KERSCOTT HOUSE KERSCOTT | SWIMBRIDGE | |

A substantial, detached farmhouse with a fascinating history, set in unspoilt and timeless surroundings

Features • Grade II* Listed • Substantial 3 Reception Room • 6 Bedroom Farmhouse • 1 Bedroom Annexe • Two 2 Bedroom Holiday Cottages • Outbuildings with Further Potential • Delightful Gardens and Grounds • Approaching 14 Acres

The Location Mileages Situated in delightful gardens, amidst glorious rolling West Buckland, and a superb choice of golf courses • Barnstaple 5 miles The property then remained in the same family for countryside, is this superb character residence. within the area. There is a comprehensive range of some 250 years before they parted with it in the early The property enjoys a private and tranquil rural amenities available at the market town of South • South Molton 6.5 miles 19th Century. The property was remodelled in the location, yet is within easy reach of world renowned Molton or the regional centre of Barnstaple, both • Exmoor 10 miles late 16th Century and extended in the 17th Century. surfing beaches, Exmoor National Park and excellent within 15 minutes driving distance. Throughout the property there remains a wealth of amenities at the market town of South Molton, or the • 16 miles character and originality, of particular interest, are the regional centre of Barnstaple. The dramatic North two ceilings in the drawing room and bedroom two, Devon coastline is within half an hour’s drive of the Communications with ornate plaster mouldings, believed to date from property, including the safe, sandy, surfing beaches History circa 1590 and 1620 respectively. The main heavy at Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough and Woolacombe, The area can be accessed from Junction 27 of the M5 oak entrance door has an ancient lock and key that Kerscott House has a fascinating and interesting as well as the variety of coastal walks nearby. Motorway, and along the A361 North Devon Link is still operational. Further features include original history, and whilst the exact date of the property The dramatic scenery of Exmoor, with its heather Road which leads onto the A39 Atlantic Highway. timber screening, an inglenook fireplace with a bread clad moorlands, steep valleys and combes, bisected by The nearest train station is located at Barnstaple, is not known, the site of Kerscott House is thought oven and flagstone floors. rivers and streams is 10 miles away. A further range the regional centre of North Devon, which connects to be the oldest in the hamlet. Owned by the of country pursuits are available nearby, including to Exeter, and from there and Tiverton Parkway, Bedford Estate, it is understood that it could have walking, cycling and fishing on the Rivers Taw and there are regular mainline rail services to London been built by John Squirrel, and subsequently Torridge. There is also a fantastic private school at (Paddington) in just over 2 hours. passed to his daughter upon her marriage. The Property Kerscott House is a substantial, detached, period farmhouse, Grade II* Listed of Architectural and Historical importance. Believed to date back to the early 16th Century, the property was owned initially by the Bedford Estate then remained in the same family ownership for some 250 years. This would go a long way to explaining how so many of the character features have been beautifully retained. Kerscott House offers six bedrooms and three spacious reception rooms, and boasts a separate annexe. Furthermore, accessed via a separate drive, there are two well-presented barn conversions, which are currently used for holiday letting. Each benefits from characterful two bedroom accommodation, with vaulted ceilings. Attached to the holiday cottages is a further barn, which is currently used as a games room which presently houses a table tennis table and a dart board. The quality accommodation in the farmhouse is well proportioned and versatile. There is a traditional farmhouse style Kitchen / Breakfast Room which is family orientated and has a range of hand built oak units with granite work surfaces and an Aga. Within the kitchen / breakfast room there is also the remains of an old exterior window. The Sitting Room has an inglenook fireplace with a wood burning stove, bread oven, oak flooring and a beamed ceiling. The Drawing Room has the ornate plaster moulded ceiling and access to the Oak framed Conservatory that overlooks the gardens. At the rear of the farmhouse is the Dining Room that has a stone floor. To the front of the farmhouse is a barn, which offers further potential for a variety of uses, and is currently used for storage. There is also an Atcost barn and a double garage, with attached workshop.

On the whole, the property stands well within its grounds, which are approaching 14 acres, and enjoys complete seclusion and privacy. Properties of this quality and calibre rarely become available to the open market, and an early viewing is strongly recommended. Accommodation The accommodation can be more clearly identified • Bedroom 1 with En-Suite bathroom / Shower Room The Stables Gardens & Grounds on the accompanying floorplan, but comprises: • Five Further Bedrooms • Sitting Room • Games Room/Storage Barn • Shower room • Kitchen Kerscott House • Loft with Potential • Further Barn With Potential • Entrance Hall • Two Bedrooms • Atcost Barn • Family Bathroom • Kitchen / Breakfast Room Annexe • Double Garage with Workshop • Rear Lobby • Open Plan Sitting / Dining Room / Kitchen • Orchard • Sitting Room • Bathroom The Shippon • Bedroom • Drawing Room • Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Landscaped Woodlands • Conservatory • 2.8 acre Paddock • Dining Room The Holiday Cottages • Sitting Room • Boot Room / Laundry Room • Accessed via Own Driveway • Two Bedrooms • Water Meadow • First Floor Landing • Private Gardens & Parking Areas • Family Bathroom • Spring Fed Ponds

