Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot

Introduction

Southbrook House is a striking Gothic-style country house dating back to circa 1800, sympathetically extended in 2016 and fully renovated approximately two years ago to create a home of exceptional quality and refinement. Unlisted and rich in character, the property seamlessly blends architectural heritage with contemporary design, resulting in elegant, light-filled interiors and a calm, cohesive aesthetic throughout.

Set within approximately 1.3 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the house occupies a wonderfully private position, yet remains conveniently close to the town centre. The setting offers the best of both worlds – immediate access to stunning countryside walks and the tranquillity of a secluded environment, combined with everyday amenities close at hand.

The recent renovation has been undertaken with meticulous attention to detail, delivering exceptional fittings, clean architectural lines, and thoughtfully designed spaces suited to both family living and entertaining. Period features have been carefully retained and complemented by high-quality modern finishes, creating a home of rare balance and enduring appeal.

Sellers insight

"One of the things we fell in love with most about Southbrook House is its hidden position, many people we know who have lived in Bovey Tracey most of their lives never knew it even existed until they visited us. It offers complete privacy within its own grounds – we can sit in the garden all day and not see another soul – yet it never feels remote or isolated. Being able to enjoy that level of seclusion while still being within easy walking distance of the town is incredibly rare.

Bovey Tracey is such a convenient and vibrant place to live. We love having independent shops, cafés, delicatessens and everyday amenities close by, as well as excellent access to main roads, rail links and nearby airports. It makes travelling easy, whether heading further afield or simply getting around the local area. Having both the coast and the Dartmoor countryside within easy reach has been a huge lifestyle benefit to us.

The gardens have been a real joy, particularly for our grandchildren, who love having space to roam and explore, and the direct access into Parke has been perfect for daily walks with our dog and adventures with our grandchildren.

We have invested a great deal of time, care and passion into the house, undertaking a full renovation to bring it back to the standard that a property of this calibre truly deserves. It has been incredibly rewarding to restore and enhance its character while incorporating modern luxury fittings and contemporary comforts. We love living in a historical building, but with all the benefits of modern living – it really does offer the best of both worlds. Circumstances have led to us needing to relocate, we will miss Southbrook House immensely, it is a truly magical place to live”

Step inside

The property is approached via a private, tree-lined 400ft driveway which gently opens to reveal an impressive view of the house. A turning circle sits in front of the house, drawing the eye towards the attractive façade and entrance. An original front door, framed by a storm porch, sets the tone for the quality and character found within.

Upon entering, the high standard of renovation is immediately apparent. The interiors are exceptionally light, with clean lines and a calm, contemporary feel. The welcoming hallway/reception space enjoys a door accessing the rear patio, creating a strong visual connection to the gardens and flooding the space with natural light.

The kitchen and dining room form the heart of the home, with numerous period windows enjoying views across the stunning grounds. The spacious dining area features full-length integrated fridge and freezer units, along with extensive storage. Attractive lime washed brick work subtly adds character to the contrasting clean decor, a theme which continues into the kitchen, WC and bathroom. The dining room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, where a substantial central island sits proudly, incorporating solid ash cabinetry, Quartz worktops and a Villory & Boch Belfast sink.

Integrated Bosch appliances are complemented by a Neff coffee machine and Neff microwave combination oven, along with a Quooker cube instant boiling water tap and top-of-the-range chilled sparkling water system. Period-style radiators feature throughout the house, adding character and warmth. There is ample worktop space and storage, and a fireplace within the kitchen which could, if desired, be reopened.

Positioned to the front of the property, the principal sitting room is a luxurious yet comfortable space, enjoying double-aspect attractive windows and a fireplace, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.

A further reception room benefits from a striking glass atrium ceiling and a window overlooking the grounds, creating a bright and uplifting space suitable as a family room, studio or reading room.

The utility room is fitted with solid ash units to match those in the kitchen, together with Quartz worktops, providing practical laundry and storage space.

The ground floor also includes a stylish wet room and a separate cloakroom, ideal for guests and everyday convenience.

Ascending to the first floor, the property offers five generous double bedrooms, each with its own individual character and outlook, providing flexible accommodation for family and guests.

The beautifully appointed family bathroom is fitted with a roll-top bath and quality sanitary ware, creating a relaxing and elegant space with fitted plantation shutters.

The principal bedroom is a particularly impressive room, featuring a dedicated dressing area which opens to a dual-sink vanity and a stylish shower area. A separate WC completes this well-considered suite, offering both practicality and privacy.

Step outside

The sense of privacy at Southbrook House is immediate and impressive. Mature trees frame the south facing grounds and create a wonderfully secluded, tranquil setting, with gardens that wrap entirely around the house.

Landscaped lawns extend from the house, interspersed with established planting including several Acer trees and generous open areas ideal for family life and entertaining. The gardens enjoy a sunny aspect throughout the day and offer a series of inviting spaces from which to enjoy the surroundings.

A rear terrace provides an excellent seating and entertaining area, enjoying lovely views across the grounds, while a front terrace offers a further seating space and forms the setting for the approved plans for a substantial orangery which would further enhance the living accommodation and take advantage of the garden outlook and sunny aspect. (details available upon request).

Beyond the turning circle, which features a Magnolia tree at its centre, sits a sizeable store room, along with a double car port. Adjacent to this is an additional concrete pad, offering scope to extend parking or garaging if required.

Recreational features include a high-quality, German-made playground and a new, unused, Canadian SwimJet Jacuzzi, seating up to ten people and complete with a roll-off cover – available by separate negotiation.

A detached garden room sits within the grounds and is double glazed, heated and features a vaulted ceiling and bespoke clock. This versatile space is ideal for use as a home office, studio, gym or playroom.

The property benefits from gated access to a cycle track and National Trust Parke, with its extensive walking routes and café, as well as an easy pedestrian path leading directly into the town.

Useful information

Tenure - Freehold
Unlisted & Outside National Trust Boundary
Planning permission for substantial Orangery - details available upon request
Services -
Oil central heating - installed approximately 2 years ago
Recently installed low profile oil tank
Mains water (fixed bills) - approximately £250 per year
Treatment centre
Mains electric
Fishing rights on section of Bovey River - rights of use under the bridge