Last Edited 30/04/08
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Copyright©2001-2008
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Chapel Cottage Lee, Nr Ilfracombe. Devon Enquires
to the agent Ginny Potts |
HISTORY
OF THE COTTAGE
Chapel
Cottage nestles in the middle of the valley at Lee and is surrounded by its own
3 acres of pastureland and is just 300 yds from the sea. The original Celtic
Chapel on the site of the cottage, with its dedication to St Wardrede ‑
the Saint by the seashore ‑ was probably founded in the sixth century. It
would have been a simple isolated hermitage in the sheltered valley, which
sweeps down to the sea between steep wooded hills. By AD 1416 it was mentioned
in Bishop Stafford's register as a Chapel of Ease and in Bishop Lacy's register
in 1439 as the Chapel of St Wardred at Legh. During the dark ages following the
reformation, the history of Lee is veiled in obscurity, but the dwelling is
mentioned in a manorial document of 1716 as " The Chapel in the occupation
of Nathaniel Sander's". Recent excavation has exposed an ancient well,
which authorities suggest may have been a holy well dedicated to St Wardrede. A
Celtic headstone has also been discovered.
THE COTTAGE TODAY
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The
ancient well is now a feature of the patio beyond which extends the lawns and
flowerbeds, fig tree and Camelia bush. Inside the cottage is furnished in
keeping with its character. The entrance porch leads through the dining room
into the sitting room with its mullion windows and unusual central fireplace.
The large family kitchen looks out over the lawns beyond which are the woods.
Central to the kitchen is the AGA solid fuel stove, which provides warmth for
the kitchen and heats the hot water (supplemented by an immersion heater). There
is a large kitchen table providing the focus for much of the activity. The
kitchen is fully equipped and has a dishwasher, washing machine, spin dryer,
large fridge freezer, cooker and microwave. |
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WE
REGRET THAT NO PETS ARE ALLOWED.