Hole House

HOLE HOUSE.
Hole House is a magnificent Grade II* detached residence of immense historical importance. The site of Hole House has been recorded as early as 1075 when it was built by Simon de Holcomb, a Saxon bowman who fought at the Battle of Hastings. The house remained in the Holcomb(e) family for over 500 years. The impressive present house is the result of a major renovation, possibly in the mid-late 16th century. This handsome courtyard plan house is traditionally built with coursed blocks of Beerstone, principally to the front elevation and includes an extremely rare section of chequer-pattern walling made up of Beerstone blocks and black knapped flint. The roof is principally tiled and many of the windows have stone mullions with leaded light panes, some of which are secondary double glazed.

The property boasts many other fine architectural features such as the imposing Beerstone arched front doorway, above which is a stone plaque bearing the arms of the Holcombe family. The names of members of the Holcombe family who were born in the late 16th century are engraved on a fine Beerstone fireplace in one of the bedrooms. Downstairs in the drawing room (which was undoubtedly the original hall) there is a Tudor arched fireplace with moulded surround. The accommodation is well-planned and very adaptable in its lay-out and although now in need of a programme of modernisation, offers a rare opportunity to purchase one of Devon’s finest estates, the heart of which is a fascinating building of real
architectural merit.

GRANARY COTTAGE.
Hole House benefits from Granary Cottage , a detached one-bedroom stone and tiled roofed cottage which has been converted into ancillary accommodation. It is a most comfortable property which could have a variety of uses. It could provide an income from letting (subject to planning) or be used for large/extended family.

GARDENS & GROUNDS.
The gardens and grounds undoubtedly create a most apt and mature setting for the house and take full advantage of the magnificent panoramic views. The property is approached through heavy wrought iron gates adjacent to which is Granary Cottage and the attractive walled front garden. To the east is the stunning lawned garden which is bounded by its castellated wall over which there are superb views over the valley. This garden is interspersed with shrub beds. There is a pergola with wisteria over the impressive recessed front door. On the opposite side of the lane there is a further area of partly walled garden (previously a formal garden) and an orchard, former kitchen garden and spring-fed pond.

A lower driveway sweeps up to a large parking area to the rear of the house, adjacent to which is a garage/boiler room which houses the oil-fired boiler and water reservoir. Off the lower drive is an outbuilding measuring approximately 30’ x 30’ which incorporates a large workshop, two loose boxes and a separate store. Above the house is another useful barn (now in need of repair) measuring approximately 40’ x 10’6.

The land encompasses the property well and is a stunning haven for wildlife, perfect for those with a love of flora and fauna. To the west is an area of deciduous woodland running along the side of the hill. The remainder of the land lies primarily to the south and south-east and comprises a number of fields which are bordered by a small brook. In all the land extends to approximately 31 acres.

It is worth noting that a further 27 acres of land is available by separate negotiation.

SITUATION.
Hole House is situated in a beautiful secluded location,tucked away in a wooded combe on the rural fringes of the village. Although sheltered and away from it all, the property is not isolated, being within a mile of the village centre. From the house, there is a gorgeous walk down to the beach and sea where you can pick up the South West Peninsular Coastal Path.

Branscombe is located on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and much of the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust. The village has an active community and range of facilities which include a village hall, ancient Parish Church of St Winifred's, two popular public houses an old forge. There is also a primary school and Branscombe lies within easy reach of the renowned Colyton Grammar School, one of England's top mixed state schools, and Sidmouth which has a range of schooling both state and private. Branscombe also benefits from a small airfield at the head of the valley and interestingly, the owner of Hole House had his own private landing strip within the level paddock to the west.

The premier coastal resort of Sidmouth is approximately 5 miles along the coastline and has a beautiful Regency front and esplanade and a good range of shopping facilities. Honiton is approximately 9.5 miles away and also has an extensive range of shops, schools and sporting facilities, as well as a main line rail link to London Waterloo.

The County Town of Exeter is about 20 miles to the west with a comprehensive range of shopping facilities, express rail link Paddington (and Waterloo), M5 access and international airport. Branscombe has the dual benefit of lying in one of East Devon's most sought after and unspoilt areas, yet is readily accessible to all the region's facilities.

DIRECTIONS.
**DO NOT USE SATELLITE NAVIGATION** We would suggest to take the route from Sidmouth on the A3052 coastal road towards Seaton. Take the turning to Branscombe at Kingsdown Tail signposted Bulstone & Branscombe 2 miles. Continue down this lane passing the Bulstone Hotel on your left hand side and take the next left hand turning at Branscombe Airfield. Continue for about a mile taking a sharp left at the junction and follow this lane for about half a mile to Hole House.

SERVICES.
Mains electricity. Private water and drainage. Oil-fired central heating.

LOCAL AUTHORITY.
East Devon District Council - .

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTFICATE.
Exempt due to the Grade II* Listing.

Marketed by: Humberts, Honiton