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Query regarding Ford House, ., Drewsteignton, EX6:
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Delightful South facing Period country residence with four independent cottages set in nearly five acres of private parkland gardens enviably situated on the East edge of the Moor

Directions

From Exeter proceed 10 miles westward on the A30 to the Woodleigh Junction. Exit and continue through Cheriton Bishop and Crockernwell for 4 miles. Take the left hand turn to Drewsteignton and proceed down the hill and the property will be found half a mile on the right hand side.

From Okehampton proceed 8 miles eastward on the main A30 dual carriageway to the Whiddon Down exit. Having turned left take the first right in the direction of Hittisleigh / Cheriton Bishop and continue for 1.8 miles down the straight before turning right to Drewsteignton. Go under the bridge and down the hill and the property will be found half a mile on the right hand side.

Situation

This is a delightful South facing residence situated within an environmentally sensitive area of the Dartmoor National Park but with unusually easy access to both Exeter and Okehampton. It is approached directly off a quiet country road by way of a stone pillared gateway entrance, with a sweeping gravelled drive leading to the front of the house. This is an attractive sheltered part of Dartmoor and there are a number of lovely walks as well as good riding country and hunting with the Mid Devon Hunt. The popular village of Drewsteignton is a notable beauty spot and the West Fingle River joins the River Teign at the nearby beauty spot of Fingle Bridge just below the National Trust property of Castle Drogo. The fascinating stannary town of Chagford is nearby with its wonderful cricket ground and fine hotels and restaurants. The Teign Valley is famous for its good salmon and trout fishing. Golf is available either in the breathtaking surroundings of Bovey Castle at Moretonhampstead, or on the edge of the National Park at Okehampton.

Description

Ideally situated on a South facing hillside within the Dartmoor National Park, Ford House has a long history, possibly dating back to the fifteenth century. Developing over time it later became the foremost property in the locality and home to the Ponsford family who, as they prospered, became the Squires of the area and occupied Ford for approximately four hundred years. The principal section of the house was built in the Georgian era and the fine conservatory was added in the mid-nineteenth century.   

Large, well proportioned rooms look out over the gardens and the valley and the house is filled with light whatever the weather or time of year. The five acres of grounds include a walled garden, many beautiful trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, a croquet lawn, a greenhouse with a productive vine, garden shelter, garden store and an ornamental pond. Extensive lawns sweep down to the West Fingle river and a waterfall. A copse behind the house, carpeted with snowdrops and wild daffodils in the Spring, provides further privacy (and a supply of wood if needed).

The present owners have made the property their family home but Ford House has previously been used as a guest house and could be so again with minimal changes.

MAIN HOUSE    .

Ground Floor    .

DRESSED STONE ARCHED PORCHWAY    entrance leads to the ....

RECEPTION HALL 20'7" x 10'6" (6.27m x 3.2m). Original coving and red quarry tiled floor. Door leads to understair cupboard and rear hall. Smoke alarm system.

.    The main staircase leads from this Georgian part of the house with an unusual roof light and access to loft space.

SITTING ROOM 22'5" (6.83m) x 17'10" (5.44m) into bay windows with low sills overlooking the lawns and gardens. A magnificent room with coved ceiling, original Adam styled ornate plaster. Timber fluted pillars either side of the fireplace with carved over mantel with brick surrounds and brick hearth. Two walled arched features. French doors to conservatory.

DINING ROOM 22'8" (6.9m) x 17'10" (5.44m) into bay window with low sills overlooking the gardens. Cast iron fireplace with timber surrounds and arch features.

BACK HALL 22'7" (6.88m) x 8'2" (2.5m) with coving. Two understairs cupboards. Staircase to first floor.

REAR LOBBY 9'4" x 4'9" (2.84m x 1.45m). Range of original bell pulls.

FAMILY ROOM 18'5" (5.61m) x 17'11" (5.46m) with built in cupboard. Glazed panelled door to garden. Old wrought iron gradient range with original blue tiled surround. Door to East Ford.

