Lincombes, Torquay

Belton Lodge is a GRACIOUS VICTORIAN RESIDENCE set on the exclusive Lincombes hillside commanding stunning southerly sea views of Tor Bay. Built circa 1840 and a loved home for our clients since 1987, the house is approached via a sweeping coach drive and sits in a circa half acre plot, boasting approx. 7500 sq. feet of commodious and versatile living space centred around a striking reception hall with elegant staircase and galleried landing. The striking drawing room, dining room, conservatory and primary bedrooms overlook the terrace and garden, affording sunny and sheltered areas to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and beautiful views.

Higher Lincombe Road meanders over the top of the Lincombes hillside above the Lincombe Woods, Ilsham Valley, and picturesque Meadfoot Beach, being a heaven for watersports. Wellswood with its ‘village’ ambiance lies to the north east, and Torquay’s bustling harbour, MDL Marina, and sea front promenade to the south west, all approximately one mile distance.

EPC Rating: F

OWNERS INSIGHT

"We have been fortunate to be the custodians of Belton Lodge since 1987, and is a very emotional time to think we will be passing over the mantle. We have made so many lovely memories, and we will certainly miss the beautiful views of the bay, ever changing with the weather and particularly glorious when the sun is shining and sea a vibrant blue. Over the years we have changed the house to suit our needs, with great flexibility for new owners to inject their own style and imagination. There is more than enough room for multi generations, home working, and still lots of space for games areas and hobbies. We will shed a few tears when we close the door for the final time, but we know it is the right time to downsize and let a new chapter at Belton Lodge begin."

A BRIEF HISTORY

Our clients research suggests that Belton Lodge was built in the 1840s for Lady Emma Sophia Edgcumbe, who married John Cust in 1828, 1st Earl of Brownlow, of Belton House Lincolnshire, hence where Belton Lodge's name was taken. The family seat is now a much visited National Trust stately home. Countess Brownlow held the office of Lady of the Bedchamber to the Queen Consort Adelaide between 1830 and 1849. She wrote the book 'Reminiscences of a Septuagenarian' published in 1868. Her portrait was painted by James Rannie Swinton in 1846 and hangs at Belton House, near Grantham.

STEP INSIDE

As you step through the panelled vestibule into the impressive reception hall, you are immediately struck by the grandeur of the era with the sweeping staircase and galleried landing central to the house, leading through to the striking DRAWING ROOM with twin bay windows framing the dramatic sea view, ornate ceiling of 3.95m height, and Adam style fireplace with cassette log-burner. Twin doors to the DINING ROOM and stepped access to the CONSERVATORY opening to the terrace. The KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM is ripe for enhancement or repositioning to make a statement room. A LOUNGE, BAR, and CLOAKROOM complete the ground floor.

STEP UPSTAIRS

The sweeping staircase rises to the GALLERIED LANDING and first floor level. THREE GENEROUS DOUBLE BEDROOMS face seaward, taking full advantage of the beautiful views over the garden to Tor Bay, with TWO FURTHER DOUBLE BEDROOMS making five to the first floor level, two being EN SUITE and two additional BATHROOMS. A turned staircase rises to the SECOND FLOOR LANDING and further SIXTH DOUBLE BEDROOM and further BATHROOM.

LOWER GROUND FLOOR

Beneath the main staircase, stairs lead down to the lower ground floor which affords extensive space with surprising ceiling heights, ideal for a multitude of uses. Our clients have used this level as recreational rooms which until recently housed a full size snooker table in the billiard room, home office, laundry where the modern gas boiler is positioned, additional internal store room, wine cellar retaining the cold storage, workshop space and cellar storage with slate shelving. The garden level has potential to create a self contained flat, subject to any necessary consents being obtained.

APPROACH AND PARKING

A grand pillared entrance and coach drive with sensor lighting (the first part of which serves two other properties, Belton Gate and Eden Grange) sweeps down to the house with a large parking and turning area in front of the TWIN GARAGES benefiting from ceiling heights of 3.90m.

GARDEN & TERRACING

The main garden and terracing faces the bright southerly aspect. A paved sun terrace with ornate Italian style stone balustrade runs around the side and front of the house to the primary terrace with contemporary glazed screens and hard wood hand rails, taking full advantage of the magnificent views across Tor Bay towards Brixham's Berry Head. Beneath the main terrace is a useful garden room with electric, water, wash basin and W.C. provisions. Level lawn edged with mature flower and shrub beds with wonderful views of Tor Bay. A sheltered and secluded sitting area features an Italian design water feature, found among mature bushes and trees to the far corner with a colourful oriental influence pagoda. To the westerly area of garden are ornamental fish ponds, and trellis archway to a further area with excellent views over Tor Bay. Selection of small mature fruit trees and vegetable garden beyond with an aluminium framed green house. Stepped access down to Middle Lincombe Road.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCESS - Sloping driveway to entrance. Living space over four floors, with lift between entrance level and first floor. HEATING - Gas central heating. SERVICES - Mains water, drainage, gas, electric. CONSERVATION AREA - Lincombes, Torbay. COUNCIL TAX BAND - H (full amount payable 2024/2025 of £4,465.70). BROADBAND & MOBILE: We understand that Standard, Superfast & Ultrafast Broadband is available in the area with Openreach, with mobile signal likely indoor with EE & O2, and limited with Three and Vodafone (according to the Ofcom website).

OUR AREA

Torquay is nestled on the warm South Devon coast being one of three towns along with Paignton and Brixham which form the natural east facing harbour of Torbay, sheltered from the English Channel. Torbay's wide selection of stunning beaches, picturesque coastline, mild climate and recreational facilities reinforce why it has rightfully earned the renowned nickname of the English Riviera.

TORQUAY IS WELL CONNECTED

By Train: Torquay Train Station has some direct lines to London Paddington and Birmingham and is just one stop from the main line Newton Abbot. By Air: Exeter Airport provides both UK and international flights. By Sea: Torquay Marina provides a safe haven for boats in all weathers, sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds. Regional Cities of Exeter & Plymouth approximately 22 miles and 32 miles respectively. Magnificent Dartmoor National park approximately 12 miles.

DIRECTIONS

SAT NAV - TQ1 2EY. WHAT3WORDS - faces.fluid.robot.

Garden

Generous garden and terrace.

Parking - Double garage

Parking - Driveway