Parracombe, Barnstaple, EX31

A most attractive Residential and Equestrian Smallholding occupying an outstanding rural position enjoying superb views towards the coast, extending to about 4.78 Acres.

The Ark represents a most attractive residential and equestrian smallholding occupying an exceptional rural location within the picturesque Exmoor National Park. Enjoying far reaching countryside views in a sought after part of North Devon, the property lies just a short distance from the favoured village of Parracombe. Approached over an unmade lane, which is also a bridleway, The Ark has no near neighbours, and is centred upon a traditional detached house affording character and well presented four bedroomed family accommodation. The property also provides excellent equestrian facilities, including a stable yard, machinery/fodder barn and a smart outdoor school. The house and buildings are conveniently situated within the land, which comprises a productive pasture divided into a number of easily managed paddocks. This versatile property may be ideally suited to thiose prospective purcashers with equestrian and smallholder interests, as well as those looking for a charming countryside haven to simply get away from it all. The Ark extends to about 4.78 Acres.
In addition to the above, situated just a short walk along the bridleway, is a further 10.33 Acres of pasture land primarily divided into three fields and containing a small stone and block former Shippon, approx. 5.95m x 3.28m, which may have alternative use potential subject to obtaining any necessary planning consent. Separate gated road access is available to this land direct from the A39. The guide price for the additional land is £100,000.

The Ark lies on the western periphery of the Exmoor National Park within its 267 square miles of beautiful protected landscape, occupying an outstanding rural position conveniently situated within its own land and with no near neighbours. Enjoying an exceptional setting on a south westerly facing hillside with superb views over the surrounding countryside and glimpses of the sea, the property enjoys direct access to bridleways and footpaths, with easy access to the open moor and off road riding.
The nearby favoured village of Parracombe affords a thriving local community providing a primary school, general store/post office, public house and parish church.  Despite its peaceful and secluded rural position The Ark still enjoys easy access to the surrounding districts and further afield with the larger towns of Barnstaple and South Molton providing an extensive range of every day shopping, banking, recreational and educational facilities.  From both of these centres the A361 North Devon link road provides easy access to Tiverton and the M5 motorway (Junction 27).  Mainline intercity rail links are available at Tiverton Parkway (London, Paddington approx. 2 hours) with international airports at Exeter and Bristol.
The Exmoor National Park offers beautiful moorland scenery with many foot and bridle paths and the stunning North Devon coastline with its popular resorts of Lynton, Lynmouth, Combe Martin and Ilfracombe. Lying to the west are the popular sandy beaches of Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay, Putsborough and Woolacombe. The property is surrounded by picturesque North Devon countryside which provides unsurpassed riding and is renowned for its recreational and sporting opportunities, boasting some of the finest hunting, fishing and shooting in the country.

The property is approached from the council lane via an unmade byway (and bridleway), known as Stony Lane. From here double gates lead into a private driveway with adjacent ample parking, turning and access to an oak framed Double Car Port and Garage, approx. 8.50m x 5.10m, with power and light connected. Pretty gardens surround the house, those to the front comprising a well stocked rockery/herbacious bank, with further lawned areas to the sides and rear. A paved patio area, enjoying lovely views, adjoins the door out from the kitchen.

The House
This comprises a traditional house of part stone, part rendered and part slate hung elevations, beneath a slate roof, benefiting from double glazing and oil fired central heating througout. The well presented and deceptively spacious four bedroomed accommodation exhibits considerable charm and character with exposed beams, ceiling joists and roof timbers, original fireplaces, and exposed stonework. Having previously fallen into disrepair the property is understood to have been restored and re-modelled in the late 1980’s, although the origins of the house are belived to date to the early 19th century. The accommodation is accessed via a pretty stone and slate entrance porch with a tiled floor, leading into a large character entrance hall with stairs rising to the first floor and two enclosed understairs cupboards, one housing the Grant oil fired boiler and the other containing the solar panel control system. A downstairs Cloakroom is situated off the hallway. A large Living Room contains a wood burning stove on a slate base. Saloon style double doors and steps lead up into the Kitchen/Breakfast Room, providing a lovely large living space enjoying a double aspect and superb views. The kitchen boasts an extensive range of modern fitted units with work surfaces over and an inset 1½ bowl ceramic sink. Upright unit with built in eye level electric oven/microwave, inset ceramic hob and space for a dishwasher/fridge. Further upright cupboards provide space for an American style fridge freezer. Oil-fired double oven Aga stove with two hot plates. Flagstone style slate flooring and half glazed door out to rear garden. Utility/Boot Room/Shower Room, providing a versatile space with a fitted base cupboard and work surface over, with an inset stainless steel sink. Plumbing is provided for a washing machine and space for a tumble dryer. Corner shower cubicle, slate flagstone style flooring and door to outside. From the living room a door leads into the Study, with a raised stone feature fireplace inset with wood burning stove. An opening leads from here through into the Dining/Sitting Room, which also contains a fireplace in stone surround with an original bread oven and brick hearth housing a wood burning stove.On the first floor a main landing provides access to three double bedrooms, two of which have wash basins, whilst an inner landing leads to the well appointed family bathroom and large main bedroom, with an en-suite shower room. For approximate room dimensions and layout please refer to the enclosed floorplan.


The Outbuildings & Land
The entrance drive continues past the house to provide access to the stable block, which is set on a concrete base with a gated running out yard. The block provides Four Stables (each 3.46m x 3.43m), a Foaling Box (4.78m x 3.43m), corner Tack Room (4.79m x 3.43m) and a Feed Store (7.05m x 3.43m), which also houses the private water treatment system. These buildings have water, power and lighting connected. To the rear of the stables is a useful Fodder/Machinery Shed, approx. 9.24m x 4.06m. A spur off main drive provides access to the Outdoor School, 41m x 21m, with a sand and shredded rubber base, contained within post and rail fencing. A further Field Shelter, approx. 7m x 3.3m, is situated in the field above the school.The land comprises productive pasture enjoying a gently and moderately sloping south westerly aspect, principally utilised for the grazing of horses and livestock. Divided into four convenient paddocks, the land is contained within a combination of hedged and post and rail fenced boundaries, with trough watering available and a separate double gated access leading direct from the bridleway. The land may be well suited to a variety of smallholder, equestrian, conservation or other amenity uses. The Ark extends to about 4.78 Acres, as shown hatched red on the attached identification plan. A further 10.33 Acres may also be available, as shown hatched blue on the same plan.


Services & Outgoings
The property benefits from mains electricity and private borehole water supplies, with drainage to a private system. North Devon Council Tax - Band G, together with the usual service and environmental charges. The property benefits from PV solar panels providing FITT payments of approximately £600 pa.