An impressive Grade II listed former Rectory set in a peaceful and private location in Mid Devon within extensive mature gardens and grounds.
A superb example of Georgian architecture, the Old Glebe is an elegant and expansive family home situated in an idyllic rural setting in Eggesford, just outside the historic market town of Chulmleigh. This exceptional Grade II listed property boasts a wealth of period features, combined with the comforts of modern living, offering a wonderful balance of classic grandeur and contemporary convenience.
Measuring 7,252 sq ft in total, the Old Glebe has a rich history. Originally the rectory, it was built for the Reverend John Churchill, rector of All Saints, Eggesford, in the 1780s. The architect was John Meadows who went on to design the earlier house at Arlington Court. The Old Glebe underwent further additions in the 1840s, making this property an important part of Devon’s architectural heritage.
Approached via a long driveway, the property is set within beautifully landscaped gardens with sweeping lawns, established hedges, and mature trees, offering complete privacy and stunning countryside views, all totalling just 6.33 acres. The property has undergone significant and sensitive renovation works, including electrical rewiring, a new plumbing and heating system with separately controlled zones, the installation of a new, electric 5-oven Aga, new bathrooms and external redecoration. The kitchen, utility room, and guest wing kitchen have all been fitted with handmade cabinetry and granite worktops.
A self-contained two-bedroom guest wing has also been thoughtfully created, offering versatile living space for multi-generational living, or an ideal retreat for visitors.
From the entrance porch, a recently installed Mandarin Stone limestone floor welcomes you into the hallway. With a striking staircase, this sets the tone of quality throughout the rest of the property. The three reception rooms are south facing and bathed in light, featuring exquisite period details, including ornate fireplaces, elegant cornicing, and large sash windows and original window shutters. The magnificent drawing room with its generous proportions, large bay windows and coffered ceiling, enjoys views over the garden. This leads to a sitting room offering direct access to a raised balcony overlooking the lawn.
The kitchen is a welcoming and comfortable space. Double doors doors open directly onto the terrace and garden and a window seat looks out over the lawn. The old scullery and dairy are adjacent, which now serve as a spacious utility room and pantry. The kitchen leads directly to the formal dining room with wood floor, log burner and glazed doors leading to the garden. The ground floor is completed by a laundry room, boot room and WC.
On the first floor, the principal bedroom, with its ample proportions and elegant bay window is a particular highlight. There are three further exceptionally generous bedrooms, all with fireplaces and beautiful views. They are accompanied by a luxury bathroom, two shower rooms and a further separate WC.
The second or attic floor is unmodernised but could provide further flexible accommodation with two bedrooms, a bathroom and storage space.
The guest wing of the house is a versatile space, and perfectly set up for multi-generational living, offering a kitchen dining room, a spacious dual aspect bedroom with seating area, a second bedroom and a light and airy bathroom.
Completing the house, the cellar offers superb additional storage space and is ideal for a wine cellar. To the rear of the house there is a useful range of buildings set around a large walled courtyard, with a substantial coach house (25'7 by 14'3), bin store and gardener's WC.
Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, the Old Glebe is renowned for its impressive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. There are many interesting mature specimen trees, a walled herbaceous Long Border, a series of spring fed ponds leading down to a wildflower meadow with mown paths to a gazebo, suspension rope bridge and a small newly planted orchard. There is also a sheltered kitchen garden with an historic Messenger & Co greenhouse dating from 1929, and a large polytunnel. In total the property extends to approximately 6.33 acres offering an exceptional and peaceful retreat.
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This is one of my favourite homes I have had the pleasure of working on for a long while. It is a truly sublime home in a gorgeous setting.
Nick JaneProperty agent