Description

Abbey House commands a prominent position on North Quay overlooking Padstow's historic Harbour and is reputed to be the oldest house in Padstow and possibly one of the oldest houses in Cornwall.  Abbey House's history predates the Prideaux Brune's ownership of Prideaux Place. The property was extended and remodelled in the 18th and possibly the 19th Century.  Records state Abbey House was already an old house when Sir Walter Raleigh held his court on the South Quay during the reign of Elizabeth 1.  In 1450 the house was probably standing in splendid isolation on the sheltered Northern side of the Harbour. In the fifteenth century Abbey House was the Guild House and Chapel of the Padstow Merchants who financed Shipping ventures from the Port of Padstow to Brittany.  The left side of Abbey House was in the form of a hall open to the roof.  There are still remains of the fifteenth century barrel roof which has moulded timbers and resembles a Church roof. Impressive slate steps ascend to the open gallery which is formed by worked stone probably reclaimed from one of the many ancient Padstow chapels.  The stone carvings represent a Deacon and a Nun carved from Cataclew stone from Quarry at Harlyn. Legend tells when the Prideaux Brune family owned Abbey House a tunnel from the Monastery up the hill led to a Priest Hole in the second basement room.  The tunnel gave safe and secure access for the monks from the Monastery to the Harbour.   Abbey House now offers spacious accommodation which extends to three receptions rooms and kitchen/breakfast room, complimented by four double bedrooms, two with ensuite facilities and a separate family bathroom. There are two basement rooms, one accessed via an internal granite turned staircase.  The second basement is accessed from the courtyard to the front of the property.  Located to the rear of the property slate steps provide access to impressive large three tiered garden from which can be enjoyed truly stunning views of the Harbour, Estuary and the town.  Abbey House offers prospective purchasers the opportunity to own arguably the most iconic property in Padstow.  Padstow has a long and ancient maritime history, the harbour being nestled in to the west-side of the Camel Estuary offering protection from the prevailing south-westerly winds. The town boasts a labyrinth of crooked streets sloping down to the harbour where many fine medieval buildings can be found including the 15th century Abbey House on North Quay and the 16th century court house of Sir Walter Raleigh on the South Quay. The surrounding coastline and countryside has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty with many of North Cornwall's finest sandy beaches within a five mile radius. Sailing and Watersports - The Camel Estuary is a well established centre for watersports, including sailing and water skiing, boat charters are available from Padstow and craft can be moored in Padstow or launched from the Padstow Harbour Commissioners' Slipway. Restaurants - Padstow offers an excellent range of restaurants, the Michelin starred restaurant of Paul Ainsworth's No. 6 and Rick Stein's renowned Seafood Restaurant both within a 5 minute walk; with many other restaurants and public houses offering excellent fare. Leisure & Golf - The famous surfing beaches of Newquay, Polzeath and Constantine Bay are only a short drive away. The Trevose Golf and Country Club is located within approximately 4 miles, the course was bestowed with the honour of hosting the Amateur Brabazon Strokeplay Championship, bearing testament to the course's excellent credentials. The course also offers excellent tennis courts and swimming pool. Travel by Road - Connections are good with the A30 dual carriageway at Bodmin only 15 miles away which provides access to the national motorway network at Exeter. Travel by Train - Bodmin Parkway station approximately 25 miles distant offers regular links direct to London Paddington. Travel by Air - Newquay Airport is approximately 25 minutes (10 miles) and offers a number of national and international flights via London Gatwick which is approximately a one hour flight.ACCOMMODATION WITH ALL MEAUSREMENTS BEING APPROXIMATE:- IMPRESSIVE CATACLEW CORNISH STONE AND SLATE STEPS PROVIDE ACCESS TO:MAGNIFICENT STONE ARCHWAYLook out window with granite sill and ornate Cataclew stone carving perfectly frames the views to the Inner Harbour. PERIOD FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR INTO:SPACIOUS ENTRANCE HALLWAYCentral heating radiator, wall lights, door provides access to:INNER COURTYARD (see later)RECEPTION ROOM ONE - 5.12m x 4.66m (16'9" x 15'3")Single aspect room with sash window to front elevation affording views to the Harbour.  