Totnes Road | Paignton | Devon | TQ4 7PW
WOODLAND
INTRODUCTION
Woodlands is a truly exceptional residence built in the 1980’s and extensively extended in the early 1990s—with generously proportioned rooms, impeccably private, and rich in potential. Offering approximately 6375 sq ft of versatile accommodation and nestled within 3.7 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, the estate features an indoor swimming pool and a full-size tennis court—hallmarks of refined country living.
Lovingly held by the same family for over three decades, this remarkable home is now being brought to market for the first time in more than 30 years. With seven ensuite bedrooms and a coveted location close to unspoilt beaches and towns, Woodlands offers rare scope for transformation—whether as a luxurious boutique hotel, an exclusive B&B, or a spacious multi-generational home. The generous plot size and convenient access also present compelling development opportunities, subject to planning.
Woodlands is more than a home—it is a private estate of remarkable scale, serenity, and possibility. Properties of this stature and setting are seldom available—especially those with such untapped promise. Woodlands offers a lifestyle that feels both elevated and grounded. A place to breathe, to grow, and to live fully.
KEY FEATURES
STEP INSIDE:
Unseen from the road, the property is approached via a long private driveway, culminating in a full turning circle that sweeps around a raised and meticulously landscaped front garden. The sense of arrival is immediate and unmistakable.
The approach to Woodland is one of quiet grandeur. A front porch provides a practical entrance, setting the tone for the spacious interiors beyond. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a generously scaled hallway—bright and airy, with clean sightlines and an immediate sense of space.
From here, a staircase leads to the lower ground floor, a masterclass in natural light and intuitive design. Entirely south-facing, every principal room is bathed in sunlight throughout the day, creating a warm, uplifting atmosphere across all living spaces. Multiple sets of sliding patio doors—each framing views of the extensive gardens— open seamlessly onto an expansive terrace, blurring the line between indoor comfort and outdoor living.
The living room is both impressive and inviting, with a double-aspect layout that maximises light and garden views. Three large tilting windows and a sliding patio door ensure a constant connection to the grounds, while a modern gas fireplace anchors the space, adding a sense of intimacy during cooler months. It’s a room that effortlessly adapts—from relaxed family lounging to elegant evening entertaining.
The study area offers a peaceful corner to work or read, thoughtfully fitted with concealed inset storage that keeps the space sleek and uncluttered plus a useful cloakroom is ideally positioned.
A dining room, ideal for hosting, also enjoys direct access to the terrace and is beautifully positioned between the living room and the kitchen, creating a sociable layout that allows the whole lower ground floor to flow smoothly.
Cleverly arranged over a split-level layout, the kitchen at Woodland is as functional as it is inviting—a bright space that caters effortlessly to both everyday family life and casual dining.
Sleek white gloss cabinetry reflects the natural light that pours in. There’s ample room for a table and chairs, making it an ideal spot for informal dining or morning coffee.
The kitchen is thoughtfully zoned into two areas: to one side, a sink overlooks the garden, offering a peaceful view while washing up or prepping food. Opposite, the dedicated cooking zone features a double oven, electric hob, and an additional sink—perfect for food preparation and busy mealtimes. There’s also space for a freestanding fridge/freezer and dishwasher, ensuring both practicality and flexibility for modern living.
Just off the kitchen, a well-appointed utility room continues the home’s theme of clean, modern design. Fitted with sleek white cabinetry and marble-effect worktops, it offers additional storage and workspace—ideal for keeping the main kitchen free of clutter. A discreet door gives access to a generous storage area, perfect for pantry goods and household essentials.
There is also a dedicated laundry room necessary for the day-to-day rhythm of family life. There is a sink, ample cupboard space, and room for two appliances.
A conveniently located cloakroom completes this suite of utility spaces.
From the kitchen, a sliding door opens directly into the private indoor swimming pool—a luxurious feature that enhances the home’s unique lifestyle offering. This light-filled space is beautifully designed for year-round enjoyment and seamlessly connects to the outdoors, thanks to five sliding patio doors that create a striking double aspect and open to the garden.
The room is finished with an attractive wooden ceiling, adding warmth and architectural character, while tiled flooring ensures practicality. Whether you’re swimming laps in the early morning light, hosting summer poolside gatherings, or simply enjoying a peaceful retreat, this space brings a sense of tranquillity and well-being to everyday life.
From here an inner hallway connects to the plant room and a staircase leads up to the ground floor. The plant room is currently a practical space with the pool filter room and a cupboard housing the gas boiler. At present it is a generous storeroom but there is plumbing in place for multiple showers, so an official changing/shower room could easily be formed.
The ground floor accommodation features seven generous bedroom suites, all double rooms with personal ensuites, fitted with neutral tiling and immaculate fittings.
There are two bedrooms to the front of the property, overlooking the imposing frontage, both with ensuite bathrooms. The principal bedroom is a commanding room with ‘his & her’s’ mirror fronted wardrobes and a spacious ensuite shower room.
Bedroom two overlooks the rear garden with mirrored wardrobes and an ensuite shower room.
