An idyllic Devon farmhouse transformed by a garden designer

In the heart of the bucolic Devon countryside lies Silver Street Farm. As you make your way past wildflower meadows to the charming Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse, you’ll find roses, clematis and wisterias gently winding their way up the façade and abundant planting teaming with honey bees and butterflies spilling through the vintage railings. It gives just a small glimpse into the idyllic, organic and calming nature of this rural retreat.

Now on the market, it has been the cherished family home of Alasdair and Tor Cameron, the couple behind the award-winning garden design company Cameron, who moved here with their three young children in 2011. Once the site of a working dairy farm, the main house, along with the barn and separate cottage, has been lovingly restored, enhanced and renovated. Over the years they have untapped just some of its vast potential. It sits on almost 10 acres of land, with a further two parcels extending to approximately 12.8 acres available via separate negotiation. Combined with the plethora of outbuildings, it provides a unique opportunity for the future owner to put their own stamp on the property.

“It was quite rare to find a Georgian farmhouse in Devon, let alone one that hadn’t been updated. I remember walking around and being so drawn to details such as the exposed beams, the doors and the beautiful proportions,” says Tor. “I always say it’s a bit like a tardis - one of those houses that expands and contracts when you need it to. When it’s just the two of us it doesn’t feel like we’re rattling around the house, but recently we very comfortably hosted 80 people for our eldest’s 18th birthday.”

The interiors strike a careful balance between period charm and contemporary living, with the largest project they’ve undertaken a substantial kitchen extension that has turned it into an important hub of the house. It was conceived to bring nature in and create as few barriers to the outside as possible. The large sash windows are modelled to be in keeping with those found in the drawing room to the front of the house, while the Crittall French doors catch the light from the west, opening out onto the small terrace often used by the family for lunch or an evening drink. “One of my favourite features is that I can look out into the yard and see the horses' heads poking out over the stable doors, which is rather romantic,” shares Tor. “I don’t think there’s many places where you can get that.” 

As a garden designer by trade, the outdoor spaces have been a particular labour of love for Alasdair. Starting with essentially a blank slate, his vision was to create a naturalistic environment that worked with and enhanced the surrounding landscape, with an open design maximising the panoramic countryside views. 

“Before it was a brilliantly run farm, but that meant there was a lot of grass for grazing and everything was quite manicured,” he explains. Now the gardens are bursting with perennial plants and more than 700 trees have been planted across the fields. “We’ve brought in a rewilding element with the meadows at the front and the hedgerows around the farm, which we haven't cut, which helps bring back birds, insects and pollinators. Overall we’ve seen a huge increase in wildlife, from hedgehogs to owls and goldfinches.” 

Importantly, it is also practical for family life. It has its own ‘rooms’ to discover, little pockets of peace interspersed with paths that the children love to run along. A larger terrace, with a pizza oven and large fire to barbeque on, is perfect for larger gatherings, while many a summer afternoon has been spent playing croquet, rugby or cricket on the lawn. 

Linked to the house is the barn, currently used as a workshop and events space, which has undergone its own incredible transformation giving it a new lease of life while staying true to the essence of the original structure. “When modern farming took off many of these threshing barns got knocked down for newer buildings. Thank goodness this wasn’t one of them,” says Alasdair. Now a spacious, contemporary venue, able to comfortably seat 50, this unique setting opens up endless possibilities for a wide range of events. Along with the paddocks, stabling, cottage, as well as other outbuildings yet to be developed, it makes for a thoroughly versatile property that can lend itself to a variety of uses, subject to permissions. 

One element the couple will miss the most is the location. Ideally positioned to make the most of Devon’s magnificent coastlines, it also offers easy access to the capital, with fast trains from nearby Tiverton Parkway taking you to London Paddington in under two hours. The amenities and shopping of Tiverton and Wellington are within close reach, with a quick trip down the M5 opening up the cultural delights of Exeter.

Meanwhile, the picturesque village of Culmstock is just a mile’s walk away along the river. Here you’ll find the charming local pub, popular village shop (complete with delicatessen and cafe) and well-regarded primary school, which the Cameron’s children attended. It's just one of the many excellent educational choices in the surrounding area, which include Wellington School, Blundell’s School, and King’s College and Queen’s College in Taunton, while the house falls in the catchment area for the outstanding-rated state secondary Uffculme School. 

“One of the reasons we choose Knight Frank is because our agent Sarah Brown lives locally,” says Tor. “She’s passionate about the area because she knows first-hand how good it is. And it helps that she’s a keen gardener too!”

Silver Street Farm is for sale at a guide price of £2,500,000