House, St. Leonards Place, Exeter, Devon

4 St Leonard’s Place

Set behind a handsome frontage on one of Exeter’s most sought-after residential roads, 4 St Leonard’s Place is an impressive Regency-style villa, one of a distinguished group of four. The property is Grade II listed in recognition of its architectural and historic importance and is believed to date from around 1840.

Approached through a pair of tall double gates set within brick pillars, the house sits well back from the road behind its established gardens. A gravel driveway provides generous parking and a turning area, while the south-facing aspect ensures that the principal rooms and gardens enjoy excellent natural light.

The house extends to more than 6,000 square feet and is arranged over four floors. Throughout, there is a wonderful sense of space, with generously proportioned rooms, high ceilings and a wealth of period features. Of particular note are the elegant veranda and balcony, framed by central arches above the lower-ground-floor windows, which give the property much of its distinctive Regency character.

A series of steps rises through the front garden to the entrance, opening into a striking central atrium with a glazed roof. The reception accommodation is particularly impressive, with a substantial south-facing drawing room featuring an attractive fireplace and decorative surround, ornate cornicing and a central ceiling rose. From here, a broad opening connects to the music room, where three sets of French doors provide direct access to the balcony and veranda.

The kitchen and family accommodation occupy much of the rear of the house. The attractive L-shaped kitchen/breakfast room is exceptionally bright, with three-quarter-height sash windows overlooking the gardens on three sides. It is well equipped and includes a fireplace. Beyond the kitchen is the playroom/dining room, which has extensive fitted bookcases and cupboards, while a separate study is positioned just off the kitchen and has panelled walls together with a fireplace and decorative surround.

The lower ground floor provides a particularly versatile range of additional accommodation. From the main hallway, stairs lead down to a garden room, sewing room/studio, gym, shower room, several storage rooms and a workshop, together with access to the cellars. This level offers considerable flexibility for family, leisure or working requirements.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom is a generous south-facing room with an en-suite bathroom. There is also a further bedroom arranged as a guest suite, together with a dressing room, bathroom and another bedroom. The accommodation continues to the attic floor, where three further bedrooms are situated.

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