Designed in the 1960s by renowned local architect Reginald Gale for himself and his family, this house is a striking five-bedroom Mid Century Modern gem. Nestling in the Devon countryside with views across the Taw Estuary to the sea beyond with Hartland Point in the distance, this is the first time the house has been on the market and it retains the majority of its original features, although it is now in need of some updating.

The relatively understated exterior, part-clad in stone and timber with areas of painted render beneath a cedar shingle roof, conceals a fabulously evocative period interior complete with a show-stopping double height living space. The combination of materials and finishes used throughout are perfectly balanced, creating a totally unique interior.

From an entrance hallway with stunning Sicilian marble floor and decorative coloured glass screens, steps lead down into the living room, revealing a room which has as its focus an imposing central fireplace clad in copper rising to a vaulted beamed roof and floor to ceiling windows affording views south across rolling countryside. An open timber staircase rises to a galleried landing overlooking the space below.

Steps up lead directly into the dining room with feature lighting detail and views to the west through a large picture window. The refurbished kitchen sits alongside and has a utility room with external access front and back, and a study and family room complete the main ground floor layout. There is potential to create a separate annex from this suite of rooms.

The bedrooms and bathrooms and a store room are accessed from the galleried landing. The two end bedrooms benefit from a large terrace and panoramic views across towards the sea. A double garage and office are accessed separately.

The property has been extended in recent years to include a new master bedroom suite; the kitchen was refitted around the same time. Planning permission also potentially exists to add a viewing tower above the master bedroom, a conservatory extension to the reception area and substantial greenhouse/atrium adjacent to the garaging, which was granted as part of the original consent.

Reginald Gale has designed many commercial and residential properties around the world and has spent most of his illustrious career in and around North Devon where his work includes local landmarks such as the Commodore Hotel in Instow.

Ashford is a small village located between Barnstaple and the coast. Braunton is a short drive away and offers an excellent range of local facilities, including a theatre, cinema and leisure and tennis centres. The surfing beaches at Saunton, Croyde Bay and Woolacombe are all within short driving distance and Barnstaple is approximately 3 miles away.

The M5 Motorway and Tiverton Parkway station (trains to London Paddington take approximately two hours) are about 14 miles away or 45 minutes by car. Exeter International Airport is about 60 miles away.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.