Built-in storage cupboard, ornate feature Cataclew stone fireplace with built-in cupboard to side, two wall lights, power point, central heating radiator. DINING ROOM - 3.81m x 3.59m (12'6" x 11'9")Single aspect room with sash window to side elevation with painted shutters and deep window seat. Feature fireplace, built-in display cabinet with cupboard under, power point, centre ceiling light, understair store, door to: INNER HALLWAYWith slate flagged floor, partially vaulted ceiling, centre ceiling light, central heating radiator. RECEPTION ROOM THREE - 4.48m x 2.8m (14'8" x 9'2")Single aspect room with horizontal sliding sash window affording delightful views to the harbour, feature window seat, feature fireplace with inset fire, central heating radiator, built-in cupboard, two wall lights, power point. Internal arch window through to STORE ROOM (see later).  From the ENTRANCE HALL door provides access to:STORE ROOM - 2.24m x 1.79m (7'4" x 5'10")Internal glazed window, space for fridge and freezer, door to:UTILITY ROOM - 2.44m x 1.18m (8'0" x 3'10")Stainless steel single drainer sink, space and plumbing for washing machine. SEPARATE WCLow level WC, wash hand basin, central heating radiator, recessed ceiling light. STEPfrom the Inner Hallway provide access to:KITCHEN - 5.34m x 3.32m (17'6" x 10'10")Single aspect room with stable door providing access to Rear Courtyard with steps ascending to Tiered Garden (see later). Aluminium worksurface with inset sink and storage units under. Recess housing Falcon range with five ring gas burner over and extractor hood, high level cupboards, central heating radiator, slate floor, door providing access to outside with steps leading to rear garden. Stairs give access to:LANDINGWith access door to outside with steps leading to rear garden and door to:BEDROOM FOUR - 4.31m x 3.63m (14'1" x 11'10")Single aspect room with deep window seat, feature fireplace, built in wardrobe, power point, central heating radiator, steps lead to MEZZANINE FLOOR EN-SUITE FACILITYComprising shower cubicle, low level WC and wash hand basin.  Returning to the ENTRANCE HALLWAY STAIRS PROVIDE ACCESS TO:FIRST FLOOR LANDINGSash window with deep window seat, views to the Estuary.  From the LANDING door provides access to:BEDROOM ONE - 4.53m x 4.04m plus 2.73m x 2.22m (14'10" x 13'3")Dual aspect room with sash window to front elevation with deep window seat affording magnificent views over the Harbour.  Feature exposed arch timbers, two built-in storage cupboards, feature fireplace, central heating radiator, power point, TV point, recessed ceiling lights. EN-SUITE BATHROOMSingle aspect room with sash window to side elevation.  Bathroom suite comprising of panel bath with shower over and glazed shower screen, low level WC, wash hand basin set into base unit with light/shaver point over, feature fireplace, access hatch to loft, AIRING CUPBOARD housing Vaillant gas fired central heating boiler which is controlled by Hive system. FAMILY BATHROOMComprising panel bath, low level WC, pedestal wash hand basin, feature fireplace, built-in cupboard, door to: BEDROOM TWO - 3.9m x 3.06m (12'9" x 10'0")Single aspect room, sash window with deep window seat providing views to the Harbour and Estuary.  Central heating radiator, power point, recessed ceiling lights, door returning to:LANDINGDoor to:BEDROOM THREE - 3.72m x 3.59m (12'2" x 11'9")Single aspect room, sash window with deep window seat affording views to the Harbour, Estuary and Cant Hill.  Feature fireplace, central heating radiator, power point, recessed ceiling lights, built-in wardrobe, two cupboards with shelving. From the ENTRANCE HALL Door provides access to: OUTSIDE CENTRAL COURTYARDWith slate steps ascending to:ELEVATED THREE TIERED LAWNED GARDENSFrom each tier views can be enjoyed to the Harbour and Camel Estuary.FIRST TIERLaid to lawn with narrow path to the rear of Abbey House providing access to SECRET PATIO AREA.SECOND TIERLaid to lawn with SUMMERHOUSE and pathway leading to THIRD TIER. SUMMERHOUSE - 4.24m x 3.23m (13'10" x 10'7")THIRD TIERLaid to lawn with mature trees and:TIMBER GARDEN STORE - 2.5m x 2.5m (8'2" x 8'2")FRONT ELEVATIONTo the front of the property Cast Iron railings and gate provides access to:COURTYARDWith flower and shrub boarder to side. Accessed via the COURTYARD are the two basement rooms. BASEMENT ROOM 1 - 4.18m x 4.14m (13'8" x 13'6")Accessed via granite spiral staircase from the Entrance Hall.FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR FROM COURTYARD:STORE ROOM - 4.18m x 1.14m (13'8" x 3'8")Ceiling light, power point, water meter (currently used as a log store)PRIEST HOLE - 5.11m x 4.57m plus recess measuring 1.8m x 0.74m (16'9" x 14'11")Power point, ceiling light, gas meter. BASEMENT ROOM 2 TENURE : Freehold COUNCIL TAX BAND : FDIRECTIONSProceed into the Town via Station Road. Proceed across the harbour onto North Quay and Abbey House, No.13 North Quay occupies a prominent central location overlooking the Harbour.