Property description

An impressive house situated on the south east corner of an imposing former Manor House, constructed in the Jacobean Style and set in approximately twenty five acres of parkland.


SUMMARY
1 Balfour Manor occupies the south east corner of this attractive building with mellow brick elevations under a tiled roof. Features include stone mullion windows with leaded lights, some substantial timber doors, part timber panelled walls and some stunning plaster work to the ceilings. The spacious accommodation is gas centrally heated and briefly comprises an entrance hallway, kitchen/dining room, sitting room, study, cloakroom/WC, two basement rooms and on the first floor, a main bedroom with a balcony, a second bedroom with an en-suite shower and finally, a main bathroom.

SUMMARY CONTINUED
According to historical records, George Edmund Balfour purchased the Manor in 1866 and built the present Manor House shortly afterwards. He died in 1869 and his son, Colonel John Hugh Balfour, was the last Lord of the Manor. A Bristol firm of builders, Messrs Stephens and Barstow, were commissioned by Mr Balfour to build the Manor House and in order to overcome the difficulties of transport (there was no Railway then), it was decided to make the bricks on the spot, so a brick field was opened nearby on the land, where the present Pathwhorlands houses are built. The last Lord of the Manor died in 1952 and the property became Westbank Girls School, which opened in 1954 and closed in 1972. Developers then purchased the property and converted the original house into eleven dwellings.

SUMMARY CONT
Balfour Manor is set in delightful grounds of approximately twenty five acres and is situated within three quarters of a mile of Sidmouth town centre and seafront. The town offers a broad range of independent shops and High Street chains, including a Waitrose Supermarket, numerous clubs and societies, a Cinema, Theatre, Cottage Hospital and modern Health Centre, regular bus services to the surrounding area and of course, the Regency Esplanade.

DIRECTIONS
From our office on the High Street in Sidmouth proceed up the road and at the roundabout take the first exit left, to join All Saints Road. At the end of the road and at the next roundabout, take the last exit right, to join Station Road and follow the road through the pinch-point, turning left after the entrance to the Knowle into Broadway. Immediately turn right into the main entrance of Balfour Manor, following the driveway up and around to the left, which will lead to the parking area for the property.

APPROX DIMENSIONS
The accommodation with approximate dimensions comprises:

FRONT DOOR
An imposing timber front door with a large ornate cast iron lock mechanism with original keys opens into an:

ENTRANCE HALLWAY
Minton tile flooring. Stairs to the first floor. Radiator. Glazed door to a study and large timber panelled door with brass furniture to the:

KITCHEN/DINING ROOM
2.8m x 8.8m (9'3\" x 28'9\") Windows to the front, with an easterly aspect. Ornate plasterwork coving and ceiling. Part timber panelled wall. A fitted kitchen with a range of matching floor standing and wall mounted units having an integrated washing machine, dishwasher and fridge/freezer. Worksurfaces with concealed downlighting have a tiled splashback and stainless steel sink unit, with a stainless steel four ring gas hob having a matching electric double oven. Timber flooring. Radiator. Stairs descending to a:

BASEMENT ROOMS

ROOM ONE
2.8m x 5.3m (maximum) (9'3\" x 17'3\") Floor standing gas boiler. Radiator. Power and light. Door to:

ROOM TWO
2.8m x 1.8m (9'3\" x 5'9\") Fitted clothes rails and shelving. Lighting.

GROUND FLOOR

STUDY
2.1m x 2.5m (6'9\" x 8'3\") A double aspect, with windows to the front and side having easterly and southerly aspects respectively. Opening into the:

SITTING ROOM
6.1m into bay window x 5.4m into chimney recess (20' x 17'9\") Large bay window with a southerly aspect, having attractive views over the grounds. Ornate fireplace surround with mantel and marble back and hearth, with an inset electric fire. Two radiators. Storage cupboard. Coved ceiling. Period timber door with brass furniture to an:

INNER HALLWAY
Overhead storage cupboard. Door to the kitchen/dining room and door to a:

CLOAKROOM/WC
White close coupled WC and hand basin.

FIRST FLOOR

LANDING
Access to the roof space. Linen cupboard. Timber panelled doors to:

BEDROOM ONE
6.1m into bay window x 5.4m into chimney recess (20' x 17'9\") Large bay window with a southerly aspect and good views over the communal grounds. Glazed door to a BALCONY enjoying a south easterly aspect, again with stunning views. Tall timber fireplace surround with marble inserts and decorative tiles (sealed fireplace). Range of fitted wardrobes. Ornate plaster coving and ceiling rose. Three radiators. Storage cupboard. Picture rail. Dado rail.

BEDROOM TWO
2.8m x 4.9m (9'3\" x 16') Window to the front, with an easterly aspect. Cast iron fireplace. Radiator. Coved ceiling. Door to an:

EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM
Suite comprising a tiled shower cubicle with electric shower, close coupled WC and wash basin. 'Ladder Style' radiator.

BATHROOM
Suite comprising a bath with a mixer tap having a shower attachment, close coupled WC and wash basin. 'Ladder Style' radiator. Tiled walls.

OUTSIDE AND GARDEN
Adjoining the property are two private terraces, with easterly and southerly aspects and of course, enjoying views over the surrounding communal grounds. There is a parking area for the residents situated opposite the property and there is a SINGLE GARAGE owned by number one, situated in a nearby block.

PRIVATE GROUNDS
The private grounds of Balfour Manor extend to approximately twenty five acres of beautiful parkland, woodland and large areas of lawn garden. Scattered amongst these unspoilt grounds are mature specimen trees, beautifully landscaped formal gardens and a charming stone folly. The folly is situated in an elevated position towards the northern edge of the grounds and as such, affords a glorious view over the estate, down to Lyme Bay in the distance.

GROUNDS
These simply stunning grounds are strictly for the use of residents only, with private roads leading through the lower grounds, giving access to the various residences. The estate is run by Balfour Management Company, with the Board of Directors being residents only. An annual fee is charged to all residents to cover the ongoing maintenance of the grounds and communal areas.

TENURE
The property is LEASEHOLD held on a 999 year lease from December 1973.

MAINTENANCE
The purchaser of this property becomes a member of Balfour Management Company Ltd. We understand that there is a quarterly maintenance charge of £220.00, which covers the maintenance of the grounds and the driveways. The building is insured as a whole and we understand that the property's share is circa £350 a year. The service charge information was correct as at 18.05.16. Service charge payments can be liable to alteration. You should, therefore, check the position before making a commitment to purchase.

POSSESSION
Vacant possession on completion.

OUTGOINGS
We are advised by East Devon District Council that the council tax band for this property is band F.

REF: DHS00951

Property Features :

• South East Wing Of A Former Manor House
• Spacious Accommodation
• Many Impressive Period Features
• Main Bedroom With Balcony
• Sitting Room & Study