KITCHEN / BREAKFAST ROOM 27'9" x 21'2" (8.46m x 6.45m). Range of Oak wall and base units above and under granite work top surfaces with tiled splashback. Two Aga cookers, one with stainless steel extractor hood over. Plumbing for dishwasher. Travertine floor. Four windows.

UTILITY ROOM 12' x 8' (3.66m x 2.44m). Shuttered windows. Brick steps leading to wine cellar with slate shelves. Plumbing for washing machine and dryer. Travertine floor.

TWO CLOAKROOMS    Each with low level WC and tiled surround basin and extractor.

DRAWING ROOM 37' (11.28m) x 18'6" (5.64m) plus bay window. Glazed French doors leading to the Lime Walk and croquet lawn. Three further glazed French doors leading to the Conservatory. Marble fireplace with slate hearth. Clear view woodburner 16kw. Two carved circular ceiling pieces. Rear storeroom.

CONSERVATORY 38'7" (11.76m) x 18' (5.49m) (11'8" (3.56m) ceiling height). Magnificent three gabled room with tiled floor. Internal flowerbeds provide a colourful setting all year round.

.    From the reception hall stairs rise to the ....

First Floor    .

BEDROOM 1 17'6" (5.33m) x 16'8" (5.08m) plus bay 11'6" (3.5m) x 4'3" (1.3m). Overlooking the gardens with fitted wash hand basin. Range of built-in wardrobes and illuminated side tables, dressing table and chests of drawers.

CENTRAL SPACIOUS BATHROOM    Bay window. Whirlpool bath and separate walk-in shower. Pedestal wash hand basin. Bidet. Low level WC.

BEDROOM 2 17'6" (5.33m) x 16'8" (5.08m) plus bay window 11'6" (3.5m) x 4'3" (1.3m). Overlooking the gardens with fitted wash hand basin. Range of built-in wardrobes, chests of drawers and dressing table.

LANDING    Stairs lead to back landing with skylight. Access with ladder to partly boarded loft.

BEDROOM 3 (EAST WING) 18' x 18'3" (5.49m x 5.56m). Dual aspect. En-suite comprising panelled bath in tiled surround with shower over. Pedestal wash hand basin. Low level WC. Extractor fan. Door leads to East Ford.

LINEN ROOM 11'4" x 5'11" (3.45m x 1.8m). Sink with mixer tap. Lagged cylinder. Base units and airing cupboards.

BEDROOM 4 (COURTYARD) 14'5" x 14'1" (4.4m x 4.3m). Dual aspect. Window seat. Similar en-suite bathroom with thermostatic shower.

LANDING    Corridor leads to ....

BEDROOM 5 (SPLIT LEVEL) 17'5" x 13'11" (5.3m x 4.24m). Window seat. Large en-suite bathroom.

BEDROOM 6 (INTERMEDIATE) 14'7" x 10'10" (4.45m x 3.3m). Fitted wardrobes. Central dressing table. Large en-suite bathroom.

BEDROOM 7 (WEST WING) 18'5" (5.61m) x 12'10" (3.91m) dual aspect plus bay window 14'5" (4.4m) x 3'8" (1.12m). Fitted wardrobe. En-suite bathroom. Fire door leads to Fire Escape Landing.

Outside    .

.    Walled rear courtyard with workshop, freezer room, boiler room, gardeners WC, double car port.

EAST FORD    .

.    Is a self contained annexe or could be incorporated with the main accommodation comprising:-

L-SHAPED SITTING ROOM 18'3" x 16'6" (5.56m x 5.03m). Triple aspect windows. French doors leading to the terrace.

KITCHEN 8'7" x 6'5" (2.62m x 1.96m). Newly fitted units with built-in fridge, cooker and hob. Glazed door to greenhouse. Plumbing for washing machine and tumble drier.

.    Stairs to ....

First Floor    .

LANDING    Access to loft. Large airing cupboard.

