Key Features

• Bedrooms: 2
• Entrance Vestibule and Reception Hall
• Drawing Room
• Dining Room
• Kitchen/Breakfast Room
• Cloakroom/WC and Boiler Room
• Two Bedrooms Both En suite
• Gas Central Heating and uPVC Double Glazing
• Large Garage with Ample Parking
• Stable Block
• Approximately 2.5 Acres of Land

Full Description

Description:

After making our way through the Historic town of Moretonhampstead, one of the most well known gateways to Dartmoor, we headed west out of town in search of ‘Willows’.  The directions given by our client had the accuracy and precision you would expect from a former pilot in the Royal Air Force and we were able to find the property with considerable ease.
At the point at which we were about to leave Moretonhampstead we took a turning on our right into a lane, which appeared only to lead us into the deepest countryside. It was only then that we caught a glimpse of ‘Willows’ and realised we were about to visit a very special home.  As we stopped our car by a five bar gate, pausing to admire the picturesque setting, it was hard to imagine a position more magnificent than this; surely, we had just discovered the perfect location.
As we swung into the driveway and gently traversed a cattle grid we knew we had arrived at what could only be described as a ‘gentleman’s residence’, reflecting not only the individuality of the building, but the character of the owner we were about to meet.

Shortly after making his acquaintance, we were given a fascinating account of the background to ‘Willows’. Commissioned in the early 1950’s by a local millionaire baker to be built for his own occupation and that of his disabled son, no expense was spared in ensuring that ‘Willows’ was designed and constructed to the highest standard of specification and finish. Substantially built of cavity brick wall construction, it is worth noting that, in recent times, the cavities have been filled with foam insulation and the loft is now double insulated.
It is understood that the baker was a colourful local character who possessed an intimate knowledge of the area, a knowledge which would prove to serve him extremely well and help him secure a plot to build his dream home in one of the most magnificent locations in Devon. Furthermore, it sits entirely on its own with a south facing aspect within its own two and half acres of paddock and formal gardens. Notwithstanding the fact that ‘Willows’ is, to all intents and purposes, a two bedroom property, it is, however, a very large residence, affording considerable potential to extend.
It was at this stage that we were taken on a guided tour and experienced the property’s unique ambience and character. The tone of the house was set straight away by the spacious and elegant reception hall and this elegance and generous living space remained very much the theme of the property throughout the ground and first floor accommodation. Furthermore, every window afforded unrivalled and simply breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, in all directions. Looking east there are stunning views across Mardon Down, south, Haytor and Hound Tor. To the west, Fernworthy Forest and Reservoir and finally, to the north, Drewsteignton and Castle Drogo.

The accommodation includes a large dual aspect drawing room with elegant bow window and views, both southern and western. Found on the opposite side of the hall is the formal dining room; again, a wonderfully light and generous space with lovely southern views. The kitchen/breakfast room features hand crafted pine units and a dual aspect breakfast area with views from a side window and patio doors across the rockery pond, sun terrace and surrounding countryside; a perfect spot to relax and marvel at the wide range of garden birds which visit the strategically placed bird feeders. Frequent visitors include Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Greenfinch, Chaffinch,  Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Long Tail Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Siskin, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Dunnock (commonly known as the Hedge Sparrow), Robin, Collared Dove and Wagtail.

A spacious entrance vestibule, downstairs cloakroom/WC and boiler room complete the ground floor accommodation. 

We then ascended the elegant staircase to the first floor accommodation; the galleried landing, rather like the reception hall, had an elegance all of its own. One end of the landing is devoted to an impressive master bedroom suite including his and hers walk - in dressing rooms and a spacious en suite bath/shower room. Located at the opposite end of the landing, a second double bedroom also affords an en suite bathroom. Breathtaking views from both of these bedrooms are enjoyed across the surrounding countryside.

‘Willows’ enjoys the home comforts of gas central heating, uPVC double glazing and boasts some charming features which include elegant double doors opening from the reception hall on to the rear sun terrace and veranda, two attractive bow windows found in the drawing room and on the first floor landing, substantial extra wide internal doors with decorative antique style brass finger plates, antique brass light switch plates and a striking carved French grey marble fireplace in the drawing room.

