Full Details SITUATIONElm Vale Lodge was named after the valley it overlooks, which once contained many elm trees. It sits in the pretty rural peninsula defined by Torbay on one side and the River Dart on the other, close to the famous harbour town of Brixham, and a little further to the Kingswear passenger and vehicle ferry crossing to Dartmouth. Despite the quiet rural location, it takes only minutes to drive to Torbay supermarkets and other services; and access is quick to historic Dartmouth's range of independent shops, restaurants and huge range of events including the world-renowned Dartmouth Regatta. Five minutes from the house is the new Noss on Dart Marina with its developing range of specialist marine services. The much-loved National Trust properties of Coleton Fishacre (Doyly Carte family) and Greenway (Agatha Christie) can be visited close by. Only about 30 minutes away is the popular town of Totnes and its mainline station north to London and south to Plymouth. The glorious beaches and walks which characterise the South Hams are within easy reach.DESCRIPTIONPositioned at the far end of a small group of houses on a delightful green lane, Elm Vale Lodge looks out over outstandingly beautiful fields and woods to the sea in the distance at Man Sands. Views encompass a completely undeveloped area which is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and by National Trust ownership along the line of the Southwest Coast Path.
This modern but characterful house has been designed to take full advantage of the tranquil location and unique views. The original 1920's building was cleverly redesigned and greatly extended a decade ago to the design of a local architect, and has recently been further improved by the current owner, also an architect. Generous, carefully considered and well-lit spaces flow through the ground floor, overlooking the drama of the valley landscape and ever-changing sea. Below the viewing terrace is a delightful, richly planted garden laid out in tribute to the landscape gardener father of a previous occupant.
An attractive paved driveway leads to an oak-framed porch and the main entrance door into a double height hall and staircase. From here double doors frame vistas through the main spaces of the house. The comfortable open-plan Living Room with log burner opens into the brilliantly lit Garden Room with its 180 degrees glazing onto the garden below. Steps lead down to the Dining Room, which has space for large gatherings at a big table, and a relaxed seating area with sliding doors which open up onto a stone-paved viewing terrace ideal for alfresco dining; off to one side lies a modern Kitchen with the luxury of solid oak-fronted storage units.
Upstairs is the quite exceptional master bedroom with high ceilings and sliding doors onto a balcony with space for sitting gazing out to sea with your morning coffee; there is a range of built-in wardrobes and a good-sized ensuite shower room and further storage. Along the corridor is the large guest bedroom which also has valley views and ensuite facilities. Another double-sized bedroom on the ground floor looks onto sunny garden greenery, and is close to the well-equipped family bathroom. A fourth bedroom leads off the entrance hall, and is currently used as an office/study. The Utility Room, with washing and storage facilities, acts as a useful rear entrance to the property, off which is another toilet. Outside is a spacious former twin garage, which has recently been extensively and attractively modernised and insulated to serve a multiplicity of potential uses: double garage; shared space for one car alongside a studio/office (as at present); large studio/office; ancillary living space (subject to Planning Consent). There is parking for several cars on the drive; and a private parking space off the lane. A charging point for electric vehicles has been installed. Below the house is a useful undercroft for garden storage.
The gardens are a true pleasure, with many beds of unusual shrubs and trees providing colour and shape throughout the seasons. Lawned areas wind between these beds, creating vistas, different seating areas, and fabulous glimpses of the surrounding landscape. Much attention has been given to sustainable ecological design, with high levels of insulation and a large array of solar panels which heat hot water and some electric underfloor heating as well as charging a car battery and attracting to the occupiers a recent annual National Grid income of well over £2000. SERVICESMains and solar panel electricity; mains water; mixed electrical and gas-fired central heating with Heatmiser electronic management; recently installed modern sewage treatment plant.LOCAL AUTHORITY & COUNCIL TAXSouth Hams District Council. The property is in Band F.TENUREFreeholdVIEWINGSStrictly by appointment with Luscombe Maye, TotnesDIRECTIONSwhat3words mystery.cello.dented