Modbury, Devon

ABOUT THE BARN An opportunity to convert this charming redundant stone and cob barn into a modern three-bedroom dwelling, located on the edge of the popular village of Modbury. The barn sits in approximately one acre, subject to measurement and agreed boundaries, and will provide 185 sqm of accommodation over two floors.  

SITUATION The barn is approximately 1 mile to the north east of Modbury. The barn is accessed across an existing, track that leads from the public highway, over which the property will enjoy a right of access. The barn sits to the south side of the public highway (B3207), linking Modbury to Brownston and California Cross.  

PLANNING The proposed development includes the sympathetic conversion of an existing barn that will ensure its future survival by improving the overall durability and efficiency of the building. The proposed development is for the conversion of the barn in to a permanent dwelling under planning permission 1057/23/PDM granted 15th June 2023. Please note that there are various conditions attached to the planning permission and that development needs to have commenced within a period of three years from the grant of the planning. 

TENURE Freehold with vacant possession.  

SERVICES Mains services are understood to be available in the vicinity but potential buyers are required to undertake their own investigations. The proposed barn will require a new private sewage treatment plant. 

BOUNDARIES Boundaries consist of a mixture of mature hedging and fencing. The boundaries will be fenced in agreement with the sellers by the purchasers between exchange and completion. The purchaser shall be deemed to have full knowledge of all boundaries.  

DESIGNATIONS The plot is located within a rural area. It is not situated within the South Devon AONB. The barn is not listed and was originally built for agricultural use and was part of an established agricultural unit. We understand the plot is not affected by matters such as tree Preservation Orders and no other designations apply.

There is an organic agro-forestary project adjoining the land, so those who will be of a nature first mind set will be suitable. 

VENDORS OPINION The land parcel and its surroundings remain a focus of restoration efforts. With assistance from the Devon Wildlife Trust, it is now part of the pollinators' corridor map, known as the Bee-Line, extending from Cornwall to Scotland. Synergistic projects in the realms of ecologically-minded agriculture, vegetable growing, or other land management practices are encouraged when considering this land. 

RIGHTS OF WAY The land is not affected by footpaths or by any other similar matters. The property is sold however subject to all rights including rights of way whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and electricity supplies and other rights, covenants, agreements and all existing and proposed wayleaves, masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains and water, gas or other pipes whether referred to in these particulars or not.  

LOCAL AUTHORITY South Hams District Council -

VIEWINGS Inspection without appointment possible, after informing the selling agents. People are reminded to view the property at their own risk, we do not take any liability for injuries on site. Contact Sawdye & Harris for further information: Tel: or  

PROPOSED PLANS It is proposed that this barn will be converted within the existing footprint to provide a modern three-bedroom residential dwelling (use class C3).

The proposed development aims to retain the character of the existing barn, by retaining the large open spaces, creating double height accommodation, retaining the vaulted roof and retaining the floor and roof structure and exposing and expressing them within the ground and first floor accommodation, thus retaining the character and feel of the barn.

The development will include a ground floor bedroom and ground floor shower room as well a two first floor bedrooms and a bathroom.

The proposed dwelling includes a car parking/courtyard area to the north of the building. The proposed dwelling includes direct access out to its own private courtyard to the east. 

- link to the planning application for interested parties to look at. 

SUSTAINABILITY An air-source heat pump is proposed to be installed to create the hot water and heating for the dwelling and under floor heating will be installed. An EV charging point is proposed as part of the permission.

Any timber within the development will be sourced from sustainable sources and will use the accreditation schemes FSC UK and UKWAS.

The materials specified for the proposed development have been based on the character of the existing building and setting, that ensure any new materials are natural and local to improve their carbon saving.  

ABOUT MODBURY Modbury is a picturesque Georgian town situated in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', and is only about 4 miles from the nearest beach. Receiving worldwide media coverage, it became the first town in Europe to become plastic bag free. There is a good range of local shops including a butcher, baker, chemist, delicatessen and a number of gift shops and art galleries. Other amenities include a primary school, health centre, dentist, veterinary surgery, and mobile library.

For more comprehensive shopping, Kingsbridge is to the South and Plymouth is about 12 miles to the West. Modbury is also on the main bus route and only about 5.5 miles from the A38. Nearby there are fine cliff top and coastal walks, beaches and coves, with sailing at Salcombe and Newton Ferrers, 18-hole golf courses at Thurlestone and Bigbury and Dartmoor National Park is several miles to the North.