8 bedroom house

One of Exe Estuary’s finest waterfront homes set within 13 acres of extremely well-kept gardens and woodland.


Description

Belvedere is a Grade II listed house of intriguing Georgian crenelated architecture standing in a majestic elevated position above the Exe Estuary with outstanding views of the water. The oldest part of the house dates from the 17th century, with 18th and 19th century additions and during the 19th century was the Dower House of neighboring Nutwell Court. Unusually for a waterfront property, the house is not overlooked from any direction thanks to the wonderful established gardens and mature woodland. The west facing façade is both imposing and attractive, crenelated and with large sash windows to take advantage of the magnificent views.

Numerous and significant improvements have been made to the house, and it now stands as an ideal family home with ample space for entertaining. First impressions are superb, with a stunning reception hall with high ceilings and large windows accessed via the entrance porch. From the reception hall, the dining room is accessed, situated in the older part of the house with a cosy and relaxing feel thanks to the slightly lower ceilings. The doors leading to the patio at the rear of the house ensure, along with the open layout, an abundance of natural light is enjoyed.

The kitchen and breakfast room form the heart of the house, with a beautiful open archway between the two rooms. The breakfast room has space for a large dining table, ideal for family dining and informal entertaining. This leads to the drawing room, perhaps the most impressive reception room in the house with magnificent proportions. The vast windows and glass doors give exceptional views over the gardens, beyond the ha-ha wall to the estuary beyond. The drawing room is west facing and an ideal place in which to watch the magical sunsets over the estuary.

A home office and study are also situation on the ground floor, as are the practical elements of the house including a utility room, cloakroom and integral garage.

A large wine cellar with excellent ceiling height offers superb space for storage and a selection of wine bins. The most impressive addition to Belvedere is without doubt the outstanding leisure area, designed to blend in perfectly with the house and surroundings, being carefully built underground to the north of the house, disguised externally underneath a patio and seating area. The indoor pool area is of a grand scale, with glass doors down one side giving access to the patio and views over the gardens and estuary. A central skylight above the pool ensures the area is light whilst maintaining a calming atmosphere. There is a hot tub, two shower rooms, a sauna, tanning room and the plant room. The gym is particularly impressive and sits in a double height octagonal building with attractive lead lined windows giving views all-round the gardens and over the water.

The first and second floor bedroom accommodation continues the theme of superb proportions whilst maintaining the feel of a manageable family home. There are a total of five bedrooms on the first floor and two on the second floor. The magnificent principal bedroom suite occupies one end of the house with a double aspect, far reaching views from a balcony and a beautifully finished en-suite bathroom, next to which is a dressing room. The other end of the first floor features the principal guest suite with bay window overlooking the gardens and estuary beyond.

The Lodge
At the entrance to the drive to Belvedere and behind the entrance gates sits the Grade II listed gate lodge, an attractive single storey building with an open plan kitchen / breakfast room and living room, a bedroom and bathroom. This provides excellent ancillary accommodation to the main house and would be ideal for a housekeeper, gardener or family member.

Location

Belvedere sits in arguably the finest position on the Exe Estuary with far reaching views over the river Exe to the surrounding countryside. The property offers the perfect combination of seclusion and accessibility, accessed via a private drive and protected by around 13 acres of grounds surrounding the house.

The popular village of Lympstone is less than half a mile away and has excellent facilities for everyday requirements including a shop, four pubs, a post office, sailing club and café as well as well-regarded primary school. Lympstone Manor, a luxury five star country house hotel also offers Michelin star fine-dining from acclaimed chef Michael Caines.

The location is highly accessible, with a railway station at Lympstone providing a direct train service to Exeter from where there is a regular service to London Paddington taking from 2 hours 4 minutes. Exeter Airport is about 7.5 miles away and provides a daily flight to London City Airport and a number of other domestic and international destinations.

The cathedral city of Exeter is about 9 miles from Belvedere and offers a wide range of facilities including a large shopping centre, John Lewis store, Waitrose and a host of boutiques, cafes and restaurants. There is also a theatre and the famous medieval cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere.

There are a number of well-known and highly regarded schools in the area, including Exeter School, The Maynard, Colyton Grammar, Blundell’s in Tiverton, Taunton School, King’s College, Wellington and slightly further afield is Millfield.





Acreage: 13 Acres


Additional Info

Belvedere sits centrally within its immaculately kept grounds, which consist of landscaped formal gardens, paddock, woodland and an orchard. A private drive leads to a large parking and turning area to the side of the house, where the magnificent estuary views open up.

There are an abundance of impressive specimen trees and established borders protecting the privacy of the property and framing the superb far-reaching views.

Immediately in front of the house is a large patio area with steps leading down to the formal lawn, which gently slopes away from the house towards a pond beyond which is a line of estate fencing separating the gardens from the paddock. A pretty terrace with water feature sits on the northern side of the house, with access from the breakfast room and the swimming pool area.

The formal gardens wrap around the rear of the house, where the immaculate tennis court can be found, complete with a pavilion from where spectators can enjoy the game. Behind the tennis court, a path leads to an orchard, beyond which is the lodge.

Along the boundary to the rear, and elevated above the house is a path leading to the woodland, through which various paths have been cut. The estuary views from here are sublime, and the woodland provides a wonderful habitat for wildlife as well as a fantastic outlook back towards the house.

Complementing the house and lodge are a selection of attractive and practical outbuildings. Half way along the drive are a row of four brick built garden stores, which could equally be used for garaging, plus a workshop. Behind here is a beautiful glass house and adjacent to the parking and turning area is a further garage and store.

Above the pond is a decked area where the pretty tree houses are situated.

Marketed by: Savills, Exeter