5 bedroom detached house for sale

The Story: A Devon Haven of Horse & Home
Where Horses Graze and the Kingfisher Flies…Down a quiet country lane, where the trees lean in and the air hums with birdsong, Pensford lies folded into the arms of a gentle Devon valley—untamed, unspoilt, and utterly private. A place to ride out at dawn, to watch deer browse the edge of the woods, and to hear nothing but hooves on earth and the wind through oak.
Set in just under 12 acres of rich and varied countryside, this enchanting equestrian smallholding is more than a home—it is a sanctuary for those who love land, animals, and the quiet rituals of rural life. A five-bedroom farmhouse of substance and soul, said to trace its roots to the 1700s, stands proudly at its heart, surrounded by landscaped gardens, ancient woodland, sparkling ponds—and, of course, your horses.
The House – Steeped in Character, Reimagined for TodayThe farmhouse has been sympathetically extended and restored, its warm stone and soft lime render quietly in harmonywith its setting. Step through the boot room—a country essential—and into a home where the old meets the new, with effortless grace.
Oak accents and Terrano Gold flooring set the tone for elegant yet grounded living. A glorious live in/eat in kitchen sits at the centre, beautifully appointed with Neff appliances, oak breakfast bar and bifold doors that open out to the morning sun. A sitting room with inglenook fireplace andtwin window seats invites stories and stillness. Upstairs, five double bedrooms—two with en suites and a further family bathroom —offer restful views and a sense of calm. The principal suite is a highlight, complete with walk-in wardrobe and fine proportions.
The Grounds Beyond the gates, Pensford begins to reveal itself—first the immaculate gardens, shaped with colour, structure, and serenity in mind. A timber-clad pool glistens beneath the trees. Bordering lawns give way to wildflower beds and birdsong.
Then, for the equestrian enthusiast, comes the true prize:An L-shaped stable block with four timber stables, tack room, hay store, and concrete yard—designed with thought and function. A barn nearby offers space for a gym or machinery, and a dedicated workshop stands ready for the weekend tinkerer. Fencing has been newly installed across the gently undulating paddocks—ideal for riding out, schooling, or simply watching your horses at peace in the pasture. Further up the track, the land rises gently into ancient woodland—oak, ash, hazel and holly, alive with deer trails and dappled light. Two natural streams run down through the trees, feeding tranquil ponds and a larger wildlife pond watched over by a charming summerhouse. The tracks loop, allowing access throughout—a perfect circuit for hacking, dog-walking, or simply wandering and dreaming.
The Location – Rural but Within ReachThough it feels a world apart, Pensford is quietly connected. The charming town of Chulmleigh offers a welcoming local community with excellent schooling and amenities, while nearby Winkleigh provides further everyday essentials. For wider access, rail links at Eggesford and Kings Nympton connect to Exeter and beyond. Surrounded by rolling fields and wooded valleys, midway between the coasts and the moors, this is North Devon at its most soulful. Whether you seek days in the saddle, evenings by the fire, or weekends beneath the stars, Pensford offers the setting—and the silence—to make it your own.
Pensford is a rare find—a home for the rider, the dreamer, the country soul. For those longing for land to roam, a home with heart, and the space to breathe deeply and ride freely, this is your invitation.
The Devon life—alive with nature, built around horses, and grounded in beauty—awaitsThe Property: A General OverviewPensford is a substantial five-bedroom detached country home, set within nearly 12 acres of private grounds in a peaceful wooded valley near Chulmleigh. Believed to date back to the 1700s in parts, the house has been sympathetically extended and modernised. The accommodation is arranged over two floors and includes a large kitchen/family room with high-end appliances, a sitting room with inglenook fireplace, a formal family/dining room with bi-fold doors, utility/boot room, and five double bedrooms—two with en-suite facilities. The principal bedroom also features a walk-in wardrobe.
