Monkleigh, Bideford, Devon, EX39

An exceptionally versatile country estate, thoughtfully curated and successfully operated in recent years as an exclusive holiday retreat and prestigious wedding venue.

LOCATION AND LIFESTYLE

The estate enjoys a peaceful rural setting while remaining conveniently positioned for local amenities, the North Devon coastline and the area’s principal towns.

The village of Monkleigh is approximately 1.5 miles away, while Bideford and Great Torrington provide a broad range of shops, supermarkets, schools, healthcare facilities and everyday services.

The highly regarded coastal villages of Instow and Appledore are both within approximately seven miles. Instow is known for its wide sandy beach, relaxed waterfront atmosphere, exceptional sunsets and popular pubs and restaurants. Across the estuary, historic Appledore is characterised by colourful cottages, narrow streets and a bustling quay, together with independent shops, cafés, galleries and acclaimed places to eat.

The three-mile sandy beach at Westward Ho! is also within easy reach, adjoining Northam Burrows Country Park and the historic Royal North Devon Golf Club. The wider coastline offers outstanding walking, surfing, sailing and outdoor recreation, while the nearby Tarka Trail provides miles of traffic-free walking and cycling.

Barnstaple, approximately 12.5 miles away, is North Devon’s principal commercial centre and provides access to the A361 North Devon Link Road, connecting with the M5 and the national road network.

Communications – The area is readily accessible via Junction 27 of the M5 motorway, connecting to the A361 North Devon Link Road and onward to the A39 Atlantic Highway, providing convenient road links to the wider region and beyond.
Rail services are available from Barnstaple, offering connections to Exeter. From there, mainline services provide onward travel nationwide. Alternatively, Tiverton Parkway, approximately 43 miles away (just over an hour’s drive), offers direct services to London in just over two hours.

Mileages

Monkleigh – 1.5 miles
Great Torrington – 5 miles
Bideford – 3 miles
Westward Ho! Beach – 6 miles
Instow - 6 miles
Appledore - 6.5 miles
Barnstaple – 12.5 miles

The Property – An exceptional opportunity to acquire a fully formed 24-acre North Devon country estate offering a scale of accommodation, leisure facilities and commercial potential rarely available at this price point. Bringing together a substantial nine-bedroom Victorian manor house, four self-contained cottages, nine secluded woodland lodges, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and an impressive oak-framed barn with glasshouse and commercial kitchen, the estate presents an extraordinary opportunity for private, multi-generational, hospitality or investment use.

Previously operated as an exclusive holiday retreat and events venue, the property combines extensive accommodation with established leisure and commercial infrastructure. It is now offered with vacant possession and no onward chain, providing a new owner with the freedom to shape its next chapter, subject to any necessary consents.

The estate also benefits from an accredited biomass heating system. Historic Renewable Heat Incentive payments have been in the region of £30,000 per annum, paid quarterly, with the current 20-year tariff term understood to continue until 14 March 2034. The remaining accreditation may be transferred to a purchaser, subject to Ofgem’s change-of-ownership procedure, continued scheme compliance and confirmation of the precise terms.

THE ESTATE

Set within approximately 24 acres of mature woodland, gardens and open grounds, the estate has been thoughtfully arranged to combine privacy, accessibility and operational efficiency.

At its heart is the substantial early Victorian manor house, extending to more than 5,000 sq. ft. and offering three principal reception rooms, a kitchen, games room and nine bedrooms served by eight bath or shower rooms.

The house retains the character and presence of a traditional country residence while providing generous and adaptable accommodation suitable for family occupation, guest accommodation or exclusive-use hospitality.

THE COTTAGES

Four self-contained cottages provide valuable additional accommodation suitable for extended family, guests, staff or holiday use.

The Lodge offers three double bedrooms, including a principal bedroom with an en-suite wet room, together with a spacious sitting and dining room, separate kitchen and family bathroom.

Goodison Cottage provides three-bedroom accommodation, Stackstead Cottage offers two bedrooms and Baytree Cottage provides a further one-bedroom property.

Each cottage benefits from its own private outdoor seating or garden area, together with easy access to the indoor and outdoor swimming-pool facilities.

THE WOODLAND LODGES

Nine timber self-contained holiday lodges are discreetly positioned within the estate’s mature woodland, creating a peaceful and private setting immersed in nature.

The lodges have historically contributed to the estate’s income stream and offer continued potential for holiday accommodation, wellbeing retreats and other leisure or hospitality uses, subject to the relevant arrangements and consents.

LEISURE AND EVENTS FACILITIES

A spectacular oak-framed barn with an adjoining contemporary glasshouse and fully equipped commercial kitchen provides an impressive and highly versatile centrepiece.

Created to accommodate gatherings, dining and celebrations, these substantial spaces could support a wide variety of future concepts, including exclusive-use hospitality, wellness retreats, corporate events, workshops, creative activities or private entertaining.

The glasshouse enjoys an abundance of natural light and creates a memorable setting overlooking the surrounding grounds.