Along the hallway the levels split to bedroom three with an ensuite bathroom, bedroom four with an ensuite bathroom and bedroom five overlooking the side garden with an ensuite shower room. To further enhance the facilities there is a separate cloakroom adjacent to the Games room which is room of enormous proportions with two sliding patio doors onto the property frontage and a large window with views over the garden. A versatile room designed with entertaining in mind, there is a fitted drinks bar with a solid wooden bar, a sink and storage, ideal for storing and serving drinks to guests.
SELLERS INSIGHT
We bought Woodlands in the early 1990s, and it’s been over 30 years of absolute bliss. When we began our search, we had a young family, and our wish list was ambitious: good schools, access to amenities, yet total countryside seclusion. After viewing about 50 houses, we were convinced it couldn’t be done—until we stepped over the threshold at Woodlands. In that moment, we knew our impossible search had become possible.
The house was smaller than we needed, but we had a vision. Not long after moving in, we extended the property significantly to create the spacious, versatile home it is today—designed for our growing family to flourish. From the start, it was the location and the size of the grounds that truly sealed it for us. Most of the principal rooms overlook the garden, and you feel completely unaware that the outside world even exists. It’s so peaceful—the only sound is birdsong. And yet, just moments from the driveway, you can be in town, at the train station, or on the beach.
It’s this perfect balance of amenity living and utter seclusion that makes Woodlands so special.
Over the years, we’ve filled this home with life and memories. We built the swimming pool and the tennis court to match our lifestyle and hosted countless gatherings—family barbecues, children’s parties, even work events. The open-plan flow of the house meant we could always be together, but never on top of one another.
The garden has always been our sanctuary. Walking the grounds became a daily routine—something we’ll deeply miss. There’s still so much potential here, but now it’s someone else’s turn. If we were 30 years younger, we’d be tempted to develop the plot further or create a boutique retreat—but our story at Woodlands is coming to a close.
We feel incredibly lucky to have called this place home, and we hope the next family feels the same joy, peace, and inspiration that we’ve experienced here. When people visit, they’re always surprised by how unexpectedly special it is. We hope you’ll feel it too.”*
* 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.
STEP OUTSIDE:
Set within its own substantial plot, Woodlands is a rare sanctuary where privacy, beauty, and potential co-exist in perfect balance. Surrounded by open countryside and thoughtfully landscaped to embrace its natural surroundings, the home enjoys a wonderful sense of seclusion, while remaining effortlessly connected to village and coastal life.
Facing south, the gardens bask in sunlight throughout the day, creating a tranquil backdrop for family life, entertaining, or simply enjoying the quiet rhythms of nature. Directly adjacent to the main living spaces, a broad terrace spans the full width of the house, ideal for summer gatherings or morning coffee in the sun. A short flight of steps leads to a lower patio, perfectly placed for al fresco dining beneath the open sky.
The rest of the grounds are laid to lawn, punctuated by mature trees, lush hedging, and drifts of wildflowers—a nod to the property’s heritage as a former nursery. Throughout the garden, curated clusters of [you can fill in details here: ornamental trees? flowering shrubs? rare plants?] attract a cacophony of birdsong and frequent visits from local wildlife. Rabbits dart along the boundary lines, and the air remains blissfully free from noise pollution—quiet enough to hear nothing but the wind in the trees and the calls of nature.
A stream meanders across the width of the garden, crossed by two charming bridges, offering access to either side. To one side of the property lies a large expanse of lawn, accessible both from the main drive and via a five-bar gate with right of access from a neighbouring property. This area presents an exciting opportunity for development, subject to planning permission, and could easily be screened from the main house.
At the far end of the garden, a generously sized summerhouse extends the property’s potential even further. It includes a reception room and kitchen area, with water supply, sink, cabinetry, and electric heating already in place—making it ideal for conversion into guest accommodation, a creative studio, or a private retreat.
Completing the estate’s remarkable lifestyle offering is a full-sized tennis court, thoughtfully positioned with its own patio area for spectators or post-match relaxation.
The in and out driveway leads to the house, past a parking area at the top of the drive, ideal for citing a boat or caravan out of sight of the main residence. There is parking for multiple vehicles and two detached double garages, both with power. Behind one of the garages is a gardeners WC.
The positioning of the other garage and the sweep of the driveway, give a natural separation, should the plot be split.
LOCAL AREA
Collaton St Mary is a village in Devon situated about 2 miles west of the town of Paignton, a seaside town on the coast of Torbay. There are excellent facilities in the village including a primary school, a parish church, parish rooms, and a pub. The town of Paignton hosts a range of leisure and shopping facilities and convenient access to main road connections. A mainline train station is located approximately 5 miles away in Totnes and the award winning Goodrington Sands beach is approximately 2 miles away.
Teignmouth
Exeter
Torbay Dartmoor
Local Authority: Torbay District Council
Services: Mains electricity, water and gas. Septic tank.
Gas-fired central heating.
Council Tax: Band G
EPC: 73 C
Tenure: Freehold
Broadband Speed: checker.ofcom.org.uk
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 23.05.2025
FINE & COUNTRY
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