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A VERY RARE OPPORTUNITY INDEED TO ACQUIRE AN INDIVIDUAL DETACHED HOME OF IMMENSE CHARACTER AND INTEREST. GARDENS, ORCHARDS, PADDOCK AND ANCILLARY BARN PRIVATELY SET ON THE EDGE OF THIS VERY DESIRABLE VILLAGE

* ENTRANCE HALLWAY * DINING HALL * LARGE FIRST FLOOR DRAWING ROOM * KITCHEN * TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS * FAMILY BATHROOM * BOILER ROOM * ANCILLARY BARN IN GROUNDS * TRIPLE CAR PORT * ORCHARDS * PADDOCK * PARKING FOR NUMEROUS VEHICLES * VIEWS * PRIVACY *

DIRECTIONS

Proceed out of Totnes on the Dartington Road turning left at the traffic lights just past the railway station. Take the first turning right into Barracks Hill and carry on up the hill. At the brow of the hill continue along Longcause. Instead of proceeding into the village take the left hand fork and carry along this road which after approximately 1/2 mile, just past Crossways, opens into Droridge Lane. Continue along for a few hundred yards and take the next sharp left up into a single track lane. Continue up and over the hill and the entrance to Droridge Orchard will be seen on your right hand side, through a five bar gate. A private drive leads down to the property having ample parking to the front.

SITUATION

Dartington village is very close to the ancient borough of Totnes which enjoys a prominent position above the River Dart. The town is one of Devon's gems: full of both colour and character that stems from a rich cultural, historical and archaeological heritage. It is the second oldest borough in England and is full of facilities to include its own hospital, two supermarkets, interesting shops and galleries together with the riverside walks, Guild Hall, Churches and its very own Norman Castle. The railway station links directly with London Paddington and the A38 Devon Expressway is only 15 minutes away joining it at Buckfastleigh, giving excellent access to Plymouth and northbound to Exeter.

Dartington village has always been a very popular village being perhaps the nearest to Totnes and all it's facilities. The village offers the popular Cott Inn, Post Office and village store, petrol station, choice of schools and wonderful country walks through the Dartington Hall Estate which is located nearby.

DESCRIPTION

Droridge Orchard originally formed part of Droridge Farm, one of Dartington Hall Estate farms, and sits on the edge of the village. This old dairy, now Droridge Orchard was granted planning permission for conversion to a spacious dwelling to incorporate the most fantastic drawing room with views over the grounds and orchards, a dining hall, kitchen, two double bedrooms and family bathroom. The dairy was originally built in 1814 by the then proprietor of Dartington Hall, Arthur Champernowne - there is a replica, installed during the conversion, of the original key stone in the entrance hallway.

The conversion was planned and supervised by Harrison Sutton Architects and was short listed later for an RIBA architectural prize. An extensive collection of pictures of the conversion of Droridge Orchard is available.

Some of the farm buildings and immediate surrounding land were not in active use by the estate during the 1970's and were used by Dartington Hall for various art projects. In the second half of the 1970's, the milking parlour/dairy, stable block and the old farm orchard were split off from the main property. There are now four dwellings on the Droridge Farm site, including Droridge Orchard.

Also on this site were the remains of a separate large old barn, sitting on the edge of the orchard, which was originally believed to have been built of cob and stone. The date when this was originally built is uncertain but likely to have been around 1800. In the early 1980's refurbishment was made with new walls, roof and floors and the building brought into use as a store and workshop which is still its current use. The selling agents have some archive photographs on file to show how this building once would have looked and these are available on request.

The orchards are stunning and support just under 50 trees including 3 walnut trees, 12 plum trees, pears, apples, a mulberry, medlar and a producing fig tree. There is also a bramble patch which provides good blackberries. The two eucalyptus trees were planted by relations visiting from Australia! Stretching away from the orchards is a paddock with stock-proof fencing extending to just under 2 acres which is currently laid to grass.

Quite simply, Droridge Orchard offers a very tranquil and private location to the individual who seeks a light and spacious home set within a wonderful position.

Half glazed timber door opens into :

Two large sliding double glazed windows overlook the courtyard to the front of the property and orchard beyond. Two velux roof lights. Exposed stone wall with the original key stone. Cork tiled floor. A further window is located to the side of the front door. Ceiling spotlights, radiator. Doors from the hallway open to bedrooms and bathroom.

