile and is owned by the property.