Newhouse Hill, Bickington, TQ12

INTRODUCTION

Commanding a magnificent position between Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon coast, Bickington Barton is an exceptional 16th-century grade II listed country residence that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern rural living. Set within just over six acres of glorious Devon countryside, this distinguished property offers a rare lifestyle opportunity — combining character, versatility, and breathtaking views in equal measure.

Beautifully presented, the main house retains a wealth of period features, from exposed beams and granite fireplaces to graceful proportions throughout. The grounds encompass a range of traditional barns, a stable block, and a former piggery, presenting exciting potential for equestrian use or a thriving smallholding. With ample space and privacy, the property also lends itself to multi-generational living or guest accommodation, with scope to create an impressive annex or holiday retreat (subject to planning consents).

Peacefully positioned on the edge of a charming rural village, Bickington Barton enjoys an idyllic countryside setting, offering an unparalleled Devon lifestyle of comfort, heritage, and natural beauty.

HISTORY

With roots reaching deep into England’s early history, Bickington Barton occupies land first settled during the Saxon era and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The property forms part of a rich rural heritage, in the company of other period homes and barn conversions, all built around the 15th-century village church — a timeless setting that has evolved gracefully through the centuries.

Once owned by the Bickford family, a name long associated with local prosperity, the estate bears a proud connection to William Bickford, inventor of the pioneering Safety Fuse in 1831 — a creation that transformed the mining industry by drastically improving safety of the miners.

Many of the home’s original architectural features remain beautifully preserved, including granite pillars and fireplaces, and an exquisite plank-and-muntin screen, each echoing the craftsmanship of a bygone age.

The surrounding landscape tells its own story. Just down the lane, The Dartmoor Halfway Inn recalls a time when farmers transporting livestock to coastal market ports would rest overnight — drawn by the fertile land and natural wells that sustained travellers and animals alike. Today, gazing across the rolling fields, it is easy to imagine the scene centuries ago — animals grazing on the same rich pasture and the enduring rhythm of rural Devon life continuing much as it always has.

STEP INSIDE

Granite pillars herald the entrance to Bickington Barton, inviting you into a home where history and character are woven into every detail. Upon entering, the reception room immediately impresses, featuring a large fireplace, wooden flooring, and a window overlooking the picturesque garden, complete with fitted wooden shutters. A beautifully preserved plank-and-muntin screen adds further historic charm, creating a welcoming space that truly oozes character.

Adjoining the reception room, a cozy snug offers an intimate retreat, with its own fireplace and traditional window shutters, perfect for quiet evenings.

The living room is a statement of grandeur and warmth, boasting parquet flooring and another impressive fireplace with a feature inset arch to the side which the current owners , decorate with seasoned logs. A door from the living room leads directly to an external porch, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living.

The kitchen is a bright, inviting heart of the home, designed around space for a central kitchen table, ideal for family gatherings. Solid oak worktops and wooden units frame an electric AGA with electric module, complemented by a bespoke mantel. Original granite flooring and marble tops surrounding the sink lend timeless elegance.

Adjacent, a utility room — originally the kitchen — provides practical washing facilities and leads to a spacious pantry housing large electric batteries (available by negotiation). The property also includes a boot room, with a range of units, ideal as kitchen overspill plus access to the rear courtyard so ideal for bringing in dirty boots and pets. A cloakroom adds convenience with attractive tiled flooring linking to the boot room.

Ascending to the upper floors, the property offers six generously proportioned bedrooms, arranged around a split-level landing that reflects the home’s historic character.

The main bedroom is a particularly impressive space, once likely two separate rooms, now offering a spacious retreat complete with a modern ensuite, dressing room, and breathtaking views across the surrounding Devon countryside.

Five of the bedrooms enjoy stunning vistas, with windows overlooking the front and side of the house and the sweeping landscape beyond. To the rear of the house is a highly versatile space easily serving as a self-contained annex, with a large bedroom, adjoining sitting space, ensuite bathroom, and a private entrance from the courtyard, ideal for guests, extended family, or potential rental use. The main bathroom is elegantly appointed, featuring a sunken bath, and wooden flooring.

SELLERS INSIGHT

“When we first discovered Bickington Barton, we instantly fell in love with its rural tranquillity and timeless charm. We wanted something that felt truly remote — surrounded by countryside and nature — yet still close enough to everyday life. Here, we found that perfect balance. The house is just minutes from everything — the moors, the coast, and nearby towns — yet when you arrive, it feels as though you’re miles from anywhere.

As a family, we needed to be near good schools and local amenities, and honestly, we didn’t think we’d find somewhere that offered both practicality and seclusion. Then we found Bickington Barton — and it changed everything. It’s so quiet and private, and the setting has given us a lifestyle we only ever dreamed of.

We always wanted to try our hand at a smallholding, especially while the children were young enough to enjoy it, and this property gave us the confidence to do just that. It’s given us all a new lease of life — fresh air, space, and the joy of living in tune with the land.

We adore the character and history of the house. It’s incredible to think of the generations who have lived here before us, and the many centuries of stories within these walls. Every quirky feature — from the granite pillars to the old plank-and-muntin screen — adds to its charm, and we’ve loved every single one of them.

As the children grew, the space here has been a blessing — everyone has room to spread out without ever feeling on top of each other. The bedroom at the rear has been ideal for visiting family and later became a perfect space for our eldest son, giving him independence while still keeping him close.

Outside there are no limitations, life flows easily between swimming in the pool during summer, lounging or working in the garden, or tending to the animals year-round. Living here has brought us such a healthy, balanced way of life, and we’ll always be grateful for the years we’ve spent as part of this incredible home’s story. Now, it’s time for someone else to fall in love with Bickington Barton and make their own story.”

STEP OUTSIDE

The front of Bickington Barton is approached via a private driveway, offering ample parking and a five-bar gate leading to the yard. A detached barn provides versatile storage and features an undercroft. Stone walling surrounds the garden, which is accessed via a picturesque gate leading to the front door. Multiple seating areas have been created to take full advantage of the stunning surrounding views, with raised decking offering a perfect vantage point to enjoy sunsets across the valley. The garden itself is beautifully maintained, with a lush lawn, mature trees, and a variety of sunlit spaces for relaxation.

A gate from the garden leads to the heated swimming pool, powered by an air source heat pump, with a stone-built pump house tucked discreetly behind. Another gate opens into a secret walled garden, providing a private retreat enclosed by ancient stone walls.

The rear of the property is highly practical, featuring a courtyard with direct access to the utility room, ideal for pets. A rear concreted yard connects to a listed former piggery, retaining cobbled flooring, original granite troughs, and visible runs where piglets would have moved from each sow — a rare and evocative glimpse into the property’s agricultural past.

Stone-built stables comprise four spacious boxes and a tack room, all fitted with lighting, concrete troughs, and a water supply. Attached is a large workshop, with an upper floor hayloft providing additional barn space with level access to the rear yard.

A fully fenced field lies behind the property, offering breathtaking views of Haytor Rocks and the village church, there is also an area of woodland and a large space, formally a substantial vegetable garden.

The remainder of the land includes a large field to the south, with additional gated access from the lane, making the estate ideal for smallholding, equestrian pursuits, or leisure activities, while preserving total privacy and the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside.

Parking - Driveway

The private driveway provides parking for numerous vehicles. A five bar gate leads to vehicular access onto the yard for additional parking and farm vehicles.