How does owning a skilfully restored period home in a ‘royal location’ sound? This five-bedroom farmhouse with an array of outbuildings offers just that and heaps more, including a tennis court and a gym. The icing on the cake? Situated in Devon’s Dartmoor National Park, the sizeable property is a short drive from Brimptsmead Estate, once owned by Prince Charles (and also on the market). To this day, Prince Charles reserves the right to fish there – as long as he gives the homeowners 24 hours’ notice.
Constructed back in 1893 and completed in 1906, Brimptsmead Estate was leased to the then Prince of Wales. The current owners purchased the freehold from the present-day Prince of Wales – His Royal Highness Prince Charles – in 1993, and made the most of the rare opportunity. How? By completely renovating the property.
Brimptsmead Estate, once owned by HRH Prince Charles
Listed for $6.75 Million, the nine-acre Edwardian estate is located where the East and West River Darts meet and is home to paddocks, well-manicured gardens, ancient woodland, two three-bedroom cottages, and garage space for eight cars. Not to mention fishing rights to the River Dart and direct access to the moor. Sitting in a picturesque location in protected Dartmoor National Park, the main arts and crafts-style residence boasts six bedrooms. With a pink granite exterior, eye-catching stonework and a turret, the house is striking and attractive.
Refurbished for contemporary living, works undertaken by the current owners include a new clay roof comprised of 26,000 tiles, 120 hand-crafted mullion windows, bespoke oak paneling, and polished granite floors.
A sweeping private driveway takes you up to the primary house, and all around you are fabulous panoramas across the verdant moor – admire them from the terrace at the front of the property.
Brimptsmead Estate owned by Prince Charles, Dartmoor National Park, South West England
Historic country house in Dartmoor National Park, South West England, $5,000,000
Skilfully restored period home in a ‘royal location’
On the market for somewhat less – $5,032,000 – and sitting in a far bigger plot of 77 acres, this enormous estate features a farmhouse and cottages, as well as a 15-meter indoor pool in one of the outbuildings, ample parking, and stables. Idyllically positioned northeast of Brimptsmead Estate in Dartmoor National Park, each residence is modern and individual.
A long private drive leads to the properties, which were once part of a working farm. The current owners bought the estate in 2005, and forged ahead with a comprehensive modernization project. Inside the main family home you’ll find five bedrooms, alongside impressive features such as granite fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, oak joinery, underfloor biomass heating, and flowing living spaces.
The four characterful cottages range in size. For example, Courtyard offers three bedrooms, while Old Stables is home to one suite. Out in the mature gardens, you’ll be wowed by glorious valley views – head out to the lush open lawn and flagstone seating area to take full advantage.
Dartmoor National Park
Designated a National Park in 1951, this wild open moorland is a special place to visit, let alone live. The biggest and highest upland in southern Britain, a range of wildlife can be found, from otters and rare bat species to skylarks and cuckoos.
If golf’s your sport, there are a handful of top courses to play – most notably, the championship 18 holes at Bovey Castle. Other activities to enjoy range from walking, cycling and horseriding, to climbing, canoeing and letterboxing (which originated in the area in 1854). And with the Dartmoor train line reopening after a 50-year closure, the region is more accessible than ever.
All homes for sale in Dartmoor National Park
