Location

'The Old Glebe' is beautifully set within its own private gardens and grounds on the western side of the attractive Taw valley at Eggesford. Immediate local amenities include a farm shop and café at Eggesford station, with further amenities available in the small town of Chulmleigh. This attractive hilltop town is dotted with stunning cob and thatched properties as well as an impressive selection of amenities including a deli, bakery, two public houses, restaurants, cricket club, golf club and both a primary and well-regarded community college. The local area provides ample opportunity for exploring by foot as well as cycling and riding with fabulous walks on your doorstep.

There are a number of well-regarded state and private schools in the local areas, including Blundells School and Shebbear College. Barnstaple, approximately 18 miles away is the regional centre offering many of the high street and independent retailers, renowned Pannier market and theatre. There are a number of well-regarded state and private schools in the local areas. The North Devon coast with its rugged coastline and stunning beaches as well as both Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks are all easily accessible from the property within 15-20 miles.

The Cathedral City of Exeter is approximately 23 miles away. Exeter is a thriving city, which boasts The Princesshay Shopping Centre, Guildhall Food Halls, a John Lewis Department store as well as an extensive selection of independent shops and eateries, theatres, an award-winning museum, world class University and excellent transport links. The Tarka train line between Exeter and Barnstaple runs every hour with the nearest station very convenient being Eggesford (0.8 miles away).

Description

A superb example of Georgian architecture, the Old Glebe is an elegant and expansive family home situated in an idyllic rural setting in Eggesford, just outside the historic market town of Chulmleigh. This exceptional Grade II listed property boasts a wealth of period features, combined with the comforts of modern living, offering a wonderful balance of classic grandeur and contemporary convenience.

Measuring 7,252 sq ft in total, the Old Glebe has a rich history. Originally the rectory, it was built for the Reverend John Churchill, rector of All Saints, Eggesford, in the 1780s. The architect was John Meadows who went on to design the earlier house at Arlington Court. The Old Glebe underwent further additions in the 1840s, making this property an important part of Devon's architectural heritage.

Approached via a long driveway, the property is set within beautifully landscaped gardens with sweeping lawns, established hedges, and mature trees, offering complete privacy and stunning countryside views, all totalling just 6.33 acres. The property has undergone significant and sensitive renovation works, including electrical rewiring, a new plumbing and heating system with separately controlled zones, the installation of a new, electric 5-oven Aga, new bathrooms and external redecoration. The kitchen, utility room, and guest wing kitchen have all been fitted with handmade cabinetry and granite worktops.

A self-contained two-bedroom guest wing has also been thoughtfully created, offering versatile living space for multi-generational living, or an ideal retreat for visitors.

From the entrance porch, a recently installed Mandarin Stone limestone floor welcomes you into the hallway. With a striking staircase, this sets the tone of quality throughout the rest of the property. The three reception rooms are south facing and bathed in light, featuring exquisite period details, including ornate fireplaces, elegant cornicing, and large sash windows and original window shutters. The magnificent drawing room with its generous proportions, large bay windows and coffered ceiling, enjoys views over the garden. This leads to a sitting room offering direct access to a raised balcony overlooking the lawn.

The kitchen is a welcoming and comfortable space. Double doors doors open directly onto the terrace and garden and a window seat looks out over the lawn. The old scullery and dairy are adjacent, which now serve as a spacious utility room and pantry. The kitchen leads directly to the formal dining room with wood floor, log burner and glazed doors leading to the garden. The ground floor is completed by a laundry room, boot room and WC.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom, with its ample proportions and elegant bay window is a particular highlight. There are three further exceptionally generous bedrooms, all with fireplaces and beautiful views. They are accompanied by a luxury bathroom, two shower rooms and a further separate WC.

The second or attic floor is unmodernised but could provide further flexible accommodation with two bedrooms, a bathroom and storage space.

The guest wing of the house is a versatile space, and perfectly set up for multi-generational living, offering a kitchen dining room, a spacious dual aspect bedroom with seating area, a second bedroom and a light and airy bathroom.

Completing the house, the cellar offers superb additional storage space and is ideal for a wine cellar. To the rear of the house there is a useful range of buildings set around a large walled courtyard, with a substantial coach house (25'7 by 14'3), bin store and gardener's WC.

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, the Old Glebe is renowned for its impressive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. There are many interesting mature specimen trees, a walled herbaceous Long Border, a series of spring fed ponds leading down to a wildflower meadow with mown paths to a gazebo, suspension rope bridge and a small newly planted orchard. There is also a sheltered kitchen garden with an historic Messenger & Co greenhouse dating from 1929 that is being restored. In total the property extends to approximately 6.33 acres offering an exceptional and peaceful retreat.

Directions

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From Eggesford Station, from the A377, cross the railway line to join onto the B3042. Follow the road for just under a mile, where there is a right hand turn off the lane. Old Glebe's entrance is found to the left hand side.