+ Full Description

SETTING THE SCENE

Venn Farm lies at the end of a long private drive near Pancrasweek, a peaceful hamlet on the border between Cornwall and Devon west of Holsworthy. Bounded by the River Tamar, the area is characterised by open fields, leafy country lanes and a 15th-century parish church.

Bude, just 7 miles away from this peaceful rural setting, is famed for its surf breaks and hosts the famous Sea Pool, a semi-natural tidal pool and safe haven for wild swimming. The town itself has two Blue Flag town beaches, Summerleaze and Crooklets, while this magnificent stretch of coastline is home some of the country’s finest beaches, including Widemouth Bay, Northcott Mouth, Sandymouth and Crackington Haven.

North Cornwall has also long been somewhat of a culinary Mecca and is home to some of the west country's best chefs and restaurants including Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac, Coombeshead Farm near Launceston and The Rocket Store in Boscastle.

There are some excellent schools in the area, including Shebbear College, Budehaven Community School, Holsworthy Community College and Bradworthy Primary School. Rail connections are also good, with a direct service running from Exeter St David’s (about 45 miles drive) to London Paddington in just over two hours.  One can also join the M5 motorway at Exeter and there are regular flights from the airport here to many UK and European destinations.

The ARCHITECT

Feilden Fowles is an award-winning London-based architecture studio. Founded by Fergus Feilden and Edmund Fowles in 2009, the practice delivers a range of buildings across the UK, producing architecture that is rich in character and distinct in identity, while also socially and environmentally responsible. Projects are underpinned by a strategy of longevity, using robust yet adaptable structures and simple but striking materials.

Recent projects include a striking new faience-tiled dining hall at Homerton College, University of Cambridge and The Weston, a gallery, shop and café for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park built on the site of a former quarry.

THE TOUR

FARMHOUSE

Approached via a quiet country lane, a long, private driveway leads to the central courtyard, around which the farmhouse and two converted barns orientate. The farmhouse, delineated by a partially rendered facade, is accessed via a plant-lined courtyard leading to the primary glass-fronted entrance. The original house was extended in 2012 to the designs of Fielden Fowles, pairing the character of the existing 16th-century foundations with elegant modern details. The impeccable execution of the renovation demonstrates an intimate understanding of the building, while modern material touches bring a contemporary aesthetic.

The extended kitchen, dining and living space is defined by a larch timber frame with band-sawn finish, the work of EmanuelHendry. Polished concrete floors flow underfoot and the softwood frame incorporates large glazing areas into the structural fins, which seamlessly become cladding above the external ceiling line. The kitchen follows a practical yet sociable layout, with appliances tucked neatly into clean lines of bespoke cabinetry formed around a central island. The warmth of the sun pours in throughout the day, softly illuminating the dining and living areas from above. This is a wonderfully inviting room which can unfold out onto the courtyards in the warmer months.

A large inglenook fireplace forms the centrepiece of the interconnected living room, an excellent space for reading, or music. A separate snug lies off one side, and a bathroom, utility, and laundry room are also positioned at ground level. The central timber staircase, finished with shiplap walls, leads to a series of bedrooms and bathrooms spanning the first floor, each with unique and complementing colouring, characterful sloping ceilings and thick beams. All have plenty of built-in storage and underfoot is either sisal or painted floorboards.

THE COB

Crossing the courtyard, the former cob barn (also remodelled by Feilden Fowles) is a celebration of traditional construction. A rich patchwork of cob, stone, concrete and brick forms the existing fabric, with a loadbearing timber frame housing the impressive double-height living spaces. Precast concrete surrounds form the openings, and expansive glass panels allow optimal natural light to stream in while framing garden views. Vertical fins bring architectural definition and character while providing additional solar protection and privacy to the upper floor. Ribbons of clerestory windows, inspired by Norwich Cathedral, encourage wildlife watching across the countryside. There are four bedrooms, finished in a palette of textural, natural materials, and a private garden accessed via bifold doors that lead onto a terrace with a cedar-clad hot tub.

RED BARN


The adjacent red-brick cottage follows an inverted layout, with two bedrooms and a family bathroom tucked away downstairs, and an open plan living, dining and cooking space extending the upper level. Full-height glazing looks onto the private courtyard and extensive gardens beyond.

STEP OUTSIDE

The positioning of terraces and courtyards has been well-considered to create a series of intimate, sun-drenched spaces lending well to eating, drinking, growing, and playing. A celebration of local wildlife, the gardens are rich and diverse. Pathways weave through various wooded areas with dens for children, paired with expanses of lawn allowing space for games.

The formal gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped, with prairie-style grasses and herbaceous perennial borders bringing colour through the seasons. There are raised beds for herbs and flowers, a wild gravel garden, and stretches of meadowland, while mature hedges and specimen trees form the border, creating privacy and seclusion. Open fields down to the Tamar River extend beyond the perimeter.

BUILDING PLOT

There is a current planning consent to build an additional holiday unit within the grounds to the south of the farmhouse and barns. Planning documents can be accessed via the Torridge District Council planning portal using reference 1/1160/2020/FULL.

SERVICES 

Mains water and electricity, Klargester sewage treatment system and LPG gas fired boiler

DISTANCES (all distances approximate)

Bude 7 miles, Boscastle 20 miles, Okehampton 22 miles, Exeter 45 miles

WHAT3WORDS LOCATION

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RATEABLE VALUE

£8,300

NOTE As of June 2024, this rateable value qualifies for Small Business Rates Relief

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief/small-business-rate-relief