Okehampton, Devon

Morth Grange

Northlew | Okehampton | Devon | EX20 3BR

MORTH GRANGE

Set within 6 acres and within 1/2 mile of the thriving village of Northlew, sits this fine Victorian country home offering elegant accommodation complete with high ceilings and many period features. It has formal gardens, views towards Dartmoor, woods, paddocks, annexe, and planning permission of a 2 bedroom

‘Linhay’ style home that will have its own separate drive and access.

KEY FEATURES

Ground Floor

Turning into the drive off the lane is like a mystery tour as you pass light woods and rhododendrons. Suddenly, the twin gable house and offset conservatory appear round the corner where there is ample parking in front with a double garage on the opposite side. The substantial cathedral arch wooden front door opens into a mosaic tiled floored entrance vestibule that offers space for walking boots and wellies whilst a door leads into the pentagonal shaped conservatory that has a pair of doors opening into the gardens. Another cathedral arch door, this time with stained glass, sets the tone for the rest of the journey around this homely property as behind it sits a fine reception hall some 32’ long to which the principal ground floor accommodation leads. The hall itself, has ample room for outdoor clothing and next door. There is a cloakroom that has a traditional high level flush WC and wash hand basin. Going into the drawing room your eyes are immediately taken to the floor to ceiling windows complete with working shutters, through which the formal lawns can be seen stretching away towards one of the sloping paddocks, whilst Dartmoor sits as a backdrop in the distance. This elegant double aspect room has an impressive fireplace with ornate mantle displays, tiled recess and multi fuel stove that can be used to compliment in part the heating for the house. When this house was designed, much thought was given to the reception area as tall doors on runners open into the 18’ double aspect dining room, again complete with working shutters and views down the lawns outside. These two rooms combined create a tremendous space to entertain within.

An inner hall leads into a sitting/family room featuring a handsome fireplace surround and exposed brick recess with a multi fuel stove sat upon a slate hearth and cupboards to one side. The study/office is also found in this part of the house. They say the kitchen is the heart of the house and this is no less true than here as it has been designed by Neptune and built in character. It has floor to ceiling sliding doors with drawers and cupboards along one wall whilst at the opposite end sits the twin oven Aga. Along two further walls sit a range of complimenting soft close drawers and cupboards with large flag stone style flooring. Appliances include, a built-in dishwasher, a 4-ring electric hob with extractor above and twin ovens. Within the design of the kitchen are nice touches like slits to slide in chopping and bread boards. There is a lovely feel to this room and due to its size, there is plenty of room for a refectory style table and chairs. Rounding off the accommodation on the ground floor is a large larder/pantry with shelving and space for fridge/freezers. There is a rear lobby with door to the outside and to a good-sized utility/laundry room where the oil-fired boiler is found and having plenty of space for a washing machine, tumble dryer and space for cupboards.

Cellar

This is accessed via the second set of stairs to the first floor and has various illuminated rooms and tunnels offering plenty of scope for alternative use.

SELLER INSIGHT

This elegant Victorian family home, which occupies an idyllic rural location on the edge of the delightful village of Northlew, boasts a one-bed annex, around six acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, and breathtaking countryside views.

“The house was built c1860 for members of the Woollcombe family. The name Morth comes from John Morth Woollcombe who was a wealthy land owner from nearby Ashbury”, says the owner.

“We came here eleven years ago, after a mammoth two-year property search, and as well as the size and elegance of the house, it was this spectacular setting that sold it to us. I remember the very first time we came to look at the property, we were immediately blown away by the views overlooking Dartmoor. We also fell in love with the delightful gardens and grounds, which as you approach the house are completely hidden. It’s not until you come around to the back of the property that you can fully appreciate their beauty. It’s such a varied landscape with open lawns, a lovely vegetable garden, a little wooded area and one of the larger fields which slopes down to a ha-ha wall. Visitors often comment on the restorative quality of the environs”

“In terms of the house itself, we were attracted to the well proportioned rooms with high ceilings and plenty of light. However, the interior was definitely in need of some TLC and over time we’ve updated the kitchen, modernised a couple of en suites and added extra living accommodation. The house is now well maintained and in great shape.”

Favourite room: “It’s so hard to pick just one. Most people would choose the drawing room, but I also love the adjoining dining room with its floor-to-ceiling windows that look out across the back lawn. These rooms are perfect for watching the birds and wildlife as well as the changing seasons… It’s hard to get anything done with views that stunning!”

