Location

Craddock Lodge enjoys a superb setting on the edge of the charming hamlet of Craddock, surrounded by unspoilt, open countryside. Just 9 miles away lies the historic market town of Tiverton, providing an excellent range of facilities including numerous supermarkets and a Marks & Spencer food store. Nearby Wellington offers a Waitrose, while the vibrant cities of Exeter (21.7 miles) and Taunton provide even greater choice, each within easy reach.

The area boasts a selection of highly regarded schools, both state and independent. Blundell's School is in Tiverton, while the renowned Taunton Schools are approximately 14 miles away. Uffculme School, an exceptional state secondary, is also nearby.

Craddock Lodge is ideally located for transport, with Tiverton Parkway railway station (5.2 miles) offering swift access to the national rail network, with London Paddington reachable in just over two hours. Exeter International Airport is also conveniently accessible, offering both national and international connections, including a service to London City Airport in just 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Description

Craddock Lodge is an impressive country home, originally constructed in the mid-17th century and later refined over the course of 200 years. The house, with its classic painted and rendered façade and Welsh slate roof, has grown to encompass three distinct wings, each contributing to its rich architectural heritage. The Georgian wing, added in later years, reoriented the home to face south, granting stunning views over beautifully landscaped gardens, a lake and the open Devon countryside beyond.

The current owners have enhanced Craddock Lodge considerably during their ownership which now makes for a superb family home. The interiors are notable for their exceptional ceiling height, generous proportions, and original sash windows which have all been refurbished with new sash cords and insulation strips. Lovingly maintained, this beautiful home retains numerous period features, including the sash windows with working shutters, elegant cornicing, original fireplaces, and a striking Georgian staircase, all of which evoke its historic charm.

The Georgian wing serves as the formal heart of the home, with an inviting reception hall flanked by two impressive reception rooms in the drawing room and dining room, each enjoying feature fireplaces and a pleasant outlook over the gardens. The 17th-century wing offers two adjacent reception rooms in the breakfast room and sitting room, which enjoys a wood burning stove. Here, there is a second staircase with access to the first floor and a side door to outside. The kitchen is fitted with a wooden shaker style kitchen and granite worktops, complete with an island and fitted appliances. A wonderful sash window frames the views out towards the drive. Planning permission exists to create a large extension comprising a kitchen/diner in the rear courtyard if desired.

The Victorian wing on the ground floor completes the accommodation with a useful secondary kitchen currently used as a laundry/utility room, a boot room and a cloakroom. The back door from the boot room opens to a charming rear courtyard, which is surrounded by the former carriage house.

The impressive sweeping staircase rises to the first floor to an incredibly light and spacious landing. The principal bedroom with a walk in wardrobe and modern en suite enjoy south-facing views across the main lawn, overlooking a magnificent tulip tree - believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the UK. There is a further double bedroom and bathroom to the southerly aspect, again enjoying the same views over the grounds and beyond. Another four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a laundry room complete the accommodation on the first floor.

Approached through elegant electric iron gates, Craddock Lodge is served by a sweeping carriage driveway that curves across the front of the property and leads to a rear courtyard, where wooden electric gates provide secondary access to the lane. Attached outbuildings at the back of the house include a single garage, two stores and the old coach house.

The formal gardens, beautifully maintained, extend around three sides of the house, showcasing manicured lawns bordered by mature flower beds including climbing roses. The south-facing veranda is a highlight of the property, with a wisteria and clematis-draped pergola providing a picturesque setting for al fresco dining and barbecues. Beyond lies a walled orchard containing a heated swimming pool, a pool house, extended patio and a small stable. Adjoining the orchard is a fruit and vegetable garden with a greenhouse, perfect for those with a passion for gardening.

The formal gardens have been enhanced with the addition of estate fencing, is complemented by fine specimen trees, including two striking fern-leaf birches and an impressive Tulip tree. A ha-ha marks the end of the formal gardens, creating an uninterrupted view of the landscape beyond with a perfectly placed patio area.. Below the ha-ha, a paddock provides further space for family life or animals. This paddock leads on to an enchanting area of wetland, featuring a lake surrounded by broadleaf woodland, a haven for local wildlife.

In total, the gardens, paddock, wetland, and woodland extend to approximately 4.32 acres. An adjacent paddock, extending to about 2.5 acres is available by separate negotiation.

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