THE OLD VICARAGECROSSTOWN • MORWENSTOW • BUDE • EX23 9RS

THE OLD VICARAGECROSSTOWN • MORWENSTOW • BUDE • EX23 9RS

DISTANCESBude town centre about 8 miles. Holsworthy about 16 miles. Bodmin Parkway station about 39 miles.

Cornwall Airport (Newquay) about 47 miles. M5 junction 31, about 59 miles.

An elegant Victorian vicarage, built in the English Romantic style by the Reverend R.S. Hawker, a towering figure of

19th c. Cornish cultural history. Unique example of the romantic style, in a stunning setting

Nestles in own valley facing the Atlantic Ocean

Six bedrooms, three with en suite

Four reception rooms

Front and rear staircases

Billiards room

Large rooms, full of natural light, with numerous original features

Stable converted to three bedroomed cottage

Surrounded by own gardens and adjoining the grounds of Morwenstow Church

Holy well in orchard

Your attention is drawn to the Important Notice on the last page of the text

SAVILLS TRURO73 Lemon Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2PN

01872 243 200cornwall@savills.com

LOCATIONMorwenstow, Cornwall’s northernmost parish, is one of rolling pasture, deep valleys and majestic cliffs. The Atlantic Ocean beats relentlessly at the coastline. Yet, tucked into its own tree-lined valley is the Old Vicarage, sheltered and unseen from any road until one rounds the corner from Morwenstow Church and descends the private drive. The path to the cliffs dips out of sight and the sea view is framed by green fields and grazing livestock.

It is hard to imagine a more perfect setting for one of Cornwall’s most significant residences, steeped as it is in the romance of the legendary life of Reverend Hawker. Here came Alfred Lord Tennyson, to discuss Arthurian myths and poetry, while Charles Kingsley drew inspiration from his visits for his socially reforming writing.

The sylvan setting inspired Rev. Hawker to introduce the tradition of Harvest Festival for his parishioners. He also

composed The Song of the Western Men, better known as Trelawny, still sung with great enthusiasm in the county. His life as a compassionate, reforming vicar in the parish is well documented and worthy of further reading.

Within the hamlet comprising the church and Old Vicarage, there is the popular Bush Inn, the Rectory tea rooms and footpaths connecting Hawker’s Hut and St John’s Holy Well, both owned by the National Trust, with the South West Coast Path. Along the coast southwards is Sandymouth beach and the wide sweep of Bude Bay, with numerous inlets and beaches, while north is Hartland Point and the great expanse of the West Devon coast.

The Old Vicarage, constructed of stone quarried from the cliff, was completed in 1837 and retains most original architectural details, inside and out. Hawker’s design for the house reached a note of eccentricity with the diverse chimney styles – replicas of other church towers. They add to the overall charm. It is a Grade II* listed building.

THE PROPERTYEnter through a heavy oak door under a slate entablature, into a tiled porch and through an internal door reminiscent of a rood screen. There are references to neo-Gothic ecclesiastical architecture, such as perfectly placed stained glass detail panes in arched, leaded windows; dark oak doors, stairs and balustrade; flag stone floors. The interior is welcoming and homely.

A spacious hall gives onto a light-filled drawing room with west facing bay window, sandstone fireplace and wood burning stove. The cornice and high ceiling with architrave give a feeling of gracious proportions to the room, which continues throughout much of the house. All the rooms facing west enjoy views of the sea, framed by the valley.

Opposite is a booklined study with open fireplace, looking onto the drive and seawards. Adjoining is the dining room, perfectly proportioned for entertaining. This room benefits from a south aspect and has a large open fireplace. A second door leads onto the hall and the spacious kitchen, lit by a wide arched window to the north and a back hall with double storey window to the south. A large island is at the centre, surrounded by fitted cupboards, a deep sink and an oil-fired Aga.

