TO BOOK YOUR VIEWING, WHEN CALLING QUOTE REFERENCE: RY0585

Accommodation

Dining room

The front door opens immediately into a charming dining room, providing an appropriately impressive introduction to the character and proportions found throughout the house. Generous enough to accommodate a substantial dining table and chairs, the room enjoys a dual aspect through windows to the front and side, while original exposed beams, brickwork and traditional timber flooring, provide an abundance of period detail. A contemporary wood-burning stove forms a striking focal point, which brings a warm contrast to the room’s historic fabric.

The Kitchen

The dining room flows naturally into the recently upgraded kitchen/breakfast room. With Shaker-style cabinetry, the kitchen manages to feel entirely sympathetic to the age of the property, whilst providing everything expected of a modern family home. A traditional butler sink and working Rayburn sit amongst a generous work surface with a sizeable range of base cupboards and drawers, complemented by an electric oven and induction hob. Integrated appliances include a fridge/freezer and dishwasher. There is also plenty of room for a further table and chairs for casual everyday dining/breakfast.

Original exposed beams continue overhead, providing a wonderful reminder of the cottage’s 400-year history, while contemporary tiled flooring creates a practical finish with electric underfloor heating. Storage is particularly impressive, with a substantial walk-in pantry alongside a separate utility cupboard incorporating an additional sink, plumbing and space for a washing machine and tumble dryer, together with further storage. Doors connect the kitchen directly with both the front and rear gardens, including a charming stable door opening to a covered bin and log storage area.

First floor

The staircase from the dining room leads to the first floor, where an arched external door, set amongst exposed stonework, provides another particularly attractive architectural feature. This level introduces the second of the home’s principal reception rooms, alongside two bedrooms and the family bathroom.

The sitting room is quite exceptional: a dramatic triple-aspect reception space, characterised by beautiful feature windows, remarkably high ceilings and traditional sanded floorboards. There is a neatly concealed TV in a wall hung cupboard and second contemporary wood-burning stove, which invites a cosy night indoors. A door opens directly into the rear garden, allowing the room to connect effortlessly with the outside space. The combination of scale, natural light, period detailing and views, creates a reception room of genuine distinction.

Adjoining the sitting room is a stylish family bathroom, arranged with a four-piece suite comprising a panelled bath, separate generous shower enclosure, WC and wash basin. Also positioned on this level is a smaller fourth bedroom, ideally suited to use as a nursery or dedicated home office, together with a superb double bedroom enjoying elevated, far-reaching views across the adjoining woodland and surrounding countryside from a deep windowsill, while exposed brickwork, original floorboards and a cast-iron fireplace, retain the room’s period character. There is built-in storage and a stylish ensuite shower room comprising a large shower enclosure, WC, wash basin and heated towel rail.

Split level floor

Continuing upwards, another beautiful feature window illuminates the half landing before the staircase reaches a further substantial double bedroom. Once again, period character is abundant, with an original cast-iron fireplace, bespoke timber window shutters, and two integrated cupboards/storage. A magnificent window frames another elevated countryside panorama, making the ever-changing landscape almost feel part of the room itself.

Second floor

A final half-flight of stairs culminates in the principal bedroom suite, occupying the uppermost level of the house and providing a wonderfully private retreat. This generous bedroom enjoys another triple aspect, incorporating two Velux windows and a Juliet balcony, from which differing perspectives can be enjoyed across both the gardens and surrounding countryside. A freestanding roll-top bath positioned within the bedroom creates a particularly indulgent feature, perfectly suited to the individuality of the property, while a separate vintage style cloakroom-ensuite, provides a WC, wash basin and heated towel rail. It is a memorable conclusion to an interior where virtually every level, window and room reveals something different.

Outside

Parking

Buckland Cottage occupies grounds extending to just under a quarter of an acre. It is approached along a privately owned rural lane, immediately establishing the peaceful and secluded atmosphere of the property. Opposite the pedestrian entrance is a private lay-by providing parking for two vehicles, with further gated vehicular parking available within the grounds.

Walking through

A pedestrian gate opens into the enchanting front garden, where a gently curving brick-paved pathway winds towards the front door. Mature, beautifully maintained shrubs and colourful planting flank the approach, while a neatly kept lawn and further established borders provide an attractive foreground to the uninterrupted outlook across neighbouring sloping fields and woodland. The result is a wonderfully private and picturesque entrance, with the traditional external timber shutters adding yet another layer of character to the stone elevations of the house.

Hot tub

The pathway also leads to decking surrounding a sunken hot tub, positioned to take advantage of the idyllic, bucolic setting for a quiet morning coffee, or an evening glass of champagne beneath the open sky.

Landscape

The side of the house leads to the kitchen stable door and a useful, covered area for discreet bin and log storage. To the rear, from the indoor kitchen, steps rise into the principal garden, where the extent and quality of the outside space become increasingly apparent. Although gently tiered to follow the natural contours of the land, the garden incorporates three generous and predominantly level sections of beautifully maintained lawn, enclosed by attractive stone boundaries to the lane to create a private and secure environment for children and pets. Mature wisteria, colourful planting, raised beds with a herb/apothecary bed, and an enticing apple tree, allow for the changing colours of the seasons. Presently there is a sunken area with a trampoline, perfect for energetic kiddos!

Outdoor Entertaining/Kitchen

At the upper end, double gates open onto a gravelled area providing additional parking. Two brick-paved terraces create welcoming spaces for outdoor entertaining. The first occupies an open position and lends itself perfectly to alfresco dining, summer gatherings or recreational use. The second was designed with wild cooking in mind, a covered garden kitchen ensures that you can dine al fresco whatever the weather.

