A former Victorian sweet shop, this three-bedroom house is set in the Ashburton Conservation Area in Devon. The current owners have restored the building, emphasising its original framework. Behind its Spanish slate façade, a muted aesthetic has been adopted, lending the historic house a contemporary finish. Ashburton is ideally situated on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, with plenty of Devon's attractions on the doorstep, including extensive walks and a vast range of beaches in easy reach.

Setting the Scene

Ashburton is locally recognised as the Southern Gateway to Dartmoor National Park, with a history that stretches back to the Roman period. St Lawrence Lane derives its name from the eponymous Grade II*-listed chapel constructed over 600 years ago as a Chantry Chapel. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

The house's front door is painted in 'Air Force Blue' by Little Greene with brightly-hued stained glass, a nod to the current owner's aesthetic vision for the house. A jewellery designer, she used subtle touches of colour to reference its heritage as a sweet shop through bursts of colour and gemstones. A long hallway is open and tranquil, accentuated by the whitewashed walls and wooden floorboards.

On the left, an open doorframe leads to the open-plan kitchen and dining room. The room is lit by a large double-pane sash window that looks out into the garden with a '60s style sink with black tap work by Grohe set underneath. The chimney has been opened in an ornamental fireplace, making it the perfect spot for a wood burner. The bespoke cabinetry by British Standard, including a tall double larder, has been painted off-white offset by cast-iron nob handles and oak work surfaces; newly fitted appliances are by AEG. A small step marks the transition from the kitchen to the dining space.

A wooden staircase with white bannisters and contrasting pale grey steps leads to the first floor. At the front of the house is a light-filled room, currently used as a sitting room but could also serve as a bedroom. It has a new Dartmoor eco-compliant woodburner atop the original slate hearth. A bedroom at the back of the plan has an 8x2 sash window overlooking the garden.

On the second floor are two more bedrooms. These are similarly painted in a simple white, allowing furniture and artwork to shine. Throughout the house, contemporary black radiators and pine doors have been fitted; the bathroom and kitchen doors are handmade in the original Victorian style.

The house has two bathrooms, one on the first and one on the second floor. One is finished in a monochrome colour scheme with handmade Zellige tiles. The second has a floor laid with geometric tiles, and wood-panelling on the walls has been painted in the same 'Air Force Blue' as the front door, adding a clever sense of cohesion; a claw-foot bath is by Burlington.

The Great Outdoors

At the rear of the house is a neat courtyard, accessed from the kitchen. A veritable suntrap, it has recently been spruced up in anticipation of the warmer months. Leaf-design geometric wall blocks mark the perimeter of the space, surrounded by a range of potted plants and a herb box in the kitchen window. There is an adjoining car park space to the rear.

Out and About

Ashburton is a characterful village with a pretty high street lined with independent boutiques and delicatessens. It is best known for its antique shops, with Alchemy and Catherine Waters particular favourites. Restaurants range from the traditional such as the Old Exeter Inn, the famous site of Sir Walter Raleigh’s arrest in July 1603, to the Old Library, a contemporary restaurant and cafe serving modern European dishes. The vegetarian and vegan café Rifiki’s, Creamos Italian Ice Cream Parlour and Cafe Latino are highly recommended.

Ashburton is well connected to the joys of Devon. Dartmoor National Park is under a 10-minute drive away with its selection of endless country walks. There is also a vast selection of beaches in the vicinity. These include Broadsands Beach, Blackpool Sands and the harbour of Torquay.

Despite its rural setting, Ashburton is well connected by road and rail. Its principal junction is just 1-minute from the A38 that connects to Exeter and subsequently to the M5 or A30. The nearest train station is Newton Abbot, a 20-minute drive away. From here, there are direct trains to London Paddington that take around two and a half hours, stopping at Taunton, Reading and Exeter.

Council Tax Band: C