Higher Brownstone, Black Dog

Fantastic rural position just a mile from Morchard, flexible 3 or 4 bed detached house with its own private driveway, approx. 6 acres of very good pasture, gardens, outbuildings and detached shippen barn with open and far reaching views to Dartmoor, double garage, workshop and ample parking - this needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Higher Brownstone occupies a fantastic position between the villages of Morchard Bishop and Black Dog with some stunning views to both Dartmoor and even Exmoor from the field. The house is a spacious, detached and south facing property with adjacent gardens and paddocks extending to approx. 6 acres. It has its own private driveway, six fields of good pasture (with three having road frontage) which would suit a range of uses from smallholding to dog walking, this place has it all. The house is believed to date back to the mid 1600's offers generous living accommodation and is built of traditional cob and stone. There are three reception rooms on the ground floor, which gives flexibility to provide a ground floor bedroom 4 or study should it be required, a large living room with a traditional inglenook fireplace and wood burner and plenty of character. The kitchen benefits from an oil-fired Aga for hot water and cooking (there is a space for an electric cooker and immersion heater for summer) and lots of storage including a small porch which can be used as a larder! Central heating is provided by an oil-fired boiler located off the kitchen. On the first floor, there are 3 double bedrooms, all with south facing views over the gardens and land and over the adjoining countryside to Dartmoor on the horizon. The land is excellent, adjacent to the house and garden and with excellent access to the country lane. A particular point worth noting is that much of the land can be seen from the property, ideal for those with livestock and for those that want to let the children and animals out to enjoy the countryside in a safe environment. The current owners have successful run Higher Brownstone as a smallholding and have been here for 28 years, the land is productive and the building set up for practical use and storage but would suit those who would just love a slice of Devon to enjoy or those with horses. The open fronted barn can be used as pens or would easily convert to stables and there's a large workshop, large garage, greenhouse and polytunnel to add to the flexibility. The former diary is used as a utility room and the old Shippen barn (cob and stone) is useful as it is but would also convert into more accommodation for the house as an annexe, holiday lets or a home office set up (subject to permission). The possibilities are huge here. The driveway sets the house away from the country lane and provides off-road parking for numerous vehicles as it reaches the property.

MORCHARD BISHOP is a village and civil parish set in the sumptuous hills and valleys of Mid-Devon, halfway between the North and South of the County, 7 miles west of Crediton and 14 miles from the regional capital, Exeter. The showpiece is the spectacular 16th Century Church of St Mary's, one of two churches in the village. This small but thriving community, with a population of just under 1000 has a primary school, doctor's surgery and a local shop.  Those who lead an active lifestyle can take advantage of the football, netball and outdoor tennis clubs as well as enjoying a game of bowls on the Green.

At the centre is the friendly London Inn, loved for its generous servings of delicious, locally sourced food. Dating back 400 years, this traditional pub was once a stop for passing coaches when the main road from Exeter ran through the village. Today, the nearby railway station at Morchard Road carries passengers from Exeter to Barnstaple along the scenic Tarka Line. Dartmoor and Exmoor, areas of outstanding natural beauty are within 30 minutes' drive.

BLACK DOG, a mile to the east is a small Mid Devon village, located 7 miles north of Crediton and 10 miles west of Tiverton. It sits astride one of the highest ridges of land that run between Dartmoor and Exmoor, at an altitude of 656 feet. Such elevation allows a panoramic unfurling of the countryside. Dartmoor is particularly visible, and can be appreciated from the ‘Black Dog Inn’ – a mid-way watering hole, favoured by ramblers taking on the ‘Two Moors Way’. This is a long distance trek (102 miles), winding over both moors from South Devon to North Devon (some 50 miles of walking deserves a tipple!). The Two Moors Way crosses the road a few hundred yards from the property. 

DIRECTIONS  

• From Crediton take the A377 main road in a north-westerly direction towards Barnstaple for about 6 miles. 
• Turn right at Morchard Road as signed to Morchard Bishop and follow the country lane until arriving in the village. 
• Proceed up the hill and turn right by the London Inn into Church Street. Follow this road which leaves the village, and follow the signs for Black Dog.
• Proceed past Canns Mill Cross for about half a mile and the property is on the right hand side.