Dolton, Winkleigh, Devon, EX19

An exquisite country house steeped in charm and character, sitting in glorious grounds approaching 19 acres with fishing rights.

Location - The property stands in a beautiful, tranquil, rural location amongst unspoilt mid-Devon countryside on the edge of the Halsdon Nature reserve, with just a few neighbouring properties. Brightley House is approached via an 800m tree lined sweeping driveway that runs parallel to the River Torridge and leads to the house, which sits in a glorious elevated position overlooking its own grounds.

The picturesque village of Dolton is about 2 miles away, which boasts an excellent array of amenities including two public houses, village store/Post Office, traditional butcher, primary school, village hall and a parish church. A wider range of amenities can be found at Great Torrington and Hatherleigh, about nine miles and six miles away respectively.

Dartmoor National Park, renowned for its undulating moorland, deep river valleys, rare wildlife and rich history along with stunning scenery is around 18 miles away. The coastline is around a 45-minute car ride away, with spectacular North Devon and North Cornish beaches at Westward Ho! and Bude offering world class surfing.

Despite its peaceful, rural location, the property enjoys superb communication links, with the A30 about 15 miles away, allowing access to Exeter and Cornwall, as well as the M5 motorway network.

Communications - The area can be accessed from the M5 Motorway, and along the A30. The nearest train station is located at Okehampton, which connect to Exeter, where there are regular mainline rail services to London (Paddington) in just over 2 hours.

Mileages

Dolton – 2 miles
Great Torrington – 9 miles
Okehampton – 14 miles
Exeter – 28 miles
M5 Motorway/Tiverton Parkway – 38 miles

The Property - Originally thought to have been built in the Arts & Crafts era, this stunning non-listed period residence enjoys a delightful tranquil position surrounded by wildlife, and bordering the River Torridge.

The property has been the subject of expertly executed extensive, yet sympathetic renovations during the current vendor’s ownership, skilfully undertaken to retain the charm and character of the Arts & Crafts elements of the property. The property boasts luxurious accommodation typical of an English country home, and offers delightful views over the formal gardens to the river beyond. There is a real emphasis on indoor/outdoor living, ideal during warmer months.

The accommodation is immaculately presented, having been finished to exacting standards throughout. There are four reception rooms, a spectacular kitchen/dining/family room which has two sets of bi-folding doors opening onto the gardens, and four bedrooms with three bath/shower rooms. Furthermore, there is an excellent games room over the garage, which offers potential for a variety of uses. The principal bedroom is a particular feature, enjoying outstanding views across the gardens towards the river, with a covered balcony and large sumptuous en-suite.

The property is equally impressive externally, approached via a long tree lined sweeping driveway, with the river on your left. There is a delightful mixture of more formal garden areas and paddocks that front the River Torridge, with the benefit of single bank fishing rights of about half a mile for any fishing enthusiasts. The whole is a true countryside haven, providing peace, privacy and tranquillity and in total, amounts to around 18.8 acres.

Only with a viewing can you start to appreciate the quality, position and potential this property has, which is offered for sale with no onward chain.

The accommodation, with approximate dimensions more clearly shown on the accompanying floorplans, comprises:

Front door leads to:

Entrance Vestibule - Windows to the side elevations. Storage cupboard.

Reception Hallway - Stairs rise to the first floor landing. Door giving access to the gardens. Storage cupboard.

Shower Room - Comprising low level WC with concealed cistern, vanity wash hand basin and a walk-in shower with rainwater style shower. Chrome heated towel rail. Obscure window.

Study - A dual aspect room overlooking the gardens.

Snug - A delightful dual aspect room overlooking the gardens towards the River Torridge. Wood burning stove on a stone hearth with exposed granite.

Garden Room - Overlooking the gardens towards the River Torridge. Door giving access onto the garden.

From the reception hallway, double doors give access to:

Drawing Room - A stunning light and airy room overlooking the gardens, with double doors leading onto the terrace. Woodburning stove set in a chimney recess. Coved ceiling. The drawing room could be used as two smaller rooms, if required.

Dining Room - Windows overlooking the driveway and gardens to the rear. Opens to the drawing room.

