luxury house for sale Sidmouth, United Kingdom

History A Domesday Manor, Canonteign was given to the canons of St Mary du Val in Normandy circa 1125 and later conveyed to the Prior and convent of Merton, in Surrey. After the Reformation it was granted to Lord John Russell and then passed through a series of owners. It was garrisoned for the King during the Civil War and taken by Fairfax in 1645. According to Lysons it belonged to the Davy family in the 17th Century. In 1812 Sir Edward Pellew, later Lord Viscount Exmouth, purchased the manor and it became a farm after 1828 when Exmouth built Canonteign House close by. It was restored by Lady Exmouth in the 1970’s and during the last few years the ancient house has been brought into the 21st century with extensive and sympathetic renovation.  Today it is a comfortable and workable family house, combining the best of its 400 year old origins with the conveniences of modern technology. It is a beautiful property which has been sympathetically cared for to ensure it continues to stand proudly for decades to come. Interior The real magic of Canonteign Manor is its generously proportioned and elegant rooms, which although lit from mullion windows, are both tall and light. Most of the principal rooms have a focal point of a granite fireplace and enjoy spectacular views across the valley of the river Teign. From the main entrance you step into the dining hall, an impressive space by anyone’s standards. With stone floor, intricate wood panelling on the walls and beautiful stone mullion windows it is a very special space indeed with a substantial dining table which comfortably seats twenty guests. A large open fireplace is a beautiful focal point.  Moving through the dining hall there is access into the cloakroom and rear entrance. There is also a staircase to the first floor. The kitchen has been very well designed to fill a large space but without it feeling overwhelming. There is a large central island and plenty of storage. The AGA sits on one side of the room and the owner has added in a large oven and hob to the other. Double doors open into the breakfast room which has a grand fireplace with wood burner, so it could also make a lovely sitting room or family room. On the other side of the house there is a spacious study, a snooker room and a formal sitting room. Each room has been decorated sympathetically in neutral tones to enhance the natural beauty of the building’s windows, stonework and period features. All the main rooms are fitted with wood burners to create cosy spaces in winter. The current owners have enhanced the property with LED lighting, refurbished bathrooms and most importantly, carried out extensive work to the roof. There are two staircases which access the first floor, where you’ll find the bedrooms. The largest rooms are at either end of the house. The master bedroom suite has been improved with the renovation of the ensuite to create a luxury space with high quality fittings and finish. The master bedroom is accessed via the dressing room where there are numerous built in wardrobes. The second and third bedrooms are also of a generous size and accommodate large four poster beds. There are seven further bedrooms, all of which are bright, inviting spaces. They either have ensuite facilities or are very close to facilities. From the landing a staircase takes you up to the second floor. The amount of space here is a real surprise, with exposed wooden beams and plenty of light, with gorgeous, elevated views across the grounds, valley and hills beyond. The main space here has previously been used as a comprehensive gymnasium but could be used for a number of different things. It leads into another substantial room which is set up as a family games and TV room. It is big enough to create a home cinema space if desired. Also on this floor are various store rooms as well as a room with steam and sauna facilities and a further room currently set up as a massage/treatment room. The staff apartment, also on this floor, provides a generous living/dining room with lovely views, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and double bedroom. Exterior The house stands in simply landscaped grounds which include large areas of lawn and a park-like field providing space for grazing if required. The grounds are approached through a pair of electrically operated tall gates opening onto the gravelled drive leading to a generous parking and turning area beside the house.  There is a further family garden space to the far side of the house. Steps lead down to the heated outdoor swimming pool and large level lawn. This is a lovely, private and sheltered spot to enjoy the sunshine. The grounds stretch to around 10 acres with a bluebell wood at the bottom. Its boundary is made up of mature trees and gives excellent privacy in all directions. All in all, Canonteign Manor is one of the South West’s most beautiful and important ancient homes. Presented in superb condition and situated in a spectacular yet convenient location. Location The nearest village is Christow, which also overlooks the Teign Valley and is popular due to both its location and good range of community facilities including pub, village school, shop, sports fields, doctor’s surgery and clubs. Bovey Tracey, the popular town on the edge of Dartmoor is around 10 minutes’ drive away. You’ll find a range of amenities there along with the popular Devon Guild of Craftsmen.  Exeter is a short drive away, accessible either via the A38 dual carriage way or the very scenic Teign Valley road and B3212. This lovely Cathedral city offers many restaurants and high quality shopping outlets. There is also a very popular university and excellent range of schooling. You’ll find a wealth of information on the area at visitsouthdevon.co.uk Distances From Canonteign Manor Exeter International Airport – 20 miles Exeter St Davids – Mainline Railway Station – 16 miles Newton Abbot – Mainline Railway Station – 11 miles Plymouth Ferryport – 38 miles Torquay Marina – 17 Miles Teign Valley Golf Course – 0.5 Mile Bovey Castle inc Golf course – 10 Miles Gidleigh Park – 15 to 20 miles dependent on route Useful Information Council Tax Band: H (£4719.14 in the 24/25 year)  Local Authority: Teignbridge District Council & Dartmoor National Park Authority Listing Information: Grade 1 - Listing Number SX8379183124 Services: Mains Water and Electricity. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating. Construction: Stone construction and slate roof.  Current Usage: Permission for Sui Generis (Holiday Let) was gained in 2019. It previously had C3 Usage as a Dwelling House. Viewing Information If you wish to view Canonteign Manor, please make arrangements via By Design on 01392 982952. If you are travelling from out of area we would highly recommend booking accommodation at Gidleigh Park, famous for its luxury accommodation and award-winning cuisine. Gidleigh Park also has helicopter landing facilities on site should you require it. www.gidleigh.co.uk We will help make your travel to Canonteign Manor as easy as possible and can help make arrangements for you. If you would like to discuss the property in detail before travelling, we can also arrange for a video call from the property so we can walk, talk and show you around.