Halswell Farm

The property began life in the early 16th century as a traditional Medieval open hall house beside an ancient well, hence its name. The well is still close to the house today and the hall has since been re-modelled and extended over the centuries. Despite its Grade II listing the house fell into a state of near dereliction until it was rescued 18 years ago by the current owners. They have since undertaken a comprehensive programme of sympathetic renovation and rejuvenation. This programme has both preserved the house's architectural integrity using traditional materials whilst combining it with contemporary fittings and eco-efficient services. The house is built of local stone with traditional cob walls in parts under a thatch/slate roof. It is L-shaped and sits in an elevated position with far-reaching views to the north through to the south. The recent works have included adding a garden/sitting room to one end of the western wing that has a vaulted ceiling and views out over the grounds towards the River Bray and the countryside beyond. The house abounds with character including beams, plank and muntin panelling in the entrance hall, exposed roof timbers, stone fireplaces and a doorway carved with the charming image of a ram. As part of the renovations slate flooring has been laid throughout the ground floor along with timber flooring upstairs, several impressive wood burning stoves have been fitted and a charming and kitchen/breakfast room equipped with a Rangemaster gas/electric range cooker inset in an inglenook fireplace. In keeping with its age, prospective purchasers should note that the oldest part of the house does contain low beams and doorways. The ground floor contains four good-sized reception rooms along with a cosy, semi-circular snug and on the first floor are four double bedrooms sharing the family bathroom with an integral, separate shower and a further shower room. Overall, the accommodation extends to just over 6,700 ft².

Halswell Farm is set back off a country lane against an east-facing hillside. The driveway sweeps round to a substantial parking area to the south of the house and beside it is a traditional stone and cob walled barn that serves as a party venue capable of accommodating 120 seated guests. Attached on one side of the barn is a lean-to cattle shelter providing under cover parking and storage. Beside it is a former calf rearing shed that has been converted into a substantial garage. The formal garden extends out on both sides of the house before dropping down to the lake, with permanent pasture divided into three enclosures beyond. Immediately below the house is a former piggery that houses the bio-mass boiler and fuel store. Also close to the house are two apple orchards containing a selection of local varieties. On the far side of the passing lane is a substantial wood store, an enclosure used for poultry rearing and a fourth, sloping pasture. The River Bray runs along the property's eastern boundary (see below). In all about 19.54 acres (7.91 hectares).

In addition to the sporting and mineral rights, the property also enjoys the rights to about 750 yards of single bank sea trout and salmon fishing on the River Bray, extending for some distance, both north and south, beyond the boundaries of the curtilage (see land plan).

South Molton town centre 2.8 miles • West Buckland School 4.3 miles • Umberleigh Station 4.4 miles (Exeter to Barnstaple Tarka Line) • Barnstaple 10.9 miles • Tiverton 22.4 miles • J27 M5 28 miles • Tiverton Parkway station 29.1 miles (Paddington 1 hour 52 minutes) • Exeter City Centre 32 miles • Exeter Airport 38.2 miles (London City Airport 1 hour) (Distances and times approximate).

Marketed by: Knight Frank, Exeter