Sampford Courtenay, Okehampton, Devon, EX20

As agents we are advised the earliest records of Carpenters Barn go back to pre-date the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, to the estate of Henry Courtenay, 1st Marquess of Exeter, 2nd Earl of Devon (1948-1538), feudal baron of Okehampton until Sampford Courtenay was dispossessed by King Henry VIII who appropriated the proceeds to establish King’s College, Cambridge, in whose possession it remained until being sold in the 1980s.

Sitting in a prominent position within this popular village which has a well regarded public house, a handsome and substantial barn conversion of close to 2,000 sq. ft, with a sun trap rear garden of generous proportions that offers delightful views across the roof tops to the church and fields beyond.

The barn has been owned by the present owners for 35 years and upon arriving in the village and on entering the drive, it is easy to see why, as the cob elevations, complete with Pargetting Designs more commonly found in Suffolk, all under a under a thatch roof makes quite a statement. Such is the care for the home by the current owners that they have used the same Thatcher for over 30 years to maintain the roof.
The barn is situated in what is often referred to as Higher Town within Sampford Courtney and was formerly part of a working farm called Farmstead until the 1980’s when it was sold to create this now wonderful character dwelling.
There is a real sense of being ‘at home’ throughout with much exposed timbering, character features, ornate door handles, pegged frame jointing, and such.

A porch with slate seating either side provides ample space for outdoor shoes and wellies before stepping past the fine wood front door and into the welcoming reception hall with its Travertine flooring which has connecting doors to the inner courtyard, the shower/utility room and the triple aspect kitchen breakfast room. The latter is an impressive entertaining area having a deep Oxford Blue 2 oven Aga with ceramic 4 ring Companion with two ovens, Shaker style wall floor and drawer units with soft close hinges complete with Black granite work top and Butler sink. Other points of note include the continuation of the Travertine flooring, integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher, and doors out into the side garden. Beyond is found the triple aspect sitting room, another fine room, with a feature sandstone fireplace across one corner with inset large Clearview 650 multi fuel stove, sat upon a raised hearth. Doors open into the inner courtyard and before leaving the room to the rest of the accommodation there is a wonderful spot complete with window seat to sit and look out down across some of the village to the fields on the hillside beyond. Do take note of the window sill!

Part glazed double doors lead to the inner hall off which is found two further reception rooms or double bedrooms, as required. A straight run of stairs to the part galleried split-level landing and off the initial landing is found a splendid double bedroom complete with high vaulted ceiling with exposed pegged joints. Of an afternoon and evening this room enjoys a lovely glow and warmth especially during the summer months. Returning to the galleried landing one is immediately struck by the construction, highlighting the craftsmen’s skill in this design of home. Being some 23’ in length it does offer the opportunity to create a quiet seating area away from the rest the of the home and at high level are 2 storage cupboards. At the far end of landing is another fine room which overlooks the side garden. The 3rd bedroom on this floor along with a bathroom and separate cloakroom rounds off the accommodation.

Opening into the inner courtyard is a former barn (18’9” x 10’11”) that does present the opportunity for further accommodation subject to consents.
The driveway does provide for ample parking and an underground double garage (22’4” x 17’9” min 24’9” max) with roller door and adjacent workshop/store (11’10’’ x 6’7”) is found on the opposite side to the barn. There is a concrete hard standing for one vehicle found out at the front by the green.

Gardens

Adjoining the kitchen/breakfast room is a delightful enclosed garden with box hedging, planting, meandering gravel paths and two areas to just sit and listen to the wildlife around or just sit, read a book and enjoy refreshment.

Accessed via steps from opposite the front door or via a slope wide enough for a vehicle beside the garage, there is a large expanse of rough lawn, studded with trees in one part and enclosed by mature hedgerows on three sides. As such it is a blank canvas subject to consents may present an opportunity for the siting of some PV panels.
Agents Note
The grass area at the front belongs to Higher Town Farm although a small strip of it adjacent to the road is under the Vendors Title as is the extra parking.

Location

Sampford Courtenay is a quintessential English Village with easy access to Dartmoor National Park less than five miles away and the beaches of both Devon coasts offering a wide range of leisure pursuits.

Sampford Courtenay is most famous for being the place where the Western Rebellion, otherwise known as the Prayerbook rebellion, first started, and where the rebels made their final stand opposing the ‘new English Prayer Book. It has a population of around 600 with an active Village Hall promoting film nights, an annual produce flower show, hosting community activities and the like. The village sports a first class tradition pub and has retained its station on the recently re-opened Dartmoor Line linking Exeter with the market town of Okehampton five miles away and a new Parkway Station. Whilst trains do not currently call at Sampford Courtenay, the station platforms have been completely renovated by Network Rail pending the re- introduction calling services.