For SaleCountry House in Chittlehampton, Umberleigh, Devon, EX37£3,250,000

A distinguished Grade II* listed country house accompanied by cottages, outbuildings and 63 acres Hudscott Manor has a long and fascinating history dating back to at least the medieval period. The manor was significantly rebuilt in the 17th century by the Lovering family and later served as a refuge for ejected Presbyterian ministers during the late 1600s. By 1700, it had passed to a junior branch of the influential Rolle family. Samuel Rolle, a member of Parliament for Barnstaple, later purchased the manor of Chittlehampton in 1737, making Hudscott its principal estate. With its 17th century architectural features, Hudscott Manor is recognised as a Grade II* listed building due to its historical and architectural significance. The property features attractive part rendered and stone elevations beneath a slate roof with the accommodation configured over two light-filled floors. The property offers elegant and spacious living areas, featuring well-proportioned reception rooms that are ideal for both formal entertaining and comfortable family living. The main reception rooms showcase a wealth of period details including decorative cornicing, ornate fireplaces and large sash windows allowing for a wealth of natural light. Upstairs the property offers five well-presented double bedrooms with three benefitting from en suite facilities. There are also two-family bathrooms on this floor. Hudscott Manor benefits from a self-contained apartment on the first floor with an open-plan living area/kitchen with one en suite bedroom. There is also an adjoining ground floor cottage that offers further attractive accommodation with three reception rooms and three bedrooms. An additional cottage can be found within the grounds in an 18th century Clock House which features characterful accommodation including an open living area and kitchen and one en suite double bedroom. The charming two-storey Clock House contains what is believed to be one of the oldest working clocks in the southwest. The cottages and apartment provide excellent opportunities for multigenerational living or income potential subject to obtaining the necessary consents. This property has 63 acres of land. Outside Gardens & Grounds The gardens at Hudscott Manor are a standout feature. To the south of the house, beautifully maintained lawns are interspersed with natural rhododendrons and a variety of mature trees and shrubs, complemented by formal landscaped gardens and inviting seating areas. Gravel pathways wind through the grounds, bordered by privet hedging and enclosed by the historic kitchen garden wall, which is overlooked by the orangery. Beyond the gardens, the paddocks extend to the south of the house, while additional grass paddocks are situated between the main and rear entrance drives and around the house and outbuildings. The estate also includes former parkland, and along the main drive, a charming small copse with a pond adds to the natural beauty of the surroundings. In all the property enjoys approximately 63 acres. An additional 113 acres is available by separate negotiation. By maintaining diverse habitats, Hudscott Manor supports a wide range of plant and animal species, fostering ecological balance and resilience. The estate is also involved in regenerative farming practices while the woodlands and grasslands play a vital role in carbon sequestration which provides a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and ecological preservation. Outbuildings At the rear of the house, a walled garden is enclosed on one side by a range of storage buildings, the rear driveway leads to a gravel parking and turning area behind the house, continuing through a high brick wall with brick pillars into an additional yard area to the northeast. On one side of this yard stands a substantial stone barn, currently used as workshops. Planning permission has been granted to convert this building into two separate two-bedroom dwellings, The barn is equipped with electricity, lighting and heating and features a first-floor loft running the entire length of the structure. Further buildings include: • Timber barn under a slate roof. • Georgian Orangery with glazed doors and windows facing the gardens. • Stables built of stone and timber under a slate roof incorporating two stables, one with storage facilities. • Further barn built of stone with stone pillars, used as a hay and wood store. • Agricultural building which has historically been used as a sand school. • Kennels under a slate roof with planning permission to convert. Situation Hudscott Manor is set in a secluded rural position, approximately three miles from the charming town of South Molton and 10 miles from the large North Devon town of Barnstaple. South Molton has several everyday amenities, including a selection of shops, supermarkets and schooling. Barnstaple is the regional retail and commercial centre with an extensive range of outlets including all the High Street favourites as well as a diverse selection of local stores. Barnstaple also has a Pannier Market and a well-established theatre. There are several good state and private schools in the area including West Buckland School. The rugged North Devon Coastline, much of it owned and managed by The National Trust, provides wonderful opportunities for long distance walking along the South West Coast Path. The coastal resorts of Woolacombe, Putsborough, Croyde and Saunton Sands, all renowned for their outstanding beaches and excellent surfing, are within easy access. Exmoor National Park, with its many beauty spots and opportunities for walking and riding is also close by with sporting facilities in the area including the historic Royal North Devon Golf Club at Bideford, two championship golf courses at Saunton and the 200-year-old North Devon Cricket Club at Instow. The cathedral city of Exeter, approximately 32 miles away, is the most thriving city in the South West. The city offers a wealth of cultural activities with the theatre, the museum, arts centre and a variety of good shopping, including John Lewis, Waitrose and many restaurants. Exeter University is recognised as one of the best universities in the country. Communication links to the property are excellent. Hudscott Manor is conveniently positioned for easy access to the North Devon Link Road, which links to the M5 and Tiverton, as well as the A39 for access to Cornwall. There is a two-hour rail connection to London Paddington from Tiverton Parkway. Exeter Airport offers a good range of international and domestic flights. Local Authority: North Devon Council Tenure: Freehold Council Tax: Band H. Annexe Band A. Chapel Cottage Band C Services: Private water from bole hole and mains water. Mains electricity. Private drainage, LPG gas-fired central heating and oil-fired Aga. 14kw solar photovoltaic installation generating annual Feed-in Tariff (FIT). Planning Reference: 43172. Prospective purchasers are advised that they should make their own enquiries of the local planning authority. Guide Price: Lot 1 £3,250,000. Directions From the M5 exit at Tiverton (junction 27) following the A361 towards Barnstaple. After about 25 miles turn off into South Molton and follow the signs out of the town towards Great Torrington along the B3227. The entrance drive into Hudscott Manor will be found after 4½ miles from South Molton on the left hand side.