4 bedroom detached house for sale

Highfield Barn Atherington, Umberleigh, North Devon
There are homes that nod to history and homes that lean to the future. Highfield Barn is rare in doing both. This is a barn conversion of striking character and charm, rebuilt with an eye for craftsmanship and a conscience for tomorrow. Within half an acre of grounds, behind private electric gates, it offers light, space, and eco-innovation in harmony with its rural setting.
Step Inside
Cross the threshold and a light-filled, contemporary interior unfolds. At its heart, an open-plan living room and kitchen run the full length of the barn, double-aspect windows and glazed doors connecting indoors with the garden. Natural ash-clad feature walls, subtle mood lighting, and even a playful disco-light option lend warmth and individuality.
The bespoke Howdens kitchen is sleek in matt grey, with stone-effect worktops, integrated Neff and Lamona appliances, and a central island complete with breakfast bar, wine cooler, and fridge. A walk-in pantry with sensor lighting provides space for an American-style fridge-freezer, while a matching utility room keeps everyday tasks discreet.
A newly built conservatory extends the living space, ideal for dining or relaxing, opening to the courtyard garden. A cloakroom doubles as a plant room, discreetly housing the home’s eco-systems: the Ubiflux Vigor unit, water cylinder, and underfloor heating controls.
Upstairs
The vaulted landing, with exposed beams, provides a sitting area filled with natural light. The principal bedroom is a retreat — double aspect, with fitted wardrobes and overhead storage, and a stylish en-suite with slate-tiled shower base and vanity unit.
Three further bedrooms all carry the barn’s character with beams and fitted storage. Bedroom Two enjoys its own en-suite shower room, while Bedrooms Three and Four share a modern family bathroom with panelled bath and overhead shower.
Step Outside
Highfield Barn sits within half an acre of gardens and grounds. A short stretch of shared tarmac forecourt leads to private, electrically operated gates, opening to a sweeping gravel driveway with parking and turning space in abundance.
The detached double garage is an outbuilding of substance, built in Douglas fir on a brick base with staddle stone supports. Beneath its slate roof lies a generous loft room, complete with staircase, water supply, power and light — ideal for conversion into a studio, office, or leisure space (subject to permissions).
Additional outbuildings include a detached workshop and garden store, both with power and light, adding yet more flexibility.
Courtyards and lawns, stone walls and hedges, all combine to frame the barn in privacy and seclusion, with the rolling countryside always at the edge of view.
Schools & Lifestyle
For families, education is exceptionally well served. West Buckland School, one of the South West’s leading independents, lies within easy reach. Local primaries include Atherington and High Bickington, with further options in Barnstaple and South Molton, while Petroc College provides further education locally.
Beyond the school run, life here is rich in opportunity. The Taw Valley’s quiet lanes and walking routes begin at your gate, while Exmoor National Park, the Tarka Trail, and the golden surfing beaches of Saunton, Woolacombe and Croyde are within a short drive. Golf, sailing, equestrian centres and countryside pursuits abound. This is North Devon at its best: beautiful, connected, and endlessly liveable.
A House for Today and Tomorrow
More than just beautiful, Highfield Barn is built for modern life with conscience. Passive House-approved triple-glazed windows, underfloor heating, a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system, and automated gates with CCTV all bring comfort, security, and sustainability.
It is a home of possibilities — a barn with character, a retreat of light and style, a place to live with ease today and adapt for tomorrow.
Highfield Barn is rare, remarkable, and ready for its next chapter.
The Setting
Highfield Barn lies just beyond the village of Atherington, a traditional North Devon community with its parish church, recreation field, and a friendly heart. Everyday needs are close at hand, with a primary school at nearby High Bickington, a local inn, and village facilities.
Two miles away, Umberleigh offers a mainline station linking to Exeter St David’s, Exeter Central and Tiverton Parkway, with fast services through to London Paddington. This quiet rail connection is a lifeline — making rural life compatible with city business and travel.
Within easy reach are the historic market towns of Torrington and South Molton, and the larger centres of Barnstaple and Bideford provide full amenities — shops, leisure, schools, theatre, and healthcare. Exeter lies around 40 miles to the east, with the M5 corridor and Exeter Airport giving access far beyond the county.
By Design Homes North Devon & Exmoor is part of the wider By Design Homes network – a collective of experienced, premium estate agents delivering bespoke one-to-one service across the UK and internationally. Based here in the heart of North Devon, I combine local knowledge and personal attention with the strength and reach of a national brand. For discreet, expert advice, please 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.
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