Hexworthy, Princetown, Yelverton

Set deep within the breathtaking landscape of Dartmoor National Park, Thimble Hall is a rare and captivating thatched home offering remarkable history, space and versatility. The property comprises the main house, a detached annex, a detached granite barn and a double thatched garage, all set within beautifully arranged gardens.

Believed to date back to circa 1650, Thimble Hall began life as a modest wood store and barn before evolving over centuries into the enchanting four-bedroom residence seen today. Sensitive and thoughtful extensions have enhanced the original structure, creating two interconnected buildings that blend historic charm with modern comfort, including an entrance hall/boot room, ground floor WC and boiler room.

The heart of the home is the impressive kitchen, extending the full length of the original house. Bright, welcoming and surprisingly contemporary, it offers space for an intimate breakfast area and is fully equipped with an electric oven and gas hob. Dual-aspect windows frame glorious rural views while offering a charming glimpse of neighbouring farm life.

From here, the home flows into what was once a simple passageway, now transformed into a striking dining hall rich with original beams and centred around a magnificent fireplace. Stairs rise to the bedroom accommodation above, while a characterful door opens directly onto the garden.

A further doorway leads to the expansive drawing room — a room of real presence, with exposed beams, an original stone hearth and a commanding fireplace. Deep window sills reveal the thickness of the ancient walls, and views extend across the private walled garden beyond.

Upstairs, a charming hallway leads to three generous double bedrooms and a particularly spacious principal bedroom. Each room features distinctive ‘eyebrow’ windows offering intimate views over the garden. Thoughtfully fitted cupboards provide excellent storage throughout, while two stylish, contemporary bathrooms complete the accommodation, perfectly balancing heritage with modern living.

Outside, a private courtyard opens to the detached annex — a substantial brick-painted building with a tiled roof, solar panels, electric radiators and telephone connection. Flooded with natural light, it offers exceptional flexibility as a studio, home office, gym or guest space.

Alongside sits a truly remarkable granite barn, constructed entirely from Dartmoor stone without mortar and believed to have been built by Dartmoor prisoners over a century ago. Rich in history and character, it now serves as a practical and atmospheric storage building.

A few steps beyond stands the handsome double thatched garage, with large doors, an electric vehicle charging point and a sizeable window overlooking the garden.

The gardens themselves are a delight — thoughtfully divided into sheltered walled sections with secluded seating areas, productive growing spaces, a greenhouse and fruit cages, all offering peace, privacy and beautiful outlooks.

Thimble Hall is a home of rare character — where history, craftsmanship and Dartmoor beauty combine to create something truly special.

The Hamlet dates from around 1650 and was once inhabited by tenant farmers who were granted special rights to graze livestock within the Royal Forest of Dartmoor. The stone-built barns remain, alongside an old, still-inhabited farmhouse. The Ring O’ Bells House was formerly home to the Captain of the water-powered tin mine at Week Ford.

Today, tarmac roads lead towards Dartmeet and on to Ashburton (approximately 8 miles), with direct access to the A38 for Exeter and Plymouth. Princetown is around 6 miles away, and the market town of Tavistock lies approximately 11 miles distant, reached via a particularly scenic drive across the moor.

The school bus collects from the Forest Inn for Widecombe in the Moor Primary School, with additional bus services available for Stover School, Plymouth College, Exeter School, and Mount Kelly’s Prep and College in Tavistock.

Mainline train services to London and Cornwall run from Ivybridge, Totnes, and Newton Abbot.

Local amenities include The Forest Inn just 150 metres away in the hamlet of Hexworthy, and the Two Bridges Hotel approximately 5 miles away.

Nearby attractions include Venford Reservoir, Coombe Stone Tor with its superb walking and moorland views, St Raphael’s Church and Old School House (built in 1868) at Huccaby, and the Grade II listed Princetown Prison and Museum. Ashburton and Tavistock both offer a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants, and regular artisan markets.

Further highlights include Buckfast Abbey with its gardens, café and events, Pixielands at Dartmeet, River Dart Country Park near Ashburton, and the Butterfly and Otter Sanctuary at Buckfastleigh, adjacent to the seasonal steam railway.