Charming and original Grade II Listed cottage surrounded by ancient woodland and meadows.

Description

Halsdon Mill is totally unique and provides a rare opportunity combining a traditional cob and thatch cottage nestled within a valley of ancient woodland and meadows. The original character of the house and the pristine beauty of the natural surroundings convey a sense of simple living and closeness to nature. It is a great place to relax, explore and enjoy the seasons.

Approached via a private drive, Halsdon Mill is a charming Grade II Listed cottage and is believed to have been built in the late 17th or early 18th century. Once part of the Halsdon Estate the cottage retains many original features including rough wany ceiling beams and a late c17 bolection moulded chimney piece from Halsdon House. It was re-thatched in 2017 and re-rendered in traditional lime render in 2015. The internal areas are 1970s original and whilst it is a charming family home, the interior could benefit from being modernised. On the ground floor, the accommodation comprises a kitchen/ breakfast room with a wood fuel fired Rayburn, off which is a pantry, a living room with C17 fire place and family bathroom. On the first floor, there are two double bedrooms, one of which with engraved windows, and one single bedroom. Halsdon Mill has provided home and inspiration to artists and poets. Lawrence Whistler lived here and famously engraved some of the windows; in his memoir ‘The Initials in the Heart’ - the title derived from said engravings – he gives a touching description of the house and setting. US poet Robb Jackson published ‘From Halsdon Mill Cottage’, a volume of poems inspired by Halsdon Mill and its surrounding area. Halsdon Mill is also featured in the glass engravings of Simon Whistler and the seminal collection of photographs of the area by James Ravilious.

The land comprises predominantly ancient mixed woodland with attractive meadows and pasture fields. The woods are accessible via a well-maintained network of tracks and have several areas of distinct character. A stream runs through the garden and the entire length of the land, which is set along the side of a valley. Dotted amongst the ancient broadleaf are specimen trees such as giant redwood, western great cedar and monkey puzzle. Every season brings a different kind of beauty: carpets of snowdrops, wild garlic and bluebells; lush green, fiery autumn colours, misty mornings and sparkling frost. There is rich and varied wildlife throughout the year. A culm meadow is located behind the cottage, a unique habitat for rare species of flora as well as butterflies. One of the pasture fields is let to a neighbouring farmer under an Agricultural Holdings Act Tenancy.

Location

Halsdon Mill is situated in a stunning east facing position in an enchanting wooded valley at the centre of its own land. The property lies just outside of the vibrant villages of Beaford and Dolton with public houses, a village shop and village hall. The historic towns of Great Torrington and Winkleigh (about 7 miles) have an interesting range of independent shopping, a health centre, bank, Post Office and a good range of pubs and restaurants. The Plough Arts Centre can be found in Torrington featuring an art gallery, cinema and café. Extensive educational, recreational, cultural and shopping facilities can be found at Bideford (14 miles) a historic port lying at the mouth of the River Torridge. There is a good range of schooling in the area with local primary schools in Dolton, Beaford and Winkleigh and secondary schools in Chulmleigh and Great Torrington. Private education is available at Shebbear College, West Buckland school and a further range in Exeter. The property is situated in a convenient location with good road links to the A30 dual carriageway which joins the M5 at Exeter and just 2.8 miles east of the A386 linking Okehampton (A30 Junction) to Bideford.




Acreage: 30.63 Acres

Directions

From the A30 at Okehampton, take the A386 towards Hatherleigh. After just over 14 miles and after passing through Hatherleigh and the small village of Meeth, turn right on the left-hand bend signed Dolton. Continue on this road for approx. 2 miles and take the left-hand turn, signed Halsdon. After about 1 mile, turn left over the bridge at Halsdon Nature Reserve and after 0.6 miles, the entrance to Halsdon Mill will be on the right-hand side.

Additional Info

Planning: The current owners have submitted a pre planning application to expand the living accommodation with the consideration of re-building a derelict outbuilding and a new link-attached extension. Further detail from the selling agent, Savills.

Services: Mains water, private drainage, single phase electricity, log burners

Viewings: Strictly by appointment with Savills.

Higher Tier Stewardship & Woodland Management Plan: The property is entered into a five year Higher Tier Stewardship Agreement as well as a ten year Woodland Management Plan. Further details available from the agent, Savills.