Brampford Speke

Thought to be Brampford Speke’s oldest property, dating back to at least the early 16th century, this 4 bedroom grade II listed cottage is full of character, complemented by modern touches throughout. With a recently rebuilt barn and a wonderful large garden to boot, Stooks sits at the heart of one of Exeter’s most desirable surrounding villages, on the banks of the River Exe. Improved by the current owner over the last four years, including a new kitchen, boiler and a rewire, the cottage spans nearly 2000 sq ft, plus the two storey barn which offers fantastic development potential.

The front door opens off the village lane and you step into the charming flagstoned hallway that opens into the recently fitted modern kitchen, complete with built in appliances. Across the hallway, you find the sitting room that undoubtedly reveals the history of the cottage with the original panelled walls and stone fire place. A modern woodburner provides a focal point and ensures a cosy feel. Beyond, you pass into the dining room with a double aspect outlook and bio ethanol fireplace. Continuing through the hallway, past the kitchen and into the extended ground floor, you find the shower room, large utility room and bedroom 4 / study. This area could easily be utilised as separated accommodation / annexe, with the utility room altered to create a kitchen and doors into the driveway / back courtyard providing its own access. Stairs from the sitting room take you to the three first floor bedrooms and large family bathroom, with separate bath and shower. All bedrooms boast a beautiful rural outlook over the fields across the lane.

The driveway lies behind the property and is accessed through electric gates. There is plenty of space for multiple cars and provides vehicular access into the large two-storey barn / garage. Rebuilt just a couple of years ago, the building offers potential to develop for a range of uses such as a separate dwelling, office, gym or improved garage (subject to planning). From the driveway, a pathway runs along a newly rebuilt wall that leads you down to the expansive main garden. Completely level and bordered by hedges, it’s wonderfully private, and includes a pond, decked area, covered outdoor seating area and hot tub. At the foot of the garden, a small wooded area provides a wildlife friendly haven under the shaded canopy.

Brampford Speke is a small village on the banks of the river Exe, just 5 miles north of Exeter, benefitting from a primary school, parish church and an award winning pub — The Agricultural Inn. These are all within walking distance of the property, with the pub just a couple of doors down. It’s a very popular village, largely due to its easy commute into Exeter and with Exeter St David’s station also being on the near side of the city; just a 10-15 minute drive.