Stoneleigh, Bideford

Devon. Sleeps up to 17

Situated in Northam, one of North Devon’s most popular small towns is Stoneleigh, an impressive and unique period house dating back to 1881 and home to Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templar, head of the British army in the second world war during the 1940s and 50s. Comfortable and well loved, this striking house designed by the prominent Victorian architect William Bryden, sits at the end of its own private, gated, sweeping driveway and features ornate brickwork, original sash windows and a well-manicured wrap around garden. Enter through a sunny glazed porch to a grand front hall with restored tessellate floor tiles. From here make your way to the formal sitting room or to the peaceful drawing room, ideal for curling up with a good book. Overlooking the rear garden is the striking former library, now a smart dining area - perfect for dinner parties or that special occasion. The sitting room has an ornate ceiling a sky TV and a wood burner. The kitchen is well equipped - there's everything you'll need here to cater for your group, including a 5-door Aga and pantry, and for something a bit special professional catering can be arranged. After dinner why not retire to either the traditional games room for a round of pool or for something a little more current, to the gaming room where you’ll find an X Box games console with two controllers and a comfy sofa. A sweeping staircase leads to the first floor and six bedrooms all with big sash windows and views over the gardens; the master with handsome four poster bed and en-suite bathroom, a double room with en-suite and a twin with an en-suite shower room, two further twin room and a single room all sharing a large family bathroom. In the rear courtyard a stone’s throw from the main house is Cider Cottage, a self-contained suite with a super king size bed and its own small kitchenette with fridge, cloakroom with WC and door to little sitting out area. Finally, a two-bedroom coach house in the grounds offers the opportunity to be a part of the group whilst retaining a little privacy and comprises a sitting area with wood burning stove, a basic kitchen/diner, two bedrooms, one with twin beds, one with a king size double bed and a family bathroom. Outside is a large garden with a lawn, pond and decking with table and chairs. Ideal for exploring the area, nearby is the sandy beach of Westward Ho with 3 miles of golden sand, or the historic port and market town of Bideford which sits on the banks of the River Torridge offers a host of amenities including shops, cafes and restaurants. Further afield, the rugged North Devon coastline and south west coastal path, is a must for the walkers in the group. A unique and remarkable home from home, Stoneleigh is ideal for large gatherings of friends or family.