Tedburn St. Mary, Exeter Guide Price £550,000

Exuding both a wealth of inherent character and huge potential, this enchanting Grade II* listed farmhouse is a fine example of a 15th Century Devon Longhouse; it is, in fact mentioned in Pevsner’s noted architectural guides, along with many of the finest dwelling houses in the country. Having been in the same ownership for many years, the property affords a great opportunity for a new owner to put their own stamp on it. In addition to the incredible history, Little Hackworthy offers every opportunity to isolate and live in the open, with an oak woodland, a stream, a well, an orchard and outbuildings. Set in beautiful grounds of nearly 3 acres, which incorporate formal gardens, lawns, an orchard and a substantial barn/outbuilding, its situation is visually idyllic.

The Property

The house itself offers the charming simplicity of a period farmhouse of its time, but combines a traditional layout with many genuinely historic features, such as a moulded plaster ‘wedding’ ceiling, a beautiful plank and muntin screen and chamfered mullion window, to note but a few features. Internally the accommodation comprises 3 reception rooms and a shower room to the ground floor. The dual aspect farmhouse kitchen really is the heart of the house and has ample space for a kitchen table. The stunning inglenook fireplace is now occupied by the oil-fired Aga. The smaller of the reception rooms has a cosy feel and comes complete with its own fireplace and has a decorated plaster ceiling, depicting the coats of arms of some of the earlier residents of the property, which are believed to date from the 17th Century. On the first floor, there are 4 double bedrooms, which are approached over two separate staircases and family bathroom.

Outside

Set in nearly 3 acres of wonderful gardens and grounds, the property is approached by a private farm drive, which serves only this property and neighbouring farmer’s fields and offers a superb degree of privacy and a lovely feeling of being deep in the countryside. This culminates in an extensive parking area and orchard, which, in turn, leads on to the house. To the rear of the house is a pretty, enclosed courtyard, which leads to a substantial cob barn. It is thought that this barn could be incorporated into the existing property or could even be developed into a self-contained living or office space (subject to the necessary consents). It is worthy of note that, although now lapsed, permission was once in place to link the two building together via a glass atrium and replace the current roof with a slated one; plans are available which detail this). Inside the barn, which Pevsner believes was historically a detached farm kitchen, there is a magnificent inglenook fireplace and a wonderful vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, which offer a tantalising taste of what could be done.

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