Hatherleigh,
Okehampton, EX20 3JB

Fascinating. As it is both extremely interesting and attractive and, holds your attention completely – there is no better single word to describe this most historic home. Humbly nestled within a traditional street of very pretty homes, each with their own unique history this – The Old Police Station – just stands out. It is big and strong yet elegant and inviting both inside and out.

There is no date stone to tell us exactly, but it is thought to have been built in the mid to late 19th Century as the Police Station and Court House and remained in this role until the mid-1960’s. It is grade 2 listed and has since been the home of influential towns people, retired police officers, housed multi-generational families and provided others with income from traditional Bed and Breakfast and more recently, Airbnb. Having been well looked after – much of the history is preserved and one is welcomed into a grand entrance hall with well-trodden original quarry tiled floor, a wide turning staircase, an original fitted bench where visitors would wait, often to see the on-duty sergeant, who could be met through the stable door which now leads to the dining room. The dining room flows to the kitchen/ Breakfast room which is modern and features a centre island block and breakfast bar, and in turn flows to the pantry. From here we step down to the inner hall – and to the old holding cells. Within the cells there are exposed stone elevations, arched brick ceilings, iron barred slit windows and original doors with iron work and viewing holes. Repurposed (naturally) as a stunning shower room and a useful utility room. The rear lobby connects the inner hall back to the grand entrance and annex, but not forgetting the split doors to the walled courtyard garden.

The garden is, as you may expect, very private and secure. Once the area in which any detainees would exercise - the tall walls were designed to keep them there, although I have to say especially on a warm day, I wouldn’t want to escape. It is a real sun trap and now wisteria draped walls add colour and scent which can make one feel as though they are on the continent in a hacienda. There is plenty of room to socialise and lounge, but it is not designed for play. Luckily the Town is surrounded by moor, green areas, a skate park, river walks, and a large park – so using energy can be done there. This space is for reserved for relaxing and connecting.

Moving back inside, the ground floor continues to surprise with the extremely versatile Sitting room, bedroom and ensuite shower room. So useful for visiting guests, family members of all ages to have their own private wing, and most importantly it adds longevity because the home can be used on one storey – if needed. And of course, income if wanted. If the sitting room was reserved or let, where else could one entertain and relax? The former Courtroom. Approaching 40 feet, it features three huge arched windows and a large fireplace as well as the raised corner where the judge would once have sat. There are two doorways to access this amazing space from both the first floor landing, and the former robing room – now a large bedroom. The inner landing leads you to three further generous bedrooms and an attractively fitted (of the period) bathroom which completes the large interior.

More surprises await outside though as no family sized home would truly be complete without a driveway and garage – so we have those too! A double garage in fact, and parking for two vehicles in front of this, adjacent to the home.

It is safe to say I am a fan of this stunning home. It is very comfortable and spacious but not vast and unmanageable. I highly recommend viewing at your earliest convenience, and we look forward to meeting you there.