14 bedroom villa for sale

Originally named Charante, Villa Sylvania was completed around 1865 and was originally owned by a consortium which included Lord Hesketh, Lord Haldon and The Whidbornes, who have significant historical relevance locally. The current owners have resided in the property for over 20 years and have lovingly restored and maintained the villa, which is reflected in the condition of the property throughout.

Currently, Villa Sylvania (name meaning forest) enjoys a prominent position on one of Torquay's sheltered hillsides and enjoys a southerly position from the beautifully landscaped grounds.

The main house was built in an Italianate style, which is reflected in the ornate pillars and the paving to the front courtyard.

The current owners have lovingly restored the main part of the property to its former glory and it retains a wealth of period features.

The quality of the house is exceptional and evident as soon as you enter the welcoming reception hall with its ornate plasterwork and carved door lintels. The features continue throughout the three main reception rooms, which all enjoy sea and garden views through large windows and are superbly positioned for entertaining. There are arched doorways between the dining room, sitting room and drawing room, which has a large bay window and fireplace. The reception hallway is equally impressive and grandiose with its sweeping staircase illuminated by a large stained glass window.

Another feature of the property is the Egyptian room, with its spectacular ceiling, wall murals and fireplace. The high quality and stylish kitchen has a wide range style cooker, concealed appliances, polished granite work surfaces, tiled floors and French windows overlooking the charming courtyard with a fountain and coloured paving.

At the top of the sweeping staircase, the principal bedroom suite enjoys possibly the best views from the property from a large bay window and has the benefit of a large en-suite bathroom with a spacious air bath, shower cubicle, twin wash basins and a large walk in dressing room with fitted wardrobes.

East Wing

Attached to the North corner of the property are the former "servants" quarters which are laid out over three floors.

The ground floor comprises of the domestic rooms which include the former Victorian kitchen with he original stove, scullery, cold meat store (currently storage) laundry room, walk in larder, former staff sitting room and gardeners WC. Most of which still has the original flag slate floors. The remaining upper floors are all bedrooms, ten in total and most have en-suite facilities.

Annexe

With its own access the annexe is to the side of the main house and has an entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, three bedrooms and a study. One of the bedrooms has a dressing room and all three bedrooms have en-suite facilities.

House Keeper’s Apartment

Above the double garage there is a three bedroom self contained apartment, comprising of a sitting room, kitchen/dining room and all bedrooms have en-suite facilities (refer to floor plans and virtual tours.)

Gardens and Grounds

Villa Sylvania has an enviable approach through tall wrought iron double gates which lead onto a stunning paved front courtyard with ample parking for several vehicles and boats.

The landscaped gardens laid to the front of the building feature an Indian sandstone large terrace, ideal for al fresco dining in the Summer months and offer spectacular views of Torbay and the sea.

The gardens are private and sheltered and are surrounded by a well established mixture of mature trees, shrubs which include conifers, palm trees and a variety of Mediterranean plants.

A beautiful feature of the garden includes a wild meadow and ornamental pond.