Lower Velwell Barn

About this property

Dartington 2.2 miles. Lower Velwell Barn is a stunning detached house set on a small private estate, resting among open meadows between Totnes and Buckfastleigh in the heart of the Devon countryside. Well suited to families and groups of friends seeking a rural setting boasting stunning views, en-suite facilities, a large garden and toasty woodburning stoves. You arrive to off-road parking beside the main house, with additional spaces near the thatched barn. The property is immediately well presented, its substantial stone exterior set within manicured lawns and a patio that opens onto surrounding meadows, with open views across the estate. French doors lead into the formal dining room, a light and well-proportioned space with wooden flooring and a characterful stone wall.

A woodburning stove adds warmth, making it an inviting setting to gather around the table, spread out long evening meals, and settle in after days exploring the countryside. A short flight of steps rises to the main sitting room, where a vaulted ceiling with exposed oak beams creates a striking sense of space and height. Large windows frame far-reaching countryside views, while the double-sided woodburning stove forms a natural focal point shared with the adjoining snug. Steps descend into the snug, arranged for more relaxed evenings with comfortable seating set around the second side of the stove. A Smart TV is positioned for easy viewing, creating an easy space for film nights and quieter afternoons, while stairs rise to a mezzanine level above, offering a tucked-away spot to sit with a book or take in the views from above the main living area.

From the sitting room, further steps lead down into the kitchen, designed as a spacious and sociable hub of the house. Oak framing and extensive glazing draw in natural light throughout the day, while the well-equipped kitchen includes an Oil-fired AGA, two dishwashers, a summer oven and a coffe maker, making it easy to heat up the AGA on cooler mornings or prepare relaxed group dinners with ease. A built-in breakfast nook with bench seating provides a cosy place for coffee and slow starts to the day, while the main dining table is well suited to shared meals and conversation long into the evening.

French doors open directly onto the patio, linking the kitchen seamlessly with the outdoor spaces. A separate hallway, featuring artwork and sculpture, leads to the utility area, where underfloor heating and practical storage provide useful space for coats, boots, and laundry after muddy countryside walks. The bedrooms continue the same sense of comfort and quality found throughout the house. On the ground floor, two super-king-size bedrooms offer accessible accommodation, both carpeted and finished with ample wardrobe space. One includes an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower over, while the other features an en-suite walk-in shower and an armchair positioned within the room for quieter moments away from the main living spaces.

Glazed steps lead to the first floor, where the remaining bedrooms in the main house maintain the same thoughtful finish. Each includes a dressing table and en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower over, while one room features a freestanding bath, perfect for sinking into at the end of the day. Outside, the landscaped lawns and patio provide space for al fresco dining, morning coffee, or simply taking in the open views across the surrounding countryside. Positioned to catch the early light, the patio is an especially peaceful spot for sunrise breakfasts and slow mornings as the sun rises over the meadows.

A nearby river offers scenic walking routes, while local shops and pubs are just a short drive away. Dartmoor National Park is within easy reach, where open moorland stretches beneath wide skies, granite tors rise dramatically from the landscape, and woodland paths lead through ancient valleys shaped by time. Totnes offers a lively contrast, with independent shops lining its streets, riverside walks along the River Dart, and cafés where afternoons drift by watching boats move along the water. Buckfastleigh brings heritage and nature together, from steam trains winding through the valley to wooded trails that follow the river and open out into the surrounding countryside.

Plan your next group getaway at Lower Velwell Barn in the South Devon countryside.

Dartington is a pretty village two miles from Totnes on the River Dart. The village is well known for its Cider Press craft centre and 14th-century Cott Inn, which is reputed to be one of the oldest thatched pubs in England, along with the medieval estate of Dartington Hall, home to an annual music festival and summer school. Dartington is situated midway between the Dartmoor National Park and the Devon coast, making it ideal for a wide range of activities. The South Hams area of Devon is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering 60 glorious miles of coastline, estuaries and countryside between Plymouth and Torbay, and includes the popular coastal resorts of Salcombe, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge. You'll find a number of beautiful beaches nearby, providing safe family havens perfect for sailing, surfing and swimming. The historic market town of Totnes, with its Elizabethan market, is only two miles from Dartington and has long been known as a centre for free thinking. One of the best ways to explore the area is by a circular route combining a river trip to Dartmouth and a ride on the Kingswear to Paignton steam railway. Dartington is a pretty village from which to explore the stunning South Hams area of south Devon.

Accommodation

Four bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor super-king-size with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor super-king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x super-king-size with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC, 1 x super-king-size with en-suite freestanding bath, basin and WC.

Kitchen.

Utility.

Dining room with woodburning stove.

Sitting room with double-sided wood-burning stove.

Snug

Partial underfloor heating and heat pumps.Oil-fired AGA, summer oven, induction hob, microwave, American fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, 2 x dishwasher, coffee maker.

Fuel, power, and starter pack for woodburning stoves included in rent.

Highchair and travel cot available on request.

Bed linen and towels included in rent.

Off-road parking for 2 cars, with additional parking near the thatched barn.

Sorry, no smoking.

Shop 2 miles, pub 2.2 miles, river 0.8 miles