3 bedroom house

The Church House is a charming Grade II* listed former church house, with large two storey studio and land extending to 3.5 acres.

Situation - The Church House occupies a prominent position in the heart of the picturesque Dartmoor village of Throwleigh. The village itself has an historic 15th century church, whilst in the nearby hamlet of Wonson, there is the well known local inn, the Northmore Arms and Village Hall. From the village there are many footpaths leading into the surrounding countryside and woodlands and up onto the high moor with many opportunities for riding, walking and outdoor pursuits. The popular Dartmoor town of Chagford is some three miles away offering a good range of day to day and specialised independent shops, as well as a primary school, Montessori nursery, public houses and hotel, a health clinic, dentist and library. The town of Okehampton offers a wider range of shops, services, education and recreational facilities. From Throwleigh, there is easy access to the A30 dual carriageway, providing a direct link with the cathedral and university city of Exeter with its M5 motorway, main line rail and international air connections.

Description - The Church House is a charming and beautifully preserved, Grade II* listed as a former church house, situated beside the lychgate into the churchyard, in the centre of this quiet Dartmoor village. Believed to date from the 16th century and improved in the late 16th to early 17th century, converted into 3 cottages in the 18th or 19th century and then united into a three bedroom home in around 1980. Constructed of Ashlar granite under a reed thatched roof, with lime plastered and lime washed walls. offering a wealth of exposed ceiling timbers and a substantial twin granite fireplace, this delightful home offers a purchaser the opportunity to live in a real piece of history that has been lovingly cared for over the years. A particular feature of the property are the gardens and grounds which extend to approximately 3.5 acres. A pretty cottage garden lies immediately to the rear and via the short lane behind the house, the main area incorporates various vegetable gardens, areas of pasture with young woodland, a woodland pond and productive apple orchard. A substantial 1700sq ft, two storey barn provides a superb space for a home studio/workshop or annexe potential.

Accommodation - A set of stone steps lead to the arched front door, beneath an open slate roofed porch, leading to the main Sitting Room, being of considerable charm and character, with two fireplaces, (one open with grate and one containing a woodburner and former bread oven, separated by a stone jamb supporting a massive granite lintel. oak mullioned leaded light window to front elevation with window seat, exposed beams and ceiling joists. Boarded door leading through a wooden screen into the Kitchen/Dining room, range of fitted base cupboards with work surfaces over, sink and drainer, electric cooker point, oil fired Aga providing cooking and hot water facilities, oak mullioned leaded light windows to front elevation, exposed beam and ceiling joists. From the sitting room, Utility/Cloakroom, with fitted shelving, butler sink, plumbing and space for washing machine and tumble dryer window to rear, doors to a separate WC and to the rear garden.

From the sitting room, a small stone archway leads to the historic stone spiral staircase rising to a Reading/Television Room with fitted bookshelves and airing cupboard. A door opens to the First Floor Landing, with part glazed door leading out to the original outside stone steps to the rear of the house. On the first floor there are three bedrooms, the main bedroom has an ornate fireplace with oak and stone mullioned leaded light window to front, Bedroom Two, offers a dual aspect, whilst Bedroom Three, has a delightful outlook across the churchyard. There is also a Bathroom, comprising a wood panelled bath, Wc and wash basin with window to rear.

Outside - To the rear of the cottage accessed up some stone steps is a small area of garden laid to clover lawn, flower and shrub borders dominated by an ancient yew tree. A duck house sits near a pond with waterfalls and a larch deck (sourced from nearby woods) seating area offering an attractive south facing sun trap with views towards the church. This area is rented from the church at a "peppercorn rent". Adjacent a private lane leads from the back of the house to a fern garden and yard containing a substantial oak framed and timber clad Barn 14.02m x 4.88m (46' x 16'), with slate roof and adjoining lean-tos. The barn is on two storeys with water, power and lighting connected and currently used as an private artist's studio, office, workshop and stores, boasting a shower, sink, wc and two wood burning stoves, Beyond the barn is an enclosed vegetable and fruit garden with raised beds, outdoor oven, two greenhouses and apple tree and a handsome walnut tree. A path from here, leads into a woodland garden area, with polytunnel and then into an extensive orchard, planted out with around 24 varieties of apple tree varieties of cooker, cider and eaters, as well as pear, plum and damson. The orchard also contains an enclosed soft fruit area of current bushes and a large fruit cage of established berry plants and shrubs. Adjoining the orchard and garden area are two gently sloping pasture paddocks planted with a variety of young trees that form a small woodland continuous with extensive neighbouring woods that lead up onto the moor. Stunning views from the land look across the surrounding Dartmoor countryside to Throwleigh Common and the moor beyond.

Directions - From Okehampton proceed out of the town in a easterly direction as if towards Exeter. Pass over the dual carriageway and follow the road into Sticklepath, proceeding through the village. On the sharp left hand bend, turn right at Drybridge heading for Throwleigh, proceed into the village and at the T junction by the church, The property can be found immediately upon your right.

Services - Mains electricity, water and drainage. Oil fired Aga.



Marketed by: Stags, Okehampton