£1,500,000
A 4 Bedroom Detached Residence Of Individual Castle Design
Of Truly Unique Design And One Of The Areas Main Architectural Focal Points With Stunning Grade II Listed Gardens Is This Most Amazing Detached Residence Affording Stunning Area Views...
Lincombe Keep offers a commanding position above Ilsham Valley and Meadfoot Beach and is one of Torquay’s most exclusive residential areas. This truly individual and award winning residence, designed by John Pritchard Architects, was completed in 1992 and the exterior was finished with Somerset stone to blend in with the stunning Grade II listed grounds and boundary walls. The residence was designed to encapsulate the amazing vista over Ilsham Valley, surrounding area and out to sea. The architect seems to have taken his design cue from a medieval castle with the castellated exterior walls blending in with the original Portcullis and garden turret.
The property is approached via a feature electrically operated ‘Portcullis’ with path giving access to double opening hardwood front doors leading to a spacious split level reception hallway with impressive roof lantern. Stairs give access to both upper and lower ground floor reception hallways. From the Lower ground floor reception Hallway there is access to three double guest bedrooms all with ensuite facilities, a study/occasional bedroom 5, cloakroom/WC, a further shower room /WC and useful storage cupboards. From the upper reception hallway stairs lead to the top floor and there is also access to the impressive sitting room enjoying the most amazing uninterrupted sea views over the surrounding area towards Berry Head and beyond with access to the private sun terrace. There are double doors opening to the formal dining room with views over Ilsham Valley, surrounding area and out to sea. There are further double doors leading to the fitted kitchen/breakfast room with feature Aga and observatory area enjoying stunning views and access to a private sun terrace. On the top floor landing is a hardwood door giving access to the amazing gardens. There is also access to the master suite that spans the whole of the top floor and enjoys some spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding area. There is a large walk in dressing room, feature observatory area and spacious ensuite bathroom/WC and there is access to a private enclosed balcony enjoying the stunning vista. At road level there are double gates that open to a driveway and lead to the double integral garage with electrically operated up and over door light and power. There is also access to the internal lift that that rises to two of the three floors above.
Background
Lincombe Keep sits on stunning Grade II listed grounds approaching half an acre. The grounds were originally designed by Fred Harrild who was based in Totnes and was believed to be a former pupil of Sir Edwin Lutyens. The grounds were formerly attached to a property in Oxlea Road called ‘Castle Tor’ and were originally designed for a wealthy son of a bookmaker based in Leeds called Horace Pickersgill, who moved to Torquay on the advice of his doctor with the proviso that he must on no account spend his summers there as it was far too hot!
Grounds
The grounds and boundary walls are Grade II listed and are approaching half an acre and are accessed via an automated Portcullis entrance with steps leading to the main gardens and front door. The strong architectural character of the grounds, where planting is of secondary importance, was a request when the gardens were originally created offering a castle like fairy tale with the abundance of stone statues, canal style pond running east to west and a pattern of rectangular stepping stones leading to the impressive Orangery being the gardens centre piece which would have been used as a sheltered retreat for afternoon tea. There is also the most sublime view across the garden and out to sea framed by topiary birds and clipped boxed hedges. Throughout the garden the limestone retaining walls are furnished with castellated parts recalling the fortified walls enclosing ancient towns and cities. Every detail of the grounds from the fine wrought iron railings and a gate leading to a sculptured lead Dragon Gargoyle which feeds a fountain pool close to the tower reveals a close attention to design and knowledge of traditional craft techniques.
Location
Located in what must be one of the premier areas, this outstanding waterside home is set in the heart of Torquay. Lincombe Keep is situated in a commanding position on one of Torquay’s seven hills with splendid views over the wooded Lincombe slopes to the sea beyond, on the picturesque south Devon coast.
Torquay is one of three beautiful towns forming the sheltered Tor Bay and is renowned for the warm climate, clear bathing waters and clean air. The local beaches form a golden arc around the bay with shingle coves scattered nearby.
The town provides a wonderful quality of life for its residents with excellent shopping, waterside restaurants, a theatre and bars. Internationally renowned water sports are held in the sheltered deep water bay, with the marina providing excellent mooring facilities for luxury yachts and motor cruisers. The area provides many scenic walks along south Devon’s coastal footpaths, with local golf courses also nearby. A short distance to the north lies the magnificent Dartmoor National Park.
Torquay is well served with direct rail links to the major cities including London Paddington, a motorway network and nearby airport at the Cathedral City of Exeter.
Tenure: Freehold
Availability: Sold STC
• Rare Opportunity To Purchase This Unique Residence
• Stunning Sea And Coastal Views
• 3 Double Guest Bedrooms All With Ensuite Facilities
• Master Suite With Dressing Room, Private Balcony And En Suite
• Private Lift Serving Two Floors
• Study And Further Bathroom/WC
• Superbly Landscaped Grade II Listed Gardens With Orangery
• Double Garage And Driveway Parking
• Vacant Possession
• EPC Rating - E
Lot Size:
Rooms:
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Property Type: House
Property Style: Detached
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