Dunkeswell, Honiton, Devon, EX14

A beautifully presented Old Rectory set within well timbered gardens and grounds and lying on the edge of a convenient east Devon village.

This handsome period home was built by the Simcoe family in the 1860s and retains many of the defining characteristics of a Victorian rectory, evidenced by charming historic photographs displayed in the hallway. The accommodation is generously proportioned, elegant, and filled with natural light, having been thoughtfully restored by the current owners.

The formal entrance is located on the east side of the house, where a handsome front door opens into an entrance vestibule. A second door with stained-glass panels leads into an impressive reception hall featuring a fine Victorian staircase and rich oak flooring, which continues throughout the hall and principal reception rooms.

The sitting room lies to the left and features a fireplace with a simple Victorian mantelpiece, together with French doors opening directly onto the garden. The dining room offers a more decorative fireplace with a wood-burning stove and French doors leading to a south-facing gravelled seating area. From here, a door leads into the drawing room, an especially handsome reception space with decorative ceiling cornicing, a ceiling rose, and two large sash windows overlooking the gardens. A substantial limestone fireplace with a wood-burning stove provides a striking focal point.

A further door leads to an inner hall, which provides access to a cloakroom and an external door opening onto the rear garden.

The kitchen/breakfast room is well appointed with a range of fitted floor-mounted cabinets, generous work surfaces, and a Rangemaster cooker set within a fireplace recess. The breakfast area leads to a walk-in pantry with floor-to-ceiling shelving and a utility room fitted with a Belfast sink, storage cupboards, and plumbing for a washing machine and tumble dryer. A separate external door provides access to the rear of the property.

The spacious first-floor landing leads to the principal bedroom, which benefits from a fireplace surround, wall panelling, dual-aspect windows, and access to a well-fitted en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and wash basin.

There are four further generously sized bedrooms, together with a particularly spacious and beautifully appointed family bathroom overlooking the rear garden. The bathroom is fitted with a vanity unit incorporating a wash basin, a roll-top bath, WC, and walk-in shower. A separate WC is also provided.

Access is available to both attic areas, one of which includes three separate storage rooms fitted with wooden flooring, electric lighting, and a Velux window providing roof access.

Gardens

The entrance drive to The Old Rectory leads from the village road and opens out to provide ample parking for multiple vehicles.

Extending to just over one acre, the gardens are a particularly beautiful feature of the property. To the south of the driveway lies an intricate arrangement of box hedging, centred around a magnolia tree, which borders gently sloping south-facing lawns. These are partially shaded by two magnificent beech trees, both protected by preservation orders.

The lawned gardens extend across the front and southern elevations of the house, enjoying attractive views over surrounding fields and woodland. Rectangular box-edged borders planted with roses and lavender create structure and seasonal colour, while a large gravel terrace provides an excellent south-facing entertaining and seating area.

Along the south-western boundary stand two magnificent redwood cedars, complemented by mixed borders of azaleas and rhododendrons. A high yew hedge with an arched opening defines the westernmost section of the garden and leads to an orchard planted with apple, pear, and cherry trees, alongside a variety of soft fruits.

A large spring-fed pond occupies the north-western corner of the garden, bordered by woodland that affords a high degree of privacy. A timber gazebo overlooking the pond provides a wonderful setting for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.

To the rear of the house is a useful workshop/store and an open-fronted garage, formerly a stable, which is fitted with an EV charging point.

Tax Band: G