About this property
A Magnificent Historic Country House in the Heart of the Blackdown Hills
Nestled within 2,500 acres of rolling farmland in the stunning Blackdown Hills, this exceptional country house offers a truly memorable escape for families and groups seeking space, character, and tranquillity. Set just one mile from the picturesque village of Yarcombe, the property is perfectly positioned for exploring the very best of Devon, Somerset, and Dorset, while still feeling wonderfully secluded.
The River Yarty meanders through the estate, providing opportunities for trout fishing, while countless scenic footpaths invite guests to discover the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Although you'll be tempted to stay within this peaceful rural haven, the nearby village of Howley and the market towns of Chard and Honiton are within easy reach, offering a variety of shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants. For days by the sea, the spectacular Jurassic Coast and the popular beaches of Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Sidmouth, Seaton, and Beer are all less than 20 miles away.
Steeped in History and Character
From the moment you enter through the ancient oak door and stone porch, you'll be captivated by the remarkable heritage of this unique home. Originally a medieval hall and forming part of the historic Yarcombe Estate once inherited from Sir Francis Drake, the house is rich in period charm and architectural beauty.
Approached through a formal courtyard with stunning views across the estate, the grand entrance hall sets the tone with its flagstone floors, exposed beams, window seats, and magnificent medieval fireplace. Throughout the house, original features blend effortlessly with welcoming spaces designed for comfort and relaxation.
The elegant oak-panelled drawing room provides the perfect place to unwind, complete with comfortable sofas, a wood-burning stove, and TV/DVD. The impressive banqueting dining room, featuring a carved fireplace, piano, and seating for up to 24 guests, creates an ideal setting for memorable celebrations and shared meals.
The spacious farmhouse kitchen is exceptionally well equipped for large groups, featuring an electric four-oven Everhot range, additional double oven and hob, microwave, two dishwashers, two fridges, a large freezer, breakfast table, traditional larder, wine store, and butler's pantry. A separate children's lounge offers a dedicated space for younger guests to enjoy films and games.
Additional facilities include a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, a separate WC, and access to a secure enclosed courtyard, perfect for children, complete with toys, a sandpit, and even an outdoor dog kennel.
Space for Everyone
The house comfortably accommodates up to 24 guests across eleven individually named bedrooms, accessed via four separate staircases. Each room enjoys beautiful countryside views and unique character, with several featuring original panelling and charming historic details.
An oak-panelled drawing room with comfy sofa’s, a wood burner to curl up in front of and TV/DVD. The banqueting dining room has a carved ornamental fireplace, piano, iPod dock and dining table seating 24, so you can all enjoy meals together. Next door is the kitchen/diner with an electric 4-oven Everhot range plus an electric double oven and ceramic hob, microwave, two dishwashers, two fridges, large freezer and breakfast table with window seats for those family breakfasts. There is also a proper old-fashioned larder/wine store and butler’s pantry, so there is plenty of storage for food and beverages for 24 guests. From the kitchen is a children's lounge a perfect place to watch a favourite film on the TV/DVD. There is a utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer and there is also a separate WC. From here is a back door to the former stables and enclosed courtyard, a perfect space for young children to play with toys and a sandpit, there is also a useful outside dog kennel. Back to the entrance hall you will find the billiard room another huge, long room with large windows, William Morris-designed wallpaper, and a full-sized snooker table. Off this is an ante-room leading to ‘The Study’ a twin zip-and-link bedroom (which can be made up into a super-king-size on request) with lovely views across the countryside and a neighbouring shower room with shower and WC. There are four staircases (from billiard room, hall, back scullery and one steep, boxed-off spiral) up to ten more bedrooms, each uniquely named, some with lovely panelling and all with exceptional views. Some rooms have interconnecting doors, however, all can be bolted and individually accessed. From the billiard room staircase, you come to ‘Amy’ a super-king-size zip-and-link (which can be made up into a twin on request), ‘Francis Drake’ is a twin zip-and-link bedroom (which can be made up into a super-king-size on request) with en-suite bathroom with bath and WC. The ‘Clock Room’ is a king-size and shares a shower room with shower and WC with ‘Amy’. ‘Jacintha’ is a super-king-size zip-and-link (which can be made up into a twin on request), with en-suite shower room with shower and WC. ‘David’s Room’ is a king-size and has a neighbouring shower room with shower and WC. ‘Alexandra’ is a king-size room with a beautiful four poster bed and has a neighbouring bathroom with bath and WC. ‘Eva’ is a king-size suite with en-suite bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC. ‘The Blue Room’ is a king-size and has an en-suite bath and WC. ‘Marjorie’ is a twin zip-and-link bedroom (which can be made up into a super-king-size on request) with en-suite shower and WC. ‘The Playroom’ has two single beds and a super-king-size zip-and-link (which can be made up into a twin on request), there is also a ‘Jack and Jill’ en-suite bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC.
