Ashford, Barnstaple, Devon

Blindwell

Ashford | Barnstaple | Devon | EX31 4BZ

BLINDWELL

Nestled atop the picturesque village of Ashford, overlooking the tranquil estuary, stands Blindwell - an exceptional 5-bedroom home that marries timeless elegance with modern luxury. The property is one of a very few Mid-Century, Palm Springs influenced properties in the North Devon area.

KEY FEATURES

This extraordinary residence, formerly owned and meticulously crafted by the renowned architect Reginald Gale, stands as a testament to his exceptional vision and design prowess. With breathtaking panoramic views that stretch to the distant Hartland Point and Saunton Bay.

Exterior Appeal:

Blindwell sits on an expansive plot, commanding attention with its grandeur and meticulous landscaping. A sweeping driveway, adorned with lush gardens and mature trees, guides you to the front entrance, setting the stage for the elegance that awaits within. The architecture seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with midcentury style, featuring large windows and a beautifully pitched roof. The property’s position on the peak of Ashford ensures not only privacy but also uninterrupted panoramic views.

Interior Splendour:

Stepping into Blindwell, one is immediately greeted by the architect’s signature design elements. The foyer opens into a grand living area characterized by vaulted ceilings, split levels, and an abundance of natural light that floods the space through strategically placed windows and doors. The open layout effortlessly connects the living and dining with a Copper Panelled chimney breast and snug area - an environment that is both welcoming and conducive to modern living.

The kitchen offers a productive area with wall and base units, top-ofthe-line appliances, and a central breakfast bar. Marble countertops, tile backsplashes, and downlighting. Off this room is a useful utility room, with doors to the front and sheltered space to the rear with a further office space accessed through the integral double garage with a view window to the rear.

SELLER INSIGHT

Blindwell, a highly unique mid-century modern home, is coming on the market for the second time since it was built in the late 1960s. It was designed and constructed by renowned north Devon architect Reginald Gale for his own family. Inspired by homes in the Palm Springs area of California, Gale designed it with an open-plan layout, double-height living spaces, and rooms boasting large picture windows. This one-of-a-kind semi-rural property, set on 1.4 acres on the edge of Ashford near Barnstaple, has been beautifully restored by its current owners, Simon and Emma. ‘Reg lived in the house until it was sold to us in 2016,’ they say. ‘Before our offer was accepted, we met him, and he shared his stories and a TV interview he gave aired at the time the house was finished, providing evidence that the house was a complete time capsule.’ To restore the property, extensive work was undertaken, including updates to the electrical system, the installation of double-glazed windows and patio doors, and improved insulation. A 7kw 24-panel solar array with 2 Tesla batteries was added, transforming its efficiency from a G minus to a C rating. ‘It was clear that so much thought and love had gone into the design of the house,’ Emma explains. ‘So, we wanted to restore as many original features as we could, from the beautiful central copper chimney breast to the era-defining stained glass paneled doors.’ The house has been decorated throughout in a manner consistent with the mid-century modern style of the house.

‘Simon designed a new triple garage with polished concrete floors and handpicked stone. We jointly designed a new greenhouse, in harmony with the house’s style, using materials supplied by local businesses.’

‘We’ve created areas inspired by Reg’s original landscaping, influenced by Japan and the deserts of Palm Springs. Native British flowers and a kitchen garden with everyday herbs have been added. The large lawn is maintained come rain or shine by Husky, the robot lawnmower.’

‘The house offers spectacular views, from a seascape stretching to Hartland and Saunton, to vistas of the Taw Estuary, Dartmoor, and Exmoor. The sunsets here are breathtaking and being atop a hill in a quiet parish means we enjoy starry nights.’

‘For seamless work-from-home capabilities, the house is equipped with WiFi access points both internally and externally. We also have the fastest broadband in the parish, thanks to a dedicated 100 mbps fiber optic line.’*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

KEY FEATURES

To the first floor are 4 generously proportioned bedrooms, each designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. The main suite, a true sanctuary, features a private balcony that capitalizes on the awe-inspiring views - a serene spot to savour morning sunrises or unwind as the sun sets over the bay. The ensuite bathroom, adorned with luxurious fixtures, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. The remaining bedrooms, equally charming, offer ample space and Bedroom 2 has stunning vistas, creating idyllic havens for family members or guests.

Blindwell extends its allure outdoors, offering an array of spaces designed for relaxation and recreation. The expansive terrace, accessed from the main living area, invites al fresco dining, while a meticulously landscaped garden wraps around the property, with various additional areas to dine, including the bespoke, Japanese inspired glass garden room. There are also a variety of fruit trees, including a Mulberry tree, fruit cages and raised vegetable beds for keen gardeners and bridge with pond.

To the front is a sweeping drive, sculpture and 5 garages arranged with a double integral garage and a further 3 purpose-built garages that offer a single and double format, all of which have been built with damp proof materials meaning they are perfect for the storage and use of modern and classic vehicles. The roof has an array of 24 solar panels with 2 Tesla battery’s, making the house incredibly eco friendly in the Spring and Summer months.

Location and Lifestyle:

Situated at the pinnacle of Ashford, Blindwell presents a rare opportunity to enjoy both tranquillity and accessibility. Residents are within close proximity to the town’s amenities, while also being able to revel in the beauty of the surrounding nature. Whether it’s exploring the nearby estuary, taking leisurely walks along the coastline, or indulging in water sports, Blindwell offers an unparalleled lifestyle.

In conclusion, Blindwell is more than a house; it’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the vision of the esteemed architect Reginald Gale. With its awe-inspiring views, meticulous craftsmanship, and thoughtful design, this 5-bedroom gem is an extraordinary testament to the intersection of architectural brilliance and refined living. A place where one can relish in both the grandeur of design and the tranquillity of nature, Blindwell stands as an unparalleled residence that invites you to embrace a life of elegance, comfort, and endless vistas.

Council Tax Band: C

Tenure: Freehold

Guide price £1,900,000

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 03.10.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in over 300 locations, spanning Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia, we combine widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation – leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

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