5 bed detached house for sale

West Down, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34

A rare opportunity to acquire a striking detached Grade II* Listed stone Manor House, reputed to date from the late 16th century, with later 17th-century additions forming an attractive three-sided courtyard.

This substantial and highly individual home offers four reception rooms, five bedrooms, extensive gardens, a private cobbled courtyard, parking and an adjoining two-storey barn with exciting potential for conversion, subject to the necessary planning permission and listed building consents.

The property retains an exceptional collection of original period features, including lofty beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, stone and timber mullion windows, ornate plasterwork and friezes, impressive inglenook fireplaces, flagstone and parquet flooring, studded doors and a magnificent period staircase.

The ground floor accommodation is centred around an impressive L-shaped entrance hall, which provides access to the principal reception rooms. These include a characterful drawing room with bay windows and an inglenook fireplace, a generous dining room featuring an inscribed fireplace believed to date from 1624, a study area and a substantial family room with direct access to the courtyard.

The kitchen/breakfast room provides a practical and welcoming everyday living space, with glazed doors opening onto the courtyard and a fireplace with a wood-burning stove. A rear lobby leads through to the adjoining double-height barn, which retains exposed stone walls and timbers and includes a first-floor workshop and attic area.

On the first floor are five bedrooms, several of which are particularly impressive, with high ceilings, exposed beams, fireplaces and elaborate historic plasterwork. Bedroom three is especially notable for its ornate decorative plasterwork, while bedroom two also benefits from a separate dressing room. A family bathroom completes the first-floor accommodation.

Outside, the property is approached through a pedestrian gateway set within a stone wall, with a decorative cobbled and stone pathway leading to the main entrance. The gardens are predominantly laid to lawn and contain a wide variety of mature specimen trees, shrubs and established planting.

Further features include a raised stone terrace, ornamental water pump, greenhouse, garden shed and traditional dovecote. The grounds are particularly peaceful and private, with the nearby parish church providing an attractive backdrop.

To the rear, double gates open into a secluded cobbled courtyard, providing private parking for approximately two vehicles. A further parking space is also available immediately outside the gates within the shared outer courtyard.

West Down is a highly regarded and sought-after North Devon village, offering a community shop and Post Office, popular public house and restaurant, parish church and well-regarded primary school.

The golden sandy beaches of Woolacombe are approximately 10 minutes away by car, while Braunton, Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple are all within convenient reach. Exmoor National Park is also accessible within approximately 30 minutes.
Applicants are advised to proceed from our offices in a westerly direction heading out of town on the main A361 sign posted Barnstaple. Proceed straight across the Mullacott roundabout and continue along this road for approximately one and a half miles turning left at Dean's Cross sign posted West Down. Follow the road to the T Junction and turn right towards the village centre. Upon reaching the village square bear left passing the Crown Inn on your left and the property can be found around the bottom of the road.