Blackawton, Totnes, TQ9

There is something rather special about Higher Hutcherleigh. A handsome Georgian country house, beautifully proportioned and set within approximately 20 acres of gardens and grounds, it offers that increasingly rare combination of timeless architecture, contemporary luxury and the freedom of country living.

Originally a traditional Georgian farmhouse, the property has undergone an extensive programme of renovation and refurbishment over the years, transforming it into a wonderfully appointed country home whilst carefully preserving the architectural character and charm of the original building. The present owners have continued to enhance the estate, introducing beautifully designed new kitchens, thoughtfully converted additional accommodation and an impressive collection of leisure and entertaining spaces.

The main house is everything one might hope for from a classic Georgian property. Its handsome stone elevations, traditional slate roof, beautifully balanced façade and generous windows create an immediate sense of elegance. Inside, high ceilings, wonderful proportions and an abundance of natural light lend the rooms a feeling of space and grandeur, whilst the interiors have been carefully designed to create a home that feels both sophisticated and exceptionally welcoming.

The entrance is particularly impressive. A generous central hall, with its elegant staircase and beautiful oak flooring, provides much more than simply somewhere to arrive. This is a room in its own right, with space to sit, read, listen to music or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the house.

A striking double-sided wood-burning stove creates an attractive focal point, whilst doors open directly onto a covered east-facing veranda, providing a lovely connection with the gardens and countryside beyond.

The main drawing room is a beautifully proportioned space, enjoying a dual aspect over the gardens and surrounding land. The other side of the double-sided wood burner forms an attractive feature fireplace, adding warmth and character to an elegant room equally suited to quiet evenings or entertaining friends and family. Generous windows, wonderful ceiling heights and the classical proportions so characteristic of Georgian architecture make this a particularly inviting space.

However, it is perhaps the kitchen that really captures the imagination.

Beautifully designed and finished with a contemporary country-house aesthetic, the kitchen is a wonderful combination of style, practicality and craftsmanship by Tom Holley. Two magnificent central island provides a natural gathering point, complemented by extensive fitted cabinetry, generous preparation areas and carefully considered lighting. The darker tones of the cabinetry create an elegant contrast with the lighter finishes, giving the room a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.

The kitchen flows effortlessly into a generous dining area, where a beautiful bespoke dresser provides both a practical and decorative feature. This is a space designed for gathering, whether for informal family suppers or entertaining friends around the table.

Beyond, an impressive extension has created a magnificent additional sitting room, with a fully glazed roof that floods the space with natural light. Doors open directly onto the gardens, creating a wonderful connection between inside and out and allowing the surrounding countryside to become part of the room.

Generously proportioned and beautifully comfortable, this is a fabulous place to relax throughout the seasons. Bespoke fitted cabinetry, thoughtfully designed to accommodate the television, provides an elegant and practical focal point, whilst the extensive glazing creates a remarkable feeling of light and space.

Together, these three interconnected areas form the true heart of the house. Whether cooking, dining, entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon overlooking the gardens, the arrangement lends itself perfectly to modern country-house living.

Away from the principal living spaces, a separate study provides a peaceful and beautifully organised place to work from home. With bespoke built-in bookshelves and a fitted desk, it is a wonderfully practical room, equally suited to a home office, library or quiet retreat.

The ground floor also benefits from an exceptionally well-considered utility room, designed to meet the practical demands of a substantial country home. Two large built-in larders provide excellent additional storage, complemented by a dedicated wine store. A bespoke fitted coat and shoe stand offers a practical solution for country living, keeping everyday essentials neatly organised and tucked away.

It is this attention to detail, combining beautiful entertaining spaces with thoughtful everyday practicality, that makes Higher Hutcherleigh such a successful and comfortable home.

Throughout the main house, the renovations have been approached with a clear understanding of how a traditional country property should work for modern living. The house feels fresh, comfortable and carefully considered.

