A rare opportunity has arisen to acquire a magnificent Grade II* Listed Georgian residence. In need of some refurbishment this grand home, of stately proportions, stands above Exeter's historic quayside in the centre of one of the City's architectural jewels, a beautiful crescent overlooking the river Exe, canal basin and hillsides in the distance.
This imposing family home of special historical interest, features a unique and very elegant oval shaped staircase plus a wealth of original, highly elaborate period features. The vast expanse of living accommodation, which extends over five storeys, includes 'The Mozart Room', a stunning drawing room of stately proportions and a capacious dance studio in the basement. It should be noted that this superb family home affords potential for 10 bedrooms. In addition to the self-contained top floor apartment there is an adjoining two storey annexe, both of which are suitably arranged to derive an extra income, if required.
History
The building of Colleton Crescent commenced in 1802 by local builder Matthew Nosworthy, during the reign of King George III, and is regarded as the finest group of late Georgian buildings in Exeter. Nosworthy also built Barnfield Crescent, many of the terraces in Southernhay from 1798 and Dix's Field in 1810.
Colleton Crescent was named after the Colleton family who owned all the land in this area. In 1737, John Colleton introduced a species of magnolia to England from Carolina. Miss Louisa Colleton laid the foundation stone on 3rd September 1802 and number 5, Colleton Crescent was the first townhouse in this crescent to be built. It is, unquestionably, an architectural gem and an elegant embodiment of the Georgian period.
Extensive demolition and rebuilding took place in Exeter throughout the 18th and early 19th Century. By 1819 The South Gate, the last of the main city gates to be removed, was demolished together with the prison. The character of the city was altered considerably and although many architectural treasures were lost, Exeter became one of the leading late Georgian cities of England and a lively, bustling trading place. Founded on the wealth generated by the merchants, new roads, terraces and crescents were built.
Colleton Crescent took twelve years to complete and has ever since provided quite a landmark for anyone approaching the city from the direction of Exeter Canal. Stories abounded, in the past, about a network of secret underground passages leading from the cellars of these dwellings down to the Quay, where the suggestion was a scene of smugglers struggling with contraband to avoid the ever alert eye of the Coastguard or Customs men.
Colleton Crescent could almost be said to be the street of the priests when, from 1897, the Crescent had five priests living in what was undoubtedly expensive houses at the time.
The world renowned English landscape artist, J.M.W. Turner, who travelled extensively throughout this country and abroad to find suitable subjects, was moved to feature Colleton Crescent in his work 'A View of Exeter' circa 1827.
Architecture
Historical buildings are a precious and finite asset and powerful reminders to us of the work and way of life of earlier generations. 5 Colleton Crescent is Grade II* listed which symbolises the recognition by English Heritage that they have identified this particular property to be a building of special architectural and historical importance.
This distinctive Georgian design and architecture was brought about by a few English architects who travelled widely abroad and gradually developed a growing understanding of classical Greek and Roman architecture. As a consequence, a recognisable vernacular architectural style known as Georgian English slowly developed in this country. It blended classic designs from Greece and Italy with the plain stone - dressed brick architecture of mid 17th Century Dutch buildings, including their sash window designs.
The key design features of Georgian architecture were proportion, order and symmetry. Architecture characterised by plain mullioned sash windows and doorways topped with fanlights became hallmarks of this period.
The elegant and unified brick façade adorned with distinctive plat band and stucco finish gives scale and grandeur to this uniquely positioned crescent of townhouses.
Description
No. 5 Colleton Crescent, beautifully located on the high river cliff above Exeter Quay, is probably one of the finest and best preserved townhouses in the city and has been a much cherished and loved family home for the last 30 years.
The property (floor area circa 6,000 square feet) has always been well maintained and it is worth mentioning that all the sash windows throughout the house, including the impressive convex lantern light over the top floor landing, have been replaced by 'Superior Joinery' who specialise in the authentic reproduction of period architecture.
As you approach this imposing home you will be immediately struck by the impressive panelled front door and the use of Coade Stone as a classic ornamentation to enrich the entrance. Eleanor Coade, who was born in Exeter in 1733, was the inventor of Coade Stone. Above the doorway and central with the fanlight is a sculptural face which symbolises the many sea captains who were trading when Exeter was a thriving port.
Rarely does a house have such a strong air of stately grace but this grand Georgian home has it all. Internally the accommodation affords a very real sense of its historical context with something to impress at every turn.
