Riversmeet, Topsham, Exeter, Devon

Riversmeet House is an extremely elegant Grade II listed mansion house within the Topsham conservation area, built in 1845 in a Regency style. The house is situated at the end of the ‘Goats Walk’, in a peaceful position with frontage to the Exe and Clyst estuaries adjacent to the world famous RSPB bird reserve. Riversmeet House built originally as one residential unit designed as a brick fronted classic square mansion, subsequently extended and then divided in 1946 into two dwellings. Riversmeet House now occupies the south and west elements that give total privacy and outstanding views from every room bar one across the parkland and estuary out to sea. The property extends to more than 4,700 square feet and features high quality and stylish fixtures and fittings throughout and has been sensitively modernised to combine the amenities of modern living whilst retaining a wealth of characterful features including detailed cornicing and open fireplaces, large sash windows, high ceilings and large well- proportioned rooms. The property is set in approximately 1.9 acres of peaceful and secluded grounds that include a heated indoor swimming pool and two large double garages. Riversmeet House is without doubt one of the finest grand houses on the river, and first time on the open market in over 50 years.

A bright and welcoming entrance hall leads you through to the main ground floor reception rooms. The drawing room features an impressive original fireplace, full height windows and French doors that open into the conservatory allowing for plenty of natural light. The adjacent dining room provides
further attractive reception space and enjoys a feature fireplace and two sets of French doors that open out onto a covered veranda overlooking the grounds. The superb Bulthaup kitchen has sleek modern units, a large central island and modern integrated appliances. There is space for a large breakfast table and a comfortable seating area as well as benefitting from a dual-aspect allowing for light-filled accommodation. Most impressively, the heated indoor swimming pool can be seen from the kitchen. Further excellent reception space can be found in the cellar of the property that has been converted into a bar/games room, a cinema room, a utility room and cloakroom.

An impressive modern staircase takes you to the first floor accommodation where there are four well-appointed double bedrooms. The generous principal bedroom features a triple-aspect with large sash windows and French doors, fitted storage and a contemporary en suite bathroom with a bath tub and separate shower unit. The principal bedroom further benefits from a large balcony that provides a wonderful vantage point for admiring the stunning views. The first floor is serviced by two modern family bathrooms, one of which has a large bay window taking further advantage of the views. On the second floor there are a further two double bedrooms, one currently used as office space and a shower room. From here a staircase leads up to the ‘Widows Tower’ and outside balcony with 360 degree views that are absolutely staggering. The ‘Widows Tower’ is an incredible nod to the history of the house, constructed originally as part of the house in 1845 for the womenfolk of Topsham to congregate and welcome their loved ones home after long sea voyages. It fell into disrepair around 1910 and was subsequently taken down. The current owners reinstated it in a contemporary design as part of extensive renovations carried out in 2018.

History
The house was completed in 1845 by the renowned Davey family (master shipbuilders) and was built on land that was a former boatyard as their principal family home. As a result, Riversmeet House was constructed in a classic Regency style at great expense, over a number of years, using the best craftsmen and materials available at the time. In addition to this, it is also thought HMS Terror was built here and launched in Topsham in June 1813. Terror began its career as a ship of war, involved in several battles against the United States and then became a ship of exploration, venturing north to the Arctic in 1836, and then to the Antarctic in 1839. Its final voyage was in 1845 (the year Riversmeet House was built). In 2016 the shipwreck of HMS Terror was discovered by Parks Canada in remarkably preserved condition, marking one of the most important archaeological finds in recent maritime history.

Riversmeet House is accessed via a private gravel carriage driveway that leads to a large turning circle in front of the house providing parking space for multiple vehicles. approximately 1.9 acres of beautiful and secluded parkland like gardens and grounds that include two double garages, well-maintained rolling lawns, colourful border flowers beds, a variety of established shrubs and hedgerow and mature specimen trees. There is planning permission to create a small pavilion within the grounds that will provide an ideal space for al fresco dining and entertaining, set in a wonderful position for admiring the outstanding estuary views. There is also planning permission for a 40m2 contemporary room of glass panels under a zinc roof to be built over the swimming pool on the first floor.

Riversmeet House sits in a highly sought-after position with its own views across the River Exe Estuary in the popular town of Topsham, which lies on the eastern banks of the River Exe. There is an extensive range of boutiques and shopping facilities in Topsham, which is also well known for
its award-winning restaurants and pubs as well as a well-regarded primary school. The highlight of Topsham is the River Exe, which has an adjacent cycle path leading directly to Exeter and the seaside town of Exmouth, there is also a thriving yacht club on the estuary. The town also has other excellent leisure facilities including a popular outdoor swimming pool, Topsham Bowling Club, two tennis courts and is readily accessible to both Exeter Golf & Country Club and Woodbury Park Golf Course. Topsham also has a train station providing links to Exeter. Opportunities for outdoor pursuits in the area are endless. There are moorings available at Topsham or Exmouth, while the national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor are within easy reach offering unrivalled walking, riding and cycling pursuits. There are miles of wonderful footpaths in the neighbouring East Devon AONB, at Woodbury and Aylesbeare Common, as well as the South West Coast Path.
Exeter, approximately five miles away, is the most thriving city in the South West and offers a wide choice of cultural activities with the theatre, the museum, arts centre and a wealth of good restaurants and shopping, including John Lewis and Waitrose. Many well-regarded primary, secondary and private schools can be found in Exeter including Exeter School and The Maynard, whilst Exeter University is recognised as one of the
best universities in the country. The M5 motorway at Exeter provides links to the A38 to Plymouth, or the A30 to Cornwall to the South, and Bristol and London to the North and East. There are regular rail services to London Paddington from Exeter in just over 2 hours. Exeter International Airport provides an ever increasing number of domestic and international flights.

Local Authority: Exeter City Council
Services: Mains electricity and water. Private drainage which we understand to be compliant with current regulations. Oil-fired central heating.
Council Tax: Band G
Tenure: Freehold
Guide Price: £4,500,000