Were Down is an exceptional and unique property in the most magical “Swallow and Amazons” setting. Nestled on the slopes of an incredible country valley, the house is surrounded by approximately 15 acres of its own grounds which is primarily formed of beautiful, managed woodland with stunning views overlooking the valley, estuary, and wetlands below. Originally believed to be a workers cottage dating from the 1800’s the house itself has been extended and renovated over the years to create an exceptional and unique family home with pending plans to further extend.
The main house has a rustic style appearance and sits easily in its surroundings but belies is chic and fashionable interior. It has over the years, and in particular during our client’s ownership, been extensively renovated and refurbished. It now offers fabulously individual and characterful accommodation of surprisingly generous proportions. The house has been uniquely styled and furnished with painted beams and wooden panelling and floors. Much of the wood has been shipped over from Kentucky and the panelling is made from wooden railway sleepers which have been sanded with black coal to emphasize the grain. The doors throughout the property, as well as the shutters are from Asia.
A generous reception hallway/snug with a woodburning stove is a welcome introduction to the house with the wood panelled walls, wooden floors and traditional fixtures and fittings offering an insight into what lies ahead. Turning right into the open plan kitchen/dining room you are met with large light filled space with 3 large sets of glass sliding doors offering spectacular views over the south facing gardens and the countryside and estuary beyond. A beamed ceiling and beautiful wooden floor stretch the length of the room which opens out to one side into the kitchen. This is a remarkable room furnished with a range of bespoke wooden units and working surfaces framing a beautiful electric Aga, the backdrop to which is a most unusual and notable wall of American imported tiles.
A kitchen island in the centre of the room, surrounded by a slate tiled floor, has a range of cupboards below with a stainless steel work surface and butchers block over. A window above the sink unit overlooks the gardens the side of the house and towards the cabin. Opposite the window a wooden panelled sliding door opening into a sizeable utility which could work well as an extension of the kitchen for the keen and avid cooks. There is a further range of bespoke, fitted units with working surfaces and sink unit over.
There is a cloakroom off the reception hall and to the rear of the property is a plant room/laundry which houses the pressurised water tank as well as plumbing and connections for laundry facilities and a ceramic butler style sink.
A sitting room is situated on a slightly higher level and to the left of the reception hall. A most generously proportioned room with a south facing window with shutters and a set of French windows leading out to the south facing patio. A woodburning stove and fireplace is a focal point as is the floor to ceiling feature panelled wall opposite. Double doors lead through from here into the study which once again showcases beautiful wood panelling. Finally on this level is a shower room with w.c. set off the rear hall where stairs rise to the first floor.
At this western end of the house are 3/4 bedrooms (one currently used as a family room) and a family bathroom. Each room is well proportioned and quite comfortably accommodate a double bed. Stairs lead from the family room to a secondary landing area from where one accesses the second bedroom with ensuite and the principal bedroom suite. This bedroom has a door which leads onto a terraced flat roof area above the dining room. All the bedrooms at the front of the house enjoy exquisite views over the valley to the estuary.
A delightful, detached cabin/lodge sits away from the house on the Eastern side. A charming structure with open plan living room, bedroom, and bathroom. South facing and enjoying similar views to the house. Furthermore, there is a very large forestry barn located on a lower level at the Eastern side of the house, beyond the cabin. This measures some 45’ in length and is very versatile in its offerings. Currently it houses a skateboard ramp and various garden and timber machinery but would easily accommodate 5 or more vehicles. A large log store is adjacent and there are solar panels on the roof.
Whilst the house itself is quite outstanding, the true beauty of Were Down is surely in its extraordinary and outstanding setting. The phrase “swallows and amazons” is arguably one of the best analogies to describe the situation and environment. With grounds lying either side of a beautiful valley, the majority of the land is well managed and cared for woodland with a variety of trees including fir, beech, rowan, oak and ash. Pathways have been cut through the woodland to provide access on both foot and utility vehicles. The land has various streams running through it leading down to the estuary where there are also wetlands which become submerged at high tides. It is believed that timber was ferried to and from here via barge and the sluices which were used remain in situ. At high tide it is possible to Kayak or paddle board down the tributary to the river and onto Bantham. There is a south facing stone patio at the front of the house with a sizeable, level lawn on the Eastern side stretching along to the cabin. The remaining gardens are primarily terraced lawns however there is a walled garden which remains from many years previous. There is the remains of a greenhouse and there are a variety of vines and fruit trees including pear, apple and cherry.

Planning Permission Granted

Plans have been approved for a two-storey extension on the east side of the house to provide a larger kitchen. (further 3 meters), garage/games room/gym with bedroom and bathroom above. More information can be found on South Hams Planning Portal Ref: 4026/19/FUL.

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