Upon entering the property, you are immediately greeted by the expansive scale of the room proportions and the many original features still present, which include decorative architraves, ornate cornices and friezes, pilaster archways, working shutters, window writing desks and fingerplates on internal doors serving the principal rooms. Even the original bell with pull system, featured in the inner hall, is still in operative order.
Amongst the many period fireplaces, it is believed that the property may have two original Adam fireplaces positioned on the ground and first floor. The first floor fireplace, which we understand may be coated in gold leaf, stands at the far end of the 'The Mozart Room', a magnificent drawing room of breathtaking proportions. This vast room has a formal elegance and warm colours which make this impressive space a wonderful reception room for entertaining. High ceilings together with tall expansive windows allow light to flood this beautiful room.
The lower ground floor has a capacious room which affords an extensive area of wide open space and was used by the present owner for running her highly acclaimed School of Classical Ballet. This impressive room was her dance studio and the basement rooms and cellars provided ideal changing room facilities.
The large master bedroom suite leading off 'The Mozart Room' features another ornate fireplace surround and the two sculptural faces seem to echo the one seen prominently set over the front door.
Should you be seeking a property of this magnitude with income potential, then the accommodation on the top floor is arranged as a self contained two bedroom apartment and the accommodation on the second floor, which has kitchen and bathroom facilities, would also lend itself as a self contained apartment on a grander scale. In addition, there is a two storey cottage, known as 'Angel Cottage' which adjoins the rear of the building and has a convenient link through to the main house. 'Angel Cottage' has two bedroom accommodation and could either be let or used as a self contained annexe.
Wonderful parkland grounds lie opposite the crescent which are owned and maintained on a ninth share basis with the neighbouring houses in the crescent. Access to the large rooftop garden is gained from the top floor apartment. Once there, a spectacular 360 degrees view is enjoyed encompassing Exeter's historic Quayside, the Haldon Hills and the magnificent 12th Century Cathedral.
Interestingly, in 1982, Tom Baker's (Dr.Who) portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the BBC production, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' was filmed in the Crescent which was also the location for another BBC production, 'The Onedin Line', a series which ran for an astounding ten years from 1971 to 1980. In 2004 No 5, Colleton Crescent was used for a film adaptation of a Rosamund Pilcher novel entitled 'Queen of the Night'.
The Cathedral City of Exeter
The cathedral city of Exeter offers a magnificent array of shopping facilities, ranging from major department stores to specialised boutiques, plus countless bars and restaurants, not to mention cinemas, theatres, recreational activities and a thriving nightlife.
Of late, the city has experienced considerable economic growth, assisted by the recent relocation of the Met Office and other major companies. The region is also expected to benefit considerably from the new Princesshay retail development currently in the course of construction (estimated completion Autumn 2007) and the proposed expansion of Exeter's International Airport which lies just 5 miles east of the city centre and is recognised as an important gateway to southwest England offering numerous European flights, trans-Atlantic connections and holiday charter flights.
For outdoor enthusiasts there are miles of beach coastline and 365 square miles of Dartmoor National Park within approximately 30 minutes by car.
There are excellent rail and road links including the main line services to London (Paddington & Waterloo), the Midlands and the North of England plus the nearby M5 Motorway together with the A30 and A38 provide excellent communication links to the East and North as well as Devon and the neighbouring counties of Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
The accommodation with approximate measurements comprises:
Ground Floor
Impressive front entrance door adorned with brass furniture and characteristically set in a decorative archway. Above the doorway and central with the fanlight is a sculptural face of a sea captain.
Entrance Vestibule: Dado rail and decorative cornicing. Substantial bulkhead with decorative ironwork. Door with oval shaped window to:
Reception Hall: Dado rail and decorative cornicing. Security alarm system. Large void/storage space above door height. Part glazed door and stairs to lower ground floor. Further doors lead to the lounge and inner hall.
Cloakroom WC: Matching coloured suite comprising pedestal wash hand basin and low level WC. Wall tiling and 'Opus' hot water system over wash basin area. Sealed opaque window allowing borrowed light from entrance vestibule.
Inner Hall: Featuring an elegant oval staircase with spiralling balustrade rising up to the first, second and third floor levels. Night storage heater and decorative dado rail. Part glazed door to :
Rear Lobby/Utility Area: Fitted roll edged work surface with space and plumbing below for an automatic washing machine and tumble dryer. Wall cupboard unit over. Part glazed door provides a convenient internal link to 'Angel Cottage'.
Second Cloakroom WC: Low level WC and pedestal wash hand basin. Wall tiling and small hot water system over wash basin area. Opaque window.
Lounge: Attractive cast iron period fireplace with decorative surrounds and arched recesses on both sides of fireplace. Two tall sash windows with working shutters to front aspect incorporating attractive arched fanlights. These striking windows enjoy a lovely southerly aspect and afford superb far reaching views across Exeter's historic Quayside and beyond to Haldon Hills in the distance. Decorative dado rail. Night storage heater. Exposed pine floorboards. Elegant high ceiling features decorative ceiling rose and cornicing. Hooks, which may be original, are positioned just below the cornicing and may have previously been used to hang heavy framed portraits.
Two elaborate archways, flanked with characteristic pilasters surmounted with decorative entablatures, stand on both sides of a wide opening which leads through to the Kitchen/Dining room.
Kitchen/Dining Room: Featuring a very impressive cast iron period fireplace with a distinctive and highly decorative surround which, we understand, may be an original Adam fireplace. This kitchen/dining room is well fitted with a range of matching base and wall cupboard units, including single drainer sink unit. Fitted roll edged work surfaces with space below for fridge and freezer appliances together with further space and plumbing for a dishwasher. Wall tiling over work surface areas. Period features include elegant high ceiling with decorative ceiling rose and cornicing, impressive pilaster style archway, decorative dado rail (partly concealed) and wide arched recesses both sides of fireplace. Night storage heater. Exposed pine floorboards. Sliding patio door leads to the rear conservatory.
Conservatory: 17'6" (5.35m) x 17'0" (5.18m). A timber constructed conservatory featuring a vaulted roof and some decorative opaque, leaf etched and stained glass windows. Exposed pine floorboards. Glazed double doors afford access to the rear garden.
First Floor
Landing: Featuring a delightful oval shaped internal window. Doors lead from this landing area to the drawing room 'The Mozart Room' and the master bedroom suite. The oval staircase continues to rise up to the second and third floor levels.
Drawing Room 'The Mozart Room': 27'6" (8.39m) x 20'0" (6.13m). You could almost be stepping back in time as you set foot in this magnificent room. This is an exceptionally grand and elegant room aptly named 'The Mozart Room' as it is currently used as the music room. This stunning room, which has very high elegant ceilings, retains much of the original character and attendant period features including the distinctive dado rail, as featured in previous rooms, plus ornate ceiling roses, friezes and decorative cornicing highlighted with touches of gilt. Three tall sash windows, typically characteristic of the mid Georgian period, command captivating far reaching views across Exeter's historic Quayside and beyond to the Haldon Hills in the distance. The exposed pine floorboards afford further character. Night storage heater. As with the Kitchen/Diner, 'The Mozart Room' also features a very impressive cast iron period fireplace with a distinctive and highly decorative surround which, we understand, may also be an original Adam fireplace and may be coated in gold leaf. A connecting door leads you through to the:
Master Bedroom Suite: 18'10" (5.73m) x 16'10" (5.13m). A large room with elegant high ceilings, decorative cornicing and distinctive dado rail. An impressive period fireplace with highly decorative marble surrounds feature two small sculptural faces, which we understand to be two sea captains who may have an historical link with the much larger sculptural face prominently positioned over the front door. Large sash window to rear aspect overlooking the rear garden. Night storage heater. Exposed pine floorboards.
Partitioned en-suite cloakroom cubicle with low level WC and separate wash basin together with separate shower cubicle which stands in far corner of the room. A door affords access to a small dressing room with vanity wash basin and tiled splash back. A window is positioned over the wash basin area and there is a period fireplace (currently sealed). Useful storage shelving has been fitted along one wall. A delightful oval shaped internal window overlooks the oval staircase. A wall mounted cabinet provides further storage. Enclosed factory lagged hotwater cylinder with immersion heater. Decorative cornicing. Vinyl flooring.
Second Floor
Landing: Decorative archway and delightful oval shaped internal window. Large walk in storage cupboard with electric light and power supply, fitted cloaks hanging rail, coat hooks and storage shelving. The oval staircase continues to rise up to the third floor. Doors lead from this landing area to bedrooms 2, 3 & 4.
