The Story
On the edge of the pretty village of Landkey, The Old Manor sits with quiet dignity. A Grade II* listed jewel, thought to be the oldest surviving hall house in the district. Beneath its thatched roof, where climbing wisteria frames an ancient sundial, centuries of history and craftsmanship meet the ease of modern living.
A long, sweeping gravel drive sets the tone, opening to a scene of timeless English charm. Orchards heavy with fruit, lawns edged with flowers, and the rolling backdrop of Codden Hill to the south create a setting that feels private and pastoral yet is moments from all that North Devon has to offer.
Inside, warmth and character abound: pretty period fireplaces, ancient beams and sunlit rooms, each space thoughtfully restored by the present custodians.
This is a house of possibilities. A substantial family home yes. However, one wing could be arranged as an internal self-contained annexe, while within the grounds a stone-built cottage provides further independence and options. Currently run as a successful holiday let, the cottage could serve equally well as a retreat for visiting family, a home office, or a base for creative or professional work.
Beyond the walls, the gardens echo with tranquillity and life: a stream-fed pond, an orchard alive with spring blossom, a sheltered south-facing patio for summer suppers, and wide lawns shaded by mature trees. From every vantage, views open across open countryside to Codden Hill, its monument a sentinel on the horizon.
Though steeped in history, The Old Manor is firmly connected to the present. Barnstaple – North Devon’s thriving regional hub – lies just three miles away with its bustling Pannier Market, independent shops, theatre and cinema. To the west, golden beaches at Saunton, Woolacombe and Croyde beckon surfers and families alike, while to the east, Exmoor National Park offers endless walking trails and wild heathered heights. The A361 ensures swift access to the M5, Exeter and Tiverton Parkway, with its fast rail service to London Paddington.
Closer still, Landkey is a quintessential Devon village, home to a popular primary school and The Castle Inn – a much-loved pub with a glowing reputation and a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8, famed for its generous ploughmans.
The Old Manor offers the rarest of opportunities: a historic home restored for today, rich in character, yet endlessly adaptable for the future.
The Practicalities:
Grade II* listed manor house dating back to the late 15th century, extended and enhanced over time.
Spacious accommodation (approx. 3,059 sq. ft), upgraded with high-quality kitchen, two boilers, additional radiators, and tasteful interiors while retaining original features.
Detached two-bedroom stone-built holiday cottage (approx. 505 sq. ft) with private garden – a proven income generator benefitting from small business rate relief (subject to verification). See full cottage details here
Flexible living arrangements in the main house:
The eastern wing could form a self-contained annexe with ground-floor sitting room/bedroom and bathroom, plus two further bedrooms and a bathroom above.
The western side could still offer three reception rooms, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom above.
(Any internal work would of course require listed buildings consent and any other further permissions/consents as necessary).
Combined with the detached cottage, the property could in principle accommodate three households – ideal for multi-generational living, guest use or income. Or simply as one large family home.
Period character throughout: impressive inglenook fireplaces, exposed beams, window seats with shutters, and a rare barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Modern upgrades: fitted kitchen with solid oak worktops, integrated appliances, dual-fuel range cooker, eye-level oven, microwave, warming drawer and full-height fridge. Refitted complementary bathroom suites.
Outbuildings and garaging: detached triple garage (28’9” x 27’1”), ample turning and parking, utility/laundry room, workshop, and a charming thatched outbuilding with WC and storage.
Gardens and grounds: mature orchard, pond fed by a running stream, vegetable garden with soft fruit cages, greenhouse, and extensive lawns bordered by mature trees. A private front garden and south-facing patio provide wonderful outside entertaining space.
Location highlights:
Peaceful village-edge setting with commanding views to Codden Hill.
Walking distance to Landkey village, primary school and The Castle Inn.
Just 3 miles to Barnstaple with full town amenities.
Excellent transport links: A361 to M5 and Exeter; Tiverton Parkway mainline station (London Paddington approx. 2 hrs).
Recreational opportunities abound: surfing beaches at Saunton, Woolacombe and Croyde; sailing at Instow; championship golf at Saunton; and the walking trails of Exmoor National Park.
The detached stone-built holiday cottage is an established income generator and, with its current rateable value, may qualify for Small Business Rate Relief (meaning no business rates payable). Buyers should make their own enquiries with the Valuation Office Agency or local authority to confirm eligibility.
Services: Key Information at a glance
Tenure: Freehold
Council: North Devon District Council
Council Tax: Band G (main house)
Holiday Cottage: Current rateable value £2,475 (source: Valuation Office). May qualify for Small Business Rate Relief – buyers should verify with the VOA/local authority.
EPC: Exempt (Grade II* listed)
Mains water and electricity connected. Mains drainage
Gas-fired central heating to main house (two boilers) and holiday cottage
Broadband & Mobile: Superfast broadband available in the area; mobile coverage varies by provider
Schooling & Education:
Landkey Primary School within walking distance
Good Secondary School options in Barnstaple including The Park Community School and Pilton Community College
Independent choices nearby: West Buckland School (approx. 8 miles) and Kingsley School, Bideford
Further education at Petroc College, Barnstaple
By Design Homes North Devon & Exmoor is part of the wider By Design Homes network – a collective of experienced, premium estate agents delivering bespoke one-to-one service across the UK and internationally. Based here in the heart of North Devon, I combine local knowledge and personal attention with the strength and reach of a national brand. For discreet, expert advice, please feel free to contact me directly.
Important Notice
By Design North Devon & Exmoor, for themselves and for the vendors of this property, give notice that:
Particulars: These details are provided as a general outline for intending purchasers and do not constitute, nor form part of, any offer or contract.
Descriptions: All descriptions, dimensions, references to condition, necessary permissions, and other details are given in good faith and believed to be correct. Purchasers must not rely on them as statements of fact and should verify accuracy by inspection or otherwise.
Warranty: No person employed by By Design North Devon & Exmoor has authority to make or give any representation or warranty in relation to this property.
Measurements: All measurements are approximate. Floor plans are for illustrative identification only and may not be to scale.
Photography: Photographs are provided for general information only and should not be assumed to include any items shown. Images are not materially altered but may be enhanced for marketing purposes (e.g. skies, twilight effects, digital staging).
Services: Services, systems, and appliances have not been tested and no guarantee of condition or functionality is given. Purchasers should satisfy themselves as to suitability and working order.
Due Diligence: Buyers are responsible for verifying matters such as flood risk, private drainage compliance, planning consents, covenants, and all other property-related details before viewing or incurring expense.
Availability: Properties may be withdrawn or sold at any time. Buyers should confirm availability and up-to-date information prior to viewing.
Money Laundering Regulations: In compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as amended), all purchasers must provide proof of identity, address, source, and proof of funds before any sale can be agreed. By Design North Devon & Exmoor use Credas, an FCA-regulated provider, to complete these checks. A fee of £50 excluding VAT per buyer applies. A secure link will be issued. The property status cannot be changed to Sold Subject to Contract or a Memorandum of Sale produced until all checks are satisfactorily completed.