The Strand, Lympstone, Devon

A wonderfully detailed renovation by its architect owner has introduced a splash of contemporary colour to this three-bedroom riverside cottage. The approach to detail has been meticulous, with thoughtful, stylish interventions that make the house’s historic bones sing. Sitting on the east side of the River Exe, the house is in a commanding estuary position, with the beautiful Devon coast just to the south and Exeter to the north, around a 25-minute drive away.

Setting the Scene

Perched along the Exe Estuary Trail, Lympstone is a picturesque town close to the sea. There are extensive opportunities for country walks and cycling along the Exe Estuary Trail, known for its wildlife and birdsong. Although close to Exeter, it has a certain feel of peaceful seclusion.

Thought to date to the mid 1700s, the cottage’s façade is predominantly of red sandstone, beautifully worn by the annals of time. Every bit as charming inside as it is out, the interiors have been finished with an exacting eye for detail, making use of thoughtful, tactile materials that have sensitively updated the home’s bones for the demands of modern life.

The Grand Tour

Colour is foundational to the cottage’s scheme: bursts of bright tones pick out door frames, skirting boards, wardrobes and window sills. The large kitchen is grounded by solid oak flooring underfoot, with bespoke softwood cabinetry in Farrow & Ball’s Bancha Green along one wall. Countertops have been built under a skylight for a contemporary, relaxing space. The kitchen’s ceiling has a pink-painted, semi-triangular accent that adds to the playful, contemporary feel of the home.

A snug or small bedroom is positioned off the kitchen. The bull nose staircase with slender timber bannisters winds towards the upper floor. The primary bedroom is light and roomy, with unique red floorboards running underfoot. A warm yellow frames the door to the landing. The family bathroom is picked out in the same shade, a fresh contrast to the small white tiles which line the wall beside the bathtub.

The attic floor houses a charming bedroom, framed by the low eaves of the roof. Intersected with beams, the walls are finished in a fittingly coastal blue.

Out and About

Lympstone has been named one of the top 50 countryside places to live in the UK. Famous for its clock tower, it has a church, post office, nursery and primary school. Rural and historic, there are over 70 listed buildings in Lympstone. Nearby Lympstone Manor has a Michelin-starred restaurant, the brainchild of Michael Caines. It also has its own vineyard. The Swan Inn is a marvellous local with a great seasonal menu in a grade II listed building. Rockfish at Pier Head does wonderful seafood, and there’s a catch-of-the-day pop-up at the Fish Shed on the river. And Darts Farm has its own restaurant with the best of South West produce. Seaglass Gallery is worth a visit to check out local artists and craftspeople.

Nearby good schools include Exeter Mathematics Secondary and Exeter College, both rated outstanding and Lady Seaward’s CofE Primary is also “outstanding”.

Lympstone is just a 25-minute drive inland to Exeter; a vibrant cultural centre based around the Exeter Cathedral, with an excellent selection of restaurants, shops and cafes. Exeter has an extensive transport network with the M5 and Exeter St Davids railway station which runs services to London Paddington in just over two hours. Exeter international airport is around 15 minutes by car.

Council Tax Band: B