£500,000
(£300/sq. ft)
4 bed semi-detached house for saleThe Lantern House, Teignmouth Road, Torquay TQ1
4 beds
2 baths
2 receptions
1,668 sq. ft
EPC Rating: D
Just added
Freehold
About this property
Distinguished Victorian Home
Off-road Driveway Parking for Three Vehicles
Versatile Layout with Annex Potential
Bright Open-Plan Living Room with French Doors to Garden
Stylish Kitchen with Breakfast Bar
Three/Four Double Bedrooms with Sea Views
Landscaped Gardens Extending to 1⁄4 Acre
Expansive Sun Terrace with Coastal Outlook
Description
This remarkable Grade II listed home combines historical significance, versatile living, and an enviable coastal setting. Generous in scale, it can be enjoyed as an impressive three/four-bedroom family residence or adapted to provide a self-contained one-bedroom annexe alongside the main accommodation (see floor plan).
Steeped in history, the property was built in the 1840s and famously served as part of the home for Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his family during the mid-19th century. Period features abound, from elegant sash windows and original shutters to characterful fireplaces, timber doors, and flagstone flooring, all carefully preserved to reflect the refinement of the Victorian era.
The landscaped grounds, extending to around a quarter of an acre, are thoughtfully arranged to maximise sea views. A full-width decked sun terrace provides the ideal vantage point, with expansive lawns, raised pathways, ponds, and a summerhouse offering both charm and seclusion. The setting is one of peace and natural beauty, enhanced by the surrounding greenery, hedgerows, and mature trees.
Practical benefits include off-road driveway parking for three vehicles. The location strikes an ideal balance between tranquillity and accessibility: Nestled on the fringes of Torquay, the property lies close to the renowned South West Coast Path, the unspoilt Watcombe Beach, and the dramatic coastal scenery of Labrador Bay.
Council Tax Band: D (Torbay Council)
Tenure: Freehold
Broadband options available at the property include:
* Standard broadband (6Mbps download, 0.7Mbps upload).
* Superfast broadband (32Mbps download, 6Mbps upload).
* Ultrafast broadband (1800Mbps download, 220Mbps upload).
- Networks in area - Openreach
The Approach (Main House)
A wrought iron gate opens into an attractive courtyard that sets the tone for this distinguished residence. The entrance is both elegant and inviting, with a pair of double doors. These doors are topped with a striking coach lantern. The doors lead to the reception hall, where the period character of the property is immediately evident. Traditional servant bells are positioned above the doorway, while the floor is finished with handsome flagstones. A stylish wall-mounted radiator provides modern comfort, and a staircase rises gracefully to the first floor.
Cloakroom (Main House)
From the reception hall, a traditional timber door leads into the cloakroom, where flagstone flooring continues. The room is fitted with a wall-mounted wash basin with marble splashback and practical shelving beneath, together with a WC, combining period style with everyday convenience.
Dining Room/Bedroom (Main House)
From the reception hall, a traditional timber door opens into this versatile room. It is characterised by an original sash window and working shutters, overlooking the rear garden. A radiator is neatly positioned beneath the window, while a built-in cupboard beneath the staircase provides useful storage with shelving. Currently utilised as a home office, this elegant space could readily serve as a formal dining room or as a fourth bedroom, offering the flexibility to meet the new owners' requirements.
Living Room (Main House)
From the reception hall, a traditional timber door leads to the living room, where flagstone flooring continues. This bright and welcoming space is open plan to the kitchen, creating an ideal setting for family living and entertaining. French doors open directly onto the decked terrace at the rear, offering delightful views across the extensive lawned gardens and beyond the trees to the sea. A contemporary wood-burning stove is neatly recessed into a purpose-built alcove and set upon a marble hearth, adding style and comfort. Two vertical radiators complete the room, providing efficient warmth with a modern finish.
Kitchen (Main House)
The kitchen presents a sleek, contemporary design, with matte white base cabinets paired with a stainless-steel countertop, creating a durable and professional finish. Extending from one wall, a run of matching cabinetry forms a breakfast bar with a practical overhanging counter for seating. A one-and-a-half bowl stainless steel sink is positioned beneath twin Sash windows, which enjoy a pleasant outlook across the entrance courtyard. There is space for a range-style cooker, complemented by a stainless-steel extractor hood, while the breakfast bar area incorporates an integrated under-counter fridge and freezer. The space is completed with engineered oak flooring, a vertical central heating radiator, and an internal door leading through to the utility room. This is arranged to serve as an annexe kitchen should the property be divided.
First Floor Bedrooms (Main House)
From the main reception hall, a staircase rises to the principal landing. Here, a sash window to the front aspect allows natural light to enter, with a radiator beneath. The first floor of the main house provides two double bedrooms. The master bedroom is a generously proportioned room, featuring sash windows with working shutters to the rear, framing views over the lawned gardens towards the sea. A decorative marble fireplace with an inset wrought iron grate and ornate surround forms a notable focal point. The second double bedroom also enjoys a rear outlook across the garden to the sea and retains its original wide-plank pine floorboards. Its fireplace, with slate hearth, wrought iron grate and decorative surround, enhances the room's period charm.
