Property description
This beautiful home in Dartmoor National Park enjoys a wonderfully private and secluded setting, next to a babbling brook that flows through the middle of its 8.5 acres of gardens, paddocks, orchard and woodland. It lies within a pastoral landscape of rolling fields, not far from the open moor, yet conveniently less than a mile from the small moorland town of Moretonhampstead, with its many facilities.The house takes its inspiration from a Devon Longhouse, a design that has evolved over centuries and which is just as relevant today, with its thick insulated walls and cosy thatched roof. It was recently constructed by the current owner using traditional, local materials and building methods including hand crafted, one ton, green oak trusses held together with oak pegs and put in place using rollers, ropes and pulleys. This, combined with 21st Century modern luxuries including underfloor heating and double glazed windows, has created a well insulated, energy efficient modern home, with the look and feel of a traditional Devon Longhouse, the best of both worlds.All the traditional features, nooks and crannies of a Devon Longhouse can be seen and admired throughout, beautifully crafted from local granite and English Oak, including a large inglenook fireplace, plank and muntin screen, countless exposed beams and roof timbers, solid oak doors with hand-forged ironwork... and there is even a secret staircase, hidden in a cupboard, in addition to the splendid main stairs!The layout of the accommodation is based on a typical Longhouse and therefore comprises a cross passage entrance hall featuring a splendid dressed granite wall with plinth and cornice to one side and oak joists over, a massive solid oak front door with stable door to the rear and oak doors leading to the lounge, and downstairs cloakroom. The lounge is dual aspect and features a magnificent granite inglenook fireplace complete with bread oven and bible shelf, stunning oak flooring, window seat taking in the superb views of the fields and lake, exposed beams, beautiful oak screen wall and staircase with chestnut treads leading to the first floor. A connecting door from the main lounge leads through to a second sitting room, or music room where there is a further fireplace, oak flooring, window to the front aspect again overlooking the fields and a small door leading to a charming secret staircase providing private access to the third bedroom. The kitchen is dual aspect and features large slate flagstone flooring. It is fitted with a range of oak units and Belfast style sink along with a Rayburn oven set into a fireplace and a large walk in larder. Adjoining the kitchen is the large garden room which has triple aspect, south facing windows and double french doors leading out to the garden, and a door leading to the large garage/workshop (which could readily become an additional room if so desired). The upstairs landing is floored with wide chestnut boards and features the glorious pegged oak roof trusses, as do the three generously sized double bedrooms to the first floor. The master bedroom is dual aspect and also boasts a large dressing room (which could be utilised as a fourth bedroom, nursery or study) and beautifully fitted en-suite shower room. The second bedroom also has en-suite facilities, whilst the third features double french doors leading out to the rear garden and, of course, the secret staircase. There is also a large family bathroom which has been beautifully fitted with a modern white suite and inset bath.The Longhouse is approached through an electric gateway leading to a long, private drive with hand placed granite stone edging and leading down to a large parking area providing ample space for several vehicles. There is an attractive enclosed garden to the rear which has benefitted from as much care and thought in its landscaping as has the main house. Beautifully planted with an immense array of colour, this garden is truly stunning with the stream gently rippling through its heart and well placed bridges providing access to both sides. At the bottom of the garden is a hand built granite bridge where a delightful private beach area has been created to enjoy the south facing sunshine and shelter of the valley. Above the beach is an area with a distinct Mediterranean feel enclosed by granite stone walls and a solid oak gate, providing the perfect alfresco dining area.The remaining 8.5 acres are made up of a thriving orchard siding the driveway, along with three paddocks varying in size, a small wooded area and an idyllic large pond at the foot of the land, complete with its own jetty.In addition there is a wooden chalet which would be suitable for use as a studio, ancillary accommodation or holiday cottage, whilst also benefitting from planning consent to convert into stables. This also has a large parking area which could accommodate a horsebox, campervan or boat.This property is a real gem and a unique opportunity to purchase a slice of Dartmoor history with 21st Century standards. Early viewing is strongly recommended to fully appreciate the exceptional standard of accommodation and surroundings on offer.
Cross Passage Hall - 16' 10'' x 8' 1'' max (5.13m x 2.47m)
WC
Kitchen/Diner - 14' 9'' x 14' 9'' (4.5m x 4.5m)
Garden Room - 16' 4'' x 10' 5'' (4.98m x 3.18m)
Living Room - 15' 2'' x 14' 6'' (4.63m x 4.42m)
Music Room/Second Sitting Room - 14' 6'' x 11' 6'' (4.42m x 3.51m)
Master Bedroom - 15' 11'' x 15' 5'' (4.85m x 4.7m)
Dressing Room - 16' 6'' x 12' 0'' max (5.03m x 3.66m)
Ensuite Shower Room
Bedroom 2 - 14' 7'' x 11' 11'' (4.45m x 3.64m)
Ensuite Wash Room
Bedroom 3 - 15' 6'' x 12' 8'' (4.73m x 3.86m)
Family Bathroom
Garage/Workshop - 17' 3'' x 11' 9'' (5.26m x 3.59m)
Wooden Chalet with permission for stables - 38' 1'' x 22' 0'' (11.61m x 6.71m)
Property Features :
- DEVON LONGHOUSE SET IN 8.5 ACRES
- NEW CONSTRUCTION BASED ON TRADITIONAL DESIGN
- LOCAL TRADITIONAL MATERIALS USED
- MODERN UNDERFLOOR HEATING & DOUBLE GLAZING
- DUAL ASPECT LOUNGE WITH INGLENOOK GRANITE FIREPLACE