Easton, Nr Bigbury, South Devon

DESCRIPTION
Coming to market for the first time in some 25 years, this charming Grade II Listed former Rectory dates back to as early as 1274 and retains a wealth of period features throughout. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Old Glebe enjoys a tranquil location with extensive rural views.

HISTORY
In the middle of the thirteenth century the lord of Bigbury Manor, Sir William de Bikebury, commissioned stonemasons to build St Lawrence Church. The original part of Old Glebe housed the workmen and their tools and on completion of the church, Old Glebe became the Rectory for the first rector of the church in 1274. The house remained as the Rectory until the 1950's. In the 1970's the house was divided horizontally into two apartments. During their time at Old Glebe, the current owners have painstakingly and sympathetically converted the property back into one dwelling.

LOCATION
Easton is a small hamlet around a mile from the centre of Bigbury village, a charming village located 1.5 miles inland in the South Hams area of South Devon. The beautiful parish church of St Lawrence was extensively rebuilt in 1872 but parts are believed to date back to the 14th century. Local amenities include the popular Oyster Shack known for its exquisite local produce. At St Ann's Chapel you will find Holywell Stores & Post Office which is open 7 days a week providing all your daily grocery needs, public house and restaurant. A high quality 18 hole golf course can be found at Bigbury-on-Sea overlooking the stunning coastline. Approximately one mile away is Bigbury-on-Sea which is a very desirable coastal village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Famous for its magnificent sandy beaches and glorious views over Burgh Island with the renowned Art Deco hotel and the historic Pilchard Inn. With its beautiful golden sands, shallow water for paddling, rock pools for exploring and watersports it is a very popular holiday resort for families. A comprehensive range of shops, services and recreational facilities can be found at Kingsbridge (some 8 miles away, with a tidal road which can be taken as a short cut by approximately 3 miles depending on the height of tide). The Georgian town of Modbury, which is well provided with a range of shops and restaurants is some five miles away.

ACCOMMODATION
Step though the multi paned front door into the welcoming entrance hall with its wood block floor, feature wood burning stove and ample space for storing coats and boots. Move through into the beautiful galleried reception hall with ceiling rose and ornate coving, currently the music room and offering superb acoustics as well as a formal reception space with a cosy corner for reading or relaxing. To one side is the traditional drawing room with oak flooring, two sash windows with original oak shutters overlooking the formal lawned gardens to the front. A wood burning stove is set within a marble fireplace providing a charming focal point to the room. To the other side of the reception hall, original flagstone flooring leads through the rear hall giving access to the country style kitchen with its oil fired Aga, integrated appliances and views over the front lawns. The kitchen opens into a large and airy dining room with a delightful window seat. Further, on the ground floor is a useful study and a cloakroom. A door leads out to the rear courtyard giving access to a very useful utility room with plumbing for washing machine and housing the oil fired central heating boiler. There is a further area adjacent providing a useful storage space. From the reception hall a beautiful oak staircase rises to a spacious galleried landing flooded with light. The master bedroom is generous in size and enjoys superb vistas over the grounds and the valley beyond. The three further bedrooms are all doubles and all enjoy the spectacular views. There are two modern bathrooms, the principal bathroom benefitting from a free standing roll top bath and separate shower. From here a door leads out onto a sunny balcony.
OUTSIDE
Old Glebe sits hidden beyond a stone pillared and wrought iron gated entrance with a sweeping driveway, flanked by lawned gardens, punctuated by mature and beautiful flowering magnolias leading past the garage to the parking area in front of the house. The formal front garden is mainly laid to lawn and bordered by mature flower beds with established plants and shrubs. The garden enjoys a sunny aspect and an impeccable view across the South Hams countryside. From the garden, stone steps give access up to a small orchard and just a short stroll down the lane will bring you to "Goodwill Wood" which comprises of approximately 2 acres of mature woodland with oak, sweet chestnut and ash trees, as well as a plethora of wild flowers, bluebells and primroses through the seasons.

SERVICES
Mains water and electricity. Private drainage shared with 2 other properties. Oil fired central heating.

TENURE
Freehold with vacant possession upon legal completion.
COUNCIL TAX
The property is in council tax band G.
LOCAL AUTHORITY
South Hams District Council, Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes TQ9 5NE. .
VIEWINGS
Viewing strictly by appointment with Luscombe Maye, Modbury