Hunthay Lane, Axminster, Devon

THE OLD HOUSE & BLOOMSBURY COTTAGE.
The Old House is an impressive and substantial Grade II Listed property that has origins dating back to the Tudor period, having evolved greatly over the years with several additions in the 18th/19th centuries, and more recently in the 1930s when Bloomsbury Cottage was added. The property has had an interesting history was previously owned by two influential people, the first being Winifred Ashton in 1919, a minor member of ‘The Bloomsbury Group’, a likeminded collection of artists, writers and intellectuals. The second, more recent, was a Dr Molesworthy who dedicated his life and was hugely influential in the treatment for leprosy during the mid-twentieth century. The Old House has been considerably enhanced during the 15 years of the current owners stewardship in creating two beautiful holiday cottages (Bloomsbury Barn and Bloomsbury Loft) and was fully rebuilt in 2014 to create a flexible and modern family home which has few of the shortfalls of a grand thatched farmhouse, and all the modern conveniences one would expect. These include fully wired internet in each room, pressurised hot water system, fire safety roof boards and Isokern chimney systems for the wood burning stoves.

The accommodation is particularly flexible with the main house offering 5-bedrooms and Bloomsbury Cottage being a very comfortable 3-bedroom attached cottage. This makes it perfect for large or extended families, those seeking an annexe, or for an additional income. Both properties are superbly presented and have been finished with a great eye to detail with some delightful features such as the stunning Charles Yorke kitchen with electric Aga, beautiful oak flooring and staircases, brick fireplaces and wood burners. The rooms are light and take advantage of the wonderful outlook in all directions.

BLOOMSBURY BARN & BLOOMSBURY LOFT.
As previously mentioned, The Old House benefits from two superb holiday cottages which were imaginatively created by converting one of the farm buildings. They are of traditional construction with stone elevations with brick quoins under a slated roof and provide accommodation arranged over two floors. Both cottages are superbly presented offing a great deal of character and sleep four over two bedrooms. They are principally marketed through holidaycottages.co.uk (with some direct bookings) and have excellent occupancy rates and a good rate of repeat business.

Although these buildings, along with Bloomsbury Cottage, have been run as a small holiday complex in recent years, they do offer enormous versatility and the set up would be ideal for large or extended families/multigenerational living. They could also provide superb entertaining space, home office, cinema room etc, subject to any necessary planning consents required.

GARDENS & GROUNDS.
Undoubtedly one of The Old House’s main features is its picturesque setting and it has the most beautiful approach (via a right of way) over a long track which meanders through the fields to the private entrance for the property. Here there is a large gravelled parking area adjacent to which is the handsome traditionally built barn which is currently set up as a gymnasium, however undoubtedly has further potential and would be suitable for storing a vintage car or pleasure boat. This barn also incorporates a workshop and utility/laundry room. Attached to this building are Bloomsbury Barn and Bloomsbury Loft.

The grounds surround the house and are in the main laid to lawn with established borders and mature trees. There are several paved terraces and the gardens gain splendid views over the surrounding countryside. In total they extend to about ¾ acre.

SITUATION.
The Old House is located in a delightful country position on the outskirts of the town and is accessed over a long track which provides a most appealing approach to this exceptionally handsome residence. This is a convenient location being within walking distance of the town, train station and bus routes (providing easy access to local schools including Colyton Grammar, Woodroffe and Exeter), yet having some of the county’s most picturesque countryside on its doorstep, as well as being only a short drive to the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis.

Axminster is centred around the handsome Church of St Mary's and the Minster Green and has a comprehensive range of shops and facilities including many independent retailers and boutiques. There are also the usual multiples which include supermarkets, pharmacy, sports and leisure facilities, and eateries which include the superb Community Waffle House. Axminster benefits from a main line rail link to London Waterloo (a direct line service which takes about 2.45 hours) and has good road links via the A35.

The World Heritage Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis lies about 7 miles away with its famous Cobb harbour and a very good range of independent shops and amenities. The Cathedral City of Exeter lies approximately 29 miles to the west and has an extensive range of shopping facilities and an international airport. It has an express rail link to London Paddington, which can also be boarded at Taunton, Somerset’s County Town (about 19 miles away), and takes about 1.45 hours.

DIRECTIONS.
Travelling in an easterly direction on the A35 from Honiton, turn left onto the B3261 signposted Axminster. After a short distance turn left signposted Tolcis/Membury. Follow this lane taking the first left into the drive with a sign to the Old House, follow the drive across the field to the entrance to the property.
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SERVICES.
Mains water and electricity. Private drainage (newly installed treatment plant). Oil-fired central heating with each property benefiting from an independent boiler. The property also comes with a full electrical survey.

LOCAL AUTHORITY.
East Devon District Council - .
Council Tax Band: E.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE.
Exempt due to the Grade II Listing.

FLOOD RISK.
Flood risk information can be checked through the following:

BROADBAND & MOBILE.
The seller has advised us that Broadband is available at the property. Broadband availability at this location can be checked through: checker.ofcom.org.uk/
Mobile coverage can be checked through: checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage