St. Giles-on-the-Heath

Believed to date back to the 16th century, Coombe Mill is a remarkable former water mill occupying an idyllic position on the banks of the River Carey. Over the centuries the property has evolved sympathetically to create a substantial and versatile home extending to potentially four bedrooms, whilst retaining an abundance of original character and charm.

The property has been the cherished home of the current owners since 2012 and was previously occupied for many decades by the internationally acclaimed scientist, inventor and environmentalist Professor James Lovelock; best known for his Gaia hypothesis.

Today the property continues to offer a rare opportunity for those seeking peace, privacy and a genuine connection with the natural world. It would benefit from modernisation.

A welcoming entrance porch opens into a spacious dining room, undoubtedly one of the home's finest reception spaces. Rich in period character, the room features exposed ceiling beams, an impressive stone fireplace with an inset wood burning stove and original cloam oven, slate flooring and a charming window seat overlooking the gardens. This is an atmospheric room, equally suited to everyday family life or entertaining.

The adjoining sitting room continues the character theme with exposed beams, attractive wooden flooring and another substantial stone fireplace with inset wood burning stove creating a superb focal point while deep recessed windows frame delightful views across the surrounding gardens. Steep timber steps rise from the sitting room to the first floor.

The galley style kitchen is well appointed with an extensive range of matching units complemented by tiled work surfaces, an integrated electric oven, electric hob with extractor and ample storage. Windows at either end ensure natural light whilst providing attractive views across the surrounding gardens and woodland. Adjoining the kitchen is a practical utility room offering additional storage together with space for domestic appliances.

During the early 1980’s the property was thoughtfully extended by the previous owner to create a spacious single storey wing, providing exceptional flexibility. This area comprises a generous study, ideal for those working from home, together with two potential substantial double bedrooms. One bedroom enjoys the benefit of its own independent entrance together with an en-suite shower room, making it equally suitable for dependent relatives, guests, older children or those considering multi-generational living.

The first floor provides two further bedrooms, the principal bedroom is particularly generous in size, enjoying an extensive range of fitted wardrobes together with an outlook over the surrounding grounds. These bedrooms are served by a spacious family bathroom featuring a freestanding bath, extensive fitted storage and period style sanitary ware.

The property is warmed by LPG and has a 2,000 litre bulk tank. A combination Worcester boiler was installed in 2018 and the home benefits from UPVC double glazed windows. Fibre broadband is connected, allowing modern home working despite the wonderfully secluded location. A notable advantage is the availability of mains water despite the nearest neighbouring property being approximately three quarters of a mile away. Private drainage is provided via a Bio Disc treatment system installed in 2013, with a separate system serving The Shippen.

It is also worth noting that the current owners commissioned architectural plans for major refurbishment, demonstrating the property's further potential, although the work was never started.

The Shippen
Located close to the main house is The Shippen, an attractive detached single storey holiday cottage offering comfortable and well presented accommodation throughout. The open plan kitchen, dining and living area is light and welcoming, with double doors opening directly onto a private patio and enclosed garden, creating an ideal space for outdoor dining and relaxation.

The modern fitted kitchen incorporates an electric oven, gas hob and extractor, while underfloor heating and recessed ceiling lighting provide comfort throughout the year. The accommodation also includes a generous dual aspect double bedroom together with a contemporary shower room fitted with a gas shower.

The Shippen has provided a valuable source of supplementary income for the current owners through holiday letting, whilst also proving ideal accommodation for visiting family and friends, adding further versatility to this exceptional country property. Adjacent to the Shippen is a useful store.

Approached via a long private driveway, the property enjoys an exceptional setting at the heart of its own unspoilt riverside haven. There are many buildings include Professor Lovelock’s former laboratory, a former hayloft, that has been restored and could be used as an office, games room or gymnasium. An attractive larger stone barn lies closer to the river.

The grounds extend to around 33 acres and comprise a beautiful blend of young woodland, open pasture and tranquil waterside meadows, creating a remarkable sanctuary for both wildlife and those seeking complete peace and privacy. The meandering River Carey flows through the estate, where picturesque stretches of gently moving water, mature broadleaved trees and charming footbridges combine to create an idyllic landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons.

The grounds have been carefully managed for wildlife for more than 50 years and are exceptionally rich in biodiversity. During spring there are areas of primroses, bluebells and other flowers while established ponds and wetland areas support an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. The current owners have recorded more than 70 species of birds, including the striking Kingfisher and Dipper, together with other scarce species such as Marsh Tit, Spotted Flycatcher and Bullfinch. Coombe Mill also supports a thriving bat population, with ten species recorded, whilst the reserve is rich in insect life including glow worms and the fascinating oil beetle. A network of informal paths invites exploration, leading through peaceful woodland, alongside the river and across tranquil clearings where there are endless opportunities to enjoy this outstanding natural environment.

Despite being totally secluded the property is only two miles from the village of St. Giles-on-the-Heath and six miles from Launceston, Cornwall’s ancient capital, with its Norman castle and narrow streets.

This is a setting of outstanding natural beauty that offers an enviable lifestyle for those with an appreciation of nature, whether enjoying riverside walks, observing wildlife, or simply escaping the pace of everyday life.

The property is located in a tucked away location approximately two miles from the village of St. Giles-on-the-Heath which has many facilities, including a general store/sub post office, public house, well acclaimed county primary school and parish church. Within a few miles the village of Broadwoodwidger will be found and the well-known Roadford Lake with its leisure facilities, boating facilities and extensive walks. The ancient town of Launceston lies approximately 5 miles away and offers a range of shopping, commercial, educational and recreational facilities and lies adjacent to the A30 dual carriageway providing access to the M5 at Exeter and further on to the M4 at Bristol and west to the rest of Cornwall. There are a number of private Schools with Shebbear College (Beaworthy), St Joseph’s (Launceston) and Mount Kelly College (Tavistock). The larger cities of Exeter at around 40 miles distant, Plymouth 30 miles distant and the North Devon regional centre of Barnstaple within approximately 38 miles all offer a wider range of educational, cultural and leisure facilities.