Anita Merritt takes a look around a grand Victorian home which has been carefully restored, overlooking the River Exe.

WHEN an architect designs his own home you know something special is in the making, and that's exactly what Reginald Hooper created.

His vision originated back in the 1800s, and since then Southbrook House in Starcross has been enjoyed by a succession of owners, the lastest being Sheila and Mike Mole.

The Grade II listed Victorian property has a vast number of rooms, including seven bedrooms and a viewing tower which looks out across the lower Exe Estuary and Cockwood Harbour.

The architecture of the house is as impressive as the perfectly chosen location it was built on. The inside exceeds the expectations of such a grand house and much of that is largely down to its sensitive restoration carried out by its current owners after they bought it in 2002.

Within four years its transformation was complete and its Victorian features are as prominent as ever, including tall ceilings, original plasterwork and fireplaces.

The grand feeling of the property is apparent more than ever as you step through the imposing front door and entrance porch into the magnificent reception hall. Its original handcrafted balustraded turning staircase and galleried landing and stunning stained glass window to one side make up just part of its beauty.

Typical features from the period of the property can be found throughout the house, including its many beautiful stained glass windows with a variety of different patterns and pictures.

Reminders of the days when the house would have been run by servants include an old maid's table, swing door and upper floor servants' quarters.

An old china cabinet in what would have been the maid's utility room was restored by Sheila's husband and now takes pride of place in the study.

A beautiful example of an old kitchen range can be found in what was once the second kitchen and is engraved with the makers name, Hubber and Son of Exeter.

Unusual finds in the house include a 1920s art deco downstairs toilet and jaw-dropping viewing tower with an intriguing fireplace that has tiles depicting different hunting scenes.

In the 1900s a laundry washroom was added to the house and faces on to an enclosed garden which the owners created from scratch. They have also transformed the main garden.

Sheila recalled: "We had been living at the other end of Starcross in another restored house for eight years. As soon as I spotted Southbrook House, that was it.

"The previous owner made a fantastic job of the roof so everything was sound, but it needed updating.

"When we bought the house it had an annexe but we wanted to put it back as a family home which we have done, but it could easily be separated again.

"There are wonderful views from everywhere in the house and it's so light because of the full-length windows. It sits well in its own grounds. It feels private yet you're not isolated.

"It's lovely waking up in the morning and seeing the beautiful skylines, being so high up."

When it comes to picking her favourite room in the house, Sheila, a keen amateur singer, doesn't hesitate. "The music room," she smiled. "It has been very well used. I have organised singing masterclasses with international artists for amateur singers at the house and held some wonderful Christmas concerts and charity concerts."

Sheila also has a keen interest in history and has enjoyed looking into Southbrook's fascinating past. The great-great-great grandson of Reginald Hooper lives in Exeter and has provided additional information and photographs.

The house was designed by Hooper in 1883 and built by John Clements. The Hooper family were well-known in the city in the building trade and for members being the Sheriff and Mayor of Exeter.

Revealing what she has found out about the house, Sheila said:

"During the war Polish officers stayed at the house and I have a photograph of that.

"A family who lived here after Mrs Hoyle, who was here just before the Second World War, was The Moons. I am told they were related to Keith Moon, the drummer from The Who. It's wonderful living in a house with so much history. I will be sad to leave but I want to downsize."

Southbrook House is being sold by Wilkinson Grant & Co estate agents for £1m. For details call 01392 427500 or visit www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk