The Orchard Cottage is a charming Grade II Listed property, set in a hidden valley in a beautiful rural Devon location. The cottage, thought to date from the late 17th century forms part of the three cottage community of Lower Newbuildings. The property is unique from the neighbouring cottages and enjoys a high degree of privacy. The cottage has an exceptional façade and a new water reed thatch and has been sensitively modernised to include the amenities of modern living whilst retaining a wealth of attractive characterful features including exposed timber beams and original fireplaces. The property has been newly painted and decorated inside and out to provide beautifully presented accommodation. The Orchard Cottage is set in enchanting gardens and provides a peaceful and private setting that is within easy reach of local amenities and transport connections.

A light and airy hallway leads you through to the ground floor reception rooms. The sitting room has an impressive stone and slate original fireplace and features a beam and panelling and fitted bookcases. Across the hallway is the kitchen that has farmhouse-style units in green, as well as an Aga, fan oven, wooden worktops and space for a dining table. The kitchen also features a dualaspect that allows for plenty of natural light. A separate utility room provides space for further household appliances. Next to the utility is the integral study that provides a useful space in which to work from home and enjoys views across the garden. The ground floor accommodation is completed by downstairs cloakroom.

The first floor has four bedrooms which are accessed via three separate staircases. The principal bedroom is reached via the staircase to the east of the cottage that has a window with a deep sill that overlooks the gardens. This bedroom is serviced by a family bathroom. Bedrooms two and three are accessed by the central staircase and feature well-appointed accommodation serviced by a modern shower room. A further double bedroom is located on a mezzanine level above the study and provides flexible accommodation options.

Local Authority: Mid Devon District Council Services: Mains electricity and water. Private drainage which we understand to be compliant with current regulations. Oil fired central heating. Council Tax: Band E Wayleaves and easements: The property is sold subject to any wayleaves or easements, whether mentioned in these particulars or not. Guide Price: £675,000

Outside

The property is reached by a gated private lane which leads you to the front of the cottage where there is a gravel parking area and a detached garage and workshop. The cottage is set in land approaching an acre and is surrounded by well stocked gardens and productive land that includes kitchen gardens, a herb garden, a large vegetable garden with a polytunnel, soft fruit bushes and a wonderful orchard of damson, crab apple, pear and apple trees. The orchard and paddock is on level ground and gives the opportunity to provide a self-sufficient lifestyle. The garden to the front of the cottage is southeast-facing and includes a sloping lawn and a variety of shrubs, hedgerow and trees, as well as colourful flowerbeds and a well that could be restored. Additional wells can be found near to the property and provide further opportunity for a self-sufficient lifestyle. The sizeable rear garden enjoys full sun all day and has further areas of lawn, numerous mature trees including walnut and oak, wildflowers and areas of meadow. There is ample space to house some bees, chickens, ducks or goats. Within the rear garden is a fantastic space for outdoor dining under the shade of a wonderful Copper beech tree. Plants in the gardens include David Austin old roses, and succession planting of thousands of snow drops, narcissi, daffodils and bluebells. There are also several outbuildings. The gardens offer a peaceful and secluded haven and have far reaching views over the neighbouring countryside.

Situation

Lower Newbuildings is in a tucked away position in the small hamlet of Newbuildings, in the heart of the Devon countryside and just 3 miles away from amenities and transport connections. The nearby villages of Sandford and Copplestone provide several everyday amenities, including a post office and local shop, and primary schools in both villages, as well as a farm shop in Copplestone and a pub in Sandford. The small town of Crediton, just over three miles away, offers further local amenities, including supermarkets, a range of shops, restaurants, cafés, a GP surgery, secondary schooling and leisure facilities. The nearby village of Morchard Bishop also has a GP surgery and a well regarded primary school. The historic university and cathedral city of Exeter is 11 miles away and provides a wide range of facilities including excellent shopping, dining, cultural, sporting and recreational pursuits. There is a mainline station at Crediton, offering services to Exeter, while Exeter St. David’s provides regular services to London Paddington and London Waterloo. Communication links in the area are good, with the M5 motorway providing a connection to the A38 to Plymouth, the A30 to Cornwall, and Bristol and London to the north and east respectively.

There is a good range of educational options in the area including Bow Community Primary School, Copplestone Primary School, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Blundell’s International School (direct bus service from Crediton), Exeter School, Exeter College and The Maynard School. Exeter University is widely recognised as one of the best universities in the country.

Directions

The postcode EX17 4PP will take you to close proximity of the property but continue on beyond the tarmac lane boundary for a further 30 yards and The Orchard Cottage will be found on the right hand side.