Gardens & GroundsThe property is approached via double gates leading to a gravel driveway with ample parking. The landscaped gardens include a paved terrace, lawns, mature trees and shrubs, a swimming pool with plant store, and wildlife-friendly features including ponds and natural woodland. Outbuildings include a studio with power and water, a polytunnel, and a static caravan (with potential to convert).
Equestrian & Agricultural FacilitiesTo the side is a well-equipped stable yard with four stables, tack room, hay store, and muck bay. A further gated entrance leads to a large agricultural barn (partly used as a gym), a workshop, and additional storage buildings. The land comprises fenced paddocks, woodland with established tracks, two streams, and a large wildlife pond with summer house. The land offers scenic views and is well suited to equestrian or lifestyle use.
ServicesMains water, electricity, gasPrivate drainage (compliance not checked by us)Solar panelsCouncil Tax Band: F (Torridge District Council)Fibre broadband available (We are advised that Airband installation imminent)FTTC: Speeds up to 76 Mbps (download) FTTC. Speeds up to 76 Mbps (download)Mobile coverage limited indoors: Three and O2 strongest outdoors
LocationPensford lies in the rural valley of Hollocombe Water, between Exmoor and Dartmoor, surrounded by unspoilt countryside. Local amenities are available in Chulmleigh and Winkleigh, both with schools, shops, and medical services.Exeter, Barnstaple, and South Molton are within reach via the A377. Rail links are available from Eggesford, Kings Nympton, Exeter, and Tiverton Parkway, with access to the M5 and airports at Exeter and Bristol.
Land AreaApprox. 11.96 acres, including gardens, woodland, paddocks, and equestrian facilities.
Schooling:State provision: Chulmleigh Primary and Chulmleigh College are the main local options, both well-rated and easily accessible.Independent choices: Shebbear College and West Buckland School offer full private education from early years through to sixth form.Specialist support: Acorn School provides tailored education for children with additional needs.
By Design Homes, North Devon & Exmoor is part of the national and international By Design Homes network, formed from a group of of experienced, premium estate agents, delivering bespoke one-to-one services throughout the UK. While I live and work right here in the heart of North Devon, I operate in partnership with a national agency that extends across the UK and beyond, therefore combining deep local knowledge with global reach. For discreet, expert advice feel free to contact me directly.
Important NoticeBy Design North Devon & Exmoor, for themselves and for the vendors of this property, give notice that:
Particulars: These details are provided as a general outline for intending purchasers and do not constitute, nor form part of, any offer or contract.
Descriptions: All descriptions, dimensions, references to condition, necessary permissions, and other details are given in good faith and believed to be correct. Purchasers must not rely on them as statements of fact and should verify accuracy by inspection or otherwise.
Warranty: No person employed by By Design North Devon & Exmoor has authority to make or give any representation or warranty in relation to this property.
Measurements: All measurements are approximate. Floor plans are for illustrative identification only and may not be to scale.
Photography: Photographs are provided for general information only and should not be assumed to include any items shown. Images are not materially altered but may be enhanced for marketing purposes (e.g. skies, twilight effects, digital staging).
Services: Services, systems, and appliances have not been tested and no guarantee of condition or functionality is given. Purchasers should satisfy themselves as to suitability and working order.
Due Diligence: Buyers are responsible for verifying matters such as flood risk, private drainage compliance, planning consents, covenants, and all other property-related details before viewing or incurring expense.
Availability: Properties may be withdrawn or sold at any time. Buyers should confirm availability and up-to-date information prior to viewing.
Money Laundering Regulations: In compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as amended), all purchasers must provide proof of identity, address, source, and proof of funds before any sale can be agreed. By Design North Devon & Exmoor use Credas, an FCA-regulated provider, to complete these checks. A fee of £50 excluding VAT per buyer applies. A secure link will be issued. The property status cannot be changed to Sold Subject to Contract or a Memorandum of Sale produced until all checks are satisfactorily completed.