Hidden in a North Devon valley, a timeless home with land, peace and room to breathe.

There is something special about the approach into Sterridge Valley. The lane narrows, the landscape folds in around you, and the sound of running water begins to replace everything else. Lower Rowes Farm sits quietly within this beautiful valley setting, surrounded by its own pasture, sheltered by wooded valley sides, and bordered by the river. It feels private, grounded and entirely at ease in its surroundings.

This is a rare pocket of North Devon where the landscape still feels natural and unspoilt. The house is not imposed on it, it sits within it, as though it has always belonged.

At its heart, Lower Rowes Farm is an original Devon longhouse, full of character and substance, yet carefully improved for modern living. The focal point is the vaulted kitchen extension, a striking space with extensive glazing overlooking the gardens and lake. Light moves through it across the day, and the outlook becomes part of everyday life. Doors open onto a terrace, allowing the house to flow easily into the garden.

From here, the accommodation unfolds with balance. A sitting room with warmth and depth, a panelled library offering a quieter retreat, and bedrooms that feel calm and private. The layout reflects the natural evolution of the house rather than something imposed.

Across the courtyard sits a separate one bedroom coach house style annexe. Independent yet connected, it provides flexible space for guests, family or working from home, and adds a further layer to how the property can be used.

The grounds shape the whole experience of living here. Formal gardens of around 1.862 acres sit around the house. The lake provides a natural focal point, while the river and valley floor bring movement and life through the seasons. The formal gardens lead each side into pasture land of approximately 4.939 acres and 1.626 acres together with a further 3.222 acres. In all around 11.6 acres.

In total, the main holding extends to approximately 11.6 acres. With the additional barn, the whole would be around 13.2 acres.

This is land that feels part of daily life. It offers privacy, outlook and a genuine connection to the setting.

Berrynarbor sits quietly above the coast, a village that has held onto its character without trying to prove it. White cottages, village lanes and a sense of familiarity that comes from people knowing where they belong.

From here, Sterridge Valley opens out in a softer, more sheltered landscape. The valley folds gently through pasture and woodland, with water running along its floor and light shifting across the slopes through the day. It feels calm and contained, a place where time slows without effort.

A short walk brings you back to the village, to the pub, the school and the small rhythms of daily life. Yet within the valley, you feel a world away.

Despite its sense of seclusion, Lower Rowes Farm remains well connected. Berrynarbor lies less than a mile away, while Ilfracombe and Combe Martin provide everyday amenities and a traditional coastal setting.

Barnstaple is within easy reach and offers a full range of shopping, schooling and services.

Rail links connect through to Exeter, with onward services to London Paddington, while Tiverton Parkway provides a direct mainline alternative. The A361 links to the M5, giving straightforward access to the wider motorway network.

Exeter Airport is around an hour away, with Bristol Airport offering a broader range of destinations.

Schooling is well served, with Berrynarbor primary close by, secondary options in Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, and independent education available at West Buckland School.

North Devon has a quiet way of taking hold, then staying with you. It does not ask for attention. It wins people over through salt air, shifting light and a sense of space that feels harder and harder to find.

This is a place of contrast and balance. Wild Atlantic beaches meet high open moorland. Big skies give way to tucked away valleys. Working harbours, old market towns and winding country lanes make it feel grounded, lived in and true. Nothing feels forced. Life here still has its own rhythm.

Days are shaped by light, weather and tide. Mornings begin with clear air and walks along cliff paths. Afternoons lead inland through rolling farmland, wooded combes and villages full of character. By evening, the coast draws you back again as the sun drops, the air softens and the whole landscape seems to slow.

The coastline is among the finest in the country, from the long sands at Woolacombe to hidden coves, rugged headlands and quiet corners reached by those willing to take their time. Inland, Exmoor brings a different beauty, open space, dark skies, wild horizons and a rare feeling of freedom.

What makes North Devon so compelling is not only the scenery, but the way life feels here. Strong communities, good schools, independent producers and proper pubs all shape a way of life that feels steady, connected and real.

North Devon is not simply somewhere to visit. It is somewhere people come for a weekend, then find themselves thinking about long after they have gone. For many, it becomes the place they want to return to, and in time, the place they want to call home.

Lower Rowes Farm is a complete offering. A longhouse of real character, a vaulted kitchen extension looking out across gardens and water, a separate coach house annexe, and a beautiful valley setting with land that gives both purpose and privacy. Combined with the wider appeal of North Devon, it is a place to settle into and enjoy over the long term.

Tenure: Freehold

Listing: N/A

Council Tax Band: G

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Construction: Traditional stone with timber framed windows

Services: Mains electricity, mains water, private well, LPG gas

Septic tank drainage. (Compliance with current regulations has not been confirmed. Buyers must rely on their own enquiries and professional advice.)

Heating: Biomass system, LPG central heating, open fires

Broadband: Airband, approx 100 Mbps

Parking: Driveway and courtyard parking for multiple vehicles

Restrictions: None known

Management/Service Charges: None

Japanese Knotweed has previously been identified within the vicinity of the land. Treatment works were undertaken historically; however, full documentation and guarantees are not currently available. Buyers are advised that the presence of Japanese Knotweed is considered material information and should make their own enquiries, including obtaining independent professional advice, to satisfy themselves as to its current status and any implications for lending or future maintenance.

Lower Rowes Farm lies within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This designation recognises the landscape’s national importance and helps protect its character, setting and views. Properties within the AONB may be subject to planning policies and controls designed to conserve and enhance the surrounding environment. This may influence future alterations, extensions or development on the property or nearby or adjoining land. Buyers should make their own enquiries with the local planning authority to understand any restrictions or requirements that may apply.

By Design Homes North Devon & Exmoor is part of the wider By Design Homes network – a collective of experienced, premium estate agents delivering bespoke one-to-one service across the UK and internationally. Based here in the heart of North Devon, I combine local knowledge and personal attention with the strength and reach of a national brand. For discreet, expert advice, please feel free to contact me directly.

Particulars: These details are provided as a general outline for intending purchasers and do not constitute, nor form part of, any offer or contract. Descriptions: All descriptions, dimensions, references to condition, necessary permissions, and other details are given in good faith and believed to be correct. Purchasers must not rely on them as statements of fact and should verify accuracy by inspection or otherwise. Warranty: No person employed by By Design North Devon & Exmoor has authority to make or give any representation or warranty in relation to this property. Measurements: All measurements are approximate. Wayleaves and easements. The property is sold subject to any wayleaves or easements, whether or not they are referred to within these particulars. Floor plans are for illustrative identification only and may not be to scale. Photography: Photographs are provided for general information only and should not be assumed to include any items shown. Images are not materially altered but may be enhanced for marketing purposes (e.g. skies, twilight effects, digital staging). Services: Services, systems, and appliances have not been tested and no guarantee of condition or functionality is given. Purchasers should satisfy themselves as to suitability and working order. Due Diligence: Buyers are responsible for verifying matters such as flood risk, private drainage compliance, planning consents, covenants, and all other property-related details before viewing or incurring expense. Availability: Properties may be withdrawn or sold at any time. Buyers should confirm availability and up-to-date information prior to viewing. Money Laundering Regulations: In compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as amended), all purchasers must provide proof of identity, address, source, and proof of funds before any sale can be agreed. By Design North Devon & Exmoor use Credas, an FCA-regulated provider, to complete these checks. A fee of £50 plus VAT per buyer applies. A secure link will be issued. The property status cannot be changed to Sold Subject to Contract or a Memorandum of Sale produced until all checks are satisfactorily completed.