Gardens and Grounds The gardens and grounds of this well presented residence are a particular feature, having been developed by the current owners from a former farm over several decades. The gardens have been arranged to blend into the surrounding landscape, exemplified by the ‘borrowed view’ of a scenic hill though a circular frame set in a boundary hedge. This view has featured as a cover on the RHS ‘The Garden’ magazine and other publications. The collection of unusual trees and shrubs is complemented by largely native planting in the various garden areas, providing interest and enjoyment all year round. In total, there is approximately 14 acres at Kerscott House, 2.8 acres of which comprises a paddock at the north of the property. To the western boundary there are landscaped woodlands, with a water meadow and spring fed ponds. The remainder of the gardens and grounds have been designed to create idyllic vistas across the grounds and to encourage wildlife. Surrounding the property are more formal gardens, which enjoy seclusion and complete privacy, as well as being the perfect place for alfresco dining. There is an orchard with a superb range of apple trees, pear trees, plum and greengage, mazzards, a medlar and a mulberry tree. There are also a range of soft fruits including loganberries, blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes. Throughout the garden there are many different seating areas to sit and enjoy the fabulous surroundings. The Shippon The Stables

The Shippon The Stables Outside The property is approached through double timber To the right of the driveway is a double garage / into various sections with useful storage and a first The property further boasts a separate vehicular gates and over a concrete driveway which leads to workshop which has a remote controlled roller door floor which runs the length of the property and access, which is used for the holiday cottages, which, a yard, where there is ample parking and turning and power and light connected. There are solar PV enjoys delightful vistas over the gardens and grounds. in turn offers the main house privacy. space for several vehicles. There is also an atcost panels on the garage roof. An inner door then leads It is understood that when the gardens have been barn, which is 60’0 x 28’0, a very useful building, through to a workshop, whilst at the rear, there is opened to the public in the past this building and Both holiday cottages have their own parking and currently providing storage and housing three timber an attached greenhouse with water tap. On the courtyard has been used to serve cream teas. garden areas, as does the annexe, which is situated stables. Behind the atcost is an enclosed area that opposite side of the yard and atcost is a detached The formal gardens surrounding the property are at the rear of the main house. The gardens and would have been part of the original farmyard, and barn 36’0 x 18’0, which is an incredibly useful barn delightful and have been planted to create interest grounds at Kerscott House are truly stunning, and now provides a sheltered and private area for storage with potential for a variety of uses (subject to any all year round. There is a good sized wildlife pond, can only be fully appreciated after walking through and further parking. necessary planning permissions), currently divided and various areas of sweeping lawn. the various areas. The Shippon The Stables

Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the floor plan contained here, measurements of doors, windows and rooms are approximate and no responsibility is taken for any error, omission or misstatement. These plans are for representation purposes only as defined by RICS Code of Measuring Practice and should be used as such by any prospective purchaser. Specifically no guarantee is given on the total square footage of the property if quoted on this plan. Any figure given is for initial guidance only and should not be relied on as a basis of valuation. Property information Services Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Air source heat pump provides heating and hot water for the main farmhouse. There is private borehole water (currently not connected). LPG gas boiler, currently used for back up. Oil fired central heating to the holiday cottages. Local Authority North Devon District Council, Civic Centre, North Walk, Barnstaple, Devon. 01271 327711. Contents, Fixtures and Fittings Only those mentioned within this brochure are included in the sale. All others, such as carpets, curtains, light fittings, mirrors, garden ornaments etc are specifically excluded, but may be available by separate negotiation.

Viewing By appointment with Jackson-Stops & Staff, North Devon 01271 325153 Or Strutt & Parker 01392 215 631. For sale by private treaty with vacant possession upon completion.

Directions Postcode EX32 0QA From Barnstaple, proceed on the A361 towards South Molton. Take the first turning on the right hand side, signposted towards and Swimbridge. Proceed on this road, passing through the villages of Landkey and Swimbridge. Upon exiting Swimbridge, proceed up the hill for just under a mile, and at the top, turn sharply right signposted towards Bydown, Dennington and Hannaford. Immediately turn left, and follow the country lane downhill and around to the right hand side. The entrance to Kerscott House will be situated on the left hand side, over a cattle grid.

Important Notice: Jackson-Stops & Staff, Strutt & Parker and their clients give notice that: 1. They have no authority to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. 2. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulations or other consents and Jackson-Stops & Staff have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise. Strutt & Parker Exeter Jackson-Stops & Staff North Devon 24 Southernhay West, Exeter, Devon EX1 1PR 27 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1RP 01392 215631 01271 325153 [email protected] [email protected] struttandparker.com jackson-stops.co.uk