East Down, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31

DREAM MANOR HOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT! A beautiful, historic Grade II* listed Georgian manor, set in delightful private and rural surroundings, enjoying magnificent far-reaching views over rolling countryside.

Location - East Down Manor sits in a private and elevated position on the edge of the pretty North Devon hamlet of East Down, in the foothills of Exmoor National Park. The surrounding countryside is unspoilt and there are spectacular far-reaching countryside views. Less than half a mile from the property is the Pyne Arms, a traditional country pub, which was recognised as one of the best in the country in the Estrella “Top 50 Gastro Pubs” list in 2022. Exmoor National Park is within two miles and is renowned for its undulating moors with rivers and streams running down through deep wooded combes to the spectacular coastline below.

The beautiful and varied coastline lies just ten miles away, and offers some of the finest beaches in the area, with sandy surfing beaches at Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe. In 2022 the North Devon coastline was selected as a ‘World Surfing Reserve’ (WSR) – the first in the UK and only cold-water WSR in the world. The South West Coastal Footpath which spans the coastline also offers fantastic walking opportunities with breath-taking vistas.

The regional centre of Barnstaple is around 8.6 miles away, and offers an excellent range of amenities. There is also a wide selection of schools in the area, including West Buckland, Shebbear at Beaworthy, Kingsley at Bideford and Blundells at Tiverton.

Communications - The area can be accessed from Junction 27 of the M5 Motorway, and along the A361 North Devon Link Road which leads onto the A39 Atlantic Highway. The nearest train station is located at Barnstaple, which connects to Exeter where there are regular mainline rail services to London (Paddington) in just over 2 hours. Alternatively, Tiverton Parkway Mainline Railway Station is around an hours’ drive, which connects to London and beyond.

Mileages

East Down Village & The Pyne Arms – 0.5 mile
Barnstaple – 8.6 miles
Woolacombe – 10.3 miles
Saunton Beach – 14.5 miles
Tiverton Parkway/M5 Motorway – 43 miles

The Property - East Down Manor is an impressive Grade II* listed manor house, thought to date back to the late 17th Century, with some 18th Century remodelling, although it is thought there has been a building on the site since the late 16th Century. The property has been in the same family ownership since the late 1960s and has been well maintained during that time, but is now in need of modernisation. The property is of distinctive architectural importance and was originally the dower house for the Arlington Court estate. It boasts a beautifully symmetrical stone façade, and was in the Pine-Coffin’s family ownership until the 1960s. The property stands in a delightful elevated position enjoying far reaching countryside views over rolling countryside at the foothills of Exmoor National Park, standing in delightful mature grounds of around 12.6 acres, which is a mixture of pasture and a beautiful bluebell wood. East Down Manor is approached over a tree lined driveway, passing a pretty church and sweeping driveway that leads to the eastern side of the house and a large gravelled parking and turning area creating a wonderful sense of arrival. The entrance to the property sets the tone for the rest of the house; when walking through the front door you are greeted by the most beautiful entrance hall, giving access to the principal reception rooms. All reception rooms are beautifully finished and offer an abundance of natural light and character throughout. The elegant and generous proportions and opulent features are notable throughout, especially in the drawing room immediately to the right of the entrance hall. The period features in this room are remarkable, with ornate columns, arches and cornicing, with an open fire and stunning sash windows. On entering the drawing room, to the left of the entrance hall, you are greeted by incredible southerly views across the gardens to the rolling countryside beyond. This room features Jacobean panelling and a stunning fireplace with open fire and is a wonderful room to sit down and relax, taking in the views.

Beyond the entrance hall is the inner hallway, which leads to the dining room, which benefits from beautiful sash windows and shutters. Through the dining room, you will find the kitchen area which contains a range of units and is the perfect place for entertaining with the utility and cellar close by. A magnificent central staircase leads to the first floor landing, where the elegant proportions continue throughout the bedroom accommodation. The bedrooms are versatile and can be used as either a five or seven bedroom house, depending on requirements. All south facing bedrooms have glorious views of the North Devon countryside and are flooded with natural light, due to the impressive, large sash windows. To the west of the house there is currently a self-contained ground floor flat, and comprises of a sitting room, fitted kitchen, bedroom and shower room and it also benefits from its own private access. There is also a first floor apartment with two bedrooms, a sitting room and a kitchen/breakfast room which is rented out on an AST. There is a connecting door leading from this apartment into the main house, and can also be accessed via an external staircase.

Gardens and Grounds - Quality and provenance of the gardens match the house and set East Down Manor from other properties in the area. The house is set in around 12 acres of well-established gardens and grounds which blend perfectly into the surrounding countryside, complementing the house perfectly and giving a great sense of seclusion and privacy. To the rear of the house is a large magical woodland boasting a wonderful selection of fine mature specimen trees and magnificent bluebells in the spring. To the front of the house is a paved terrace, and the main garden which is largely laid to lawn and provides the perfect spot for al-fresco dining. The outside area of the property is truly wonderful and is the perfect area for families, offering peace and tranquillity, with sweeping valley views of the countryside beyond.

Property Information

Services - Mains electricity. Private water. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating. Fibre broadband to property.

Local Authority - North Devon District Council – .

EPC: EXEMPT

Contents, Fixtures and Fittings - Only those mentioned within this brochure are included in the sale. All others, such as light fittings, mirrors, garden ornaments etc are specifically excluded, but may be available by separate negotiation.

Viewing - By appointment with Jackson-Stops, North Devon .

For sale by private treaty with vacant possession upon completion.

Directions - From the M5 Motorway, take the A361 and follow signs towards Barnstaple. Stay on this road until you reach the roundabout at Aller Cross near South Molton, and then turn right, signposted towards Brayford and Blackmoor Gate on the A399. Stay on this road until you reach Blackmoor Gate, and then turn left, signposted towards Barnstaple on the A39. Proceed along this road, passing through the village of Kentisbury Ford and passing Arlington Court on the left hand side. After a short distance, turn right signposted towards East Down. Proceed along this country lane, passing the Pyne Arms on your right hand side, and proceed up the hill until you see the entrance to East Down Manor on your left hand side.