Tavistock, Devon

A HISTORIC Grade II Listed building in the heart of Tavistock. Currently used for a variety of purposes including as a Guide Hall, the property lends itself to a variety of potential uses (subject to planning consent).

SITUATION AND DESCRIPTION
Set in the heart of Tavistock’s vibrant Wharf area, the former Granary Warehouse is a truly unique offering, rich in heritage, community significance, and future potential.

Built circa 1816–1817 at the height of Tavistock’s canal trade, the Grade II Listed Granary is a nationally rare example of industrial architecture. Ingeniously constructed to straddle the Tavistock Canal, it was purpose-built to allow goods such as sacks and barrels to be winched directly onto barges through a removable floor, using block and tackle. This smart and functional design reflects the ingenuity of a time when Tavistock thrived as a mining hub of regional importance.

The canal itself, part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between 1803 and 1817, linking Tavistock to the port at Morwellham. It transported vital raw materials out and brought back machinery and finished goods, supporting the prosperity of the region’s mining communities. Today, the canal remains one of the most tangible and evocative links to that industrious past.

For almost 90 years, this special building has been lovingly used and cared for by Girlguiding, serving as its local headquarters since 1937. A happy and welcoming space, it has been cherished by generations and holds a special place in the hearts of many in the local community. As Girlguiding evolves and steps into a new chapter, the time has come for The Granary to be reimagined once more.

Internally, the property spans two floors. The ground level is arranged with an entrance lobby, storage areas, a meeting room/office, and toilets. The upper floor is a striking open-plan space featuring original stone walls, exposed timber flooring, a large inglenook fireplace, a modern kitchen, and fitted cupboards, offering a perfect blend of character and function. Both floors benefit from large windows that frame unique views up and down the peaceful canal.

Importantly, the property currently has no fixed planning designation, making it an exciting blank canvas for a new owner. Its adaptable layout and generous proportions make it suitable for a wide range of potential uses, whether as a distinctive restaurant, café, gallery, creative studio, offices, or residential conversion into stylish townhouses or apartments (subject to planning consents).

Surrounded by a rich historic environment, The Granary sits adjacent to community and cultural amenities including The Wharf Arts Centre, Meadowlands Leisure Centre, the town library, health centre, churches, The Meadows Park, Tavistock’s bus station, and generous public parking. Historically, the land around the Granary was once part of monastic gardens and fishponds belonging to the ancient Tavistock Abbey, further deepening the site’s connection to the town’s extraordinary past.


TENURE
Freehold

SERVICES
Mains gas electricity, water and drainage.

VIEWINGS
By appointment with joint sole agents MANSBRIDGE BALMENT on and PETER SLEEP at SIMON POWELL COMMERCIAL, .

DIRECTIONS What3Words: recent.land.cross