4 bedroom detached house for sale

Spout Hill is a meticulously restored historic property with origins dating back to the 1400s, featuring a three bedroom main house, a centuries-old barn, and a modern garage. Rich in architectural heritage, the property showcases elements like original stone engravings, Tudor plaster moldings, and locally sourced stone, along with sensitive updates for modern living. Approved plans to convert the barn into additional living space offer new owners a unique opportunity to further enhance this remarkable home.

Situation - Nestled in the heart of the vibrant village of Kilmington, this property is one of several historic homes that contribute to the charm and character of this close-knit community.

Kilmington offers a wealth of amenities, clubs, and events for residents to enjoy, including two welcoming pubs, two churches, a highly regarded primary school, and facilities such as a cricket pitch, tennis court, and a garage with a local shop. The popular Millers Farm Shop offers multiple services, including a cafe, hairdressers, travel agency and fishmongers.

The village is conveniently served by a bus route to the nearby market town of Axminster, where a mainline station provides direct access to London. For coastal enthusiasts, the stunning Jurassic Coast lies just a short drive south, with picturesque seaside towns like Lyme Regis, Beer, and Sidmouth easily accessible.

Education options in the area are excellent, with several reputable schools nearby, including the prestigious Colyton Grammar School, located just four miles away.

Description - Spout Hill is a remarkable historic property with structures dating from the 1400s through to the past 50 years, comprising a main house, a barn from an earlier period, and a recently built wooden garage. Enclosed by a stone wall on three sides, constructed with traditional lime mortar, the property was extensively renovated by the village doctor, and his wife, who designed the current garden.

The Main House began as a single-storey forge, serving an adjacent stable that is now part of a neighbouring property. In the late 1500s, a second storey was added, along with a curved staircase with entrance doorway. Mid-1600s renovations saw an extension to the west wall and the addition of a grand inglenook fireplace, initially complete with a now-removed brick oven. Stone engravings adorn the fireplace, intended to protect against evil spirits, and plaster mouldings depicting badges like the fleur-de-lis and Tudor rose decorate the sitting room walls. The stone flooring was sourced from a local monastery after the dissolution of the monasteries. In the entrance hall, four circular stone slabs hint at a former underground cold store.

Upstairs, original floorboards are still in place, with the ceiling raised to reveal stripped oak beams. An original oak-framed window in the upstairs bathroom and one on the ground floor below it, once unglazed and shuttered, remain preserved. An artist residing here in the 1930s added further plaster mouldings in what is now an office or spare bedroom. The outside walls are built from stones gathered from nearby fields, with cob and stone sections visible on the upper floors. The walls, once covered with impermeable modern render, have been carefully restored with breathable lime mortar by the current owners.

A modern wing added four decades ago houses the updated kitchen, rear entrance, master bedroom, and master bath. Two wood-burning stoves with lined chimneys meet current safety standards. The electrical system has been upgraded in the main house, Annexe, Barn, and garage, providing capacity for electric vehicle charging in the garage. Supply cables were moved underground, and the newly replaced oil tank at the rear meets all council standards.

The Annexe has undergone careful restoration, with roof, walls, and flooring renewed using original materials.

The Barn, likely the original residence over 500 years ago, later served as a slaughterhouse for the village butcher. Historic features like the wooden hoist and cobbled stone floor are preserved as part of the listed building. Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent have been approved to convert the Barn into additional living space, with detailed plans available for future owners to execute.

Outside - The quintessential English cottage garden, set south of the house, is charmingly enclosed by a low stone wall, with a pedestrian gate that leads up a path to the front door. The lush lawns are surrounded by well-tended herbaceous borders and mature shrubs, creating a colourful and inviting approach to the home.

At the rear, a five-bar gate opens to a spacious parking area in front of the timber double garage, providing ample room for multiple vehicles. Nearby stands a classic timber greenhouse, ideal for cultivating plants year-round, along with a compost area. A picket fence surrounds a raised vegetable garden, perfect for growing fresh produce.

Adjacent to the parking area, the timber double garage adds rustic charm, while a stone lean-to attached to the house offers potential for integration into the main living space, subject to the necessary consents.

At the far end of the garden sits a stunning thatched barn with beautifully preserved stone elevations. This historic barn, listed separately, is divided into two sections and features an exposed cobbled floor, charming timber-framed windows, and a mezzanine level, adding unique character to the property.

Services - Mains water and electricity. Private drainage.

Broadband: High-speed broadband (up to 67 Mbps) is generally available through providers like BT and Sky, supporting remote work and streaming.
Mobile Coverage: Major networks like EE, O2, and Vodafone provide good coverage, though terrain can impact signal strength in spots.

Directions - From the A35 near the Old Inn just west of Axminster, turn into Kilmington village. After passing the church, take a right onto The Street. Continue uphill, then turn right onto George Street. The property is the first house on the right.