Hidden away on the quiet winding lanes of Devon, Lower Leigh is set in large grounds surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Blackdown Hills AONB. The main house is a gorgeous thatched farmhouse dating back to the 17th century and built on the site of a much older residence. Extended over the years and updated in more recent times, it sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms and has a children’s room which can sleep 2 under 12s at no extra charge – so all in all, room for 10. Just across the courtyard is the Dairy, the former milking parlour which sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms.
The main door to The Farmhouse takes you into the games room which has a pool table, and beyond is utility room with an extra dishwasher, fridge, freezer and laundry facilities. To the right is the main lounge leading off to a WC and rear hall; the lounge has a brick inglenook with a wood-burner for the chillier times of the year, and centuries old ceiling beams, reflecting the age of the property. You’ll notice stacks of original features throughout which give the house its unique character – steps take you up and down to different levels, there are sloping ceilings, exposed stonework and hefty timbers; it’s so in keeping and makes a wonderful backdrop to the elegant modern-country interiors.
Left of the living room, up a few steps, is the snug room, a lovely place to settle down for a quiet chat or a read, or for story time with the little ones. The ambience is gentle and homely, making The Farmhouse a magical retreat any time of year; it’s the perfect backdrop to memorable family celebrations – special birthdays and significant anniversaries.
Next to the snug room is the dining room and kitchen where French doors open onto the garden; the kitchen is very well equipped and where a farmhouse range once stood there’s now a 4 oven electric Aga. Interiors are all professionally designed, bringing a very refined slice of country living to your family holiday in the Devon countryside.
From the snug room stairs take you up to a wide landing and to The Edwardian Suite, which is the master bedroom; the ensuite bathroom has a bath, separate shower and two hand basins. The other end of the landing is The Victorian Suite where part of the original cobb wall is exposed and incorporated as a feature of the room. Next door is the family bathroom, with a roll top bath and separate shower.
Stairs from the games room bring you out on the landing and to a passage leading to The Medieval Suite; this room has a feature arched window, a four poster bed and exposed stonewall. Next to this room is The Georgian Suite which has an ensuite shower room. In the middle of the house is The Children’s Room which can sleep 2 extra children under 12 at no additional cost. All bedrooms are very restful and have beautiful views over the gardens and across the fields.
At the back of the house there’s a terraced patio where you can gather together for long leisurely barbecues in the sunshine; step down to the courtyard, have a game of table tennis, a soak in the hot tub watching cotton wool clouds drift by, or while away an evening toasting marshmallows in the Nordic style BBQ lodge.
The Dairy is just across the courtyard, a single storey cottage with open rafters. Step into the open plan kitchen/dining room/lounge with country ginghams and solid oak floors and doors. Beyond, to the right is Buttercup, double bedroom which has a bathroom also accessed from the living room area, and to the left is Bluebell, a twin room with an ensuite shower room. This offers a self-contained space for older folk who like to turn in earlier of an evening, or for a family of 4.
Lower Leigh will make an enchanting backdrop for family holidays and celebrations; stroll around the 3 acre grounds where sheep graze contentedly beneath the apple trees in the orchard, sit a while and enjoy the tranquility and the views over the fields, have a quiet moment in the garden hideaway. This is a hidden treasure, a piece of heaven in Devon; book today!
Please note, on departure day the hot tub emptying may start from 9am. Check out is 9:30am. The grounds of the estate will be maintained during your stay.