Property description
A unique period property, situated in a sought after private road with a charming elevated position that affords views over the village to the countryside beyond. The accommodation is beautifully proportioned and offers a great deal of flexibility. Planning permission is granted to convert the existing three garages into spacious self contained annexe and permission granted to build a double garage in grounds. The planning permission reference number is Ref. No: 25/1254/FUL through East Devon Planning Portal.Sitting in a private plot of around a third of an acre, 'Oak Hill House' has the most attractive Southerly orientation. The mature gardens are a real feature of the property and hugely benefit from such a sunny aspect. Notable period features throughout include ornate woodwork, coving, high skirting boards, panelled window surrounds, original doors and stripped wooden floors.The original house was built in the Georgian Era and was probably a Devon longhouse. It is likely that around 1800 the original building was upgraded and updated in typical early Georgian style (high ceilings, symmetrical, large windows, ornate cornicing etc). At some point after this the house was substantially enlarged. The property had huge grounds that extended down to the school in the village and it became a major house for East Budleigh.During the 20th Century, we understand that village fetes were held in the gardens and at one of these fetes the owner of Oak Hill announced the commencement of the first world war to the village. We believe that at some point (probably in the Victorian period) the huge bay windows were added to create even more light and to create today’s show rooms following the expansion of the property – taking advantage of there southerly outlook.Oak Hill House was divided up in the 1950s. During this time the stables were converted to garaging and living accommodation and joined to the main house. Previous owners (probably in the 1990s) built a new house in the former kitchen gardens and tennis court and then sold Oak Hill House.During the current vendors' tenure they have refurbished the whole house. They researched Georgian architecture and interior design. They have kept all the numerous original features and blended the muted tones available to the Georgians with the occasional modern twist. They have insulated the property in the loft and under the floor boards.They have created a guest bedroom suite, with new shower room, as well as the garden room. Converting an original orangery into a more modern garden room / study.Oak Hill House can continue to evolve and create history. It is a wonderful family home. There is scope to convert the garages into a spacious self contained granny annex for multi generational living. This is likely to cost circa £140k for a high end finish. There is planning permission to build a double garage, if required.The accommodation briefly comprises:A stunning entrance hall comprising panelled walls, ornate plasterwork and ceiling mouldings with wide staircase leading to reception hall/study area complete with custom-made built-in library area and original mahogany butlers table and dumb waiter to utility area.Sitting RoomWith wide bay window and superb, Southerly views across the valley and over the front garden. Ornate plaster work with picture rails, attractive fireplace with log stove and stripped wood floor throughout .Dining RoomWith wood panelling, wide bay window offering the same views as the sitting room and strip wood floor throughout. Ornate fireplace with marble and wood surround.Kitchen / Breakfast RoomWith lovely views over the gardens and a superb range of solid wood base and wall units with solid wood worktops and custom-made island with built-in storage, half tiled walls, inset double sink with mixer tap space currently occupied by range oven, 4 compartments and 6 ring gas hob. Integrated dishwasher and fridge.Family RoomA flexible space currently used as a TV area. providing built in storage, window seat to rear aspect, fully tiled shower cubicle with Regency style shower over, pedestal wash hand basin and low-level WC, fully tiled floor.Main Bedroom SuiteA charming, well proportioned room with high ceiling on the east side of property, enjoying the morning sun, which can easily be shut off to create a separate area with its own entrance, if required.Dressing roomWith full range of built-in wardrobes and storageBathroomCast iron bath complete with mixer tap shower attachment and shower over Regency style, pedestal wash hand basin, half tiled walls, radiator with chrome towel heater,cupboard housing pressurised hot water cylinder .Utility Roomwith access to side courtyard,natural stone floor, floor mounted gas fired boiler, range of built-in storage complete with worktops and Belfast sink, space and plumbing for washing machine with further room for appliances. Original features include glass shelved dresser, solid wood units and slate topped cold shelf.Access to side courtyard with fuel store and further door to the side elevation of the propertyGarden RoomA flexible space with double aspect and lovely views over the gardens. Fully double glazed with sliding doors and fully tiled floor. Velux downlight, vaulted ceiling, access to covered loggia complete with attractive established vine.InternalFrom the lobby by the kitchen there is a side access leading to parking and garage area and a further staircase to the 1st floor.First Floor LandingA light area with aspect over front gardens. Partially vaulted ceiling with exposed beans.Bedroom TwoWith double aspect, exposed beams, Velux window and built-in cupboard.Bedroom ThreeWith double aspect, exposed beams and Velux window.Bedroom FourWith exposed beams, views to the front and range of built-in cupboards.BathroomStripped wood floor, cast iron bath with shower over and fully tiled surround. Pedestal wash hand basin, radiator with chrome towel rail, low-level WC.OutsideLandscaped gardens, sun terrace and ample private parking.Workshop area with gardeners W.C.Three further garages/outbuildings with planning permission for conversionServices:All main services are connected.LocationEast Budleigh sits to the west of the scenic River Otter valley, with a network of picturesque walks and footpaths through the surrounding countryside providing a popular walking route to the beach at Budleigh. Nearby, East Budleigh Common, Bicton Common, and Woodbury Common offer expansive open spaces ideal for walking, bird watching, and horse riding.Local amenities include a well-regarded community run pub, a beautiful parish church, a community-run shop, and a primary school rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.Just under two miles away lies the coastal town of Budleigh Salterton, known for its unspoilt pebbled beach and wide range of local facilities, while the sandy beaches of Exmouth are just 6 miles down the coastline.For broader amenities, the vibrant university and cathedral city of Exeter is approximately 10 miles away. It provides excellent shopping, cultural and leisure facilities, as well as mainline rail services to London Waterloo and Paddington, and access to Exeter International Airport.
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