Family Home with 3 Acres, Nr Trusham, South Devon

Introduction

Huxbear House is a magnificent example of a Grade II listed 17th-century farmhouse, offering spacious and versatile accommodation. The property retains many original features and has undergone a comprehensive restoration over the past six years. With up to six bedrooms, a large kitchen breakfast room, and two expansive reception rooms. The house sits in a prominent position in the Teign Valley, set within approximately three acres of private grounds.

Huxbear House has formerly been known as Huber Barton and before that Hokesbear. The name Hokesbear may originate from Hokes - there is a family named Hoke who are found in Devon and Bear - meaning a grove (a common Devonian place name purportedly from the Saxon beer). The description of the current property describes it as a farmhouse that is seventeenth century in origin but having been extensively remodelled in the nineteenth century. The house is situated in the parish of Hennock. In the neighbourhood of the house is Huxbear Farm, Huxbear Court, The Byre and just to the south The Old Kiln. Further to the south of the property is an earthwork of uncertain origin but the current interpretation is that it is prehistoric.

History

Huxbear House boasts a fascinating history with records dating back to the 12th century. Listed in 1977, the description includes:

Structure: Solid, rendered walls with slated roofs and 19th-century ridge tiles.

Chimneys: Three rendered stacks, including a projecting stack in the right-hand gable and an early stack likely heating the original hall.

Windows: A five-window front with a two-storey gabled entrance porch and a mix of sash and casement windows.

Interior Features: Remnants of a stud and panel screen, ovolo-moulded chamfers, scroll stops, and a chamfered wooden lintel on an old fireplace.

When the current owners purchased the property, they commissioned the local history group to compile detailed information about the house, it is available to read in full, just ask for an email copy.

Step Inside

To the front of the property, steps and a path lead to the imposing original entrance porch with a flagstone floor, stone side benches, and a solid wood door opening into the entrance hall. The ground floor offers extremely spacious accommodation, including:

Sitting Room: Featuring beautiful oak flooring, a stone fireplace with a wood burner, a large window to the front, and a generous walk-in storage cupboard.

Living Room: Highlighted by an original granite inglenook fireplace with a wood burner and bread oven, filled with character and light from the large front window.

Kitchen Breakfast Room: A large, L-shaped space with an oil-fired Rayburn, and whilst the current owners have not put a new kitchen in, they have updated the electrics, so it is ready for the new owner to pick their own style and layout. The kitchen leads to a utility room, a door to the outside, a rear hallway/boot room, and a downstairs cloakroom.

Stairs from the front hall lead to a spacious landing, providing access to all bedrooms. Immediately off the landing are steps up to an occasional room, ideal as a children’s playroom or occasional bedroom (bedroom six), with an external door and staircase to the rear courtyard below.

The other five bedrooms are all good-sized doubles, with two featuring en-suite facilities. The remaining bedrooms benefit from a luxury bathroom with a freestanding bath, a walk-through shower, and elegant fittings.

From the landing, there is also a walk-in airing cupboard with built-in storage shelves.

Step Outside

The property is accessed via a private entrance leading up to the driveway with ample parking. There is a detached garage with space for four vehicles and additional open parking. The property sits on approximately three acres, with a wide border at the front featuring a young beech hedge, roses, and shrubs. A paved patio area to the side of the house provides access to the kitchen. The rear of the property, accessed from the rear hall, features an attractive paved courtyard with a pergola and water feature, offering plenty of space for a large dining table and a lovely spot to enjoy the late afternoon and evening sunshine. A level lawn area lies to the side, while the main garden, behind the garage block, is a level area of lawn with mature hedging and trees to the boundaries, making it very private and suitable for various uses. There is also a fenced-off area behind the courtyard, currently used for chickens.

Useful Information

Tenure: Freehold

Listing: Grade II (Historic England registration 1165935)

Construction: Stone, cob, and render

Local Authority: Teignbridge District Council

Council Tax Band: G (£3758.17 in 2023–2024)

Heating: Oil-fired central heating

Services: Mains water and electricity, private drainage

Broadband: StarLink subscription

Mobile Service: Good service with all providers outside, best with Three inside (according to Ofcom)

Location

Trusham is a popular village with a great sense of community. Huxbear House lies on the edge of the village along the Teign Valley Road. It is conveniently situated for families, being close to Stover School and approximately a 10-minute drive from the bustling town of Bovey Tracey, known locally as the gateway to the moor. Bovey Tracey offers an excellent range of local amenities, including a health centre, several restaurants and public houses, a primary school, a post office, and a bank. The market town of Newton Abbot is about a 15-minute drive away, with more comprehensive shopping and a mainline railway station (London Paddington approximately 2.5 hours). The A38 dual carriageway leading to Plymouth and Exeter (M5) is about five minutes away, and Exeter International Airport is approximately 35 minutes away. The coastal resorts of Teignmouth and Shaldon are around 20 minutes away, and Torquay with its international marina is approximately 30 minutes away. Huxbear House occupies a delightful location in the picturesque Teign Valley, near Dartmoor National Park, which covers an area of 368 square miles.