Inside beautiful £1.25million secluded cottage with links back to the Domesday Book that sits in the middle of 75 acres of woodland
Magical Colwell Wood Cottage near Honiton, Devon, has also passed through the hands of aristocratic medieval families, a Napoleonic war hero and a future king of England
THIS magical cottage located in its own woodland clearing could prove the ultimate retreat for anyone who can meet its £1.25million price tag.
The three-bed home, which dates back to the Domesday Book, has links to aristocratic medieval families, a Napoleonic war hero and a future king of England.
Situated among 75 acres in Colwell Wood near Honiton, Devon, during the 15th century the land was owned by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who went on to become Richard III.
It passed through aristocratic families until Admiral Thomas Graves, Lord Nelson's second in command at the Battle of Copenhagen, bought it for £1,210 in 1793 and built a house there.
The cottage was lived in until the mid-20th century when it fell into decline and dereliction.
The current owner bought it in the 1980s and carried out a restoration to both the cottage and the surrounding woodland.
It boasts 1,256 sq ft of accommodation over three bedrooms, a large living room, a kitchen/breakfast room and two bathrooms.
It retains period features, such as the inglenook fireplace in the living room, and has stunning views to the woodland over a wildflower meadow next to the property.
The surrounding area is also a haven for bats, birds, deer and butterflies.
It has been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, the woodland is mainly oak, with some ash and sycamore, and includes about 18 acres of bluebell woods and a spring-fed pond.
Alex Coates, from estate agents Humberts, who are handling the sale, said: "It's a completely magical setting.
"You get to the cottage down this lovely long track and the woodland is all beautiful ancient oak, not a lot has been changed there in 500 years.
"There are other cottages in woodland but they tend to be little cottage stuck in the middle of thick trees.
"The rarity of something like Colwell is you have this open feel to it with the clearing, which is a very rare combination.
"It is like you're in your own little enchanting world there. It's an amazing haven for wildlife.
"Part of the property's charm is it's actually a very modest cottage when you get there.
"It is not listed so it could have potential to build on what's there but I think it works brilliantly as it is.
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"The owners have used it as a retreat. It was pretty much derelict when they bought it in the 80s, they have extended it and put the slate roof on but they don't get out there as much anymore and don't want it to sit unused.
"It would appeal to someone with a love of the countryside who wants somewhere completely away from it all."
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