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"One of the most historic buildings in Totnes, The Merchants House is a mixed use property currently split between retail shop premises, two residential apartments and offices. The house has always played a central role in Totnes life, having been a Merchants House, an Inn and more recently Architectural offices and apartments.

This important historic house has been in the same ownership for 30 years and the owners have carefully preserved, maintained and improved the property within the Grade II* listing. Dating from 1404, it was originally the residence for the mayor of Totnes, Mayor Ryder who lived there from 1404 to 1427. In 1550 a wealthy local merchant Thomas Martyn purchased the house and created the impressive property we see today with it s decorative plastered ceilings and elegant Oak panelling.

Fronting the High Street is a small but very successful retail outlet, and at the side of this shop is a short flight of steps up to a courtyard which leads to the door of number 10. One half of this courtyard, which runs the length of the house, is owned by the freeholder and provides a garden and outdoor seating area.

On the ground floor behind the shop, is a one bedroom apartment with original Oak panelling and original decorative lime plastered ceilings. These are known to be some of the oldest in this country. Stairs from hallway rise to the first floor rooms which were recently used as offices. The larger of the rooms at this level, which has commanding views over the old High Street, contains many precious historical features as does the slightly smaller, but no less impressive, room to the rear.

A flight of large open stairs from the first floor lead to the second floor which is currently arranged as a slightly more modest two bedroom apartment.

Permission has recently been obtained to convert the top two floors into a large maisonette, if required.

The property could also be used as a large single family residence, as originally existed for over 300 years, subject to the usual planning consents.

The Merchants House is freehold and connected to all mains services with gas fired central heating."