Orleigh Court, Bidesford, Devon

Orleigh Court, an enchanting Grade I-listed late medieval manor house, lies in the parish of Buckland Brewer in North Devon. Built of local slate stone in the early 14th century, originally for the Denys family, the house extends across 5,198 sq ft and is characterised by its impressive period features, such as the extraordinary 15th-century four-bay hammerbeam roof in the Great Hall. The reception rooms and principal bedroom are south-facing, providing extensive views across of an eight-acre stretch of grounds, three of which are apportioned for this house's private use.

Setting the Scene

Orleigh Court has its origin in the early 14th century. The building has been altered and added to multiple times throughout the centuries, with external portions of the building remodelled in the 1800s. Period elements are abundant throughout, and the original character of the building has been preserved with great care throughout its long history. The immediate gardens have been tended with a knowledgeable horticultural hand and have an impressive collection of mature native trees that provide shelter and privacy.

The Grand Tour

Orleigh Court lies a three-minute drive from the village of Buckland Brewer. A long, tree-lined driveway leads to the turning area at the front of the house, the profile of which consists of coursed slatestone rubble and stone ridge stacks, a moulded stone-mullioned five-window range and a a gabled slate roof. Above the porch is an oriel window dating to 1870.

Passing through the original inches-thick timber door and stone porch, the majestic Great Hall unfolds, defined by an impressive 15th-century four-bay hammer-beam roof. Forming the heart of the house since its medieval-era genesis, this space accommodates the main living space; a room for dining and entertaining. Dense beams are supported on figure-carved stone corbels, one of which holds a shield displaying the arms of the Denys family and its three battle axes. Moulded beams and purlins divide the ceiling into panels in diagonal and square framing with carved bosses. The room is complete with Elizabethan panelling, five-set stone mullioned south-facing windows, and a huge wood-burner surmounted by 15th-century Orleigh dogs. Natural stone floors strengthen the conversation between outside and in.

Panelled double doors, set in a moulded wood semi-circular architrave, connect to the inner reception hall - a voluminous and flexible space currently set out as a billiard room. Striking red-painted moulded walls and ceilings, with white cornice and skirtings, complement the original floorboards underfoot. The room is naturally illuminated by an elegant Venetian window to one end, finely finished with fluted Corinthian pilasters and entablature, framing extensive views of the gardens and countryside beyond.

The bright, double-aspect drawing room at the front of the plan receives natural light from three sets of large south-facing windows, with working panelled shutters and a view of the front garden. A more intimate space, it has a wood burner set within a cast-iron fireplace and marble surround.

Extensively updated in recent years, the kitchen has lines of bespoke cabinetry, built-in appliances and a Total Control Electric Aga. A large central island has a double butler's sink with a chrome faucet and porcelain handles. There is space for a breakfast table here, set in the dappled light which filters through two tall east-facing windows. The wall above the stove is fitted with decorative tiles, while the rest of the room is painted in a deep teal hue. A wood burner, framed by the original fireplace with a marble surround, provides a natural focal point, and stone floor tiles extend throughout.

A utility and a cloak room connect from here, and a WC with a shower completes the ground-floor plan. The under stairs cupboard has trapdoor access to the cellar, a temperate space for wine storage.

The impressive early 18th century staircase is a prominent feature, with barley-twist balusters set in open string, carved brackets and panelled dado with fluted Doric half-columns.

A spacious first-floor landing lends well to use as a quiet reading nook and leads onto the five bedrooms. The bright and spacious principal bedroom, set at the front of the plan, is bathed in natural light through the course of the day care of tall sash windows overlooking the garden. Floorboards run throughout and en suite shower room lies to one side.

A second bedroom is at the rear of the plan, with bolection-moulded panelling, a fireplace and a carpeted floor. There are three additional east-facing bedrooms, one of which currently serves as a dressing room to the main bedroom suite.

The family bathroom, accessed via the landing, is full of character. Its walls are wrapped in a colourful wallpaper and there is a wood-panelled bathtub with brass sanitaryware.

The Great Outdoors

Orleigh Court is surrounded by eight acres of grounds; five are shared, while three are apportioned solely to this house and include a small wood.

Just outside of the kitchen, a terrace with steps extends to a sheltered and undisturbed lawn. Behind the treetops, views extend to the rolling open countryside.

Native mature trees provide a backdrop to the lawns and beds of blue hydrangea, with magnificent rhododendrons bringing bursts of colour. The gardens around the house are thoughtfully tended and dotted with herbaceous beds overflowing with roses, fuchsia, berberis, geranium, and countless varieties of flowers and plants.

Beyond the immediate courtyards, a secluded vegetable garden provides the perfect spot for self-sufficiency, with raised beds chock-full of edibles and flowers that flourish through the growing season. A summerhouse and patio are also tucked into this pocket of the gardens; secluded and softly lit at night it makes for a lovely outdoor dining setting. There is also a double garage with ample space to park two cars.

Out and About

Orleigh Court is ideally positioned for easy access to the rugged north Devon coast. It lies a short drive or less than 30-minute walk from Buckland Brewer, a lovely village and civil parish in the Torridge district of Devon.

The house is a 10-minute drive from the market town of Bideford, on the estuary of River Torridge. Once one of Britain’s largest ports, Bideford has a long-standing maritime tradition; its characteristic quay and waterfront receive visitors year round.

There are regular ferries to Lundy Island, a conservation centre, where rare varieties of wildlife thrive, thanks to uniquely preserved habitats. The town hosts weekly markets and there are plenty of excellent restaurants and pubs, such as The Royal George in Appledore, and the renowned The Collective at Woolsery, reachable in 20 minutes by car.

Exmoor National Park is an hour's drive from the house, with stunning views of cliffs, moors, and valleys that surround its unique Atlantic rainforest. The delightful town of Barnstaple, north Devon’s largest town, is a 30-minute drive away.

There is a primary school in Buckland Brewer. The neighbouring areas have excellent primary and secondary, state-run and private schools such as St Helen’s Church of England School, Appledore, Horwood and Monkleigh Primary School, Kingsley Primary and Secondary Schools and Bideford College in nearby Bideford.

The house has convenient access by car to larger towns and cities via to the A303, A388, A39 and M5. Barnstaple offers train connections to London Paddington via Exeter.

Council Tax Band: F