Bedroom 2: 19'9" (5.99m) x 16'10" (5.11m). Attractive period fireplace featuring ornate 'coal basket design' cast iron grate. There are two wide recesses on both sides of the fireplace, however, the nearside recess has been altered to create an arched display alcove with fitted book shelving. Plain coving to ceiling. Two front elevation sash windows command magnificent far reaching views which extend across Exeter's historic Quayside and beyond to the Haldon Hills in the distance. It is worth noting that these sash windows have deep window sills and feature original writing desks with hinged desk tops and multiple drawer units beneath. The desk tops are currently sealed over but would have originally been able to fold out. Telephone point. Night storage heater. Connecting doors to bedrooms 3 and 4.
Bedroom 3: 15'0" (4.61m) x 10'0" (3.06m)(possibly the original dressing room for bedroom 2). Front elevation sash window commanding magnificent far reaching views which extend across Exeter's historic Quayside and beyond to the Haldon Hills in the distance. This window also features a deep window sill and another original writing desk with hinged desk top incorporating multiple drawer units beneath. Attractive period fireplace featuring ornate 'coal basket design' cast iron grate. Plain coving to ceiling. Night storage heater. Exposed floorboards.
Bedroom 4: 18'2"(5.54m) x 16'9" (5.08m). Agents Note - Part of this room has been partitioned off to create a kitchen area (described below), which together with the separate en-suite shower room, enables the entire second floor to be self contained.
Night storage heater. Built in wardrobe units set in recesses both sides of the chimney breast. Rear elevation sash window enjoying pleasant open outlook across the rear garden and neighbouring properties with glimpses of Exeter Cathedral. Plain coving to ceiling.
Kitchen Area: Presently fitted with a range of matching base and wall cupboard units including single drainer stainless steel sink unit with wall tiling. Ample roll edged work surface provides adequate appliance space below. There is also space to accommodate a free standing oven. Wall tiling over work surface areas. Wood block flooring. A doorway (half sealed) provides a narrow entrance through to the:
En-Suite Shower Room: Featuring shower cubicle, wash hand basin and low level WC. Wall tiling around sanitary ware areas. A small electric hot water system and medicine cabinet are mounted over the wash basin. Heated towel rail. Plain coving to ceiling. Sash window to rear elevation affording access onto a wrought iron laddered fire escape. A returning door gives access back onto the second floor landing.
Third Floor
Landing: Impressive convex lantern light over landing area (authentic reproduction of the original lantern light). Attractive oval shaped stained glass window. Entrance door to:
Self Contained Apartment
Reception Hall: Doors lead to the accommodation and an additional door provides access to a useful storage area with timber constructed laddered stepway affording access to a hinged hatchway which opens onto the Rooftop Garden.
Lounge (former bedroom): 16'9" (5.08m) x 13'6" (4.1m).Featuring coved ceiling and decorative ceiling rose. Built in wardrobe units on far side wall. Wall light point. Night storage heater. Two front elevation windows command magnificent far reaching views across Exeter's historic Quayside and the Haldon Hills in the distance.
Bedroom 1: 13'6" (4.1m) x 10'3" (3.12m). Distinctive cast iron period fireplace with timber surround. Coved ceiling and decorative ceiling rose. Night storage heater. Dimmer light switch.
Sash window to front elevation commanding magnificent far reaching views across Exeter's historic Quayside and the Haldon Hills in the distance.
Bedroom 2: 11'7" (3.54m) x 9'2" (2.81m). Attractive part glazed entrance door with stained glass window. Fitted shelving and overhead storage cupboards around bed area. Skylight window. Two uplighters.
Kitchen/Diner (former bedroom): 13'6" (4.1m) x 11'7" (3.54m). Attractive part glazed entrance door with stained glass window. A generous sized room fitted with a range of base units including single drainer stainless steel sink unit and roll edged work surfaces. This room features wood panelling on all four elevations of the room with display shelf over. Night storage heater. Distinctive cast iron fireplace with timber surrounds. Three wall light points. Space and plumbing for an automatic washing machine. Electric cooker point. Ample space for a range of kitchen appliances. Built in shelved airing cupboard containing the factory lagged hot water cylinder with immersion heater. A sash window overlooks the rear garden and commands a fine elevated view across to Exeter Cathedral in the near distance.
