This is a truly spectacular contemporary property that has been a labour of love for the past seven years for its current owners. It has become the talk of the town in St Leonard's, the most fashionable and sought-after area in Exeter
12 St Leonard’s Road is a truly spectacular contemporary property that has been a labour of love for the past seven years for its current owners. It has become the talk of the town in St Leonard’s, the most fashionable and sought-after area in the beautiful city of Exeter.
The house was designed by the architect Tim Williamson and the owners have ensured that both the structure and the interior design reflects themes and ideas from the original Georgian house which would have stood on this spot prior to being bombed during the war.
Designed to be light and airy and take advantage of the wonderful views, 12 St Leonards Road offers a level of accommodation, finish and style rarely found. The entrance has real ‘wow factor’ with a large oak front door, triple height hallway and a bespoke solid oak and steel staircase that runs all the way up through the void to the fabulous penthouse suite where light streams in from above.
The house has an exceptionally strong design element and a very clever use of space with materials mainly limited to oak, travertine and glass. The floors are solid oak with individually controlled underfloor heating and a Passivent natural ventilation system.
The principal family area, reached via a short flight of oak stairs, is equally exciting. A huge open plan kitchen, dining and family room spans the whole depth of the house with oak flooring throughout, dual aspect windows, glazed doors and a veranda. Across a glass-floored bridge, there is a good-sized study overlooking the garden and with a tall interior window over the hallway.
Gracious living and relaxed entertaining are the watchwords in this amazing living space with a stunning Alno kitchen, a central island and platinum silestone worktops plus undercounter coloured lighting. The family room area has a glass balcony with views through three triple sliding windows and a contemporary Smeg remote-controlled real flame gas fire with floating mantel. The dining area has doors to the veranda and a retro Smeg wall mounted gas fire, a superb focal point.
The first floor houses four of the property’s six bedrooms. These bedrooms all have Juliette balconies and three have chic en suite wetrooms. The penthouse hosts the magnificent master bedroom with another en suite wetroom with a freestanding bath and large shower, plus a Smeg wall-mounted gas fire and front and rear terraces. The views across the city over St Leonard’s church spire to the Haldon Hills would be difficult to beat.
The lower ground floor houses another bedroom as part of an au pair flat with its own lounge, kitchen and bathroom and alternative separate entrance. Part of the perfect family setup, this floor also offers a large playroom and a further garden room leading straight out to the garden. The floor to ceiling glazed walls of the garden room can be entirely folded back leaving only one glass column making it a perfect and fun outdoor space.
The private landscaped garden is made for ‘chillaxing’ and has a terraced area for al fresco dining. You are splendidly private in this elegant walled retreat, which is mainly lawned with mature trees including fig, plum, apple, cherry, pear and kiwi and there is a delightful fish pond.
12, St Leonard’s Road has an excellent parking area for four cars. There is also a large triple garage at the bottom of the garden which has planning permission granted to convert it into a one bedroom studio flat and single garage, a great option for visitors or extended families.
Although the house has a tranquil feel, you are right in the heart of St Leonard’s, a vibrant community, much sought-after by families due to its choice of excellent independent schools, its quiet leafy roads and beautiful detached houses. Nearby there is a bustling parade of shops known locally as ‘The Village’ with an award-winning organic butcher, a fishmonger, florist and wine shop plus nearby Waitrose.
All the cultural attractions of Exeter are right on your doorstep and the historic quay, the Rivier Exe and the surrounding countryside are only a short stroll away. To travel further afield, the M5 motorway is close by, Exeter International Airport offers a range of domestic and international flights, the train to London Paddington only takes about 2 hours and you can even get a cross Channel ferry from Plymouth to Britanny and Northern Spain.
12 St Leonard’s Road is being marketed by Knight Frank.
Price: �1.65 million
For further information contact: Knight Frank – Isabel Clifton (01392- 848824) Isabel.clifton@knightfrank.com
