Flete House, Ermington

FLETE HOUSE
Flete House is set in unspoilt rolling parkland punctuated by magnificent oaks and other centuries old trees, overlooking the beautiful Erme Valley as the tranquil river meanders towards its estuary a couple of miles downstream. From the terraces are breathtaking views towards Ermington and Dartmoor. This splendid house was the family seat of the Mildmays. The earliest parts date back to Elizabethan times. In the 1870s the house was greatly enlarged by Norman Shaw.

Set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds, the house and stables have been impeccably restored and refurbished and now comprise 29 exclusive self-contained serviced apartments. Flete House is designed for a relaxed lifestyle in a stylish and tranquil environment. The apartments may be used as a main home or a 'lock up and leave' home for those who travel, or perhaps have another residence abroad.

SITUATION
Set deep in the rolling hills of the South Hams in Devon, a couple of miles away is the picturesque Georgian town of Modbury and the vibrant waterfront city of Plymouth is just ten miles to the west.

ACCOMMODATION
Apartment 12 (The Mildmay Suite) is spacious, light and impeccably appointed with high ceilings and a wealth of period features and enjoys a wonderful southerly aspect. Once two apartments and now converted into one, the accommodation flows beautifully and has glorious views over the manicured grounds. Upon entering the apartment, the impressive hallway with its original wooden panelling gives access to the principal rooms. The large drawing room is bright and sunny with granite mullion leaded south facing bay windows, giving uninterrupted views across the beautiful gardens. Partial wooden panelling, an elaborate ceiling, decorative coving and a period fireplace accommodating an electric fire makes for a very elegant room. The room that could be used as the master bedroom is currently used as a study and second drawing room, but could easily revert back to an elegant master bedroom. The room is wonderfully spacious with part wooden panelling, decorative coved ceiling and double aspect windows with views across the tennis court, croquet lawn and grounds. Aside from the wonderful views across the grounds, the other focal point is an ornate period wood surround fireplace housing an electric fire making this a very restful room. The second bedroom, currently used as the master bedroom has part wooden panelled walls, wooden shutters and fitted wardrobes and enjoys views across the grounds and catches the morning sun. An inner lobby with a cloaks cupboard and storage above leads to the spacious fully fitted kitchen/dining room with a comprehensive range of floor and base units. Integrated appliances include a Bosch induction hob, Bosch eye-level oven and microwave, large fridge and sink unit. Two fitted cupboards, one housing a pantry and one for storage. A window seat to the rear offers a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the views. The bathroom comprises of bath with shower over, wash hand basin set in a vanity unit, heated towel rail and wc. From the entrance hall are further doors leading to a well-appointed shower room with shower cubicle, wash hand basin set in a vanity unit, heated towel rail, WC and two wall units. In the hall is a large airing cupboard with tumble drier. A utility room has space and plumbing for a washing machine and space for a freezer.

This apartment was previously occupied by Lord Mildmay when the house was used as a maternity hospital during the war. It is believed that Queen Mary also stayed in this suite when she visited the house. By the fireplace, if you look up towards the motifs on the ceiling you will see "MM" for Mildmay. There is a secret staircase (now blocked off) in the drawing room, where Lord Mildmay would go down to his office in the room below, so as not to disturb the residents of the hospital. There is another staircase with a door next to the utility room which winds down to the hallway to the billiard room which would have been used by Lord Mildmay or the servants.

The owners of the apartments at Flete House have unlimited access to the stately rooms within the main building including the dining room, drawing room, billiard room and the magnificent and well stocked library with its four "Burne-Jones "stained glass windows. A hard surfaced tennis court, croquet lawn, Italianate and water gardens and grounds extending to some twelve acres are tended for your enjoyment by the skilled ground staff.

Please see our dedicated Flete House brochure for more information on the facilities and lifestyle opportunities available at this unique and historic property.

GRAND SHARED SPACES

DINING ROOM
Wood panelled with an impressive granite fireplace and plaster ceiling. Windows give views onto the huge trees in the driveway and also onto the gardens at the rear.

DRAWING ROOM
With magnificent plaster ceiling and beautiful fireplace. It is a light uplifting room and a lovely place to meet other residents or friends and family for coffee after lunch or on other social occasions.

LIBRARY
Stunning panelled room with book lined walls. There is a spectacular carved marble fireplace with two small pairs of windows each side with stained glass by Burne Jones. The bookcases have interesting carvings with individual small faces. It is a quiet place to relax in the leather armchairs for a read, do a jigsaw or play chess. It is also used for social events.

BILLIARD ROOM
A very large and impressive room with a full size billiard/snooker table at its centre. Yoga classes are held here and also concerts and carol services.

TENNIS COURT Available all year round.

CROQUET LAWN
In the summer the lawn is prepared for croquet, and residents enjoy an annual competition fuelled by Pimms.

PARKING
Allocated parking for the apartments together with visitors parking.

STAFFING & SECURITY
Flete House is attended by staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your security and peace of mind are assured by the presence of courteous and helpful Flete Management staff.

THE GUEST SUITE
For a small charge, this suite can be used for family and friends who cannot be accommodated in an owner's apartment.

SERVICE & MAINTENENCE CHARGES
The current service and maintenance charge is £1482.91 per calendar month which includes the household utility bills, for example, electricity, lighting, central heating, water and drainage. Apartment owners are responsible for telephone and council tax charges. This charge is also made up of costs common to all the apartments such as buildings insurance, exterior maintenance, ground rent, gardening staff, cleaning staff, 24 hour security and 'concierge' staffing, window cleaning etc.

There is a sales administration fee payable to the head lessor (Audley) on resale which is in addition to estate agent and legal fees.

There is a Reserve fund contribution payable on resale, which is in addition to any recovered through the service charge.

SERVICES
The apartments are served by oil fired central heating, mains water and electricity and private drainage, the cost of which is included within the service charge.

COUNCIL TAX
The property is in council tax band F.

TENURE
Leasehold with a 99 year lease from 2004. The lease is currently being extended and is at an advanced stage. The property will be sold with a new 125 year lease, the premium for which will be borne by the current owner. Please contact the agent for further information.

LOCAL AUTHORITY
South Hams District Council. Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes TQ9 5NE. . www.southhams.com

VIEWINGS
Viewing strictly by appointment only with Luscombe Maye, Modbury

DIRECTIONS
From Luscombe Maye's office in Modbury, take the A379 towards Plymouth, for about two miles; just after crossing the Erme at Sequers Bridge, the entrance to Flete House will be seen on the left hand side. Turn in between the fine stone gateposts and follow the road through the park and up hill, through another grand stone entrance and turn right to park in the visitors parking area.