Meshaw, South Molton, Devon, EX36

Little Venhay is a most charming and historically significant countryside residence, rumoured to have once been a hunting lodge of the Earl of Portsmouth. Parts of the house date from the 16th century, with a fine early nineteenth-century remodelling that gives the property much of its present character. This Grade II Listed house displays attractive early Gothic casement windows, a handsome stair gable with curly bargeboards, and a beautifully crafted stick-baluster staircase with wreathed handrail. Inside, the atmosphere is equally enchanting, with cobbled and stone floors, panelled doors, fireplaces and original bread ovens that combine seamlessly with modern comforts.

The main house is approached via a cobbled porch, opening directly into a striking entrance hall laid with diamond-patterned cobbles. To the left lies a cloakroom, while a corridor leads to the beautifully restored Georgian spiral staircase, illuminated by a Gothic stair window with shutters. Adjacent to the staircase, the library/study offers an intimate retreat, fitted with bespoke Neville Johnson oak shelving and parquet flooring.

From the entrance hall, a door opens into the welcoming family room, featuring a Gothic window with shutters and an impressive inglenook fireplace housing a log burner. From here, a further door leads through to the graceful drawing room, with Gothic windows with shutters, oak flooring and an open fireplace. A second door provides direct access to the south-facing gardens, while an internal door links seamlessly back to the entrance hall.

The kitchen and breakfast room, also accessed from the entrance hall, forms the true heart of the home. It blends modern convenience with historic character, featuring granite worktops, an electric AGA set within a brick arch, a feature bread oven, and double doors opening onto the gardens. A further door leads into the well-equipped utility room, providing plentiful storage.

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, each with its own distinctive character. The master suite enjoys garden views with a window seat, oak flooring, fitted wardrobes and a private ensuite. A stylish family bathroom completes the accommodation at this level.

In addition to the main residence there is also a successful holiday let, Orchard Cottage, it is a detached stone-and-cob conversion under a slate roof, reconfigured to provide three bedrooms and presented to an exceptional standard. The cottage harmoniously combines handmade oak doors and exposed beams with the comforts of modern living, including underfloor heating and wheelchair accessibility on the ground floor. With a proven holiday-letting history, it offers excellent income potential as well as flexibility for multigenerational living.

Within the courtyard to the rear are additional outbuildings. The studio, once a creative workspace, has been transformed into a stylish and sociable bar area, with the mezzanine above now serving as a private cinema room, a superb setting for entertaining and relaxation. The Little Barn previously had planning permission for conversion to a one-bedroom holiday let with a mezzanine; although this has lapsed, any discerning buyer could potentially investigate this further if they wish. A garage, workshop, carport, and potting shed complete the range of useful ancillary buildings.

The grounds of Little Venhay are as captivating as the buildings. South-facing gardens flow into a level pasture paddock, while a footbridge leads to a meadow, lake with feature island, and a wooded copse alive with bird song. A heated swimming pool, fitted with a water current system, enjoys a sheltered position beside the terrace. The orchard, planted with cherry, pear, plum and apple trees, adjoins the vegetable garden with raised beds and a polytunnel. Together, the gardens, paddock, meadow and lake create a landscape rich in wildlife and natural beauty, extending in all to about 4.3 acres.

Despite its peaceful and rural setting, Little Venhay is conveniently placed. The village of Witheridge, just two and a half miles away, offers local services including shops, post office, pub, primary school and medical facilities. The nearby market towns of South Molton and Tiverton provide a wider range of amenities, while the North Devon Link Road ensures easy access to Exeter, Barnstaple, Taunton and the M5. London Paddington is reached in around two hours from Tiverton Parkway, and both Exeter and Bristol airports are within comfortable driving distance.

Lying between the dramatic landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor, and within easy reach of the spectacular North Devon coast, Little Venhay is a rare opportunity to acquire a country property of great historical interest with versatile additional accommodation, income potential, and grounds of exceptional beauty.
From our office on The Square, South Molton, travel on the B3227 along East Street, taking the first right-hand turn after the zebra crossing onto New Road. Continue for approximately 7 miles, passing through the villages of Alswear and Meshaw.

When you reach Gidley Cross, turn left. After about 1.6 miles, on a bend, you will come to Vinhay Cross. Turn right here. The property will be found approximately 0.7 miles along on your left-hand side.

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