We then walked around the wonderful grounds starting with the driveway which provides parking for several vehicles and access to the adjoining garage. A ‘mounting block’ is situated just beyond the cattle grid alongside a pair of heavy oak doors. The first of two decorative wrought iron gates affords pedestrian access down the side and behind the garage where you will find a large timber garden shed. A second wrought iron gate leads to a raised area of lawn and a substantial wooden stable block which is in first class condition and divided into a tack room and two loose boxes. From here, a five bar gate affords access into the top field. Standing behind the stable block is a second timber shed and a working water trough can also be found. This large field starts to narrow as it follows its way down the side of the property and then sweeps around in front of the house. Several specimen trees have been planted within the grounds especially on the far western side of the property. One tree worthy of special mention is the rare Golden Hawthorne which stands alone.
To the rear of the property you will find a wide veranda and sun terrace which extends to almost the full width of the house. From here, steps, flanked by four substantial Grecian style pots, lead down to the formal gardens, which are laid predominantly to lawn. These gardens feature a further range of specimen young trees, shrubs and bushes. A gravelled area, used to display a wide range of large flowering plant pots, lies on the eastern side of the property and a pair of heavy oak doors afford access on to the front driveway. Beyond these gates a large rockery fish pond, with water fall and filter stream is found. Security lights are installed at the front and rear of the property.
As we came to the end of our tour, we paused for just a few minutes and marvelled at this extraordinarily beautiful location; the only sounds to interrupt the all encompassing quietude were those of birds singing and trees sighing in the gentle breeze. A picture for every season, it is later in the year when spring and summer introduce vividly bright flora and lush greens to this magnificent scenery.

What followed took us all by surprise as we witnessed the heavens open and a blanket of snow fall, in a matter of minutes, across the entire landscape. The dramatic transformation was nothing less than spectacular; the contrasting view breathtakingly beautiful. This was to be a truly unforgettable experience and you will see from the photographs represented within this brochure that we were able to capture scenes just before and after snow had fallen.

Location:

‘Willows’ is the perfect country retreat whilst still being within just a few minutes easy walking distance of the town centre.

Moretonhampstead is a small hilltop settlement and working town on the north eastern fringes of the Dartmoor National Park surrounded by some of the finest countryside in England. Rolling hills covered in mature woodland, with spectacular views afford ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the many lovely scenic country and moor land walks.

Although the locals proudly proclaim it as a town, Moretonhampstead is essentially a village in character and is located at almost the exact geographical centre of the county, making it the ideal base to explore not only the unique features of Dartmoor but also the whole of Devon and Exmoor. Haytor is particularly good for rock climbers.

The ‘Doomsday Book’ (1086 AD) lists the Manor of Moreton, with some neighbouring manors, as supporting upwards of 5000 sheep. Wool and the manufacture of woollen cloth formed the basis of the Moretonhampstead’s economy for over 700 years. By 1207 AD Moreton was already established as an important local community – the town being granted a charter and the right to hold a weekly market and an annual 5-day fair by King John – for a rent of one Sparrow Hawk a year. The bird has become something of a symbol of the town. The parish church of St Andrew dates back, we understand, from the year 1450, much of the town is designated a conservation area, with many listed buildings of architectural interest and historical importance. The whole parish is within Dartmoor National Park.

The accommodation with approximate measurements comprises:

Attractive part glazed front door with canopy and lantern style outside light.

Entrance Vestibule: 8' 1" (2.46m) x 6' 5" (1.96m). Radiator. Ceramic floor tiles. Large brass wall mounted coat hooks fastened to solid oak mount. Integral door to large adjoining garage. Part glazed inner door to:

Reception Hall: 21' 4" (6.5m) x 7' 11" (2.41m). A large and elegant reception hall featuring attractive glazed double doors affording a picturesque view across the rear gardens and surrounding countryside. Three radiators. Two wall light points. A fine staircase leads to first floor accommodation and galleried landing.

Drawing Room: 19' 11" (6.07m) x 16' 0" (4.88m). An impressive dual aspect drawing room with stunning south and west facing views across the gardens and surrounding countryside. An attractive bow window on the west elevation has a unique charm all of its own. Carved French grey marble fireplace with open grate and grey marble hearth. Distinctive oak book shelves set in recesses both sides of fireplace. Three radiators, two concealed behind decorative radiator covers. Telephone point. Television point.

Dining Room: 13' 5" (4.09m) x 11' 11" (3.63m). Radiator concealed behind decorative radiator cover. South facing window to rear aspect commanding fine views across the surrounding countryside. Door to kitchen. Twin light switch with decorative brass plate.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room: 29' 9" (9.07m) x 8' 6" (2.59m) widening to 11' 3" (3.43m) at breakfast area. Custom made hand crafted pine base and wall cupboard units including single drainer stainless steel sink unit with vegetable preparation bowl and mixer tap. Ample work surface with decorative harlequin ceramic tiled splash back and concealed worktop lighting. Working ‘bell and call indicator’ connected to the front door, back door, drawing room, dining room plus the master bedroom and en suite bath/shower room. Delabole slate floor throughout the kitchen and breakfast areas. Three door gas Aga in black finish with balanced flue. Freestanding electric cooker also in black finish with ceramic four ring hob over. Radiator. Built in pine storage cupboards with wall mounted cupboard concealing security alarm system (presently disconnected). Telephone point. Television point (Sky Plus). A window over the sink unit affords a lovely outlook across the front driveway and stable block beyond. The dual aspect breakfast area commands picturesque southern views across the rockery fishpond, rear garden and surrounding countryside. A glazed door with matching side panel opens onto an area of gravelled terrace.

Cloakroom/WC: Matching white coloured suite comprising pedestal wash hand basin and low level WC. Heated towel rail. Window. Door to:

Walk-in Boiler Room: Floor standing gas boiler. Large lagged hot water cylinder. Ceramic quarry tiled flooring. Part glazed rear entrance door.

On the first floor:

Galleried Landing: Rather like the reception hall, this landing has certain elegance notably, the continuation of the fine hardwood banister and the attractive bow window with deep oak window sill. From here, fine north facing views extend across the surrounding trees and hillsides to Drewsteignton and Castle Drogo.
One end of this galleried landing is devoted to an impressive master bedroom suite and at the opposite end, a charming guest bedroom with en suite bathroom.

Inner Hall: Well fitted with a range of built in wardrobes and a shelved linen/storage cupboard. Access to roof space. Door to Bedroom 2 (guest bedroom)
Master Bedroom Suite:

 Bedroom: 19' 11" (6.07m) x 15' 0" (4.57m). This very large dual aspect bedroom commands breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside and rolling hills incorporating Haytor and Hound Tor to the south and Fernworthy Forest and Reservoir to the west.
Two radiators. Television point (Sky Plus). ‘His and hers’ walk in dressing rooms each affording ample space for freestanding wardrobes and chest of drawers. Dressing Room 1:  10' 2" (3.1m) x 5' 5" (1.65m) reducing to 4' 2" (1.27m) into recess. This dressing room is currently used as a study and features a secure and anchored steel gun cabinet. Dressing Room 2:  9' 4" (2.84m) x 5' 6" (1.68m) reducing to 4' 2" (1.27m) into recess.  Both dressing rooms have electric lights which are activated either by a pull cord or an open and close mechanism connected to the entrance doors.

En Suite Bath/Shower room: 10' 7" (3.23m) x 6' 10" (2.08m) widening to 8' 1" (2.46m). The original de luxe white coloured bathroom suite lavishly appointed and decorated with marble surrounds to dado rail height topped with green marble border. Enamel cast iron bath with green marble panelling, chrome telephone style mixer tap and hand shower attachment. Separate corner shower unit. Large table style enamel wash basin with green coloured marble surrounds. Low level WC.  Large heated towel rail. Wall mounted electric bar heater. Electric shaver socket. Window to rear aspect commanding stunning views.

Bedroom 2/Guest Bedroom: 20' 9" (6.32m) x 10' 9" (3.28m) reducing to 7' 1" (2.16m). Two radiators. His and hers built in wardrobe cupboards with space in between for a freestanding chest of drawers. Television point (Sky Plus). This delightful room once again enjoys a lovely double aspect and commands magnificent views across the surrounding grounds and countryside. Door to:

En Suite Bathroom: White coloured suite with white wall tiling to dado rail height. Enamel cast iron bath with wooden panel. Wash hand basin and low level WC. Electric shaver socket. Wall mounted oval shaped mirror. Window to front aspect. Heated towel rail.

Garage: 18' 9" (5.72m) x 12' 0" (3.66m) reducing to 9' 0" (2.74m). Hinged timber doors on sliding mechanism gives pedestrian or vehicular access from the front driveway. This is an extra large garage affording ample additional space to accommodate an automatic washing machine (plumbing already connected) and other fridge and freezer appliances. Ample power and light supply. Door to wine store with power and light supply plus rear entrance door to gardens. 

Agents Note: The property will be sold to include all curtains and the fitted green carpet featured throughout most of the house plus all light fittings. In addition to this, the following appliances will also be included: washing machine, fitted dishwasher, electric cooker, all fridges and freezers plus four television sets (all with Sky Plus installed) found in the drawing room, kitchen, master bedroom and second bedroom.

General Information:
Services: Mains Gas and Electricity. Private Drainage.
Council Tax Band: G
Local Authority: Teignbridge District Council
Tenure: The property is to be sold freehold with vacant possession to be granted upon completion.
Method of Sale: This property is for sale by Private Treaty.

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