Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32

A significant Grade II* detached period farmhouse with a fascinating history, set in quiet, unspoilt surroundings of approximately 14 acres.

The property is ideally situated just outside the village of Swimbridge. This Grade II* Listed former farmhouse, of Architectural and Historical importance is EPC Exempt and surrounded by its own land. Believed to date back to the early 16th Century, the property was owned initially by the Bedford Estate then remained in the same family ownership for some 250 years. This would go a long way to explaining how so many of the character features have been beautifully retained.

This superb character residence is situated in rolling countryside. The property enjoys a private, secluded and tranquil rural location, yet is within easy reach of world renowned surfing beaches, Exmoor National Park and excellent amenities at the market town of South Molton, or the regional centre of Barnstaple. The dramatic North Devon coastline is within half an hour’s drive of the property, including the safe, sandy, surfing beaches at Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough and Woolacombe, as well as the variety of coastal walks nearby.The dramatic scenery of Exmoor, with its heatherclad moorlands, steep valleys and combes, bisected by rivers and streams is 10 miles away. A further range of country pursuits are available nearby, including walking, cycling and fishing on the Rivers Taw and Torridge. There is also a fantastic private school at West Buckland, and a superb choice of golf courses within the area. There is a comprehensive range of amenities available at the market town of South Molton or the regional centre of Barnstaple, both within 15 minutes driving distance.

This substantial and unique wisteria clad property offers an adaptable six/seven bedroom and three/four spacious reception rooms and three bathrooms in the main house. Moreover, accessed via a separate drive, there are two well-presented barn conversions, which have most recently been used for additional visiting family accommodation, and used as holiday letting by a previous owner. Each cottage benefits from characterful two bedroom accommodation, with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, both with their own parking area and garden. Attached to the holiday cottages is a further large barn, which has been used as a games room which presently houses a table tennis table and pool table. A wonderful family home with ample potential for dual family occupation or a large home with income.

The accommodation in the farmhouse is well proportioned with versatile and adaptable accommodation. There is a traditional farmhouse style kitchen/breakfast room with a range of hand built oak units with granite work surfaces and an Aga. The snug has an inglenook fireplace with a wood burning stove, bread oven, oak flooring and a beamed ceiling. The dining room boasts exceptional ornate plaster moulded ceiling and feature roll-top fireplace, with original features and access to the oak framed conservatory that overlooks the gardens, there is a large office with another feature fireplace and slate floor, the sitting room is a stunning room with another feature fireplace, with wood burning stove and stone floor. Beyond this room is another large reception room/utility room, a boot room and a large ground floor bedroom with bathroom. The main house enjoys complete privacy, the separate dedicated vehicular access for the two cottages ensures this.

Outside
The property is approached through double timber gates with beautiful mature Eucalyptus trees. To the right of the entrance to the driveway is a double garage/workshop which has a remote controlled roller door and power and light connected. There are solar PV panels on the garage roof. An inner door then leads through to a workshop, whilst at the rear, there is an attached lean-to greenhouse with water tap.

The drive leads into an extensive yard where there is ample parking and turning space for several vehicles. To the right of the yard is the Atcost barn, which is 60’0 x 28’0, a very useful building, currently providing storage, and housing three timber stables and a tractor shed. Behind the atcost is an enclosed area that would have been part of the original farmyard, and now provides a sheltered and private area for storage and further parking. To the left of the yard is a large two story barn approximately 36’0 x 18’0, which is an incredibly useful barn with potential for a variety of uses (subject to any necessary planning permissions), currently the lower floor is divided into various sections with useful storage and the first floor is open plan and runs the length of the barn which is ideal for a studio or a very large home office and enjoys delightful vistas over the gardens and grounds.

It is understood that when the gardens have been opened to the public in the past, part of this building and courtyard has been used to serve cream teas. The formal gardens surrounding the property are delightful and have been planted to create interest all year round with many specimen trees and plants. There is a good sized wildlife pond, woodland, areas of sweeping lawn and areas of meadow. Tucked away towards the wooded area is a large BBQ Lodge with paving and gravel seating area.


Gardens and Grounds
The gardens and grounds of this well presented residence are a particular feature, having been developed by former owners, and maintained by the existing owners. The gardens have been arranged to blend into the surrounding landscape, exemplified by the ‘borrowed view’ of a scenic hill though a circular frame set in a boundary hedge. This view has featured as a cover on the RHS ‘The Garden’ magazine and other publications. The collection of unusual trees and shrubs is complemented by largely native planting in the various garden areas, providing interest and enjoyment all year round. In total, there is approximately 14 acres at Kerscott House, 2.8 acres of which comprises a paddock at the north of the property. To the western boundary there are landscaped woodlands, with a water meadow and spring fed ponds. The remainder of the gardens and grounds have been designed to create idyllic vistas across the grounds and to encourage wildlife. Surrounding the property are more formal gardens, which enjoy seclusion and complete privacy. The BBQ Lodge is the perfect place for alfresco dining all year round. There is also an orchard with a superb range of apple trees, pear trees, damson, plum and greengage, mazzards, a medlar and a mulberry tree. There are also a range of soft fruits including blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes. Throughout the garden there are many different seating areas to sit and enjoy the fabulous surroundings.

Situated in delightful gardens, amidst glorious rolling countryside, is this superb character residence. The property enjoys a private and tranquil rural location, yet is within easy reach of world renowned surfing beaches, Exmoor National Park and excellent amenities at the market town of South Molton, or the
regional centre of Barnstaple. The dramatic North
Devon coastline is within half an hour’s drive of the property, including the safe, sandy, surfing beaches at Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough and Woolacombe, as well as the variety of coastal walks nearby.

The dramatic scenery of Exmoor, with its heather
clad moorlands, steep valleys and combes, bisected by rivers and streams is 10 miles away. A further range of country pursuits are available nearby, including walking, cycling and fishing on the Rivers Taw and Torridge. There is also a fantastic private school at West Buckland, and a superb choice of golf courses within the area. There is a comprehensive range of amenities available at the market town of South Molton or the regional centre of Barnstaple, both within 15 minutes driving distance.

Communications
The area can be accessed from Junction 27 of the M5 Motorway, and along the A361 North Devon Link Road which leads onto the A39 Atlantic Highway. The nearest train station is located at Barnstaple, the regional centre of North Devon, which connects to Exeter, and from there and Tiverton Parkway, there are regular mainline rail services to London (Paddington) in just over 2 hours.

Directions
Postcode EX32 0QAFrom Barnstaple, proceed on the A361 towards South Molton. Take the first turning on the right hand side, signposted towards Landkey and Swimbridge. Proceed on this road, passing through the villages of Landkey and Swimbridge. Upon exiting Swimbridge, proceed up the hill for just under a mile, and at the top, turn sharply right signposted towards Bydown, Dennington and Hannaford. Immediately turn left, and follow the country lane downhill and around to the right hand side. The entrance to Kerscott House will be situated on the left hand side, over a cattle grid.