Flexible zip-and-link arrangements in many of the bedrooms allow configurations to suit families and groups, while a range of en-suite and neighbouring bathrooms ensure comfort and convenience throughout your stay. From the elegant four-poster bed in Alexandra to the spacious family-friendly Playroom, every bedroom has its own distinctive personality.
For entertainment, guests can enjoy the magnificent billiards room, complete with a full-size snooker table, large windows, and William Morris wallpaper, making it a wonderful space to gather and relax.
Beautiful Gardens and Outdoor Living
The outdoor spaces are every bit as impressive as the house itself. Extensive lawns stretch towards open countryside, separated by a traditional ha-ha, creating uninterrupted views across the estate.
A delightful wisteria-covered pergola leads to a wild garden and orchard, where mown pathways wind through peaceful surroundings. Here, guests can sit beside the gentle sound of a nearby stream and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
The expansive croquet lawn provides a wonderful setting for traditional garden games, while children will love the dedicated games room featuring a pool table, air hockey, table tennis, table football, and ride-on toys. A comfortable seating area allows parents to relax while keeping an eye on the fun.
For al fresco dining, a large terrace at the rear of the house offers seating for all guests and a charcoal barbecue, making it the perfect spot for long summer evenings together. Beyond a charming stone archway lies a secluded sunken garden, a peaceful retreat for quiet moments and relaxation.
Ample parking is available at the front of the property, with space for numerous vehicles.
Perfect for Gatherings, Celebrations and Family Escapes
Combining historic grandeur, exceptional space, and breathtaking countryside surroundings, this remarkable estate offers an unforgettable setting for family reunions, special celebrations, group holidays, and relaxing rural retreats in one of the South West's most beautiful locations.
Additional information and rules
. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog
- 11 bedrooms - 4 king-size doubles, 1 king-size four poster, 5 twin zip-and-links (which can be made up as a super king-size on request) and 1 with two singles and a twin zip-and-link (which can be made up as a super king-size on request)
- 10 bathrooms - 3 en-suite bathrooms, 3 en-suite shower rooms, 1 en-suite 'Jack and Jill' bathroom, 3 shower rooms and a separate WC
- 4-oven Everhot electric range, electric double oven and ceramic hob, microwave, 2 fridges, large freezer and 2 dishwashers
- Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
- Facilities - huge heated games room with pool table, air hockey, table tennis, table football and ride on toys. Billiard room with full-sized snooker table.
- Trout fishing available on the River Yarty which flows through the farmland
- Wood burner in drawing room lounge (logs included)
- Off-road parking for over 24 cars
- 4 dogs welcome (will consider more on request), outside dog kennel available
- Farm shop 4 miles and pub/restaurant in local village
- Storage for bikes in the games room
- TV/DVD in drawing room (lounge) and TV/DVD in playroom
- 2 cots ( 105cm x 55cm ) and 2 highchairs available on request
- Professional catering and ready meals available (extra) pre-booking directly with owners is essential
- You can pre-order local produce at the nearby farm shop (butchery, deli, seasonal produce, dairy products, bread etc), which will be ready for you to collect
- Heated games room/old ballroom available to hire for functions (extra) pre-booking directly with owners is essential
- Private water supply