Torrington, Devon

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40 SOUTH STREET

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KEY FEATURES • Grade II listed • 4/5 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms (1 en suite) • Shower room • WC • 2/3 Reception rooms • 26’ Kitchen/ dining room • Utility room • Cloakroom/cellar • Generous rear garden • Terraces • Parking for several vehicles • Extensive records on the renovation • The chance to own a piece of history Living in a home such as the House of Black & White means taking on custodianship of one of the iconic properties in this Market Town, which itself started life back in the iron age and ‘Toriton’ as it was known is mentioned in the 1086 Domesday survey of Devon. Of more recent times in 1646 The Battle of Torrington marked the end of the Royalist resistance in the West Country when Lord Hopton and his forces was defeated by Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Parliamentarian army.

Today it has a wonderful beating heart and community spirit with a choice of independent and national chain shops, Pannier Market, eateries, pubs, Plough Art Centre, library, chemist, hardware store and so much more. Schooling is provided from early years right through to the end of Secondary Education. Much of the area around the town is covered by 360 Acres of Commons which provides a haven for dog walkers and ramblers alike whilst the River Torridge flows through the Valley on one side and beside in parts. The Tarka Trail one of the country’s longest traffic free walking and cycling paths being 180 miles figure 8 loop of former railway line can also be accessed via the commons.

The property from the vendors research harks back to 17th Century and over the time of ownership quite a compendium of history has been uncovered. As well, the current owner has undertaken extensive works to make it the home it now is.

As agents we are advised the front of the house is constructed of timber frame with lath and plaster whilst over the years it has been extended using brick and stone and now offers colour washed rendered elevations to the rear, all under a new slate roof which was renewed approximately 5 years ago.

There are a wealth of period features such as picture rails, wide Oak plank flooring, panelled walls, a vaulted ceiling, sash windows and inglenook fireplaces. A lot of work has been undertaken including including timbers, new boiler and water tank, adding an en suite, new kitchen and bathrooms, rewiring the house, replacing old lime plaster and relining the chimneys both in the drawing room and the breakfast room and redecoration throughout to name but a few.

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KEY FEATURES Accommodation A fine front door leads into a welcoming split level reception hall off which all the principal ground floor accommodation leads. The drawing room’s major feature on show is the impressive stone inglenook fireplace allowing an open fire. There is an interesting smoker oven to the left side of the fireplace. On the opposite side of the reception hall is found the sitting room a wonderful room with wood panelled walls and featuring a regency style fireplace and a deep bay window with shutters.

Steps lead from both the reception hall and drawing room into the kitchen/breakfast room. This is a wonderful space in which to cook and entertain being some 26 ft in length and has been refitted with a bespoke design Pineland kitchen in Hague Blue, with Tiger walnut work tops which really make a statement, and this is also found in the alcoves being used as shelves. Within the kitchen is Belfast brushed steel sink with swan neck tap, a large Rangemaster dual fuel cooker with extractor and light above, a tall larder fridge, and a bistro bar with shelving under, ideal for cookbooks and storing some bottles. A dresser, again in Hague Blue, leads you into the eating area where there is a bespoke made refectory table, with bench seating on one side, that will easily sit 10 people whilst enjoying the panelled walls, the heat from the large log burner recessed in a large stone fireplace all complemented by the slate flooring throughout.

Beyond down some steps is the utility room which features the Tiger Walnut, again having ample space for washing machine and tumble dryer, under counter freezer whilst on the wall above is found the gas fired boiler. The slate flooring continues from the kitchen though this area including into the cloakroom which has close coupled WC and wash hand basin with Victorian style taps.

Finishing off this end of the ground floor is a fully tiled shower room with oversized Burlington rain fall shower head. Also found on the ground floor is bedroom 5 or a further reception room, to be used as required featuring patio doors onto the gravelled seating area. The entrance to a small cellar is found beside the foot of the stairs.

Taking these is a journey itself as they sweep 180 degrees having a high ceiling with deep cornicing above. One bedroom leads off the landing on the stairs with an outlook across the rear and is a good size being 17’ in length with large picture sash window, cornicing, picture rail and feature cast iron fireplace with large painted mantel and surround.

The first floor galleried landing leads to the remaining bedrooms with each one being quite different from the other. Stairs lead down into the largest which is some 25’ overall in length having a vaulted ceiling, wide Oak plank flooring and a large sash window that overlooks the garden to the hillside beyond one of the Towns car parks. In one corner is found a very stylish en suite having a panelled bath with mixer tap, rain shower head, close coupled Saniflo WC, circular counter top basin with metro tiles offsetting the room.

