Lyndale, Thorverton, Devon

Perched on an elevated hillside plot, this remarkable five-bedroom house sits on the edge of Thorverton, a coveted village in the Devon countryside. This 1950s home was transformed into a striking contemporary residence through a substantial renovation and extension, completed in 2020. The result is just under 2,500 sq ft of light-filled living space spread across two levels. Impeccably finished, the interiors are defined by a restrained palette and the ever-present views of the surrounding landscape and open skies. Despite its rural setting, Exeter city centre is a mere 20-minute drive.



The Tour



The house is approached from the south via a gravelled driveway that leads to a parking area with space for multiple cars. Deceptively modest, the building’s exterior combines a zinc roof and clean rendered walls with expansive, black-framed glazing, allowing the house to sit harmoniously with the natural contours of the landscape.



At the front, a short flight of steps and a ramped bridge ascend to the main entrance on the upper floor. Here, a fully glazed segment cut into the rendered façade encapsulates the entrance hall, instilling an immediate appreciation of light and volume, a theme consistent throughout the home. A handy cupboard for coats sits discreetly in the wall on one side and the monochromatic palette and sustainability-minded cork floor extends through to the open-plan kitchen/dining/living area via a reeded glass partition and door.



An abundance of minimally framed glass lines the outer walls and the magnificence of the house’s setting is unavoidable. At the kitchen end, a vaulted monopitch ceiling hovers over bespoke minimalist kitchen units by a local craftsman, which include a larder and drawer linings of solid oak, a large Dekton-topped island and integrated Miele and Liebherr appliances. The dining area has space for a large table and, tucked to the corner of the plan, a sitting area arranged by a picture window, offers a calm spot and far-reaching views all the way to the lone Scots pine atop Raddon Hill.



A slate-tiled terrace makes up the south-west corner of the upper floor plan. Separated only from the internal environment by glazed walls and doors, this is an ideal spot for outdoor dining or watching the sunset and the abundance of wildlife that frequents the surrounding landscape, including egrets, deer, foxes and buzzards.



The principal suite is positioned at the opposite end, with windows on three aspects and tiles underfoot. An elegantly designed wardrobe doubles as a partition between the sleeping and dressing areas. The en suite has a walk-in shower and modern fittings. A separate WC is accessed off the hallway.



From the entrance hall, a black steel staircase descends to the lower floor, with terrazzo-tiled treads underfoot that extends throughout the living areas on this level. A spacious family room with a wood-burning stove has sliding doors along the south wall leading out to the garden. Tucked in behind is another WC and a utility room with external access.



There are four further double bedrooms on this floor, two with convenient integrated wardrobes. These are served by a shared bathroom/wet room with walk-in open shower, central bathtub, and modern fittings, finished in Spanish porcelain tiles by Mandarin Stone.



Outdoor Space



Sweeping gardens wrap around the house and amount to approximately half an acre. There is a pond and many mature trees, including the likes of oak, ash, holly, Blue Atlas Cedar, apples, laurel and bay. Planting in the last five years include willow, Chanticleer Pear, Prunus Accolade and more fruit trees - all chosen to provide beautiful blossom and habitat for bees and wildlife. Most of the land has been left to wilding, achieving a natural feel while providing a blank canvas for those seeking to introduce their own landscaping designs.



There is a patio on the west side of the house offering a peaceful spot for sitting and relaxing. At the front, a gravelled driveway has parking space for multiple cars.



The Area



Thorverton is a picture-pretty village in the Exe Valley between Exeter and Tiverton, known for its thriving community and beautiful surroundings. There is a good selection of amenities in the village, including a post office, doctors surgery, primary school, pre-school, village hall and two pubs, The Thorverton Arms and The Exeter Inn.



A more extensive array of amenities is found at Tiverton to the north or Exeter to the south, both reached in approximately 20 minutes by car. Near Tiverton, The Lost Kitchen is a particular highlight, well-loved for its wood-fired cooking.



Exeter is a vibrant cultural centre based around the Exeter Cathedral, with an excellent selection of restaurants, shops, theatres, cinemas, a museum, football, rugby and leisure centres and a vibrant riverside with water sports and cycling trails. Stage is a local favourite, popular for their tasting menus inspired by seasonality.



The house is brilliantly placed to explore the varied landscapes that Devon is known for. The National Parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor, along with the north and south coasts, can all be reached within an hour’s drive. The National Trust Killerton Estate is three miles away, with its house and extensive woods and parklands.



The area is also renowned for excellent private and state schools at all levels, including Blundell’s in Tiverton, The Maynard School and Exeter School.



Exeter has an extensive transport network with the M5 and Exeter St David's station, which runs services to London Paddington in just over two hours. Exeter Airport is around 30 minutes away by car, with flights within the UK and to international destinations.



Council Tax Band: G