The bedroom accommodation continues this sense of luxury.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom suite provides a wonderfully private retreat, grand in its proportions with dual aspect windows facing South and west. Its dressing room is a wonderful size with bespoke built-in wardrobes and dressing table. The en-suite bathroom has his and hers sink units, a free standing bath and separate shower and discreetly hidden toilet. Two further beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, complete the accommodation on this floor, together with a conveniently positioned laundry room.

The second floor offers two additional guest bedrooms, both enjoying the comfort and privacy of their own en-suite bathrooms. This arrangement is particularly appealing for visiting family and friends, allowing guests to enjoy their own space whilst remaining very much part of the house.

What makes Higher Hutcherleigh particularly interesting, however, is that the main house is only part of the story.

The Annexes

One of the most compelling aspects of Higher Hutcherleigh is the exceptional additional accommodation, offering a degree of flexibility rarely found in a traditional country property.

The larger detached annexe is a substantial home in its own right, providing three bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, together with a beautifully appointed kitchen, living room/dining room. Currently run as a successful and profitable AirB&B.

Beautifully arranged for independent living, it is ideal for extended family, visiting guests or those seeking a multigenerational home, allowing everyone to enjoy their own space and privacy whilst remaining within the estate.

A second self-contained annexe offers further versatility, with one bedroom, a shower room, kitchen and living room. Perfect for guests who prefer their own independence, accommodation for a family member or potentially ancillary staff, it adds yet another dimension to the property’s appeal.

The owners have also transformed further traditional outbuildings into impressive leisure facilities, including a dedicated bar “The Pub” and gym. These spaces introduce an entirely different dimension to country-house living, providing wonderful opportunities for entertaining, relaxation and recreation without ever needing to leave home.

The current owners also developed further barns to create an incredible home office/board room. These barns are an impressive arrangement of office suites, an office area with bespoke kitchen space having sliding doors opening to the court yard and a designated board room for those private meetings. Located away from the main house this area can be shut away after a day of work.

Whether enjoyed as a permanent family residence, an impressive country retreat or a home for several generations, Higher Hutcherleigh offers a remarkably adaptable way of life, combining the elegance of a Georgian country house with all the comforts and conveniences of contemporary living.

The Outside

Set within approximately 20 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, Higher Hutcherleigh enjoys a wonderful sense of space, privacy and tranquillity, creating the feeling of a secluded country estate whilst remaining within easy reach of Dartmouth and the South Devon coastline.

The handsome Georgian house sits comfortably within its surroundings, its elegant stone elevations, classical proportions and traditional slate roof providing a striking architectural centrepiece to the estate.

The gardens and grounds form an integral part of the property’s appeal, offering an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the freedom and pleasures of country living. With approximately 20 acres to explore and enjoy, there is a wonderful sense of openness and a connection to the surrounding Devon countryside.

The covered east-facing veranda is a particularly lovely feature. Accessed directly from the central hall and drawing room, it provides an inviting place for morning coffee, leisurely breakfasts or simply sitting and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. It is a wonderful example of the easy relationship between the house and its outdoor spaces.

The traditional stone outbuildings add considerable charm and character to the setting and have been thoughtfully incorporated into the estate’s evolution. Their conversion into independent accommodation and recreational spaces has created a collection of buildings that complement the main house whilst offering tremendous versatility.

No country house would be complete without stables and as with the rest of the property the stables do not disappoint - 4 loose boxes, a feed and tack room together with a holding yard are perfect for those looking for equestrian potential.

The dedicated bar provides a fabulous space for entertaining, whether for relaxed gatherings with friends, family celebrations or a quiet drink at the end of the day. Together with the gym and the two annexes, it gives the property a real sense of being a private country retreat.

The extensive grounds also provide opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits, gardening or simply the pleasure of having space around you, something that is increasingly difficult to find.

Whether hosting a houseful of guests, welcoming extended family for the weekend or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon surrounded by the beautiful Devon countryside, Higher Hutcherleigh offers a lifestyle that is both wonderfully relaxed and exceptionally versatile.

It is this combination of an elegant Georgian residence, two independent annexes, superb leisure facilities and approximately 20 acres of gardens and grounds that makes Higher Hutcherleigh such a special country estate.