First Floor Bathroom (Main House)
The bathroom is appointed with an elegant suite, comprising a corner shower cubicle with curved sliding door, a freestanding roll-top bath with period-style chrome mixer tap and handheld shower attachment, and a pedestal wash basin with three-piece chrome taps, positioned beneath an opaque sash window. A traditional heated towel rail provides warmth. The room is finished with partly metro-tiled walls and ceramic tiled flooring, while a large built-in cupboard with slatted shelving above for storage. A traditional timber door leads to a separate WC, which enjoys natural light through an opaque window.
The Approach (Annex)
From the entrance courtyard, a side gate opens to the side of the property with a secondary doorway, providing access to the Annex. This entrance opens into a hallway, from which traditional timber doors lead to the utility room, which could serve as an annex kitchen. In addition, a further door leads to the dining room, which could be arranged as an annex lounge, and also the main house living room.
Kitchen (Annex)
Currently arranged as the utility room for the main house, this space is fitted with a countertop incorporating a one-and-a-half bowl stainless steel sink with drainer, together with under-counter space and plumbing for both a washing machine and dishwasher. The wall-mounted Ideal gas boiler is positioned above the counter. Natural light is provided by windows to the side and front aspects, while a courtesy door gives direct access to the main house kitchen.
Lounge (Annex)
Currently utilised as a dining room, this space would form a lounge in the annex if the property were to be divided. The room features a beautiful suspended wooden spiral staircase with metal handrail, rising to the first floor. A sash window with original shutters frames views across the gardens and towards the sea. A decorative corner slate fireplace surround provides an attractive focal point, enhancing the room's period character.
First Floor Bedroom (Annex)
This versatile room, presently used as a snug and guest bedroom, would form a dedicated annex bedroom if required. Period character is highlighted by the original wide-plank pine flooring, while a sash window to the rear frames an impressive and open outlook over the gardens and to the sea, with a radiator sitting below to the left. Adjoining the room is a well-appointed en-suite, comprising a tiled shower cubicle with electric shower and folding screen, a wash basin with marble splashback, and a low-level WC, offering both comfort and convenience.
A Garden To Enjoy
Thoughtfully arranged to maximise outstanding views across the wooded valley and to the sea, the grounds offer a variety of areas for relaxing, outdoor dining, and entertaining. A wide decked sun terrace spans the width of the property, accessible directly from the living room and also via side access from the front. From here, steps ascend to a pathway, leading to a timber shed with shelving, power and light, together with a separate log store. A summerhouse with power and lighting provides an ideal retreat or home office, positioned overlooking the lawned gardens. The main lawns are split level and expansive, framed by established trees and a variety of mature shrubs and plants, interspersed with rockery areas. Central stone steps descend to a lower lawn which gently slopes up towards a wooded section at the rear. There is potential to reinstate private access to Watcombe Beach, which is currently only partial via the steps at the end of the garden.
This remarkable Grade II listed home combines historical significance, versatile living, and an enviable coastal setting. Generous in scale, it can be enjoyed as an impressive three/four-bedroom family residence or adapted to provide a self-contained one-bedroom annexe alongside the main accommodation (see floor plan).
Steeped in history, the property was built in the 1840s and famously served as part of the home for Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his family during the mid-19th century. Period features abound, from elegant sash windows and original shutters to characterful fireplaces, timber doors, and flagstone flooring, all carefully preserved to reflect the refinement of the Victorian era.
The landscaped grounds, extending to around a quarter of an acre, are thoughtfully arranged to maximise sea views. A full-width decked sun terrace provides the ideal vantage point, with expansive lawns, raised pathways, ponds, and a summerhouse offering both charm and seclusion. The setting is one of peace and natural beauty, enhanced by the surrounding greenery, hedgerows, and mature trees.
Practical benefits include off-road driveway parking for three vehicles. The location strikes an ideal balance between tranquillity and accessibility: Nestled on the fringes of Torquay, the property lies close to the renowned South West Coast Path, the unspoilt Watcombe Beach, and the dramatic coastal scenery of Labrador Bay.
Council Tax Band: D (Torbay Council)
Tenure: Freehold
Broadband options available at the property include:
* Standard broadband (6Mbps download, 0.7Mbps upload).
* Superfast broadband (32Mbps download, 6Mbps upload).
* Ultrafast broadband (1800Mbps download, 220Mbps upload).
- Networks in area - Openreach
The Approach (Main House)
A wrought iron gate opens into an attractive courtyard that sets the tone for this distinguished residence. The entrance is both elegant and inviting, with a pair of double doors. These doors are topped with a striking coach lantern. The doors lead to the reception hall, where the period character of the property is immediately evident. Traditional servant bells are positioned above the doorway, while the floor is finished with handsome flagstones. A stylish wall-mounted radiator provides modern comfort, and a staircase rises gracefully to the first floor.
Cloakroom (Main House)
From the reception hall, a traditional timber door leads into the cloakroom, where flagstone flooring continues. The room is fitted with a wall-mounted wash basin with marble splashback and practical shelving beneath, together with a WC, combining period style with everyday convenience.