It is a superb entertaining area, allowing the garden to be enjoyed well beyond the height of summer. This impressive outdoor area incorporates ample space for a large dining table and chairs alongside a purpose-built outside kitchen, complete with work surfaces, traditional butler sink, storage cabinetry and built-in Calor gas barbecue. Outside lighting and power complete what is an beautifully special setting for entertaining family and friends.

From the upper garden, the outlook opens dramatically across the neighbouring countryside, woodland and valleys beyond. With sunshine enjoyed throughout much of the day, numerous areas in which to sit, dine, entertain, and an exceptional degree of privacy, the gardens are every bit as unique as the house itself.

Luxury holiday let with Unique Home Stays

The house is currently running as a successful luxury holiday let and has been for several years. Considering council tax for second homes is now double the standard rate, this allows for personal use at business rates, which are currently zero. More information can be provided on request. All furniture is available for purchase through separate negotiation.

History & setting

The history of Buckland Cottage is every bit as captivating as the house itself. Despite its chapel-like appearance, the property is understood never to have been a chapel and was formerly owned by the neighbouring manor. Local history recounts that approximately a century ago, the deeds to the cottage were gambled in a game of cards, with the then tenant ultimately winning ownership of the house. A local historian has also advised that the property was once used as a temporary holding place for those implicated in the Monmouth Rebellion while awaiting the arrival of a visiting magistrate. The neighbouring manor itself is recorded in the Domesday Book, adding further historical significance to this fascinating setting.

Rarely does a home combine such a sense of seclusion with such everyday convenience. By day, the gardens and principal rooms look across an idyllic patchwork of fields, woodland and valley scenery; by night, the rural surroundings provide wonderfully clear skies and an extraordinary sense of tranquillity. Owls, woodpeckers, birds of prey and deer are among the regular visitors, while cattle occasionally graze the neighbouring fields. It is an immensely atmospheric home and setting, yet Braunton’s excellent selection of shops, amenities, cafés and eateries remains within walking distance.

Buckland Cottage is ultimately a home that is difficult to replicate: more than four centuries of history, exceptional character, beautifully evolved accommodation and captivating gardens, all hidden within a peaceful countryside setting yet within walking distance of the heart of Braunton. A truly distinctive North Devon home, offering not simply somewhere to live, but a remarkable place to call home.

Location

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Buckland Cottage occupies an enchanting position along a private rural lane, approached either via Buckland Manor or directly from the A361 before Knowle. The setting perfectly complements the character of the house, epitomising the very best of the North Devon lifestyle — wonderfully rural in feel, yet within easy reach of everyday practicality and convenience.

Braunton itself lies immediately alongside the North Devon Coast National Landscape (formerly designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), placing some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery within easy reach.

North Devon’s famous sandy beaches at Saunton, Croyde, and Woolacombe are all close by, providing some of the finest stretches of coastline in the South West and a paradise for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Saunton is also home to its renowned championship golf course, while the wider area offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, water sports and wildlife watching. In 2022, North Devon became the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve, joining a prestigious collection of internationally recognised surfing destinations and celebrating the area’s exceptional beaches, surf culture and precious coastal environment.

Exmoor National Park is also readily accessible, renowned for its sweeping moorland and pasture, deep wooded combes and valleys, and dramatic coastline. The National Park offers a wealth of country pursuits, including hunting, shooting and fishing, and is particularly popular with walkers and horse riders.

Closer to home, Braunton Burrows is easily accessible and provides endless opportunities for walking and exploring across England’s largest sand dune system, with more than 1,000 hectares of remarkable landscape to discover — ideal again for walkers, runners and family days out. The Tarka Trail is also within easy reach, providing a predominantly flat and wonderfully scenic route towards Barnstaple and beyond.

Barnstaple, the regional centre of North Devon, is approximately 12 miles away and provides the area’s principal business, commercial, leisure and shopping facilities, together with the historic Pannier Market and North Devon District Hospital. From Barnstaple there is convenient access to the North Devon Link Road, connecting with Junction 27 of the M5 in approximately 45 minutes. Tiverton Parkway also provides regular mainline rail services to London Paddington, with journey times of just over two hours.

Useful information

Age - Early 17th Century
Tenure - Freehold
Heating - Oil central heating
Drainage - Private drainage
Windows - Mostly double glazed
Council Tax - Tax band A
EPC Rating - Current - E/39 / Potential - B/88
Nearest Primary School - Caen Primary School (approx. 0.9 miles/>5 minute drive)
Nearest Secondary School - Braunton Academy (approx. 1.5 miles/7 minute drive)
Seller's position - No onward chain

Viewings

If you would like to view this wonderful home, please contact local North Devon estate agent, Ryan Young. Viewings are strictly by appointment with the sole selling agent and 24hrs notice will usually be required, please confirm your appointment before travelling.

Agent's note

The house has been run as a successful holiday let for several years. Considering council tax for second homes is now double the standard rate, this allows for personal use as well at business rates which are currently zero. More information can be provided on request. All furniture is available for purchase through separate negotiation.

The following numbered images have been supplied courtesy of Unique Home Stays: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 22, 24, 27, 28, 33

These property particulars are issued in good faith but do not form part of any offer or contract. All descriptions, floorplans, photographs and other information are provided as a guide only and may not be exact. Buyers are advised to verify key facts such as tenure, planning permissions, fixtures and fittings, lease length, ground rent, service charges, council tax bands and energy performance ratings through their legal representative.

In line with UK anti-money laundering regulations, all named purchasers must complete an AML (Anti-Money Laundering) check. A small charge of £30 per person applies for this service. Please ensure all relevant parties are submitted for verification to avoid delays.

TO BOOK YOUR VIEWING, WHEN CALLING QUOTE REFERENCE: RY0585

Detached House for sale in Braunton, Buckland, Braunton, North Devon, 1880 m²