This property presents a significant renovation and investment opportunity in the heart of Exeter, benefitting from existing planning permissions for conversion. The building, known as Walnut House, is a detached Grade II Listed villa dating back to the late 18th century. Its approximately 460.8 sq m (4,960 sq ft) of gross internal area has most recently been utilized as office space for barristers' chambers.
The layout spans three floors, featuring an internal staircase that connects various functional spaces. The ground floor includes a WC and seven rooms, while the first floor comprises six additional rooms along with a kitchenette. The second floor offers another four rooms, complemented by a small basement. Many interior features reflect its historic character, including decorative cornicing and elegant ceiling roses, alongside a striking stained glass entrance door.
At the rear of Walnut House lies a landscaped walled garden that integrates part of the original City Walls, providing both aesthetic appeal and historical significance. The front of the property includes another small garden area and offers nine parking spaces—five designated for use by Walnut House.
Situated within the St David’s district of Exeter, this property is conveniently located just moments from Exeter College's Hele Campus and in close proximity to both Exeter High Street and the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus. It benefits from excellent transport links; both Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central train stations are approximately 0.3 miles away, facilitating access to major cities like London. Additionally, Exeter International Airport is around six miles to the northeast.
Recently granted planning permission allows for the conversion of Walnut House into 14 city suites (sui generis HMO), each with en-suite pod bathrooms while sharing communal kitchen and living areas along with garden space. There remains potential for further development—with prospects for creating a 15th unit subject to additional planning consent.
As Exeter continues to grow as a vibrant city with strong commercial prospects and an affluent population base, this property stands out as an attractive investment opportunity in an area experiencing significant demand for student accommodation. With over 29,000 full-time students at the University of Exeter—many residing in or around St David's—the property is well-positioned to capitalize on this demographic trend amidst ongoing investments in local infrastructure by the university community. This unique opportunity allows for both preservation of heritage and modern development within one of England's most captivating cities.
