Thornbury Manor, Thornbury, Devon

Under current ownership, this exceptionally bright Victorian home in the Devon countryside has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. An extensive renovation was undertaken in keeping with its historic building methods, creating an authentic four-bedroom house in which original features have been brought to the forefront. Restorative, 16-acre-strong grounds surround Thornbury Manor, home to woodland, paddocks, former holiday cottages, and a beautiful array of trees and plants, including an especially rare Wollemi pine.

Setting the Scene

Thornbury Manor was built around 1860 as a modest cottage, which now forms the west part of the house. The house was significantly extended in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

The current owners, one of whom is a surveyor specialising in historic buildings, undertook a painstaking renovation of the house. They stripped it back in places, revealing the original fabric and impressive features, as well as reinstating those lost over the years. Externally, this included a new roof, rainwater goods, fascias, and a re-rendering of its facade, while inside, modern conveniences were added between preserved original features, striking a perfect balance between contemporary and traditional design.

The Grand Tour

Thornbury Manor gradually comes into view along the historic carriageway, which was recently reinstated. This winds through the grounds, passing Douglas fir trees before arriving at the front garden, a resplendently planted spot with fruit trees, rhododendrons and magnolia.

Entry to the house is from the south via a glass porch, although there are multiple points of passage between inside and out. A large entrance hall provides plenty of space to kick off boots and hang coats. From here is a second hallway, which leads towards the generous drawing room. French doors open to the garden on one side, while on the other, a marvellous period fireplace with green tiles surrounds a log-burning stove.

From the drawing room is a door to the adjacent sitting room, which has a striking red-tiled fireplace, a second log-burner, and doors to the dining room; the latter two also have French doors to the garden. A perfectly composed trio, these three spaces are distinct but cohesive, with rich pine floorboards, off-white walls and refined detailing, including picture rails. As is the case throughout the home, an impressive level of light flows into each.

The kitchen lies across the central hall and is finished in a charming traditional Devon style. Texture is brought by white-painted stone walls, which pair wonderfully with original flagstones underfoot. On one side, a buttercup-yellow Esse range has been fitted in a former fireplace. Adjacent is a back kitchen, a similarly lovely spot with space for appliances. A WC and a boot room complete the ground-floor plan.

The handsome original staircase sweeps up to the first floor, where four serene and light-filled bedrooms - all with breathtaking views - are found. The principal lies at the far end and is of an especially generous size. An early fireplace remains, and a deep box-bay window has been fitted with storage and a seat.

At the other end of the hallway, accessible by a separate staircase, is a bedroom with shuttered windows and skylights. A bright en suite bathroom adjoins, making this a wonderful retreat for guests or a prospect for multi-generational living. Another bathroom, a shower room, and a separate WC are all accessed from the first-floor landing.

The Great Outdoors

The grounds that surround Thornbury Manor are an essential part of its overarching experience. Consciously left naturalistic, they have a truly rejuvenating effect and brim with established plants and visiting wildlife.

A flat lawn extends at the front of the house - perfect for summertime games - and there are dedicated dining areas elsewhere. Slightly more formal, the east side of the garden has been beautifully planted with Judas trees and camellia.

On the west side of the grounds are around six acres of paddock. There are also several shaws along the fringes of the grounds, with oaks, beeches, hawthorn and veteran sweet chestnut.

There are also several outbuildings. The largest is a row of former holiday lets, now used as a laundry room and the remainder for storage, but ripe for reimagination. There are also several log stores and a large garage for mowers and/or machinery.

Out and About

The surrounding area is known for its open fields and rolling countryside, with extensive walking and cycling routes easily accessible from the home. Almost equidistant from the Hartland Devon Heritage Coast and Dartmoor National Park, the house is within easy reach of beautiful coastal landscapes, the South West Coastal Path, and a near-endless offering of countryside walks. The National Trust’s Dunland is especially close to home.

Blackberry Farm Shop is a short drive away, while the amenities of the market town Holsworthy are around a 10-minute drive and include a Waitrose.

Bude, a 25-minute drive away, hosts the famous Sea Pool, a semi-natural tidal pool and haven for wild swimming. It has two Blue Flag town beaches, Summerleaze and Crooklets, independent shops and restaurants, plus opportunities for golf, cricket, rowing or surfing. Cornwall’s ancient capital, Launceston, is around a half-hour drive away.

There are several schools locally, including Thornbury Primary School, Bradford Primary, Shebbear Community, Holsworthy Community College, and the private Shebbear College. The nearest train station is in Okehampton, and Exeter can be reached in around an hour and Plymouth in around an hour and a half. The towns of Bideford and Barnstaple are also easily reached in around 45 minutes.

Council Tax Band: G