* Freehold
Nestled in the heart of the charming town of Bradninch, East Devon, this 19th -
century converted Salvation Army hall was recently renovated to a tremendously
high standard. The house is defined by its sweeping spaces and expansive
windows, allowing plenty of natural light to pour in and a sense of openness
to prevail. Notably, a large roof terrace has beautiful views of the
surrounding village and rolling countryside. Wonderfully located, the house
finds itself almost equidistant between three remarkable natural attractions:
Exmoor National Park, East Devon Area of Natural Beauty, and Dartmoor National
Park. Additionally, the awe - inspiring Jurassic coastline is within easy reach.
Tiverton station is just a 15 - minute drive away, with direct connections to
London in approximately two hours and Bristol in about an hour.
Setting the Scene
Designed by Sir Oswald Archer in 1930, the hall holds historical significance
as it was associated with the renowned social reformer William Booth. Booth is
widely known for founding the Salvation Army in 1878, an organisation
dedicated to aiding the destitute and vulnerable in Victorian East London. The
Salvation Army rapidly expanded nationwide and became an international
network.
Sir Oswald Archer served as the architect of the Salvation Army from 1906 to
approximately 1936, during which he designed numerous Salvation Halls across
the United Kingdom. This hall stands as a remarkable example of Archer's
architectural expertise, showing the work of a highly accomplished architect.
Over the course of the 20th century, the hall fell into disuse. However, the
current owners recognised the importance of preserving its 19th - century
elements, initially crafted by Archer. Embarking on an extensive renovation
project, as featured on Great British Home Restoration on Channel 4, they
skillfully combined Archer's excellent design with their own creative vision,
resulting in a seamless fusion of styles. For more information, please see the
History section.
The Grand Tour
The house is approached along the tranquil back lanes of the pretty town of
Bradninch, its striking red brick running bond façade accented by a white
stucco block course. The entrance has an elegant arched inset porch has an
understated brick arch arranged in a triple - row pattern. A pair of large
timber doors, painted in soft 'Hague Blue' by Farrow and Ball, creates a
lovely welcome and is topped by a broad fanlight with a classical motif.
Stepping inside, the main living area is characterised by its spacious and
dramatic proportions. Parquet floorboards run underfoot, beautifully arranged
in a herringbone pattern with underfloor heating throughout powered by an air
source heat pump. Crittall - style windows with original fluted glass are
painted in dark hues. A cosy sitting area is centred around a bio - ethanol
fireplace, warming the room on cooler evenings. A fully integrated Loxone
smart system with speakers is a thoroughly modern touch to this period
building.
To the left of the open - plan room is the bespoke kitchen designed in moody
dark blue tones, accented with eye - catching brass hardware and topped with
fresh white quartz surfaces. Cleverly concealed within an original vestibule
to the front of the plan, a utility room adds practicality to the elegant
space.
On the first floor is the primary bedroom. With soaring ceilings and large
windows, the room is flooded with natural light, while sizeable built - in
cabinetry provides lots of storage. Adjoining this room is a generous en suite
with innovative use of reclaimed pieces—a pair of Jack - and - Jill basins have
been cleverly crafted from a marble - topped, antique mahogany washstand.
Polychromatic black and white tiles line the floor, leading to a spacious
rainfall shower.
Two additional bedrooms are on the ground floor. One bedroom has an en suite
with a large slipper bath, while the other has a shower wet room in Venetian
plaster, making both rooms perfect for guests.
Open stairs at the front of the plan ascend to the unique geodesic dome
crowning the roof of the building. This lovely architectural feature creates
an unusual indoor/outdoor space, capturing the sun's rays and offering
spectacular views. Equipped with an automated door controlled remotely,
enclosing the dome becomes a simple operation, ensuring that this space can be
enjoyed year - round.
The Great Outdoors
Ascending through the geodesic dome is the large rooftop terrace. The
panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from this vantage point are
truly breathtaking. Timber decking runs underfoot, while raised beds
gracefully line almost the entire outline of the terrace. The sunny aspect
makes the space ideal for growing vegetables and herbs with plumbing in place
to maintain a lush container garden.
Out and About
Salvation House is in the charming Duchy town of Bradninch, defined by its
close - knit community. Local amenities include two local pubs, a well - stocked
local store with a post office, a primary school, currently recognised by
Ofsted as 'Outstanding', and a vibrant cricket club. Nearby, Cullompton and
Tiverton are larger towns with a broader range of facilities, with a bustling
farmer's market in Cullumpton. Exeter is within easy reach and has an array of
cultural delights, such as museums, theatres, and various shops, restaurants,
and cafes, including the renowned Exploding Bakery.
The rich heritage of the cloth - making industry is evident throughout the Culm
Valley, beautifully preserved at the National Trust's working Victorian flour
mill in Clyston. The region is crisscrossed with inviting footpaths,
bridleways, and cycle trails, beckoning residents and visitors alike to
explore the picturesque countryside at their leisure.
Venturing further afield, Devon reveals an abundance of extraordinary
landscapes, with lots of opportunities for country walks and watersports. Both
Exmoor and Dartmoor, stunning national parks, are just an hour's drive away,
characterised by their breathtaking natural beauty. Additionally, the Devon
coast's designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) have some of
the country's finest beaches.
Despite its rural setting, Bradninch has excellent road connections, with the
M5 a short drive away, granting rapid access to Exeter and connecting to the
regional arteries of the A30 and A38, ensuring easy access to London, Devon,
and Cornwall.
Tiverton station is a 20 - minute drive away and has direct train services to
London Paddington in just two hours and Bristol in under 50 minutes. The 'Culm
Valley Connect' also provides a regular bus service, connecting Bradninch with
Exeter, Cullompton, and Tiverton. Cullompton train station with direct link to
Bristol due to open 2025.
Council Tax Band: E

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