Everything on one level, at the quiet end of a North Devon lane

Everything on one level

Little Knightacott Barn is a brand-new, three-bedroom home at the end of a quiet no-through lane, on land that was once part of Little Knightacott Farm. It takes its name from the old barn it replaced, and its design honours that heritage. The western red cedar cladding will weather gently into the landscape, and the vaulted great room echoes the open volume of a traditional barn. Behind that character is a fully modern, EPC A-rated home, ready to move into.

Every room is on one level. The house has about 1,571 sq ft of accommodation and an integral double garage and water plant room take the total to about 1,987 sq ft. To the front lies a large open area of level, lawned amenity land and there are also private enclosed gardens and terraces, generous parking and ramped access to the front door. It is a home for living well and simply, now and for many years to come.

As the lane narrows, it opens out into the tiny hamlet of Lydacott. The house sits low and settled in its surroundings, with the double garage alongside and plenty of room to park.

To the front is a large area of level, lawned amenity land: wide, open and full of possibility. It could host croquet on a summer evening, a game of boules, grandchildren running free or a marquee for a family celebration. Or it can simply be open green space to look out on with your morning coffee.

You also have your own private enclosed gardens and terraces, a sheltered, secure retreat where the dog can roam safely. There is room for pottering among the borders, long lunches outside and quiet evenings listening to the birdsong.

Nothing here is a struggle. There are no stairs to climb, the garden is close at hand, and the shops, the estuary and the beaches are just a few minutes away.

Sitting, dining room and kitchen (10.03m x 6.65m / 32'11" x 21'10")

The heart of the home is a vaulted great room of almost 33 feet, a remarkable space for a single-storey house. Light pours in, and the sitting, dining and kitchen areas flow together in one easy, sociable space. The Sheraton kitchen has quartz worktops, AEG appliances, a Quooker tap and a central island. There is room to cook for friends, lay a long table for family gatherings, or settle by the multi-fuel stove at the end of the day. On warm days, wide bi-folding doors fold back to the terrace and enclosed garden, so inside and out become one space. Underfloor heating keeps the room comfortable through every season.

Study hall

Double doors lead from the great room into the study hall, a generous space at the centre of the house. It is a quiet place to work, read or deal with the paperwork, away from the main living area. It suits anyone working from home a few days a week, or a hobby that needs its own corner.

Utility room (3.10m x 1.78m / 10'2" x 5'10")

With a sink and its own external door, the utility room handles the practical side of country living: wet coats, muddy boots and the dog after a beach walk.

Bedroom one (4.78m x 4.42m / 15'8" x 14'6")

The principal bedroom is a calm, generous retreat with its own en suite shower room.

Bedroom two (4.29m x 3.51m / 14'1" x 11'6")

A light double bedroom with a built-in wardrobe, lovely for visiting family.

Bedroom three (3.51m x 3.10m / 11'6" x 10'2")

A further double, suited to a guest, a grandchild or a hobby room or private study.

Bathroom

The family bathroom has a freestanding bath for a long, unhurried soak at the end of the day.

Engineered oak floors run throughout, giving the house a warm, consistent finish.

Single-storey homes of this size and quality are rare. Every room is reached without a single stair. The ramped approach to the front door makes arriving home as easy with a pushchair as with a wheelchair, and as comfortable for young families as for those planning ahead. You never have to carry laundry up and down, and you won't have second thoughts as the years go by. There is simply space, light and ease.

This is a home you can stay in for the long term, whatever life brings.

The integral double garage (5.89m x 5.41m / 19'4" x 17'9") has direct access into the house. It has room for two cars, or for one car plus the bikes, kayaks, surfboards and garden tools that come with an outdoor life. It could also become a workshop (subject to any permissions required). Alongside is a separate water plant room (3.66m x 1.83m / 12'0" x 6'0"), which keeps the practical workings of the house out of sight.

BUILT FOR NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE

- EPC rating A

- Vaillant air source heat pump with underfloor heating

- Solar PV panels

- Electric vehicle charging point

- Private borehole water supply, so no hosepipe bans

- Private Tricel treatment plant

- Rubber seam roof and western red cedar cladding

As a new home, it comes with none of the upkeep of an older property: no rewiring, no damp and no draughty windows. Your time belongs to the garden, the coast and the people you love, rather than the to-do list. The house also comes with a Nova Surveyors Professional Consultant's Certificate, backed by £2 million of cover.

North Devon is a place people tend to feel rather than describe. In a single afternoon you can walk long sandy beaches, find hidden coves, cross open moorland and wander through wooded valleys. The coastline includes some of the South West's best-loved beaches: Woolacombe, Croyde, Putsborough, Saunton Sands, Instow and Westward Ho!. Inland, Exmoor National Park opens up a different world of moorland, combes and far-reaching views.

This is a landscape that draws life outdoors, and walkers, surfers, swimmers, sailors, golfers and cyclists are all well served. The pace of life is gentler and the communities are real. For many buyers, that means more time, more space and a closer connection to coast and countryside.

On your doorstep

Fremington and the estuary village of Instow are each about two miles away. The Tarka Trail runs flat and traffic-free along the water's edge, perfect for gentle walks and cycle rides. You can eat crab sandwiches on Instow quay, take the ferry across to Appledore or watch the sun go down over the sands. Fremington has a medical centre, everyday shops, pubs and the quay café. Saunton Golf Club and the beaches of Saunton and Croyde are a short drive away.

Barnstaple is the main town for the region, with the historic Pannier Market, high street shopping, restaurants, leisure facilities and North Devon District Hospital. Everyday needs are covered at Roundswell on the edge of town, which has the major supermarkets and a retail park.

The North Devon Link Road (A361) runs from Barnstaple to junction 27 of the M5, connecting with Exeter, Bristol and the wider motorway network. Tiverton Parkway, just off the same junction, has direct trains to London Paddington in about two hours. Closer to home, Barnstaple station is on the scenic Tarka Line to Exeter St Davids. Exeter, Newquay and Bristol airports offer domestic and European flights.

Getting about (all distances approximate)

Fremington village: about 2 miles

Instow (beach, quay and Appledore ferry): about 2 miles

Roundswell supermarkets and retail park: about 3 miles

Barnstaple town centre: about 4 miles

Barnstaple station (Tarka Line to Exeter): about 4 miles

North Devon District Hospital: about 5 miles

Saunton Sands: about 8 miles

Croyde: about 10 miles

Tiverton Parkway (London Paddington about 2 hours): about 40 miles

M5 junction 27, via the North Devon Link Road: about 40 miles

Exeter: about 45 miles

Exeter Airport: about 50 miles

Newquay Airport: about 70 miles

Bristol Airport: about 95 miles

Schools

There is a good choice of schools nearby. Primary schools serve Fremington, Instow and the surrounding villages. For secondary education, the options include Park Community School and Pilton Community College in Barnstaple, and Bideford College. Petroc, in Barnstaple, offers sixth form, further education and university-level courses. For independent education, West Buckland School and Shebbear College are both within reach.

A different quality of life

For many buyers, moving here is about more than a change of address. It means choosing a life with more landscape in it, more time outdoors, and a stronger connection to coast, countryside and community. Little Knightacott Barn offers all of that, on one level.

Council Tax banding imminent.

Viewing strictly by appointment with By Design North Devon & Exmoor.