Kitchen/Dining/Family Room - A spectacular dual aspect room with a roof lantern allowing a wealth of ample natural light and bi-folding doors opening onto the gardens. Exposed stonework. Ceiling fans.

Kitchen - Comprising a superb range of matching wall and base units with double butler sink set into granite work surfaces and a range of integrated appliances including dishwasher, oven and a range cooker with extractor over. Pantry style cupboard. Central island unit with a sink set into granite work surfaces and a breakfast bar.

Boot Room - Door leading the driveway and gardens. Belfast sink set into granite work surfaces with storage below. Space for washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge. Floor mounted oil fired boiler providing domestic hot water and central heating.

Half Landing - Stairs rise to the first floor landing. Windows overlooking the gardens.

Games Room - A dual aspect room with wood flooring and panelling. Wood burning stove set into chimney recess.

First Floor Landing - Window overlooking the garden.

Bedroom 1 - Window overlooking the garden towards the river. Double doors lead to a covered balcony that also enjoys the fantastic views on offer.

En-Suite - Comprising low level WC, dual wash hand basins, bidet, freestanding bath and a walk-in shower with rainwater style shower. Chrome heated towel rail. Windows enjoying garden views.

Bedroom - Two windows. Built-in wardrobes. Coved ceiling.

En-Suite - Comprising low level WC, pedestal wash hand basin, roll top claw footed bath, walk-in shower with rainwater style shower. Window. Chrome heated towel rail. Large walk-in airing cupboard.

Bedroom - Windows overlooking the garden towards the river.

Bathroom - Comprising low level WC, wash hand basin and a bath. Obscure windows.

Bedroom - A triple aspect room enjoying views over the garden.

Walk-in Wardrobe - Window. Excellent storage.

Outside - The property is approached over a tree lined driveway of about 800m that serves Brightley House and two other properties, leading to a turning circle with ample off-road parking and the:

Double Garage - Concertina doors and power and light connected.

Gardener’s WC - Comprising low level WC and wash basin.

The gardens and grounds at Brightley House are a real delight, matching and complementing the quality of the house perfectly. Immediately to the front of the house there is a large swathe of level? lawn flanked by mature and established borders, providing a wealth of colour and interest throughout the seasons. There are a wide range of rare and unusual Rhododendrons in the grounds, and a wisteria which hangs from the balcony which looks stunning in season. There are terraces adjacent to the house providing areas to sit and enjoy the serene surroundings. The formal gardens are bordered by mature trees and pathways which lead down to the paddocks and river beyond.

The River Torridge borders the property on the western boundary, and meanders its way northwards to the Atlantic coast at Bideford. The river is known to produce good quality salmon and trout, and Brightley House benefits from riparian rights offering approximately half a mile of single bank fishing; the current vendors have the fishing records dating back to the 1920s.

The gardens and grounds are an enchanting haven, attracting a plethora of wildlife, and we understand that kingfishers and otters have been spotted. In total, the grounds extend to about 18.8 acres.

Property Information

Services - Mains water and electric. Oil fired central heating with underfloor heating downstairs and radiators upstairs. Private drainage (septic tank).

EPC Rating: E

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Local Authority - Torridge District Council –

Contents, Fixtures and Fittings - Only those mentioned within this brochure are included in the sale. All others, such as curtains, light fittings, mirrors, garden ornaments etc. are specifically excluded, but may be available by separate negotiation.

Viewing - By appointment with Jackson-Stops, North Devon .

For sale by private treaty with vacant possession upon completion.

Directions - From Great Torrington: proceed on the A386 towards Okehampton. Stay on this road until you reach the village of Merton. Proceed through the village staying on the A386, and after leaving the village, continue for a further 1.3 miles, before taking the turning on the left hand side signposted towards Dolton. Continue along this country lane until you pass over a bridge crossing the River Torridge, and the driveway to Brightley House will be situated on the left hand side.

From the A30: take the A386 signposted towards Bideford and Okehampton. Stay on this road passing through Folly Gate, Hatherleigh and Meeth. After leaving Meeth, continue for about 1.2 miles and then turn right, signposted towards Dolton. Continue along this country lane until you pass over a bridge crossing the River Torridge, and the driveway to Brightley House will be situated on the left hand side.