Sellers Insight
Church Steps is nestled in one of the oldest and most picturesque parts of Bovey and over the past two decades we’ve spent much time delving into its history with local historians. The house charmed us with its character, history, and lovely beamed rooms. Despite its central location in town, it has a large, peaceful garden which is overlooked from the master bedroom. The sight of our home, set against the backdrop of an even older church, presents one of the loveliest views in Bovey Tracey, indeed our neighbours used to say they had the best view in town.
The heart of our home is undoubtedly the oak kitchen, a space where countless meals have been prepared and shared with family and friends. The guest wing of the house is approached up a separate staircase from the family bedrooms, providing privacy to both visitors and family.
We have utilised every possible space in the house, from the expansive attics to the double garage which has served not just as a storage space for cars and bikes but as a workshop. It also has a large attic.
Our affection for Church Steps is matched by that for Bovey Tracey itself. Initially drawn to the house rather than the town, we quickly discovered the warmth and friendliness of the community here. It's a place where everyone is welcome, and the upcoming Paradiso Arts on Fore Street promises to enrich our community further with an art gallery, studios, a restaurant, and an auditorium for theatre, cinema, music, talk and dance events.
Living on the doorstep of Dartmoor National Park, Parke Estate, and Stover Park has meant that walking and cycling routes abound. Bovey Tracey complements these natural wonders with its own local charm, such as the heated swimming pool and the whisky distillery that doubles as a venue for musical events. The town's calendar, featuring events such as the national Craft Fair, Food Festival, and Green Man Festival, alongside a selection of shops, ensures our town is a lively, engaging place to live throughout the year.
Reflecting on our time at Church Steps, the combination of the house's historic charm, the garden's peacefulness, our friendly neighbours and Bovey Tracey's welcoming community has made our time here a time we treasure. This town, with its friendly atmosphere, cultural vibrancy, and breathtaking surroundings, has become as much a home to us as the historic walls of Church Steps. We will continue to live in Bovey in the coming years.
Step Inside
The property has a beautiful thatch roof and symmetrical frontage. It really is the ‘chocolate box’ style cottage. There is a thatched porch above the front door. As you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the charm and character which matches the exterior. The entrance hallway has a staircase to the first floor and a door on the left leading into the impressive sitting room, which has a large fireplace with a wood burner, providing a focal point. A step from the sitting room leads to a toilet and a staircase up to the two guest bedrooms and a bathroom.
To the other side of the entrance hall, you’ll find the dining room which has windows to the front and side and a fireplace, complete with wood burner. Walking through the dining room you then enter another reception room which is currently used as a study space; on from here is the kitchen/ breakfast room.
The kitchen is a wonderful space and was handmade by a local carpenter. There is plenty of storage and work top space as well as a gas fired AGA. The kitchen also has space for a good size breakfast table. The room has a window to the side and French doors leading out to the garden.
The property has two staircases which access two bedrooms each. From the staircase off the hallway, a landing leads to a good size double bedroom to the front; this room is currently used as an office. The room also gives access to the sizeable loft space which is boarded and presently houses the owner’s model railway.
The other bedroom off the landing is the main bedroom suite. This comprises a dressing area, ensuite bathroom and the bedroom. The bedroom is very peaceful with a lovely low-level window providing private views over the length of the garden.
The guest bedrooms, accessed from the staircase in the living room are both good size doubles, one has access to a loft which provides additional storage. Both bedrooms have access to the shower room/WC.
Step Outside
The gardens at Church Steps are a real treat. They are private and have been beautifully designed to offer a number of sitting and working areas. The garden has been very well looked after and is a credit to the owners. There is a patio area with ornamental pond, a lawn area, a store shed, greenhouse, and an area at the bottom has been planted with over 100 daffodil bulbs, which is a real treat in the lead up to spring.
Church Steps has paved yard parking and a double garage.
Location
Church Steps is around a 10 minute walk to the shops and amenities of Bovey Tracey. These include a health centre, restaurants, public houses, a primary school and post office. The market town of Newton Abbot is approximately 15 minutes drive away where there is a comprehensive range of shops and a mainline railway station (London Paddington approximately 2.5 hours).
The A38 dual carriageway provides access to Plymouth to the south and Exeter to the north and the M5 motorway is approximately 15 minutes away. Exeter International Airport is approximately 25 minutes away. The coastal resorts of Teignmouth and Shaldon can be reached in about 20 minutes and Torquay with its International Marina is approximately 30 minutes away.
The property occupies a delightful location just outside Dartmoor National Park which covers an area of around 368 miles and is just a few minutes' drive from Haytor Rock, a landmark granite outcrop.
Useful Information
Tenure: Freehold
Council tax band: G
Local Authority: Teignbridge District Council.
Listing: Grade II listed (1165683 - https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1165683)
Construction: Stone and cobb
Roof: Thatch
Heating: Gas central heating, the AGA provides hot water in the kitchen and master bathroom.
Services: Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage.
Access: Full shared access via the lane to the church car park.
Energy Efficiency Current: 35.0
Energy Efficiency Potential: 76.0