🏡 Former rectory home of dog breeder, John (Jack) Russell for sale

21 Nov 🏡 Former rectory home of dog breeder, John (Jack) Russell for sale

Robert Williams, the Experts in Property estate agency on Southernhay West in Exeter, is thrilled to offer for sale a substantial former rectory, which was once home to Reverend John (Jack) Russell – the famed ‘hunting Parson’ and breeder of the terrier which bears his name. 

John (Jack) Russell was born in Dartmouth in 1795 and was the Vicar of Swimbridge for 40 years before he became Rector of St. Mary’s in Black Torrington, where he served from 1879 till his death in 1883. During this time, he resided at Bampfylde House, which was built by the Reverend Richard Warwick Bampfylde circa 1825-1830, then was the subject of Victorian extensions.  

Overlooking rolling farmland on the edge of the village, the house is tucked away at the end of a private lane and comes with around 1.1 acres of gardens and grounds, which include ample space for parking and turning, and delightful gardens with a blend of formal lawns leading to a pretty copse, which attracts a variety of wildlife and is carpeted with bluebells in the spring. There is also a former stable block, in which Revd. Russell would have kept his horses and possibly his hounds too, and garaging, which could be converted to form a useful annexe building, subject to consents. 

The considerable property is a fabulous family home, which has been beautifully restored with meticulous attention to detail and retains period character throughout. The accommodation flows beautifully from the main entrance hall, with a cloakroom and WC, the drawing room and sitting room with grand ceiling-height bay windows, a comfortable family room, dining room with fitted cabinetry and plenty of space to host a banquet, a snug, a study/home office, utility room and the lovely kitchen/breakfast room with its vaulted ceiling and exposed beams. 

On the first floor via a large light landing is the principal bedroom suite with luxury ensuite, six more bedrooms, another ensuite and the incredibly spacious family bathroom. A second flight of stairs takes you to the second floor, which houses a further bedroom.  

The village of Black Torrington is bustling with energy, with the highly regarded Black River Inn at the heart of the community and many local facilities, such as a Post Office, doctor’s surgery, ‘outstanding’ primary school and of course a parish church. Sitting in a pivotal position in Mid Devon, the village is well placed for independent schooling, the Dartmoor National Park, world-class beaches, and the A30 providing an excellent link to the City of Exeter with its airport, mainline station and the M5. 

John (Jack) Russell is known as one of the most colourful characters in the history of the village – for his frivolous lifestyle, his love of fox hunting, and subsequently as a founding member of The Kennel Club. Local legend has it that Russell acquired a little terrier dog from a milkman, and with his skilful crossbreeding, this dog, called ‘Trump’, became the foundation of a line of fox hunting terriers, now known as Jack Russell’s. Originally well-suited by the shortness and strength of their legs for digging out foxes which had ‘gone to earth’ after being hunted over ground by fox hounds, the Jack Russell’s we know today are affectionate, friendly with children and other dogs and are very much companion animals. 

Bampfylde House is now available for viewings. For more information visit www.robertwilliams.co.uk to book an appointment, or call the agents on 01392 204800.