Dining Room/Bedroom (Main House)
From the reception hall, a traditional timber door opens into this versatile room. It is characterised by an original sash window and working shutters, overlooking the rear garden. A radiator is neatly positioned beneath the window, while a built-in cupboard beneath the staircase provides useful storage with shelving. Currently utilised as a home office, this elegant space could readily serve as a formal dining room or as a fourth bedroom, offering the flexibility to meet the new owners' requirements.
Living Room (Main House)
From the reception hall, a traditional timber door leads to the living room, where flagstone flooring continues. This bright and welcoming space is open plan to the kitchen, creating an ideal setting for family living and entertaining. French doors open directly onto the decked terrace at the rear, offering delightful views across the extensive lawned gardens and beyond the trees to the sea. A contemporary wood-burning stove is neatly recessed into a purpose-built alcove and set upon a marble hearth, adding style and comfort. Two vertical radiators complete the room, providing efficient warmth with a modern finish.
Kitchen (Main House)
The kitchen presents a sleek, contemporary design, with matte white base cabinets paired with a stainless-steel countertop, creating a durable and professional finish. Extending from one wall, a run of matching cabinetry forms a breakfast bar with a practical overhanging counter for seating. A one-and-a-half bowl stainless steel sink is positioned beneath twin Sash windows, which enjoy a pleasant outlook across the entrance courtyard. There is space for a range-style cooker, complemented by a stainless-steel extractor hood, while the breakfast bar area incorporates an integrated under-counter fridge and freezer. The space is completed with engineered oak flooring, a vertical central heating radiator, and an internal door leading through to the utility room. This is arranged to serve as an annexe kitchen should the property be divided.
First Floor Bedrooms (Main House)
From the main reception hall, a staircase rises to the principal landing. Here, a sash window to the front aspect allows natural light to enter, with a radiator beneath. The first floor of the main house provides two double bedrooms. The master bedroom is a generously proportioned room, featuring sash windows with working shutters to the rear, framing views over the lawned gardens towards the sea. A decorative marble fireplace with an inset wrought iron grate and ornate surround forms a notable focal point. The second double bedroom also enjoys a rear outlook across the garden to the sea and retains its original wide-plank pine floorboards. Its fireplace, with slate hearth, wrought iron grate and decorative surround, enhances the room's period charm.
First Floor Bathroom (Main House)
The bathroom is appointed with an elegant suite, comprising a corner shower cubicle with curved sliding door, a freestanding roll-top bath with period-style chrome mixer tap and handheld shower attachment, and a pedestal wash basin with three-piece chrome taps, positioned beneath an opaque sash window. A traditional heated towel rail provides warmth. The room is finished with partly metro-tiled walls and ceramic tiled flooring, while a large built-in cupboard with slatted shelving above for storage. A traditional timber door leads to a separate WC, which enjoys natural light through an opaque window.
The Approach (Annex)
From the entrance courtyard, a side gate opens to the side of the property with a secondary doorway, providing access to the Annex. This entrance opens into a hallway, from which traditional timber doors lead to the utility room, which could serve as an annex kitchen. In addition, a further door leads to the dining room, which could be arranged as an annex lounge, and also the main house living room.
Kitchen (Annex)
Currently arranged as the utility room for the main house, this space is fitted with a countertop incorporating a one-and-a-half bowl stainless steel sink with drainer, together with under-counter space and plumbing for both a washing machine and dishwasher. The wall-mounted Ideal gas boiler is positioned above the counter. Natural light is provided by windows to the side and front aspects, while a courtesy door gives direct access to the main house kitchen.
Lounge (Annex)
Currently utilised as a dining room, this space would form a lounge in the annex if the property were to be divided. The room features a beautiful suspended wooden spiral staircase with metal handrail, rising to the first floor. A sash window with original shutters frames views across the gardens and towards the sea. A decorative corner slate fireplace surround provides an attractive focal point, enhancing the room's period character.
First Floor Bedroom (Annex)
This versatile room, presently used as a snug and guest bedroom, would form a dedicated annex bedroom if required. Period character is highlighted by the original wide-plank pine flooring, while a sash window to the rear frames an impressive and open outlook over the gardens and to the sea, with a radiator sitting below to the left. Adjoining the room is a well-appointed en-suite, comprising a tiled shower cubicle with electric shower and folding screen, a wash basin with marble splashback, and a low-level WC, offering both comfort and convenience.
A Garden To Enjoy
Thoughtfully arranged to maximise outstanding views across the wooded valley and to the sea, the grounds offer a variety of areas for relaxing, outdoor dining, and entertaining. A wide decked sun terrace spans the width of the property, accessible directly from the living room and also via side access from the front. From here, steps ascend to a pathway, leading to a timber shed with shelving, power and light, together with a separate log store. A summerhouse with power and lighting provides an ideal retreat or home office, positioned overlooking the lawned gardens. The main lawns are split level and expansive, framed by established trees and a variety of mature shrubs and plants, interspersed with rockery areas. Central stone steps descend to a lower lawn which gently slopes up towards a wooded section at the rear. There is potential to reinstate private access to Watcombe Beach, which is currently only partial via the steps at the end of the garden.
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