Property description
Lower Pound House is situated in the desirable Old Ferry Road area of Saltash and comprises a former farm house and converted attached barn, which are now fully integrated to offer over 2,200 sq/ft (209 sq/m) of highly characterful and adaptable accommodation.
The main house dates back to the early 19th Century, around thirty years prior to the completion of Brunel`s Royal Albert Bridge. Prior to 1800 the farmland adjoining the foreshore was used for the landing and holding of cattle, thus giving the property its original name of `Pounds Park`. Throughout the later 19th century and first part of the 20th century the land around was used as a small holding and as a market garden and fruit orchard. The barn, which now forms a large part of the main accommodation, was added during the 1890`s.
Prior to our clients acquisition as a family home in 1995 there have been only three previous owners, one of which was Fred Smith, a renowned town character and former Mayor of Saltash, who lived in the house all his life until his passing in 1982. Mr. Smith, apparently quite lucratively, used part of the house adjoining the road as a shop, serving traffic queuing down the road for the car ferry until its final crossing in 1961.
The property however, retains many original historic features along with stunning panoramic views that stretch from the renowned Tamar Bridge and up the Tamar Estuary, featuring the arched, late 1800`s Tavy railway bridge at the mouth of the River Tavy, along with the Cornish and Devonian Countryside beyond. Nearly twenty years on, with the family grown and flown the nest, we are delighted to have been instructed to bring the property to the market to seek what will be only the fifth owners.
Area Description:
Saltash is located on the River Tamar which runs through the Tamar Valley in the southeast of Cornwall, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a World Heritage Site.
Founded by The Lord of Trematon in the 12th century at a point where an ancient highway crossed the Tamar Estuary by means of a ferry, the market town of Saltash, which now has a population of over 15,000, is known as the "gateway to Cornwall" as it connects the county to Devon by rail, road and river. Its most famous landmark, The Royal Albert Bridge, was engineered by Isambard Brunel, and was officially opened in 1859 by HRH Prince Albert.
In 2009, Saltash, which means ash tree by the salt mill, was identified as Britain`s most desirable postcode because of its stable house prices, good schools and local community spirit. Its bustling town centre and local Heritage Trail make it a popular destination for visitors to the Tamar Valley where there are many beautiful views across the river. The town also boasts its own leisure centre and, being located on main transport routes, is within easy reach of many major attractions in both Cornwall and Devon, including the renowned St. Mellion International Golf and Leisure Resort.
With a recently opened all-tides short-stay mooring pontoon, the waterways are navigable beyond the bridges and, on some tides, it is
possible to sail further up the beautiful river valley, as far as Cotehele and Calstock.
The historic Saltash waterside offers a choice of entertainment, cafes, pubs and restaurants. In addition the town has a collection of shops and boutiques to cater for every need. Not too far away are the resorts of Looe and Polperro, and for anyone looking for a little more nightlife, the bright lights of Plymouth are just across the river.
Ground Floor:
A traditional stable door with a glazed insert provides access into a spacious reception hallway which offers first glimpse of the
character that remains within the property. A door opens into a considerable `country style` kitchen & dining room which features an original fireplace and beamed ceiling at one end, and a wealth of shaker style units with solid wood work-surfaces, which extend along the wall, at the other. The first of two staircases at the property ascends from this room and a door opens into a utility room which forms the first part of what could be considered the annexe accommodation.
The main reception rooms are positioned at the front of the property within what is the `original house`. Both are comparable in pro-portion and feature front facing windows which retain the authentic (working) shutters. Treated wooden floors and further beamed ceilings are again prevalent, as are period style fireplaces which provide fine focal points. The second staircase also ascends to the first floor from a front hallway, where the original heavy-set front door (still retaining its locking mechanism and key) opens into a `lean-to` style conservatory, which has sliding doors opening into the garden. Access can be gained back into the entrance hall from beneath the staircase, where a further door opens into the downstairs shower room, which offers a traditional suite including a glazed corner shower cubicle, WC and wash basin, floor and wall tiling and an obscure window opening to the rear.
Principal Room Dimensions:
Entrance Hall:
c. 12` 6"(3.81m) max. x 8` 3"(2.51m) max.
Sitting Room:
c. 13` 0"(3.96m) x 12` 3"(3.73m) max.
2nd Reception:
c. 13` 1"(3.99m) x 12` 1"(3.68m) max.
Kitchen/Dining Room:
c. 34` 8"(10.57m) max. x 10` 11"(3.33m) max.
