On the edge of South Zeal is Townend, an elegant former farmhouse, extended and refined and set quietly above the lane that drifts down the hill into the village centre.
You have the main part (the charming owner lives discreetly in a wing with separate access).
To the front, a small enclosed garden; behind, 3 acres of gardens to explore with terrific views towards Dartmoor and Cosdon Beacon in the distance.
From a small courtyard area, steps up to a walled, sheltered, enclosed well-established garden with sun terrace (table/chairs, barbecue), lawn and an enclosed area beyond with outdoor unheated swimming pool (8.5m x 3m x 1m deep, available late May to mid September).
Orchard and field, perfect for ball kicking and running free.
Inside, comfortable with flagstone and oak floors, beams and good linen; this beautiful house has ample space for a family to spread out and unwind.
From the front door, an elegant hall with stairs at one end leads to the living room with huge inglenook fireplace (woodburner), piano, TV/Netflix, window seat, oak floors.
Large bright kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, fridge, Aga, 2-ring electric hob, electric cooker, TV/DVD) with big table (converts to table tennis) and French windows to sun terrace and garden.
Two steps down to scullery (washer-drier, freezer).
Snug with woodburner, TV/DVD, French windows to front garden and second flight of stairs.Loo.
Wide stairs curve from the hall up to five bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms on the first floor - a double with ensuite shower-room (suite) and window seat, another double, a single (5'11" door lintel), and small step up to smart bathroom (suite, shower over bath); further landing (5'6" doorway) with steps to a twin (zip-linkable to 6' double, limited clothes-hanging space), a double with views to Dartmoor, a shower-room (suite) and smart bathroom (suite, shower over bath).
More stairs up again to huge cinema room (TV/DVD, mini snooker, table football, rowing machine) under the eaves with Velux windows, great views and comfy seating; 3'9" lintel into playroom (suitable for people shorter than 3'9"!).
Two steps up to another double bedroom (6' zip-linked bed or twin) under the eaves with the best views of all.
A welcoming and well-thought-out home in a friendly village setting; a great spot for exploring the wilds of Dartmoor and convivial hostelries (four pubs within a mile).
South Zeal: handsome old village (two beautiful old pubs, PO/shop) in a valley on Dartmoor's northern edge,
neighbouring Sticklepath, Belstone and South Tawton.
Superb walks on the
moor's highest part within 1 mile or so.
Okehampton (golf, leisure centre, cinema), 5 miles; Exeter, 20; sea/sandy beaches at
Exmouth, 30 miles, or Bude, 36 (fast roads).