The two bedrooms at the front have bay windows and wide Oak plank flooring one having a vaulted ceiling, a wash hand basin sat upon a wooden top with Barley twist legs and a walk in closet and cast iron fireplace and wooden surround. Whilst the other has a fine inglenook fireplace with a slate hearth and 17th century tiled hearth. Rounding off the accommodation is the family bathroom, complete with window seat, comprising a double ended roll top bath with claw feet and central taps, pedestal and large basin, close coupled WC and separate shower cubicle with Burlington rain and handheld shower heads and tiled in metro tiles.

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SELLER INSIGHT Forty South Street is a superb, double fronted black and white house, and when the present owner, Tiffany, discovered it she immediately knew it was a very special and unique property.

She explains that six years ago she became discontented with London life and began a search, in Devon, for a beautiful and historic house where she could combine her love for interior design, entertain family and friends, and let out as a holiday cottage.

The house is one of the oldest in Torrington and records show that it dates from the sixteenth century, and was home to several mayors, and a Royal navy ship’s surgeon. It was obviously a house of some importance in the town and historically improvements were made to keep up with the interior fashions of the day such as adding bay windows at the front of the house.

The property was in a state of disrepair, but Tiffany wasn’t phased by the immense challenge of renovations and saw the potential to create a stunning family home. It was a labour of love and an exciting voyage of discovery to bring the house back to life. Some of the discoveries include an old inglenook fireplace with a stack of seventeenth century tiles which wouldn’t be out of place in a museum, beautiful wide oak floorboards in the bedrooms and on the main staircase. Work was carried out to the highest standard and included renovating the sash windows, a new roof and timbers, renovation to the front gables and guttering, complete electrical rewiring and plumbing, new boiler and water tank, creating an en suite bathroom, new wet room and WC downstairs, New kitchen, lining some chimneys and installing a wood burning stove, redecoration throughout and not least complete landscaping of the garden, patio and driveway.

Today the house is a spacious and ultra comfortable family home where the period feel and charming character of each room, combine seamlessly with the comforts of modern living. The drawing room with its inglenook fireplace and Regency wall panelling is both an impressive entertaining room and perfect for family relaxation, whilst children are very happy to watch TV in the sitting room. The inviting, well equipped, modern kitchen is where you can enjoy chatty meals. The second inglenook adds a period interest; and with a fire glowing and the room decorated with Christmas greenery, you create a timeless and enchanting atmosphere. The house is a joy and guests love its hospitable ambience.

Tiffany says she designed the garden to be an inviting entertaining space, where you can find different areas to explore. It is a series of rooms, with the lawn for garden games, a barbecue area, tables and benches for al fresco dining, and water features and sofas where you can settle to enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings. At the end of the garden, you can toast marshmallows in the fire pit and drink a glass of wine under the starry canopy of the night sky. The garden is a feast for the senses.

Torrington is an historic market town with a great community spirit, and a busy cultural calendar. There are independent shops, cafes, Heritage museum, The Plough Arts centre, Swimming pool, eateries and market stalls selling local produce. The town is surrounded by 360 acres of ancient common land which gives way to beautiful views that stretch across the countryside and down to the river Torridge below which connects to The Tarka trail one of the country’s longest traffic free walking and cycling paths, a dog lover’s paradise. The North Devon coast, Exmoor and Dartmoor are all within easy reach and the nearby there are more woodlands and walks at RHS Rosemoor. The house, town and area provide a pleasing lifestyle.

Tiffany is sad to say goodbye to the house and town but proud of the fact that she brought back to life one of the most historic houses in Great Torrington and knows the next owners will love it as she has. * 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.

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Outside A pair of newly made timber gates give access from one of the T owns Car Parks, to a gravelled driveway that provides parking for 3/4 vehicles.

Garden Accessed through picket fence from the drive or from the head of the reception hall, a lot of thought has gone into the design, layout and materials used, decking, to create a lovely outdoor area on a variety of levels that can be used for entertaining or to just sit and enjoy the surroundings. Within the garden is an external power point, a water tap, lighting, a useful garden store and chimney BBQ which can also be used as an outdoor fireplace. There is a formal area of grass edged by stocked beds and borders of hydrangea, fern, eucalyptus, photinia, rhododendron, camellia and spring bulbs to mention but a few and in one part a dry river bed has been created as a focal point. Close to the house a stone wall with inset beds has been utilised to make a lovely and very useful herb garden. The garden is enclosed by stone walling and panel fencing.

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INFORMATION Services Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage.

EPC Rating: D Council Tax Band: D Tenure: Freehold Agents Note: The vendor has provided some Seasonal photos.

£500,000

Trading As: Fine & Country Torrington Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 2908137. Registered Office Address: Bristol & West House, 39-41 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1SA copyright © 2024 Fine & Country Ltd.

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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 16.02.2024

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The View from the Commons

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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.

THE FINE & COUNTRY FOUNDATION

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment.

With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.

The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no.

1160989, striving to relieve homelessness.

Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation

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Fine & Country Torrington 17 High Street, Torrington, Devon EX38 8HN 01805 626999 | torrington@fineandcountry.com

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