Sidmouth
Sidmouth is a small, enchanting, and unspoilt seaside town with a historic legacy that includes devoted royal visitors, most notably Queen Victoria. Tucked away in the heart of this picturesque town lies one of Devon's most intriguing and special houses.
Location
The Old Chancel is Sidmouth's most interesting and unusual private residence. It is one of only two Grade I listed buildings in the town, the other being the Royal Glen Hotel. The house enjoys a prime location in the town, nestled between the Rugby Field, Bowling Greens, and Tennis Courts. Despite its central location, the surroundings are extraordinarily peaceful and unspoiled. This home appears strikingly medieval, though mainly built between 1859 and 1864 from stones that whisper tales of an older past. Internally, it offers a beautiful and striking balance between the breathtaking historic décor and the comfortable modern amenities. It presents a rare opportunity to own a unique home, full of history, but offering the best of locations in modern day Sidmouth.
Situation
The property is surrounded by a level garden laid mainly to lawn, but tucked away from view, providing a high degree of privacy in an attractive setting. There is also a detached garage and ample parking. Gas-fired central heating is installed for modern comfort. It is a very short walk to the beach and all the local amenities.
History
The Old Chancel is not just a house; it's a piece of Sidmouth's history, lovingly preserved and uniquely presented in the heart of the town. It has been a much loved family home for 25 years, but is now on the market for a new owner to make their mark.
Restoration
The building is a testament to an extraordinary chapter in Sidmouth's history - the bitter battle in the mid-1800s over the modernisation of the town's 15th-century parish church. Its expansion was necessitated by a growing population. However, instead of being cautiously restored and carefully extended, as was common with many Devon churches, the building was almost entirely demolished. The only remnants were the tower and some arches, with the loss of much of the church's original fabric and historic atmosphere.
Peter Orlando Hutchison
Amidst this destruction, one man stepped forward - Peter Orlando Hutchinson, a brilliant and eccentric local antiquarian. Hutchinson felt pained by what he saw as gratuitous destruction and was determined to preserve what he could. He purchased the medieval chancel, and re-built it less than 200 yards from its original site. He gradually extended it and eventually transformed the building into his new home, The Old Chancel, incorporating the ancient stonework and adding his own unique touches.
Features
Hutchinson's resulting home is a marvel of 19th century Gothic revival architecture, featuring numerous stained glass windows, extensive heraldic decorations, and exquisite Jacobean carvings. Despite its medieval appearance, The Old Chancel is infused with Victorian character, reflecting Hutchinson's idiosyncratic style, including self-portraits he carved into the woodwork.
Victorian Sidmouth
Hutchinson's legacy is celebrated in Sidmouth, not least because of his spirited defence of the town's historical heritage. His monumental illustrated history of Sidmouth, housed in the Sid Vale Association headquarters in Church Street, remains a definitive work on the town. His diaries and sketchbooks, discovered in 1980, offer a fascinating glimpse into Victorian Sidmouth.
Summary
This is a rare opportunity to own a unique and very special home that combines incredible history and modern comfort, in a fabulous location a short walk from the sea.
Material Information
FREEHOLD. GRADE 1 LISTED. STONE CONSTRUCTION. MAINS WATER, DRAINAGE, ELECTRIC AND GAS. EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL TAX BAND G. SUPERFAST BROADBAND WITH SPEEDS UP TO 80MBPS ARE AVAILABLE. MOBILE COVERAGE AVAILABLE WITH VODAFONE, EE, THREE AND EE.
