The historic 19th century Larkbeare House was shown in a sales catalogue of 1875 as being owned by John Charles Bowring and as 'newly built'. The sales catalogue referred to the property as a 'capital stone-built mansion house with mullions and dressings of hewn stone, erected some years since, without the regard to cost, by J.C. Bowring Esq for his own occupation'. The property was later purchased by the council in October 1876 for judges accommodation until fairly recently with the house being currently utilized for civil marriage ceremonies and birth/death registrations. \r
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The property maintains its stunning Elizabethan style character features and originally had a drawing room, dining room and billiard room on the ground floor, five bedrooms with dressing rooms on the first floor and a library overlooking views to Haldon and staff quarters on the second floor. The large basement cellar would have been used for food storage and the main front door is Tudor style which maintains an impressive entrance to the former manor house. \r
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Another feature of the property is the attractive landscaped gardens originally designed by Veitches nursery with a full range of trees and shrubs and numerous outbuildings some or which are still in situ today. \r
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Please note, the site is located within Southernhay & the Friars Conservation Area which provides an element of protection to the trees on site. \r
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Please rely on your own investigation. The wall of Larkbeare House fronting the river is recorded by Historic England as being Grade II listed being of scenic value. (Listing NGR: SX ).