Favourite aspect of the grounds or surrounding area: “The setting is absolutely glorious. It’s very peaceful here, the views are simply breathtaking and we enjoy total and utter privacy. However, we also love the convenience of being able to walk into the village and pick up our paper, local produce or have a meal and a drink at the local pub.”

Memorable event (if not another favourite room or unique feature): “During the renovation process we also added a large one-bed self-contained annexe that we offer to friends and occasionally use as an Airbnb. This would also be ideal for multi-generational living.

In addition to the annexe we currently have planning permission in place for another dwelling. It would be on the site of the old pool house, which was a bit of an eyesore and therefore demolished. The plan is to build a modern, linhay-style two-bed property that would sit in around two acres of land.”

What they’ll miss most / why they are leaving: “This house comes alive when it’s filled with family and friends, and that’s what I’ll miss most, that ability to entertain lots of people and create wonderful memories such as the pre wedding party we had this past Christmas,” says the owner. “It will be such a wrench to leave, but the house now needs a new family to fill it and enjoy all that it and this spectacular setting has to offer.”*

* 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

First Floor

Rising gently from the reception hall to a good-sized galleried landing with its linen cupboard and storage cupboard, the main staircase is almost hotel like in its design having a polished handrail with Barley Twist spindles and acorn newel caps. The two main double bedroom suites overlook the lawns towards Dartmoor and are elegant rooms, one having a bay window, and both have updated ensuites in a contemporary style which blends well with the character and style of the house. The remaining three bedrooms are all double of varying size with one having an ensuite shower room, another with built-in shelving and wardrobe and the other having a Victorian style fireplace. Finishing off the accommodation on this floor is the goodsized family bathroom comprising a panelled bath, Linea Oxford style vanity unit with large basin and upstand, WC and enclosed shower unit.

The detailing within the house cannot be underestimated as there are picture rails, dado rails, ornate cornicing, ceiling rose, sash windows, window shutters and the list goes on.

Annexe

Formerly part of the house, there is a connecting door from the sitting/family room as well as its own separate entrance from the rear courtyard where there is plenty of space for its own parking as well as having outdoor seating area. The accommodation is well laid out with a good-sized sitting room with large doors opening into the garden. It has a double bedroom with a stylish modern shower room in a European style with wash hand basin with vanity cupboard, close couple WC, walk in tiled shower and designer flat panel heated towel rail. The kitchen has space for a bistro table and chairs and offers a range of wall floor and drawer units with associated work surface with inset single drainer sink unit, 4-ring electric hob with oven and extractor light above and space for a washing machine.

Fields and Grounds

These without doubt are a feature in living at Morth Grange as within the six acres are three paddocks/fields, the largest one being 1.5 acres. This sits just beyond the ha-ha at the end of the formal lawns and gently slopes away opening up the views towards Dartmoor.

Well screened from the driveway is a former kitchen garden with orchard having a variety of fruit bearing trees including apple, plum and cherry as well as there being a substantial garden store/workshop and hen house with run. Just beyond is a lovely woodland walk with meandering path that leads down to the main field.

A further area of sloping light woodland provides a natural screen and once again a meandering woodland path leads through the woods opening onto the ‘Linhay’ area where two of the fields/paddocks are found.

Beside the formal lawns is a pergola with mature wisteria, rose and honeysuckle whilst edging the woodland are rhododendrons, laburnum and beech, eucalyptus and birch trees.

Overall, the setting is one of peace and quiet. There is a close neighbour who is well screened by trees and shrubs along the drive. This fine home is a hidden treasure in the midst of the beautiful and verdant Devonshire countryside.

INFORMATION

Services

Mains electricity and water. Private drainage. Oil fired boiler that serves both the house and the annexe.

Linhay

Planning was granted in 2017 (2056/17/FUL) for the replacement of the existing redundant swimming pool house within the grounds of Morth Grange with a single storey building together with associated access and driveway. The site sits well screened from the main house and has its own winding drive way up to it. Planning allows for a ‘Linhay’ style home to be built offering two double bedrooms with two ensuites and an open plan sitting/kitchen/breakfast room with two pairs of bifolding doors on the western side giving views down and across the valley. There will be a requirement for a new private drainage system to be installed. The old pool house has been removed and land levelled out ready for further development.

West Devon Borough Council Tavistock

Guide price £1,150,000

Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 2908137. Registered Office Address: Bristol & West House, 39-41 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1SA copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd.

Trading As: Fine & Country Torrington

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 11.07.2023

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