The School House Devon

An early Victorian school house, in the care of the present owner since 1979. This house has been sensitively restored and artistically extended, and is set in its own orchard and garden of over an acre. A place to restore energy and refresh. There is a sense of well being and contentment which comes from staying in a beautiful house, rooted in the Devon countryside. Trips to Dartmoor, north Cornwall and a brace of historic towns will enliven any stay. The space This exceptionally comfortable property combines the charm of the country with beautiful design. The accommodation comprises three cleverly-connected segments, two historic, one contemporary. The whole house is extremely light. The original Victorian wing comprises a large drawing room, over which is the master bedroom, with room for a cot at the end of the room, with en suite shower and bath. At the back of the house, handmade terracotta tiles lead to an antique wash room and separate laundry room. The spacious kitchen inhabits the old infants room, and is beautifully equipped with antique chairs and carved walnut table. The Aga is backed up by a Miele induction top cooker. There is a walk in larder. A second front door leads into a hall way with butler’s pantry off it and up a step into the drawing room of the new extension. This is tall and airy, providing 2 bedrooms, one en suite bathroom, one separate bathroom. The upstairs bedroom with basin has an open mezzanine area beside it, provides a private dedicated space to work or for a toddler to sleep in, overlooking the orchard and terraced lawns. Every bathroom has underfloor heating and the showers are powerful. There is plenty of space to sit and eat on the temple or lie outside in the garden. Open fires can be lit in both sitting rooms, one is a music room with piano, perfect for afternoon tea or evening drinks. Initially the building was simply two original Victorian School rooms, which served me well while I was a potter. Over the years the house has evolved with the addition of an architecturally designed wing giving us an unusual, spacious and happy family home. The garden is nearly an acre with an orchard leading into a secret garden with three large terraces. The views over the valley are exceptional, as they were in the 17th Century. Guests abiding memory is of the tranquility of this hidden corner of Devon, the stillness and quality of sleep and the dramatic sunset views from the garden across the valley. Please note that we do not allow pets. No smoking in the property. Guest access Access to the School House (Sleeps 7), no access the new garden rooms (Sleeps 4) built in 2024 Other things to note Reviews (This is what our guests think) We had a wonderful stay in the School House over New Year – exactly what was needed after all the rushing around of Christmas. The location is beautifully remote, with rural views to the front, pretty garden to the side and a tiny, picturesque old church behind. There is convenient parking next to the house and the only people we saw outside in the lane were a posse of riders one breakfast time. A couple of the nights were wild and windy outside whilst we were extremely cosy indoors, in the main sitting room reading and chatting beside a roaring log fire, in the extensively equipped kitchen warmed by the wonderful Aga and then tucked up in our huge and very comfortable bed. Our bathroom was spacious and luxurious, with nice lighting and underfloor heating. Our guest reported being equally delighted with her bedroom and bathroom in the other ‘wing’ of the house. She really enjoyed the private space the second living area and reading gallery gave her. We loved walking on Dartmoor and on Bodmin Moor, visiting Tavistock and up to the north coast around Padstow and were delighted by the Strawberry Fields Farm shop at Lifton. There is absolutely everything you could need there, local produce and of marvellous quality. We didn’t do much eating out, as it was so delightful to be ‘at home’ in this special house, surrounded by interesting and lovely artworks, pottery, books, piano and so many personal touches. -January 2020 The Old School House is an amazing, quiet and spacious home in a wonderful part of Devon. It has everything that a visitor would want. A caring owner who wants you to enjoy every part of your vacations in a perfect setting. All we can say is thank you. -May 2019