DINING HALL - 16'11" x 10'0" (5.16m x 3.05m)

Curved solid oak staircase rises to the first floor. Double aspect room with two windows, one overlooking the entrance and courtyard to the front of the property, the second overlooking the courtyard to the front having lovely views over the orchard. Radiator, walled mounted spotlights, cork tiled floor. Large velux roof light set within the timber clad ceiling.

Half glazed curved doorway (originally one of the entrances to the milking parlour that was) opens into this double bedroom. Range of fitted wardrobes. There is a further storage cupboard and a window overlooking the garden to the rear of the property. Radiator, ceiling lights.

Curved half glazed solid doors opens into bedroom two. Fitted wardrobes with some shelving to one side. Window overlooking the garden to the rear of the property. Radiator, corner vanity wash hand basin with tiled splash back. Ceiling spotlights.

White suite comprising a bath with white side panel and stainless steel taps. Wash hand basin. Tiled vanity shelf, low level W.C. Fully tiled shower cubicle with sliding obscure glazed door having a wall mounted shower and light. Ceiling spotlights set into tongue-and-groove timber ceiling. Further tongue-and-groove panelling and doors open into an airing cupboard with factory lagged water tank and timer control switch and with some slatted shelving. Radiator, obscure glazed window overlooking the courtyard. Heated towel rail.

Archway from the Dining Hall opens into :

Half glazed stable door opens out to the rear of the property and a further window overlooks the garden to the rear. A range of floor and wall mounted kitchen units with roll edged surfaces and tiled splash backs. Integral fridge and freezer. Broom cupboard housing the fuse boxes. Integrated four ring gas hob with light and extractor fan over. Integral Electrolux double oven, space and plumbing for a washing machine and further space and plumbing for a dishwasher. Ceiling spotlights, cork tiled floor, radiator.

Large spiral solid oak staircase rises to:

Retained original exposed timber roof trusses run the entire length of the room. The carved alignment marks and the pegged construction are a fascinating testimony to rural construction techniques at the beginning of the 19th Century. A large stone chimney breast and fireplace is set on a slate hearth with timber surround. Solid wooden storage shelves at eye level surround all wall areas. Windows overlook the rear of the garden. A real feature to this room are the double French doors to the far end which open out to the terrace at first floor level. Two large Velux roof lights over the front of the property give plentiful natural light and a further pair of Velux roof lights to the rear. One further window overlooks the terrace and orchard to the front. An exceptional solid oak floor runs the length of this fabulous space which has exposed stone walls to all four walls, ceiling spotlights, three radiators and a hatch to roof space.

OUTSIDE

The property is approached through a five bar gate and a private drive leads down into a large parking area. Steps lead up to a wonderful terrace adjacent and accessed through the steps to the front of the property, or through the French doors leading out from the Drawing Room. To the rear of the property there is a small area laid to lawn and to the front of the property a paved private patio area. The garden stretches away into the orchards which in turn lead down to the paddock of just under 2 acres. Boiler room housing the gas central heating boiler supplying the heating and hot water.

ANCILLARY BARN

The barn is currently divided into two rooms on the ground floor level. One storage unit suitable for wine store and tools, measuring 13'10" x 7'7" (4.22m x 2.31m). The main area 14'2" x 12'11" (4.32m x 3.94m) has stairs rising to the first floor, two timber doors and two windows. To the ground floor strip lighting and ceiling spotlights. To the second floor there is a large window overlooking the apple orchards giving some far-reaching views. Further two small original windows and three arrow-slit windows overlook the side of the property. Exposed stone walls, light and power connected, measuring 21'0" x 14'2" (6.4m x 4.32m). Exposed roof trusses.

TRIPLE CARPORT - 21'11"x 15'9" (6.68m x 4.8m) Behind the barn with three car spaces and a further space to the rear being a POTTING SHED - 21'8" x 8'0" (6.6m x 2.44m), having a run of four windows and a door leading out to the orchard.

Tenure : Freehold

Services : Private water and drainage, gas and electricity.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE RATING

The Agent has not tested any apparatus, equipment, fixtures and fittings or services and so cannot verify that they are in working order or fit for the purpose. A Buyer is advised to obtain verification from their Solicitor or Surveyor. References to the Tenure of a Property are based on information supplied by the Seller. The Agent has not had sight of the title documents. A Buyer is advised to obtain verification from their Solicitor. Items shown in photographs are NOT included unless specifically mentioned within the sales particulars. They may however be available by separate negotiation. Buyers must check the availability of any property and make an appointment to view before embarking on any journey to see a property.