Ford Park Chagford Dartmoor National Park Devon
Ford Park Chagford Dartmoor National Park Devon A beautifully presented, unique, late Victorian, purpose-built artist s residence, standing in approximately 17 acres of gardens and grounds, on the edge of open moorland. Summary Hall Cloakroom Large studio with expanse of windows Dining room Study Sitting room Kitchen/breakfast room Butler s pantry Larder Boiler room 6 bedrooms (master en-suite) 2 bathrooms and separate WCs Attic room ANNEXE: Open plan living/kitchen, bedroom and bathroom Beautiful gardens and grounds with sweeping lawn, large lily pond, mixed woodland and extensive parking, garage and stables About 17 acres
Description & History Ford Park is a breathtaking property tucked away amidst 17 acres of established gardens and grounds in a wooded setting in the lee of Dartmoor s spectacular scenery. The house was designed to take full advantage of its wonderful setting. It is approached along its own private drive which drifts through an array of established trees and shrubs (azaleas, rhododendrons, etc) giving tantalising glimpses of both the house and the small lake. The house was built in the late 19th century as an artist s residence by Robert Stark, the father of Freya Stark, the celebrated traveller and author. Dame Freya Stark spent her childhood years at Ford Park and there are several descriptive passages in her autobiography Traveller s Prelude... The loveliest of his gardens was created out of an oak wood scooped in a curving hill. It was below the edge of the moor and out of reach of the south west wind that howled and tossed above but stirred no leaf around us. The wood was so sheltered that bamboos would grow. There were glades of azaleas and rhododendrons now thick trunked, like trees, and daffodils beside wild bluebells, in dappled clearing. The property has recently undergone an extensive restoration programme. Brimming with character, Ford Park exudes all the hallmarks associated with its past, yet with careful consideration, modern day conveniences combine subtly to ensure a most comfortable and up to date home. The versatile accommodation is beautifully presented full of charm and character, while the extensive use of granite is a constant reminder of the proximity to open moor. All the principal rooms enjoy fine views across the lawns to the pond and beyond. The large and impressive studio was once used by the sculptor John Skeaping to create his statue of Lord Derby s great racehorse, Hyperion, which now stands at Newmarket.
Description & History (continued) The sitting room is particularly fine, with its deep square bay and mullioned windows. The kitchen, with Aga, again is a lovely room, with some interesting features and perfect for informal dining. There are six bedrooms, including a master bedroom, with en-suite shower and covered balcony whilst to the rear of the house a separate staircase gives access to a self contained annexe ideal as a staff or guest suite. The gardens and grounds offer a broad range of flora and fauna. Indeed, the whole area is a natural haven for wildlife and there is an abundance of flowering shrubs and impressive specimen trees. Beguiling pathways lead through the gardens and mixed woodland. Situation Ford Park is situated in a peaceful, rural location with two miles of the popular Stannary town of Chagford within the Dartmoor National Park. Chagford is a thriving community and offers a wide range of amenities, including churches, primary and Montessori school, post offices, banks, health and dental centres, together with excellent sports facilities. There are a wide range of shops, including a Spar, a delicatessen, dairy, ironmongers, wine merchant, art galleries and a number of high clothing and interior boutiques. The award winning Gidleigh Park Hotel is just over a mile away. The moorland town of Okehampton, about 11 miles away, has a number of churches, schools and community college, health centre and a sports and leisure centre. There are also several supermarkets, including Waitrose.
Middle Tor and the open moor - Within walking distance Situation (continued) The Dartmoor National Park offers superb recreational facilities, with excellent riding, walking and cycling, along with fishing opportunities. There are golf courses at Bovey Castle near Moretonhampstead (15 minutes) and at Stover near Bovey Tracey. There are good local, private and grammar schools. The cathedral city and county town of Exeter is about 23 miles away and provides a comprehensive range of cultural, educational, recreational and shopping facilities. Exeter University is ranked amongst the Top 10 in the country. Communications Road: The A30 is accessible at Whiddon Down, just 3½ miles away, providing a fast link in a westerly direction to Cornwall and in an easterly direction to Exeter and the M5 motorway. Rail: Intercity high speed trains operate from Exeter St Davids to London (Paddington) or via Salisbury to Waterloo. Air: Exeter International Airport, about 25 miles from Chagford, provides flights to a number of cities within the British Isles and to a number of Continental and Intercontinental destinations. Distances (approximate) Chagford 3 miles Exeter 23 miles Plymouth 44 miles Outside Ford Park is approached by its own long private drive which meanders through the mixed woodland and is bounded by colourful flowering trees and shrubs. To the front of the house is a parking and turning area with space for several vehicles. The original coach house has been beautifully refurbished by Character Builders, using traditional carpentry skills and is now a stable, feed room and wood store. The house is well positioned in approximately 17 acres, consisting of easy to maintain gardens, sweeping lawns leading down to a lily pond and mixed woodland with a myriad of paths, providing a wonderful natural haven for a wide variety of wildlife.
Important Notice Jackson-Stops & Staff and their clients and any joint agents give notice that: 1. They have no authority to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. 2. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulations or other consents and Jackson-Stops & Staff have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise. Property Information Tenure: The property is held on a lease from the Duchy of Cornwall. Prospective purchasers are invited to discuss the lease with the agents. Services: Mains electricity. Oil fired central heating system. Private water supply and private drainage. Local Authorities: Devon County Council, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX1 3QQ. Tel. 01392 382 000. Dartmoor National Park Authority, Parke, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9JQ. Tel. 01626 832 093. Contents, fixtures and fittings: Only those mentioned in this brochure are included in the sale. All others such as carpets, curtains, light fittings, mirrors, garden ornaments etc. are specifically excluded but may be made available by separate negotiation. Viewing: By appointment with Jackson-Stops & Staff s Exeter office: 01392 214 222. For sale by private treaty with vacant possession upon completion. Directions From the square in the centre of Chagford turn right (signposted Kestor) and after approximately 100 yards keep left, following the brown sign to Fernworthy reservoir. Follow the road out of the town for 0.8 miles. Turn right (signposted Kestor and Thornworthy). After 0.9 miles turn left (Frenchbeer and Thornworthy) and do not be deterred by the dead end sign. Go past Heather Cottage and the entrance to Ford Park will be found halfway up the hill after 0.3 miles on the right hand side.
For identification purposes only. Not to scale.
Exeter 01392 214 222 exeter@jackson-stops.co.uk 10 Southernhay West Exeter EX1 1JG www.jackson-stops.co.uk