Higher Broad Oak Road, West Hill, Ottery St. Mary, Devon, EX11

Set in a clearing amidst mature woodland characterised by tall, majestic beech trees, The Sanctuary is aptly named. It is so peaceful that one can almost hear the silence when it's not being broken by birdsong. The grounds lie within a much larger area of woodland that once originally belonged to the property before being gifted to the Woodland Trust, which protects and nurtures it to the present day. The cottage dates from the early 19th century with traditional cob walls and later cob/brick additions under a clay tile roof. It has been the much-loved family home of the current owners for the past 16 years and has been renovated and improved to a high standard. The cottage faces south and the two main reception rooms, kitchen and all three bedrooms look out across the grounds, that unsurprisingly act as a magnet for a rich variety of wildlife including deer, badgers, woodpeckers and owls, which venture on occasion right up to the cottage. Its south-facing position coupled with good-sized windows and excellent ceiling height give the interior a wonderful feeling of light and space, which is amplified by the extensive use of white paint on the walls and ceilings. The interior also has a contemporary feel to it that combines perfectly with original architectural features such as the inglenook fireplace in the dining room, timber floors and exposed, white-painted roof timbers. The sitting and dining rooms are inter-connected by a wide opening creating a wonderful single space for entertaining and the sitting room also has east-facing, double bi-fold doors that enable the house to be opened to the garden in fine weather. The lean-to extension at the rear encompasses the third, walk-through reception space that is currently used as a music room. The kitchen is fitted with a variety of units under light-coloured quartz work surfaces, a variety of fitted electric appliances, gas hob and gas-fired, 2-oven AGA.

The Sanctuary is approached down a 200-yard-long private lane that ends about 40 yards from the cottage, with a parking area beside a 3-bay timber carport on one side. The cottage is partially hidden behind stands of mature, exotic flowering trees and shrubs including magnolia, camelia, rhododendron and azalea. These extend around in front of the cottage gradually merging into broadleaf woodland interspersed with grassy glades, a wild flower meadow and a mixed orchard. Behind the house is a good-sized paved terrace beside a recently built, self-contained guest cottage that incorporates a living room with integral kitchen and shower room. Behind and above the guest cottage are a timber-built summer house and a deck that look out across the grounds. Both buildings incorporate network cabling enabling them to be used as offices. On the eastern side of the cottage and about ten yards from it is a Skargards woodfired hot tub. The garden and grounds provide a delightful and totally private setting for the house but it is far from isolated with its nearest neighbour about 100 yards away behind a woodland screen. Despite its extent the garden and grounds are maintained with only one day of additional help per week.

The Sanctuary has a wonderful setting in a stretch of beautiful woodland inside the small village of West Hill. The village is a thriving community with a parish church, convenience store, hall and an excellent primary school. The nearby town of Ottery St. Mary caters for most day-today needs, whilst Exeter has an extensive range of shops, businesses and recreational facilities as one would expect from a cathedral and university city.

The property also has excellent transport links nearby. The A30 and M5 (Junction 29) are within easy reach and Exeter St. Davids station has a regular, fast service to both Waterloo (From 2 hours 3 minutes) and Bristol (From 57 minutes). For air travel, Exeter Airport offers connections to both national and international destinations including a regular service to London City Airport (1 hour).

There is also a wide choice of schools locally, both from the state and independent sectors including Colyton Grammar School in Colyton, The Maynard School and Exeter School in Exeter. There are student bus services to all of these schools from the village including The King's secondary school in Ottery St Mary

West Hill village centre 0.6 mile, A30 2.5 miles, Ottery St. Mary 2.8 miles, Exeter Airport 4.7 miles (London City Airport
1 hour), Sidmouth Beach 6.4 miles, M5 J29 8.5 miles, Exeter City Centre 11.6 miles, Exeter St. David's station 12.7 miles
(Waterloo 2 hours 3 minutes/Bristol 57 minutes), Colyton 13.6 miles (All distances and times quoted are approximate).