The Walled Garden, Bampton, Devon

Rooted in the landscape, this remarkable house lies in the peaceful Devon countryside. A formerly abandoned Victorian walled garden, it has been ingeniously transformed under current ownership into a cohesive set of buildings, largely built using brick and local stone. Ethereal and naturalistic, the two-acre grounds that surround the house have been gently cultivated in a manner that mimics the gentle ethos of the interiors.

In addition to the existing home, permission is also in place for an additional house and guest house, designed by McLean Quinlan, details of which can be seen here. Please get in touch for further information.

The Tour

Nestled in the landscape, the house comes gradually into view on the private lane approach. Age-old trees, including Yulan magnolia, Japanese cherry blossom, birch, cobb, chestnut, walnut, fig, kiwi and an apple orchard dot the grounds, creating an overwhelming sense of privacy.

Entry is to the main living space, a long, lateral room used for dining, relaxing and cooking. Stainless-steel units run along one side, equipped with Miele appliances. On the other, a bank of windows with open storage beneath captures arresting views out to the garden. Textured brick and stone walls are softened by the underfloor heating that runs underfoot.

Adjacent is a sitting room, an atmospheric space with a log-burning stove and skylights that draw in a serene quality of light. Versatile in nature, it lends itself to various configurations. On one side, a door opens to a peaceful study. On the opposite end is a traditionally styled bathroom.

Beyond the kitchen lies the bedroom, a generous room with timber-framed windows that wrap around one corner. Skylights capture views of the stars on clear nights. An en suite bathroom is beautifully finished, with a copper shower tucked behind a wall of green glass bricks.

A studio spanning over 760 sq ft lies near the house. Currently used for painting, it is a capacious, flexible space with a mezzanine level and skylights.

Outdoor Space

Exquisite grounds of two acres surround the house. Home to plants and wildlife, including a wildflower meadow and visiting tawny owls, woodpeckers, blue tits, goldfinches, buzzards, and hedgehogs, it is an astonishingly quiet space, with plenty of spots to retire to with a book.

A large greenhouse has been used under current ownership as an indoor-outdoor space, with a seating area arranged at the fore. There is a pond in the centre, and a variety of tomatoes, broad beans, peppers, and lemons have been grown in raised beds on either side.

The Area

The Walled Garden is situated in a rural but well-connected location on the outskirts of Bampton. The small village is quiet but well-stocked, with cosy cafés, a wine shop (which hosts tasting evenings), local pubs and a restaurant, Spelt. There are also shops and a GP.

Nearby, Cullompton and Tiverton are larger towns with a broader range of facilities, with a bustling farmer’s market in Cullompton. Exeter is around 40 minutes’ drive and has an array of cultural delights, such as museums, theatres, and various shops, restaurants, and cafes, including the renowned Exploding Bakery.

Exmoor National Park is to the north of the house; Dartmoor and the East Devon National Landscape are also within driving distance. There are plenty of National Trust-owned properties nearby, including Dunster Castle and Watermill and Knightshayes Court. The north Devon coast can be reached in around 40 minutes.

Tiverton Parkway station is a 25-minute drive away and runs services to London. The M5 is easily reached and provides access to Bristol and Exeter.

Council Tax Band: A