The life and times of Job as he was tested to prove his loyalty to God may not be your average fireplace fodder, but the carvings over the fireplace in the 16th-century panelled drawing room at The Manor House, Bradninch — some 12 miles north-east of Exeter and surrounded by Duchy of Cornwall farmland — will certainly inspire stimulating conversation, as will the en-suite master bedroom or King Charles Room, where Charles I slept in 1644.
With more than 9,000 sq ft of unique living space, the property is on the market via Strutt & Parker for offers in excess of £2.5 million.
Penny Churchill took a look at the place last year, calling it 'one of mid-Devon’s most captivating country houses'. It's gained new momentum on the market now as the vendors have changed agents, and agreed a generous £1m trim to the asking price since last June.
Beyond that striking master suite there are four further bedrooms, plus a self-contained apartment on the second floor.
The seven-acre grounds are dotted with mature trees, including an ancient Lucombe oak, plus a rose garden, lake, stream and indoor swimming pool.
Bradninch: What you need to know
Location: About three miles south of Cullompton, in Devon. Exeter is 12 miles to the south where Great Western trains connect to Penzance and London Paddington. Access to the M5 is just a few miles from the property.
Atmosphere: The town has a great range of facilities including a doctors surgery, several pubs, a cricket club, an excellent primary school, several churches and shops.
Things to do: The South West is a haven for those who love the outdoors. The East Devon AONB is a couple of miles away, and beaches at Seaton, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton are popular spots along the coast. Walk the South West coast path or head to Exmouth for sailing and water sports. The Cathedral city of Exeter also offers plenty to do in terms of culture, food and shopping.
Schools: The Duchy School Bradninch is rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, and Silverton Church of England Primary School and Cullompton Community College are both rated 'good.'
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
Deep lakes, tall peaks and Flemish portraiture. It's the Country Life Quiz of the DayAugust 28's quiz gets to grips with geography, art, film and also cats.
-
Gill Meller wants to make soufflé great again with his sweetcorn and smoked cheddar recipeIs the soufflé on the brink of extinction? Well, not if Gill Meller's recipe for a sweetcorn and smoked cheddar has anything to do with it.
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the bestWhirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
-
If I had to spend the rest of my life living underground, I would do it in this four-bedroom house for sale in the Peak DistrictThe aptly named Underhill is a 'a work of inhabitable art' that was built in the 1970s. And there's a swimming pool in the middle of it.
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of themBrithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallistPenny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
-
Portmore has it all: A 3,459-acre Scottish estate for sale, with a signature Baronial sandstone mansion at its heartFor sale for the first time in 40 years, Portmore Estate is everything you could ever want in Scotland.
-
Location, community and charm: the enduring desirability of London's mews housesFrom birds, to horses, to beautiful family homes, the mews of London are some of the nation's most sought-after homes. But why?
-
The distinctive and historic home that might just be 'one of Dorset’s most picturesque'Grade II*-listed Manor House, set in just under eight acres, dates from the 16th century.
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courtsFords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