BEDROOM 16'9" x 11'10" (5.1m x 3.6m). Overlooking the gardens. Walk-in wardrobe.

SHOWER ROOM    Large tiled shower. Pedestal wash hand basin. WC.

FORD LODGE (NEWLY DEVELOPED)    .

.    Built of stone with steps up to front door and entrance lobby.

SITTING ROOM 16'5" x 13'5" (5m x 4.1m). Access to loft. Timber tongue and groove wall lining.

KITCHEN / DINING ROOM 14'8" x 14' (4.47m x 4.27m). Newly fitted kitchen with built-in appliances. French doors to garden.

BEDROOM 1 16'8" x 16'8" (5.08m x 5.08m). Beamed ceiling. En-suite comprising shower cubicle. Pedestal wash hand basin. Low level WC.

BEDROOM 2 16'8" x 16'8" (5.08m x 5.08m). Built-in wardrobe. Linen cupboard. En-suite bathroom comprising panelled bath with separate shower over. Pedestal wash hand basin. Low level WC.

LITTLE FORD (NEWLY DEVELOPED)    .

ENTRANCE LOBBY    Built-in cupboard. Stairs to first floor. Doors to ....

BEDROOM 14'4" x 13'10" (4.37m x 4.22m). .

BATHROOM    Panelled bath with separate shower over. Hand wash basin. Low level WC. Door to ....

UTILITY ROOM    Oil-fired combi boiler. Plumbing for washing machine.

KITCHEN / DINING ROOM 20'9" x 13'10" (6.32m x 4.22m). Open plan with newly fitted range of wall and base units. Built-in appliances. Breakfast bar.

FORD COTTAGE (NEWLY DEVELOPED)    .

.    Is of luxury standard with extensive views comprising:- Elevated walkway to ....

ENTRANCE LOBBY    Cupboard. Doors to ....

SITTING / DINING ROOM 26'5" x 13'3" (8.05m x 4.04m). Inset ceiling lights. Two windows and window seats. French doors to patio and large walled garden.

KITCHEN 11'2" x 6'5" (3.4m x 1.96m). Double bowl stainless steel sink unit in tiled surround. Plumbing for washing machine, dishwasher and tumble drier.

BEDROOM 14'2" x 10'11" (4.32m x 3.33m). Built-in full length wardrobe. Window with window seat. Spacious en-suite bathroom with shower in tiled enclosure. Panelled bath. Low level WC. Bidet. Wash hand basin. Extractor fan.

.    Stairs from dining room down to ....

CLOAKROOM    Low level WC. Wash hand basin. Door to ....

REAR LOBBY    LPG fired combi boiler. Fire exit and built-in cupboard and bookcase. Stairs down to ....

LOWER APARTMENT NEWLY DEVELOPED. .

KITCHEN / LIVING AREA 19'8" x 17'4" (6m x 5.28m). Beautiful original floors and beams. Newly fitted kitchen with built-in appliances. French doors to garden.

BEDROOM 11' x 13'4" (3.35m x 4.06m). Built-in wardrobe. French doors. Dressing area. En-suite shower room comprising shower cubicle, low level WC and wash hand basin.

LOBBY, UTILITY ROOM & CLOAKROOM    Outside glazed door to paved patio area. Door to utility room and cloakroom with low level WC and hand basin. LPG combi boiler and plumbing for washing machine and tumble dryer.

GARDENS & GROUNDS    .

.    The gardens are a particular feature of the property containing many mature trees, as well as ornamental specimens. From the croquet lawn and Victorian lime walk, an easily maintained lawned area runs down to the West Fingle River in an idyllic setting with potential for a lake. The natural rhododendron surroundings with bulbs, daffodils and snowdrops offer a superb setting and a walk past the old Donkey Stall leads to the walled garden with fruit trees (apple, cherry and fig) and Vine House on a sun trap terrace. There is an attractive copse to the north of the house, with an entrance via a Gothic archway.