Buyers looking for something a little different could do well to look at The Round House, in Ilfracombe, Devon, which is for sale with Stags at £1.25 million.
As the name implies, this is a circular building, thought to be the result of a dare in which a local builder was challenged to create a round house (although it also comes with a cottage of mostly standard shape for the lovers of all things square).
Built in about 1910 in Italianate style, it has many unusual features both outside and throughout its 3,108sq ft interiors, including two turrets flanking the entrance, ornate fireplaces in the main reception rooms and delightful bow windows taking in the splendid views of the sea and the local countryside.
The Round House itself has the main reception rooms, plus kitchen and breakfast room on the ground floor, five bedrooms and a sitting room on the first floor and, on the second floor, a rotunda room opening onto a circular roof terrace that’s the best place to soak up the panorama.
The 1,208sq ft Cottage spans two floors, with kitchen and dining room, a sun and family room and one bedroom downstairs and a sitting room and two bedrooms upstairs—one of which is in an octagonal turret, in keeping with the quirky atmosphere of the Round House.
Until now, The Round House has been operated as a holiday let, with the owners living in the Cottage, but the two could be both used as accommodation.
Outside, the landscaped gardens have been cleverly designed not only to enjoy the panorama, but also to support local wildlife.
The Round House is for sale at £1.25 million via Stags — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Ilfracombe: What you need to know
- Location: Ilfracombe is about 12 miles away from Barnstaple
- Atmosphere: A charming seaside town, Ilfracombe is full of postcard-pretty, pastel-coloured houses clustered around the harbour at the foot of the 14th-century chapel on Lantern Hill. Beaches, lots of independent shops and art galleries complete the picture.
- Things to do: Plenty of options are at hand, from walking along the South-west Coastal path to playing golf at the Ilfracombe and Saunton golf clubs, surfing (also at Saunton, or at Woolacombe) or simply relaxing on the beach. You could even take a wildlife-watching cruise to Lundy Island.
- Schools: The Ilfracombe Church of England primary school is rated good by Ofsted.
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