Elmgate, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12

A rare opportunity to acquire a notable country Manor, on the shores of the picturesque River Lynher.

Description

SITUATION
Wivelscombe Manor is situated approximately three and a half miles to the south west of the charming harbour town of Saltash in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. The Manor evolved from a small settlement on the land in the 1600s, which was established at a similar time to the development of neighbouring properties at Ince Castle and Burrell Manor, creating the last Royalist frontier in the English Civil War. In the 1600s, the manor was the home of Thomas Wyvel, the High Sheriff of Cornwall, and the house was subsequently occupied by two more of Cornwall’s sheriffs.

The Grade II Listed Manor House, barns, chapel and land occupy the upland slopes of the Tamar valley overlooking the Lynher River and Wivelscombe lake enjoying one of the most picturesque landscapes in Cornwall with gently rolling pasture, woodland groves, open water and ancient archaeology. Remote, private and peaceful, while only being a short drive away from the bustle of Plymouth City and Saltash’s famous harbour town, Wivelscombe’s location is ideal for peaceful living within easy reach of a diverse range of facilities.

Some of the area’s best river walks, water sports facilities, pleasure gardens and open moors are within a thirty minute drive and the historic port city of Plymouth is about eleven miles east with a good selection of shops, bars, restaurants, medical facilities, seasonal cultural events and schooling as well as a mainline railway station offering direct services to London Paddington and Glasgow. Exeter Airport is approximately 54 miles away and has daily return flights to national and international destinations.

ACCOMMODATION
The sale of Wivelscombe Manor presents a rare opportunity to acquire an exquisite piece of history nestled into the south facing shores of the Tamar Estuary close to the charming harbour town of Saltash. Steeped in grandeur and character, this distinguished and stunningly beautiful property offers a unique opportunity for the new owners to enhance the blend of period features and modern amenities, set within picturesque grounds.

Romantic Wivelscombe Manor originates in the 17th century and has been extensively remodelled over the last three hundred and fifty years to become the picturesque manor that is now, recognised by Historic England for its special architectural and historical interest.

Wivelscombe is approached by a long, tree lined drive, passing through open farmland before opening out onto the view of the exquisite Manor House and the wooded river valley beyond. The drive gently descends through sweeping lawns to arrive at the western entrance of the Manor House which is enclosed by a cluster of beautiful stone buildings that frame the view beyond to the picturesque landscape.

The house is broadly square-shaped in plan with a projecting east wing, two and a half storeys high with dormer windows softening the roof line. The building is largely granite, slate and slate tile hung creating a visual unity across the extensions over the ages. The most recent significant addition to the property was that of the drawing room in the early 1970s, finished in exquisite stonework to seamlessly match to the original 17th century building.

The property exudes understated elegance, the pale pink granite porticoed entrance opens onto a glass screen storm door and then into a slate flagged grand hall, with an open, turning staircase, timber framework and ornate plasterwork detailing.

The ground floor comprises multiple reception rooms including the fine, double height drawing room with pretty high arched windows and the most magnificent, ornate marble fireplace. There is also a formal dining room, a cosy sitting room, a winter garden room, a study, a library, cloakrooms and a butler’s pantry all accessed from the grand, flagstone entrance hall that frames the view through and beyond the Manor to one of the old stone spires from Westminster Abbey, set at the end of a tree lined avenue. These rooms create the perfect combination for entertaining guests or just enjoying quiet moments by the fireplaces, looking over the valley beyond.

There is a concealed service corridor at the back of the house that leads into a series of vented storage, laundry, workshop and pantry rooms, leading to a spacious fitted kitchen with appliances including a grand oil fired Aga and rear access past the cloakrooms, stores and library for deliveries via the east wing.

Ascending the main staircase, the first floor accommodates three generously proportioned front of house bedrooms, one with en suite and walk in wardrobe, offering scenic views of the river and the surrounding landscape. The master suite has a private corridor between his and hers bedrooms leading to a luxurious dressing room, bathroom, and WC, providing a private, peaceful retreat when noisy guests are in residence.

A second, concealed, back of house corridor leads into three bedrooms and two bathrooms at the rear of the house into the east wing. There is a housekeeper's kitchen, a snug sitting room with a dumb waiter and a large bedroom with a fireplace at the end of the east wing offering stunning river views.

Ascending the rear staircase is another collection of four double bedrooms, one en suite and circulation space in the eaves as well as a further family bathroom. Descending the rear staircase takes you to the kitchen area and a French door opens up onto the walled garden from the first floor landing.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
Above the manor house and barns are two bungalows, ideal for staff accommodation or holiday lets, identical in layout with two double bedrooms, a sitting room, one with a wood burner, one with an open fireplace, open plan kitchen and dining area and family bathroom. Each bungalow has an attached garage and private garden.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
Outside, the property is enveloped by idyllic grounds, including beautiful formal gardens, a marquee lawn, a fishpond, a planted woodland with avenues and vistas, an orchard bursting with fruit trees and picturesque views down to the tree lined water’s edge. A large walled kitchen garden with raised beds is stocked with fruit, herbs and vegetables and could provide enough fresh produce for the estate all year around.

A triple height large Listed barn, single storey stables, a dovecote/hay store and potting shed presents an exciting opportunity for conversion for multiple uses, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions.

There are various other stone barns to complete the building inventory.

Behind the east wing of the house, the drive extends around a clay tennis court with its delightful tennis pavilion, the drive leading to the service entrance at the rear of the house.

Square Footage: 10,257 sq ft


Acreage: 40.17 Acres

Directions

Follow the satellite navigation Wivelscombe Manor. From the A38 to the north of the property, take the turning southwards towards Trematon village. After half a mile, the road splits, take the right turning, signposted to Elmgate. After 1.1 miles, turn left at the red post box into a drive that turns into a tree lined avenue as you approach the Manor.

DISTANCES
Truro town centre 49 miles, Saltash 3.4 miles, Plymouth 11 miles, Exeter Airport 54 miles, Dartmoor National Park 20 miles