Beyond the kitchen a hall leads to a snug sitting room, with a bread oven in the chimney, and pretty window to the south. Opposite is a spacious larder. A staircase rises here, lit by the aforementioned window, enormous and beautiful, looking onto the sheltered garden on the south side of the house. Past the kitchen and back towards the front stairs are the utility and boiler room, and the guests’ cloakroom area.

Tasteful decoration continues throughout the house. Another large, leaded window lights the high-ceilinged front staircase and landing, from which all bedrooms and bathrooms are accessed. The spacious master bedroom looks to the west, has a prettily tiled fireplace and bright en suite bathroom. Beside this is a smaller bedroom, currently used as an office, also with the sea view. Bedroom three has an en suite shower and is a few steps across the landing from a bathroom. South facing bedroom four has an en suite bathroom, while opposite is bedroom five with en suite shower and a separate wc. The loft is accessed by a short flight of stairs and there is a small storage room or eyrie. A step down into what was once the servants’ landing leads to a large bedroom and shower room, a roomy airing cupboard and at the end of the corridor, a billiards room: a well-lit dual aspect room with table length light above the full-size table. From here stairs lead down to the rear hall and back door.

THE OLD VICARAGE, CROSSTOWN, MORWENSTOW, BUDE, EX23 9RSApproximate Gross Internal Area: Main House: 430 sqm 4,268 sqft

Carrows Nest: 115 sqm 1,238 sq ftTotal: 545 sq.m. / 5,506 sq.ft.

Not to scale. For identification purposes only.

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

CARROW’S STABLE Named after the Reverend’s pony, this is now a three bedroomed cottage adjoining a spacious garage and workshop. Retaining interesting architectural features, it is a comfortable, modern conversion, with entrance through a spacious lobby and stairs rising to the first floor living room, attractive with open beams and wide arched window. There is a modern fitted kitchen and two bedrooms, a double with en suite bathroom and a single with en suite shower. The third bedroom, also a double en suite, is on the ground floor.

CARROW’S STABLEFIRST FLOOR

CARROW’S STABLEGROUND FLOOR

CARROW’S STABLE

CARROW’S STABLE

CARROW’S STABLE

THE GROUNDSThe Vicarage sits within its own grounds. The

drive past the stable drops gently to a wide,

tree lined, level parking area with slate path

around the house leading from the seaward

facing lawned area to smaller walled gardens,

attractively planted and well maintained.

Furthest from the house is the orchard (damson and apple trees) where the holy well of St John still supplies water to the Vicarage, which has sole rights (filtered by U.V.). The South West Coast Path diverts from the edge of the cliff and behind the gardens to access the well, before continuing up the drive to resume coastwards, beyond the church.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Savills, their clients and any joint agents give notice that: 1. They are not authorised to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere,

either on their own behalf or on behalf of their client or otherwise. They assume no responsibility for any statement that may be made in these particulars. 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 regulation or other consents and Savills have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or

otherwise. 10.07.2020CC. Capture Property. 01225 667287.

THE OLD VICARAGE

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey. Not to Scale mapping with permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright (100041908)

SERVICESPrivate water to main house and mains supply to Carrow’s Stable. Oil fired central heating to house and cottage. Broadband in house and cottage. Private drainage.

FIXTURES AND FITTINGSOnly those mentioned in these sale particulars are included in the sale. All others such as curtains, light fittings, garden ornaments, etc. are specifically excluded but may be available by separate negotiation.

DIRECTIONSApproaching from the south on the A39 (Atlantic Highway) at Stratton take a left onto Stamford Hill. Continue to junction at Stibb and take left to Coombe. Continue past Stowe Barton and GCHQ Bude to next T junction. Turn left and stay on the road past the green and the Bush Inn. Take the sharp right corner and continue to the Rectory tea rooms car park where on the right take the unmarked road with signage to disabled parking for the church. After a sharp left bend keep right into the drive marked Private.

From the north approach on the A39 and take right turn to Morwenstow (also marked for GCHQ), stay on this road until you reach the green and proceed as above.

VIEWINGSStrictly by prior appointment with Savills.