Property for sale

A versatile country property offering the dream of escaping the rat race and pursuing a lifestyle second to none. Operating as an extremely popular 5 star rated boarding kennels business, with 2.5 acres of land. Sitting on its own and surrounded by glorious open countryside only a few minutes’ drive from the busy town of Barnstaple, the popular quayside town of Bideford and historic Torrington, not to mention being within reach of the fabulous beaches at Westward Ho! Saunton and Croyde, this is a property in an enviable location with lifestyle to match.

After 20 plus years the owner of this delightful home and business has brought it to the market. “The business of a dog boarding kennels has provided a home and lifestyle which is so highly sought after. It is one of only a handful of kennels businesses in Devon to operate with a 5 star licence”. All the kennels are fully tiled with under floor heating, there is a smart reception, fully equipped kitchen and a dog grooming parlour on site. Two high fenced play paddocks offer the dogs’ hours of fun with a sandpit, toys and trees for shade. In addition there are two further securely fenced fields for longer exercise, for owner’s pets or for other business/leisure pursuits.

The property is well-situated, set back from a quiet country lane, with double gates opening to a parking area, where the 11’ x 9’4 kennels reception/greeting office and adjacent 11’2 x 8’11 kennel kitchen is situated. Behind this building is access to the 20 kennels, completely private and not visible from any public area. The main residence is at the top of the drive, which in turn leads onto a hard standing with parking for several vehicles in front of a double garage 20’ x 17’9 and workshop 17’9 x 9’10 both with light and power. Next to this are two further kennels with runs and access to the gardens and grounds.

THE MAIN PROPERTY
As you enter there is an entrance hall with a modern cloakroom. A door opens into the impressive bright and spacious open plan kitchen/dining/family room which is a wonderful space and benefits from a triple aspect with splendid countryside views.

The kitchen is extensively fitted with a range of stylish bespoke units with ample stone effect and woodblock worktops, an integrated fridge freezer, washing machine and wine cooler. In the kitchen is a twin oven oil fired AGA that is available subject to negotiation and there is also an electric cooker. In March 2023 the owner installed a new Grant Eco Boiler.

A door leads to a useful utility room at the side which has built in storage and space for a washing machine and tumble dryer or dishwasher.

The kitchen leads seamlessly into a dining area and then a cosy family space with wood burning stove. From here is a door to a conservatory and sliding doors lead out to a superb south facing terrace which is partly covered and is a wonderful space from which to enjoy the far-reaching countryside views and a great place for barbeques.

In the middle of the property is the living room which also has a wood burning stove and stairs leading up to the master bedroom suite.
A door from the living room opens to a hallway giving access to two double bedrooms with built in wardrobes and there is a luxurious shower room.
Upstairs is the master bedroom which benefits from an en-suite bathroom, there are double doors at the end of the bedroom opening onto a large sun terrace with fabulous views of the grounds and countryside beyond and there is also access to a part boarded loft void.

THE GROUNDS
The grounds are approximately 2.5 acres and as well as containing the main residence and kennels, there is a pretty garden at the front, with a range of shrubs, saplings and flowering plants.

There are two large secure stock proof fenced paddocks at the very top of the land, with two smaller adjacent fenced play paddocks, one with sand pit. Currently, kennel residents have full use of all paddocks for free running.
Next to the double garage is a good size and productive vegetable plot and there are also two separate owners gardens which are laid to lawn.

Further useful buildings on the land are an open sided barn 33’ x 17’ with concrete base, there is a grooming parlour with raised bath and power shower and two useful utility stores with light and power.

THE BUSINESS
Under the terms of the Animal Activity License issued by Torridge District Council, Towsers is capable of being licensed for up to a maximum of 32 dogs depending on the number of staff at the kennels. Any License is relevant to the person holding it and not to the kennels themselves. The owner usually opens the business for 10 months of the year with the kennels opening to the public 7 days a week. In recent years the business has traded at a lower level through choice. Now quietly trading to suit the owner, but could easily re-establish a more robust trade.

The trading figures are available upon request, once a viewing has taken place.
This is a great opportunity to generate an impressive income, and to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in a truly peaceful and beautiful setting.

LOCATION
Stoney Cross is a small rural hamlet surrounded by splendid open countryside in the ward of Instow, about 4.5 miles from the town of Bideford and 7 miles from Barnstaple. It is close to the village of Alverdiscott which was the site of a Roman Fort and there is a Norman Church and village hall. Bideford town overlooks the River Torridge and provides a pleasing blend of local facilities with a selection of national shops, banks as well as numerous independent shops, restaurants and bars. A few miles further away is the picture postcard fishing village of Appledore and around the coast, the popular seaside resort of Westward Ho! with its fine sandy surfing beach backed by the famous Pebble Ridge and Northam Burrows Country Park. Barnstaple, the regional centre for North Devon provides a wider range of shops and facilities and from there the A361 link road continues to the M5 motorway at junction 27 (Tiverton) a further 29 miles away. There also is the Tiverton Parkway main line railway station (London Paddington 2 hour's approx.) and Exeter the Cathedral city and county town with its international airport is about 50 miles away. The North Devon region appeals to those with a sense of the great outdoors with its glorious sandy surfing beaches at Westward Ho! Croyde Bay, Saunton and Woolacombe and the more rugged coastline westward towards Cornwall. For golfers there are a variety of facilities but most notably the Royal North Devon Club at Westward Ho! reputably the oldest club in England playing on the original course and the two Championship Links Courses at Saunton. Sailing is available on the coastal waters with Instow on the banks of the Torridge being home to the North Devon Yacht Club. The south west coastal path is nearby and access to the Tarka Trail part of the national cycle network.
The property is 3.6 miles from Bideford Quay. From the Quay, proceed across the old bridge turning left at the mini roundabout and continue until the next mini roundabout and turn right onto Manteo Way. At the next roundabout, turn left onto Alverdiscott Road and continue on where the property will be found on the right indicated by a large sign board.

FROM BARNSTAPLE
From the A39 Roundswell roundabout, take the B3232 towards Torrington and Newton Tracey. Proceed on until reaching Alverdiscott and there is a signpost to Stoney Cross. Turn right here and after passing through Stoney Cross, the property will be found on the left.