Efford, Exeter

*** VIRTUAL VIEWING TOUR *** An incredibly spacious detached barn conversion with a wealth of character features, including an original cider press, set in 1.38 acres and situated in a sought-after rural location with direct access into Exeter, found just 6 miles away.

DESCRIPTION The Old Press House was originally a barn, built in the late 19th century and converted about 30 years ago. The property offers spacious, flexible accommodation ranging over three floors, with a wealth of character including beams and exposed brick and stone work, as well as the original cider press. There are some most attractive galleried areas which provide versatile space and the property could easily be divided to form accommodation for an extended family. The property has a large kitchen/ breakfast room which has a good range of cupboards and drawers, built-in appliances, granite work surfaces and an oil-fired 4-oven Aga. An archway leads to a stunning garden room with a feature wood burner, floor-to-ceiling windows and a galleried landing over. The adjacent sitting room has another wood burner. There is a family room, a large landing, a study and the press room, which houses the original cider press.

There are 6 double bedrooms, both the master bedroom and bedroom 3 have their own dressing rooms and en-suite bath / shower rooms. There are two further family bathrooms. Walk-in rain showers, underfloor heating, downlighters and feature walls are luxury fitments in several of these rooms. Far-reaching views over the gardens and surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from several of the upstairs rooms. 

In all, The Old Press House offers light, spacious and flexible family accommodation with very individual features.

OUTSIDE   The South-facing gardens form one of the most attractive features of this property, consisting of a barbecue area with pergola and sweeping areas of lawn. Partially walled, the garden contains a number of mature trees, including a magnificent walnut tree and an orchard of apple trees, some eating and some cider apples, which were originally planted to go to the press within the house before the barn was converted. The garden contains a wide variety of flowering shrubs and plants, including roses, honeysuckle, ceanothus, acer, and weigela, and there is an area of vegetable garden. A wooden bridge leads across a stream, which runs through the garden, to a pond with waterlilies and flanked by water loving plants, including irises. The gardens extend to approximately 1.38 acres in all and provide a peaceful haven for wildlife. 

The property is approached via a no through lane, with a parking and turning area in front of the detached double garage. At the opposite end of the garden is an extensive area of parking. 

General Services: Mains electricity and water. Oil fired heating and Aga. Shared private drainage.

DIRECTIONS: From Exeter proceed north on the A377 Crediton road. About a mile after the village of Cowley turn right signposted Langford and Shute. Proceed along this road through Shute and Efford is the next hamlet. On entering the hamlet, after the sharp right bend, turn right just after the post and rail fence. Towards the end of this lane turn left and the track will take you up to The Old Press House on the left.

EFFORD The Press House is in a delightful rural location yet only 6 miles from the thriving city of Exeter (St Davids Railway Station takes just 15 minutes).  The hamlet of Efford is at the foot of the Raddon Hills, the house is one of a number of converted barns and has a private outlook over its own gardens with farmland beyond. 

The villages of Shobrooke, Newton St Cyres and Thorverton are all close by; Shobrooke offers The Red Lion Inn and Newton St Cyres the ever-popular Beer Engine Pub & restaurant both of which can be reached by country walks from the property. The larger village of Thorverton enjoys a church, village shop, Post Office, farm shop, village primary school, village hall and two pubs. There is also a good doctors’ surgery and a number of sports clubs, including cricket and cultural clubs. The market town of Crediton is 5 miles away, with two large supermarkets, a farmers’ market and a number of shops and inns.

Schools in the area include The Maynard, Exeter school and the property is also within the reduced fees catchment area for Blundells.