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An outstanding Grade II listed Georgian Rectory located on the edge of a village in around 7.5 acres of stunning formal gardens, paddock, and woodland, with a further cottage and outbuilding
The Grade II listing of the Old Rectory epitomises the best characteristics of this archetypal country house. Its principally Georgian style façade and pretty sash windows hides the evolution of the house dating back to the 17th Century. This ancient site on the edge of the village combines a rural outlook with plenty of space, married with the convenience of village living. Inside, the delightful entrance hall sets the tone for things to come with fine proportions, deep skirting boards and a feature fireplace perfect for welcoming guests. As you would expect from a property of this period and architecture, the drawing room is of particular interest and enjoys wonderful views over the front garden and driveway via the exceptional bay window. Again, there is a feature fireplace with woodburning stove and access into the conservatory where there are two productive vines.
To the other side of the hallway is the formal dining room which enjoys two beautiful sash windows with views over the front garden. Adjacent to the dining room and linked to the kitchen is an incredibly useful butlers' pantry with period wood cabinetry. The kitchen/breakfast room is clearly the heart of the home and is centred around an Aga. The sink is perfectly placed to make the most of the elevated views, overlooking the orchard and Orangery, and there is ample space for a breakfast table perfect for family life. Further accommodation on the ground floor includes a large boot room with a door leading to the front drive and access into the garden store, two studies, and a rear hallway leading to a generous cloakroom and period wine store.
The striking staircase rises to the first floor where there is an abundance of natural light from the generous Georgian window on the half landing. The principal bedroom enjoys fine proportions alongside a dressing area and en suite bathroom. There are a further five bedrooms (two en suite) and a general use bathroom on this floor. There is a great deal of flexibility on this level with the current owners having arranged a self-contained unit (save for a kitchen) to one wing, the Rectory's second staircase making this even more private. The upper floor offers a further two bedrooms with one of the windowpanes having a glazier's signature dated 29th August, 1850.
The Cottage is a one-bed annex and superb addition to The Old Rectory offering the opportunity for multi-generational living or creating an income. It has its own access via the cobbled lower drive: there is a downstairs bedroom, bathroom, and stairs rising to the open plan, vaulted ceiling kitchen/living room where there are far reaching rural views over the neighbouring countryside.
Gardens and Grounds
Outside doesn't disappoint and there are separate front and rear drives to the Old Rectory. The front drive's original carriage ring makes for a wonderful approach flanked by established borders on one side, and a lawn and mature woods on the other. The formal gardens have a wide variety of established trees and flower beds and a raised Victorian grass tennis court, itself with an elevated viewing platform. From here there is an excellent view back towards the house and over the village and church. Artisanal steps from the driveway curve round to the back of the house and link up with the rear drive by an intimate pond garden surrounded by borders and shrubs.
The cobbled rear drive serves the Grade II listed stable building with its four loose boxes accessed via two pairs of stable doors beautifully fitted out with original partitions, mangers, flooring with a hayloft above. Beside the stables there is the former tack room also retaining many of its original fittings. Beyond the stable building, the drive gives way to an original cobbled yard which extends further around to the rear of the house and serves The Cottage, the Grade II* listed barn, and a beautiful Orangery with slate flagstone and doors leading out onto the walled garden and slate patio - a very special, secluded spot and a great place for entertaining!
The Paddock and Woodland These rise to the south of the house and extend to just under one acre of paddock with the remainder (approximately four acres) being enchanting woodland benefiting from a delightful network of mown paths and rides. The upper levels of woodland boast magnificent views over the mid Devon countryside as far as Dartmoor.
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The Old Rectory is rather special, the position is second to none with an easy to walk to a lovely village pub. The grandeur and proportions are superb and the grounds totalling 7.5 acres are magical.
Tom BedfordProperty agent