Conservatory:
c. 12` 5"(3.78m) x 7` 7"(2.31m)
Annexe:
The ground floor of the attached barn conversion forms the major part of, what we are considering in this brochure to be, the annexed accommodation. Currently comprising a double bedroom, shower room, kitchen/utility room and a large studio room, the layout could easily be self contained and features its own separate entrance door onto Old Ferry Road.
Room Dimensions:
Utility Room/Annexe Kitchen:
c. 8` 7"(2.62m) x 7` 9"(2.36m)
Annexe/Studio:
c. 24` 5"(7.44m) max. x 8` 6"(2.59m)
Annexe Bedroom:
c. 10` 0"(3.05m) x 9` 1"(2.77m)
First Floor:
The `front` staircase arrives on to a landing which features a window to the front aspect offering a first glimpse of the stunning views which stretch up the Tamar Estuary and include many moorings for small watercraft. The first bedroom is of ample proportions and benefits from range of fitted furniture extending along the length of one wall and offering a wealth of storage options. A window offers another opportunity to admire the elevated views and a door opens into a large en-suite bathroom which has a traditional four piece suite, including a bidet and large vanity unit mounted wash basin.
As well as the excellent views, bedroom two shares similar dimensions to one, but benefits from a recessed mounted vanity basin along with a fireplace and surround, again original to the property. The third double bedroom is located within the upper portion of the barn and features windows to rear and side aspects along with a roof mounted `Velux`. The fourth bedroom, again a double, is positioned just across the rear stairwell and also features a window to the side and a roof mounted skylight, along with a corner fitted cupboard offering shelved storage. Notably, a second door in this bedroom leads back into the en-suite bathroom.
Principal Room Dimensions:
Bedroom 1:
c. 13` 0"(3.96m) x 12` 0"(3.66m) max. (into wardrobes)
En Suite Bathroom:
c. 10` 5"(3.18m) max. x 6` 7"(2.01m) max.
Bedroom 2:
c. 12` 11"(3.94m) x 11` 11"(3.63m) max.
Bedroom 3:
c. 14` 0"(4.27m) max. x 10` 9"(3.28m) max.
Bedroom 4:
c. 10` 7"(3.23m) max. x 10` 3"(3.12m) max
Outside:
Extending into a plot of around one fifth of an acre (800 sq/m), much character is also carried into the gardens, which are enclosed, in places, by high level wall, most of which forms part of the town`s ancient boundary walls going back to the middles ages. Enjoying river views from almost any point, the conservatory doors slide open on to a raised patio where small steps descend to a large lawn, which makes up a large part of the outside space and features various fruit trees. At the bottom of the garden there are areas sectioned and cultivated for growth of vegetables and further productive trees.
To the side of the main house, there is a further lawn, which is beautifully secluded on all sides by high level trees and further wall, offering a perfect place in which to sit and enjoy the evening sunshine. From here, a pathway leads to a lengthy garage, which is subdivided to form a workshop area. Opposite the garage, there is a wood store. A side gate opens on to further parking for two large vehicles which is accessed from the lane at the side of the plot.
Following the pathway in the opposite direction will pass another pedestrian gate which opens on to Old Ferry Road and continues, passing a small outhouse, to a courtyard behind the house, where the stable door, which is sheltered from the elements by an overhead storm porch, opens back into the entrance hall.
Detached Garage:
c. 26` 9"(8.15m) max. x 10` 0"(3.05m)
Client Testimonial:
Lower Pound House has been the perfect family house for the last 20 years but with the children having flown the nest it`s now time for us to
move on.
It`s been ideal for those large family gatherings, plenty of beds and a large dining room, the garden has hosted some superb parties.
For the children growing up, it was a brilliant house for hide and seek, with two staircases and usually two different ways to get anywhere these games went on for hours.
As the children got older the house was great for sleep overs with hordes of teenagers or just at times for getting away from each other in our own spaces.
The garden has always been big enough for both leisure and work, we`ve usually been self sufficient for vegetables for a third of the year
and the pear, apple and plum trees have given us an abundance of fruits for Autumn and Winter.
Being an old house built of stone and ideally sited away from the prevailing winds, it`s warm in winter and cool in hot summers. We will miss the space, the cosy log fires and great views but most of all we`ll miss the river every morning without fail always changing always different.
Directions
Please refer to map on web details or call for directions.
Notice
Please note we have not tested any apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services. Interested parties must undertake their own investigation into the working order of these items. All measurements are approximate and photographs provided for guidance only.