Brightley House - Whole

A beautifully presented family home in an idyllic setting with established gardens and grounds bordering the River Torridge and half a mile of single bank fishing.

The approach to Brightley House is superb, with a long driveway running through the grounds with the River Torridge at the bottom of the paddocks to the left. The driveway gently undulates through mature trees, eventually arriving at the house where the westerly views open up and the attractive façade of the house can be appreciated.

The house is built in the Arts and Crafts style under a fine Delabole slate roof and is not listed. It has been positioned to take advantage of the exceptional
views over the gardens and grounds and the proportions are typical of its era, with high ceilings, elegant room sizes and an abundance of natural light.

First impressions are superb, and the quality of the renovation work that has been undertaken by the current owners is immediately noticeable. In particular the kitchen is of exceptional quality and has been bespoke designed. There is a large central island with combi oven, ample storage in the attractive contemporary units and a Lacanche chefs range cooker. The kitchen provides a social space for the whole family, and at one end is a sitting area and dining area, with bi-fold doors on two sides leading to a wrap around paved terrace creating a seamless link between inside and outside during the summer months. The immaculate presentation continues to the first floor where there are four beautifully appointed bedrooms.

The gardens at Brightley House are stunning and match the quality of the house. Immediately in front of the house is a large swathe of lawn flanked by mature and established borders providing a mass of colour. There are an abundance of very rare and unusual Rhododendrons, which were cataloged by the previous owner. A Wisteria hangs from the principal bedroom balcony, below which are the paved terraces. The formal landscaped gardens are bordered by majestic mature trees and beyond the gardens are the paddocks with cut paths leading down to the River Torridge, which winds its way through the property as it meanders its way northwards to the Atlantic coast at Bideford. The river is known to produce good quality salmon and trout and Brightley House benefits from riparian rights offering about half a mile of single bank fishing. The current owners have the fishing records dating back many years. In total the grounds extend to about 20.9 acres and provide a haven for wildlife. Kingfishers are spotted regularly and Otters have also been seen along this stretch of the river.

Planning permission has been obtained to construct a dwelling, replacing the previous Brightley House Cottage. The proposed dwelling consists of two en suite bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen and snug. The planning consent can be viewed online at torridge.gov.uk planning reference: 1/0878/2019/FUL.

Brightley House is situated amongst unspoilt mid Devon countryside on the edge of the Halsdon Nature Reserve and at the end of a long driveway that sweeps through the grounds, running parallel to the River Torridge and up to the house which stands in an elevated position with views over its own land.

The property is about two miles from the small but thriving hilltop village of Dolton, which is well provided for with two pubs, village store/post office, traditional butcher, parish church, village hall and primary school. Further amenities can be found at Great Torrington and Hatherleigh, about nine miles and six miles away respectively.

Council Tax Band: H

Marketed by: Knight Frank, Exeter