Whimple, EX5

Strete House is believed to have been built as a country retreat for the members of the Barclays banking dynasty. This impressive Victorian home with Edwardian additions offers over 3,200 sq. ft of beautifully balanced period charm and modern living. Set in a picturesque East Devon location, it enjoys far-reaching countryside views and direct access to scenic walks.

The south-facing property features grand, light-filled rooms with high ceilings and large windows. Original features include an inglenook fireplace and polished oak flooring. The striking oak-framed glass porch, designed by award-winning architects, provides year-round indoor/outdoor space and leads to a welcoming hallway with underfloor heating.

The ground floor includes a recently refurbished kitchen with Falcon range, walk-in pantry, and French doors to the porch, along with a spacious dining room and sitting room opening to the west-facing patio and ornamental pond garden.
Upstairs, the first floor offers three generous double bedrooms (two with en-suites), a family bathroom, and access to a shared balcony. The principal suite includes a dressing room, en-suite, and oriel window with built-in seating overlooking the gardens. The second floor features two further vaulted-ceiling double bedrooms.

The property includes a productive kitchen garden, orchard, double garage, and benefits from planning permission for a two-bedroom detached annexe—perfect for multi-generational living or income potential. Planning Ref No. 22/0706/FUL.

Outside
Strete House is accessed via a gravelled drive that opens into a spacious turning circle, offering generous parking and an EV charging point powered by recently installed solar panels with battery storage.

The gardens are thoughtfully designed and rich in seasonal colour, with rare plants, mature trees, and established flower borders. A paved terrace connects seamlessly to the sitting and dining rooms, creating an ideal setting for alfresco entertaining. Stone steps rise from the ornamental pond garden to a 36ft wisteria-draped pergola, leading to a summer house with sweeping panoramic views over Ashclyst Forest and beyond.

To the east, a charming woodland walk leads through an orchard and productive kitchen garden featuring raised beds, asparagus patch, shed, and polytunnel. Additional outbuildings include a substantial brick-built double garage, which has planning permission to be converted into a two-bedroom annexe. It could also serve as a separate office – ideal for hobbies, working from home, or future development potential.

Directions
Head towards Whimple from Ottery St Mary, and at the crossroads turn left signposted to Strete Ralegh. Turn right and Strete House will be found on the left.

Location
The village of Whimple boasts its own railway station on the Exeter to Waterloo train line, a church, a primary school, shop, hairdressers and two friendly village pubs. The village also has its own tennis, football and cricket clubs and a village hall which hosts many other clubs and societies.
The larger town of Ottery St Mary lies about 3 miles to the south-east and has a wide range of shopping facilities as well as the well respected King's School.
Exeter is close by to the west with its excellent shopping, sporting facilities and theatres, main line rail link to London and International Airport. Road links are good with the A30 and M5 being within easy reach.