Haydon, Kenn

Haydon enjoys an idyllic position in a peaceful, unspoiled Devon valley. Reached by a small country lane just over a mile from the nearest village, this charming thatched cottage has been significantly extended through the conversion of its adjoining outbuildings. The result is a distinctive C-shaped layout that embraces a picturesque courtyard garden.

A Grade II Listed property, Haydon is believed to date from the mid-17th century. The entrance driveway opens onto a generous parking and turning area beside the house. From here, the front door leads into a striking, full-height entrance hall with exposed roof timbers. Off the hall are a study and a light-filled sitting room with picture windows, sliding doors to the courtyard, oak-boarded floors, and exposed beams. The sitting room connects to a conservatory and to the kitchen, which features a limestone-flagged floor, fitted oak cabinetry with quartz worktops, deep sink, double larder, integrated double dishwasher, fridge, and a three-oven electric Aga with gas and electric module. Adjoining the kitchen is a utility room with washing machine plumbing and access to a shower room conveniently placed for the swimming pool. A further door from the kitchen opens into a spacious open-plan dining room and drawing room, complete with oak flooring, ceiling beams, and a cosy seating area with a stone-surround fireplace and wood-burner.

French doors open to the courtyard and gardens, while a staircase rises to the first-floor landing. Here are three bedrooms two with fitted wardrobes, and one enjoying far-reaching valley views plus a family bathroom.

Across the parking area stands a substantial stone outbuilding, providing quadruple garaging, a workshop, storage space, an outside WC, and water, power, and lighting. Behind the house, steps lead up to the enclosed, heated swimming pool, which has paved surrounds and is warmed via an air-source heat pump. The sheltered, partly paved courtyard garden offers an inviting setting for outdoor dining and relaxation. Beyond lie lawns edged with ornamental trees and shrubs, culminating in a thatched summerhouse. A bank at the rear of the property forms a small wooded area with a stream-side path, perfect for tranquil walks. There is also a sloping orchard with apple, pear, and fig trees. A gate from the gardens opens onto a pasture paddock, bordered and partly divided by the stream, with charming wetland areas that attract wildlife.

Situated between the villages of Kenn and Kenton, Haydon lies south of Exeter and east of the Powderham Estate and River Exe Estuary. Kenn offers a historic church and the popular Ley Arms pub and restaurant, while neighbouring Kennford has a primary school and a village store. The cathedral and university city of Exeter is within easy reach, offering excellent shopping, cultural venues, restaurants, and sporting facilities, as well as notable state and independent schools such as Exeter School and The Maynard. Nearby, the Haldon Hills Forest provides miles of walking, cycling, and riding trails, along with Exeter Racecourse and Teignmouth Golf Club. Dartmoor National Park lies just beyond the Haldon Hills, famed for its dramatic landscapes, while to the south, the stunning South Devon coastline offers beautiful beaches, estuaries, and opportunities for sailing and watersports.