Bath and Shower Room: Entrance door with attractive stained glass window affords access into the Shower Area which features a fully tiled shower cubicle and a tiled dressing area with storage space below. A doorway leads into the Bathroom Area which features an enamel cast iron period bath, high level WC and wash hand basin set in vanity unit. Tiling to walls. Sash window to rear aspect affords access to a vertical fire escape ladder. Wall mounted electric bar heater. Fitted mirror over wash basin area. A curtain conceals the water tank.
Basement
Former Dance Studio: 36'0" (10.96m) x 26'6" (8.07m). A vast, open space with laminate wood grain effect flooring. This impressive room has a generous ceiling height and is heated by means of two night storage heaters. Several large wall mirrors are mounted around the room. Ample lighting is provided from seven uplighters, three ceiling lights and four fluorescent strip lights. A front elevation sash window allows natural daylight into this room and there are doors to the front and back of this studio giving access to the basement rooms and cellar areas.
Rear Basement Room: 25'8" (7.84m) x 9'10" (3.0m). This basement room has power and light supply plus a cold water tap and electric hot water system positioned over small wash basin. A cloakroom WC is situated in the far corner and there are two cellars. A timber staircase affords access to the rear garden.
Front Basement Room: 18'6" (5.65m) x 5'10" (1.78m). Night storage heater. Vinyl floor covering. Fuse boxes and utility meters. Two cellars (former coal stores) have, in more recent times, been used as dressing rooms for the dance studio and are fitted with fluorescent strip lights and laid with vinyl floor coverings.
A part glazed entrance door opens from this basement room onto a small enclosed courtyard which leads up to Colleton Crescent and also affords access to a third coal store with original cobbled floor, exposed stone work and original coal hole.
'Angel Cottage' (self contained annexe)
Rear Entrance Porch: With entrance door to:
Entrance Hall: Wood grain effect laminate flooring and under stairs storage area. Security alarm system. Stairs rise to first floor. Doors lead to the kitchen and lounge.
Kitchen: 14'6" (4.42m) x 10'2"(3.11m).Well fitted with a range of matching base and wall cupboard units including single drainer stainless steel sink unit. Ample beech effect roll edged work surface with wall tiling over. Appliance space and plumbing for a washing machine and dishwasher. Space for standing fridge/freezer. Sash window to side aspect. Vinyl flooring.
Lounge: 15'7" (4.76m) x 11'6" (3.51m). Tiled fireplace (currently sealed). Wood grain effect laminate flooring. Two night storage heaters and one electric wall mounted convector heater. Sash window to side aspect. A door opens to several steps which lead up to the bathroom.
Bathroom: Modern suite comprising panelled bath with tiled surrounds, wash hand basin and tiled corner shower cubicle. Enclosed factory lagged hot water cylinder with immersion heater. Windows to rear and side elevations. Door to:
Study/Garden Room: Built in storage cupboard (presently without a door). Electric wall mounted convector heater. Part glazed door to rear patio and garden.
On the First Floor
Landing: Doors to:
Bedroom 1: 16'2" (4.9m) x 12'2" (3.71m). Night storage heater and sash window to side aspect.
Bedroom 2: 10'11" (3.01m) x 10'2" (3.1m). Night storage heater and sash window to side aspect.
Cloakroom WC: Matching modern white coloured suite comprising pedestal wash hand basin and low level WC. Hot water system mounted over wash basin. Small window to side aspect. Vinyl flooring.
Outside
5 Colleton Crescent has an attractive frontage enclosed by wrought iron railings. The property enjoys a glorious south-westerly aspect and delightful views extend across parkland, pertaining to Colleton Crescent in the foreground and Exeter's historic Quayside with the Haldon Hills in the far distance.
A substantial cottage style walled garden, which lies to the rear of the house, is laid predominantly to lawn and features well stocked flower and shrub beds plus a variety of specimen young trees, shrubs and bushes, which include two mature bay trees, holly tree, two plum trees and a lilac tree. As you approach the rear garden from the main house, you walk through the conservatory and onto a gently sloping stepped pathway flanked by deep flower and shrub beds which are dotted with bluebells and other varieties of flora. At the top of this pathway a wrought iron gate, attractively set between low stone brick pillars, leads through to the lawned garden. This generous sized garden is presently divided into two sections with temporary timber fencing erected to create a separate area of garden with patio for 'Angel Cottage'. A gated pathway affords rear pedestrian access to a gravelled double parking bay and a single garage which lie beyond the far boundary wall. The property also has a large rooftop garden with stunning views.
