Rousdon, Lyme Regis, Devon

ROUSDON ESTATE & ST PANCRAS CHURCH.
Rousdon Estate is a magnificent 350 acre private estate which occupies a spectacular coastal position in Lyme Bay on this beautiful stretch of the East Devon/West Dorset World Heritage Jurassic Coast. It dates from the 1870’s and belonged to Sir Henry Peek, first baronet, and was designed by architect Sir Ernest George who constructed an impressive Tudor style mansion and a fine array of estate cottages and houses. It stands within a beautiful parkland landscape which includes direct access to the private beach at Charton Bay and the Southwest Peninsular Coastal Path.

St Pancras was the first building to be built on the estate and replaced the medieval chapel which is thought to date back to the mid 1100s. By the late 18th century the chapel was no longer in use and the building fell into disrepair and was later a derelict farm building. Sir Henry Peek built the current church in 1872-4 in the gothic revival style and it was used for worship for over one hundred years. Sir Henry passed away in 1898 and is buried in the family crypt at St Pancras. The estate became the Allhallows School, an independent public school for boys, in the 1930s and St Pancras was later used as a film studio before the school closed in the 1990s.

The estate was taken over by a consortium led by Charles Burnett-Hitchcock in the late-1990s and was redesigned to become a ’village’ of some 100 dwellings. St Pancras was purchased by the current owner in 2005 and underwent a meticulous programme of restoration and conversion resulting in the impressive and truly unique home we find today.

THE PROPERTY.
St Pancras was the subject of a full programme of restoration and refurbishment in 2006 with the works being carried out with a forensic attention to detail and with great sympathy given to the original building. The property, as one would expect, has enormous presence and a truly unique atmosphere which is imposing, yet intimate and you cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of awe which is seldom felt in a residential dwelling. It represents an exceptionally rare opportunity to purchase a true piece of history and an architecturally fascinating building which holds great intrigue and historical importance.

The property is entered through a porch opening into the south transept which has a superb round stained glass window. From here, heavy glazed doors open into the former nave which is a breath-taking vaulted room incorporating the dining space and kitchen. It is also open to the chancel, now a raised seating area under a beautiful panelled ceiling and with its religious inscriptions and magnificent stained glass window which comes alive in the morning sun. This room has ornate tiled and marble floor and a woodburning stove. The kitchen has been well fitted and features stunning stained glass shutters (over the leaded windows) which were meticulously reset in brass casements. On the ground floor there is a lofty bedroom, again with superb window, and the family bathroom.

Accessed via the stair turret and up a spiral staircase with a beautiful worn stone handrail is the former vestry, now a quite magnificent principal bedroom. This has another set of impressive windows to three walls offering splendid views over the estate grounds, gardens and with glimpses of the sea in the distance. It also feature the original church safe and an impressive heavily beamed ceiling. The second bedroom sits in the mezzanine which is accessed from the dining area via a timber staircase. This is another fabulous room with its dark panelled ceiling and roof timbers and glass balustrade overlooking the chancel.

GARDENS & GROUNDS
St Pancras is approached from the estate lane over a
private gravelled driveway which leads to a parking area besides the property. To the side of the driveway is a level area of lawn, whilst to the west is another intriguing
feature of the property, the Emu House, a detached
building which has been converted into a utility room and has a large arched stable door and the original wall
mounted hay rack. The principal area of garden lies to the south where there is a level lawn and a raised, paved seating area. To the rear is a small courtyard adjacent to which is the Victorian graveyard (which is owned by the estate).

SITUATION.
Rousdon itself offers several amenities including a popular café/restaurant and homewares shop, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Kitchen is also close at hand being about 3.5 miles away. A comprehensive range of facilities can be found in the popular nearby coastal town of Lyme Regis, approximately 3 miles to the east, or in Seaton which is about 5 miles to the west. These include a range of independent shops, cafe’s, restaurants and theatre. There are also numerous sporting opportunities including sailing and bowling clubs, Lyme Regis golf course, fossil hunting on the famous Jurassic Coast and walks along the cliffs or the historic Cobb harbour.

St Pancras is within easy reach of both Woodroffe School and the renowned Colyton Grammar School which is regarded as one of the top coeducational schools in England. The market town of Axminster is about 6 miles to the north with a main line rail service to London Waterloo. The Cathedral City of Exeter is approximately 27 miles to the west and has a main line express rail link to London Paddington and an international airport.

FUTHER INFORMATION.
The estate is managed by Allhallows Ltd which is made up of participating estate property owners. There is a half yearly maintenance charge of about £240 and a half yearly drainage charge for the communal reed bed system of about £145.


DIRECTIONS.
Rousdon is midway between the coastal towns of Seaton and Lyme Regis. Turning into Rousdon Estate, proceed down the driveway to the Manor House turning right and continue for about 150 yards where the driveway to St Pancras will be found on your left hand side. Please be aware of the low stone pillars at the entrance and turn left into the parking area.

SERVICES & TENURE.
Mains electricity and water. Private drainage (treatment plant). Oil-fired central heating. Freehold.

LOCAL AUTHORITY.
East Devon District Council - .
Council Tax Band: E.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE.
Exempt due to the Grade II* Listing

FLOOD RISK.
Flood risk information can be checked through the following:

BROADBAND & MOBILE.
The seller has advised us that Broadband is available at the property Broadband availability at this location can be checked through: checker.ofcom.org.uk/
Mobile coverage can be checked through: checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage