Fabulous Grade II listed, late 18th century home full of period charm and with an opportunity to create a detached two bedroom annexe/holiday let in a highly desirable Dartmoor location.
This charming home and former gentleman's residence is a real tail of two halves, the front being of Georgian origins and providing grand proportions, the rear providing a more cottage feel. Built in 1793 in a commanding, south facing position within the centre of the town, yet offering a real haven from the bustle, this fabulous Georgian, grade II listed property is steeped in history. Built by George Bragg, this fabulous property boasts all of the wonderful period features and proportions beloved of this era. The fabulous refurbished portico finishes the stunning façade and invites guests into a bright, grand entrance hall with high ceilings and impressive sweeping staircase.
This south facing property is flooded with natural light with all of the main bedrooms and reception rooms to the front of the property. The two main reception rooms offer grand proportions, high ceilings, ornate cornicing and original fireplace features. Both of a similar size and therefore interchangeable in their use, they offer an inviting, light entertaining space with wood burner, gas fireplace, wonderful period features and traditional sash windows including listed Adams style fire surrounds which are simply stunning.
To the rear of the property is the large family kitchen/breakfast room, with stone fireplace and wood burner, exposed beams and gas-fired Aga making this feel like the heart of the home. There are a range of floor and base units as well as island and space for a large dining table. The traditional window seat is a lovely feature to this room. In addition, to the ground floor, there are a range of useful storage cupboards, including under stairs wine store as well as downstairs shower room, good-sized utility room and separate boot room. As part of the planning consents granted, one of the walls within the kitchen can be removed to create a larger kitchen/breakfast area if desired.
The sweeping staircase is an extremely attractive feature and sits in the centre of the house, with large arched window and leading to a grand, open landing it provides access to the main bedrooms. Two wonderful, south facing bedrooms to the front of the property offer a wealth of character with ornate cornicing, built in alcove cupboards, traditional fireplaces, high ceilings and grand proportions alongside the south-facing sash windows flood the rooms with light. Between the two rooms is the main family bathroom fitted with traditional suite and claw-footed bath. To the rear of the house are two further bedrooms. Both well-proportioned and offering much charm and character and both double aspect. The third bedroom is positioned down a couple of internal steps and built partially into the eaves. This good-sized double bedroom would make a fabulous guest or child's room as it benefits from an en suite. There is planning permission in place to remove the door and increase the size of the south facing window which would certainly add to this charming room. In addition on this floor, there is a second staircase leading down to the kitchen and additional family bathroom with large shower and traditional white suite.
Much improved by the current owners, this family home has clearly been much loved and offers flexible living accommodation over three floors. There is planning permission to continue to improve the property which offers much scope for the new custodian. The permission includes for the creation of an attic extension for a fabulous, well-proportioned 5th bedroom with lovely views, dressing room and en suite as well as reconfigurations to some internal structures to the lower floors.
Gardens and Grounds
This oasis in the centre of the town is surrounded by gardens much improved by the current owners. To the front of the property is a lovely lawned area with beautiful stocked beds and borders and metal fencing and hedging to the front. The gardens lead to an internal courtyard with large patio and lawned area as well as a well and stone borders and beds. This sunny spot is lovely and private and a fabulous place for entertaining. To the rear of the property is parking for several cars as well as turning area and newly created lawned garden and patio. This partially, newly repointed walled garden offers an excellent degree of privacy, lovely well-stocked beds and borders, large patio for entertaining and a log store.
There is a generous traditional barn within the grounds which has planning permission granted to restore and convert into a two bedroom annexe/holiday let. To the ground floor, there is permission for a good-sized kitchen/dining room with lovely exposed beams as well as separate sitting room with traditional, stone inglenook fireplace. To the first floor, there is a vaulted ceiling and large space to provide two double en-suite bedrooms.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
Forder House is an excellent home in enjoying a wonderful position with Moretonhampstead. The proportions are outstanding and the numerous consent make for further enhancements if desired.
Tom BedfordProperty agent