Fine entrance gate pillars with original wrought iron gates open onto a long carriage drive which passes through copse land before opening onto formal lawns and the first view of the house. Plymtree Manor is a superb example of William and Mary architectural symmetry. Listed Grade II* the appealing Flemish bond brick elevations are greatly enhanced by ashlar Beer stone Corinthian pilasters, window surrounds, quoins and door case with a carved coat of arms (that of the Harwood family). The slate roof in keeping with the period is hipped at each end and three dormer windows greatly compliment the tall sash windows within the front elevation. The house was enlarged during the mid to late Victorian era, again using Flemish bond brick and gabled using a late 17th century/early 18th century style with mullion-and-transom windows. A large 25 pane window was added in the twentieth century. It is understood the house was built for the Harwood family who held the manor for three centuries. Pevsner describes it thus ‘Hayne House a late 17th century brick house of medium size’, as its name was changed to Hayne House for a period of time, before returning to its original name of Plymtree Manor.

The entrance hall immediately opens into the welcoming stair hall with its wide staircase and central hall. At the front of the house the east facing morning room, drawing room and dining room form a trio of fine interconnecting reception rooms with the east facing morning room and dining room being panelled rooms, all benefitting from the tall sash window and high doors typical of the period. The fireplaces and ceiling cornices remain and the enfilade arrangement along with glazed doors from the drawing room onto the garden make these rooms ideal for entertaining. Complimenting these rooms are the informal west facing family kitchen/breakfast room which overlooks the rear garden and neighbours the scullery and utility room.

The first floor provides four bedrooms, one dressing room and three bathrooms and in addition the second floor has two further bedrooms and a central room which would be an ideal playroom. The garden floor has a variety of rooms including workshop, boot room, butler’s pantry and store rooms facing west with doors and window opening onto the rear garden. Whilst on a slightly lower level along the eastern elevation there is a large vaulted cellar, a ready racked wine room and a boiler room all with flagstones. At the southern end of the house a two storey wing is presently arranged as three offices and a bathroom on the ground floor and a one bedroom staff flat (unused) on the garden floor. There is scope to use this accommodation within the main house. Alternatively create a three bedroom self-contained wing using both the ground and garden floor accommodation.

Services: Mains water, electricity. Oil-fired central heating. Private drainage.

Council Tax: Plymtree Manor is Band H.

Local Authority: East Devon District Council.

This property has 8.6 acres of land.

Outside

There are an appealing range of outbuildings including the Coach house and stables which provides garaging for two cars within the coach house. A neighbouring room contains the boiler. Three loose boxes and a tack room within the stables, which retain their original wooden divides. A useful implement store (43’ long) and detached former garage provide storage for equipment. Beyond is the greenhouse.

The gardens extend around the house with the façade fronting onto a formal lawn enclosed by clipped yew box hedging and a rose bed with gravel walk beyond. Wild flower gardens run alongside mown lawns and clipped hedges combining to make a delightful effect. The drive passes immediately in front of the house and continues to exit the property whilst also providing access to the Coach House and stables, implement store outbuildings and orchard and paddocks. The rear garden is walled and arranged as open lawn a wonderful, scented rose garden with deep flowering borders and a brick terrace bordering the rear of the house. A hidden gravel garden with tall plant covered walls and central pond is a treat. Beyond the formal gardens and to the south and west of the house are the orchard and paddock which provide a delightful backdrop. The gardens and grounds are edged by a variety of fine trees with open farmland beyond.

Situation

Plymtree is a small village about 3.5 miles south of Cullompton. The village has a public house called The Blacksmith Arms, a primary school a community run village shop and post office, a village hall, playground and recreation field and Church of St John the Baptiste. Cullompton provides greater facilities. The cathedral city of Exeter is the regional centre and provides an excellent range of shopping and leisure facilities within Princesshay and the historic quayside. Excellent schools in the area include Blundells at Tiverton, Exeter School, The Maynard in Exeter and Exeter Cathedral School. The M5 motorway (junction 28) is about 5 miles away. There are regular rail services to London Paddington from Tiverton Parkway and Exeter St David’s. There is also a service to London Waterloo from Feniton station.

Directions

From the centre of the village of Plymtree travel east passing the Village Hall on your right hand side. Continue along the lane for approximately 200 yards and the entrance to the property is on the right hand side.