The estate is further enhanced by both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, adding considerable appeal for private residential, holiday and leisure use.

GARDENS, GROUNDS AND WOODLAND

The estate extends to approximately 24 acres and includes landscaped gardens, informal grounds and substantial areas of mature woodland.

The varied landscape provides an attractive and private setting for the manor house and additional accommodation, with opportunities for woodland walks, recreation and outdoor activities.

There is extensive on-site parking for approximately 60 vehicles.

AN ESTATE OF EXCEPTIONAL POSSIBILITY

Few properties offer this combination of a substantial country house, independent cottages, woodland accommodation, established leisure facilities, commercial entertaining spaces and approximately 24 acres in such an accessible location.

Whether envisioned as a magnificent private estate, multi-generational home, luxury retreat, holiday destination or commercial leisure venture, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a distinctive North Devon estate with the infrastructure, accommodation and flexibility to support an entirely new future.

Offered with vacant possession and no onward chain.

The accommodation, with approximate dimensions more clearly identified on the accompanying floorplans, comprises:
The Manor – The elegant Victorian manor house extends to over 5,000 sq. ft. and offers beautifully proportioned accommodation arranged over two floors. The layout comprises three principal reception rooms, kitchen and a games room with nine bedrooms, served by eight bath/shower rooms.

Period features are well preserved and include high ceilings, large sash windows flooding the interiors with natural light, original fireplaces and exposed floorboards. A particularly attractive feature is the sweeping veranda, wrapping around two elevations and perfectly positioned to enjoy the far-reaching countryside views.

The manor lends itself equally well to use as a substantial private residence or as principal accommodation supporting a wider hospitality or events venture.

The Cottages – Positioned to the side and rear of the manor house, four individual cottages provide well-appointed, self-contained accommodation. Each benefits from its private patio areas of garden or seating areas, together with access to the indoor swimming pool facilities.

The Lodge – A single-storey cottage offering a generous sitting/dining room, separate kitchen, three double bedrooms (the principal bedroom with en-suite wet room) and a family bathroom.

Goodison – A two-storey cottage comprising an entrance hall, cloakroom and an open-plan sitting room and kitchen opening into a full-width conservatory. To the first floor are two double bedrooms (one en-suite), a twin bedroom and a family bathroom. The second bedroom enjoys access to a balcony with countryside views.

Stackstead – Adjoining Goodison, this two-storey cottage provides comfortable accommodation with an outdoor seating area. The ground floor features an open-plan kitchen and sitting room with wood-burning stove leading into a full-width conservatory, together with a cloakroom. On the first floor are two double bedrooms, both with en-suite facilities.

Bay Tree Cottage – A single-storey cottage situated to the rear of the manor, benefiting from its own private garden and seating area. The accommodation includes an open-plan sitting/dining room with kitchen area, wood-burning stove and feature well, together with a double bedroom and en-suite shower room.

Goodison/Stackstead/Bay Tree Cottage all have patio/seating areas onto the Victorian Walled garden.

Woodland Lodges – Set within approximately 20 acres of ancient woodland, a collection of nine luxury woodland lodges offer a secluded and immersive countryside experience. Designed to provide privacy and tranquillity, each lodge includes a kitchenette, bathroom, double bedroom and outdoor fire pit.

These lodges are well suited to the thriving short-stay holiday market and represent an established, ready-made income stream, whilst also complementing the estate’s wider hospitality offering.

The Beacon & Glasshouse – The striking oak-framed barn – known as The Beacon – forms the centrepiece of the events and leisure facilities and sets the estate apart as a destination venue. The main space is open plan, with soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and bi-fold doors opening onto surrounding terraces and lawns. The barn can accommodate approximately 120 seated guests, with capacity increased when incorporating the external areas (220 total capacity).
Adjoining The Beacon, the contemporary Glasshouse enhances the versatility of the space, providing additional capacity suitable for celebrations, wellness retreats, workshops or private functions.

The building is currently configured to support external caterers and includes a bar area, chiller room, commercial kitchen, WC facilities and storage.

The Sundial Ceremony Area – A stunning area enjoying panoramic countryside views with a hand built oak pergola. It is the ideal place for a wedding ceremony.
Office – Located at the entrance to the estate is a detached timber lodge currently utilised as an administrative office and reception point for guests, with an adjoining store.

Income & Lifestyle Potential – Opportunities of this scale and flexibility are seldom available. The estate offers genuine multi-faceted potential – whether as a substantial private home with income, a multi-generational family holding, a reinstated wedding and events venue, or a lifestyle-led hospitality enterprise or a very impressive and diverse holiday complex.

It is also understood that initial plans were discussed about creating a café/bistro using The Beacon & Glasshouse which would offer further potential (STP).

Multiple revenue streams are possible, including destination weddings with on-site accommodation, self-catering holiday cottages, woodland lodge retreats, wellness programmes, creative workshops and private hire events – all within a highly desirable North Devon setting.

Outside – The estate extends to just over 24 acres, combining beautifully maintained formal gardens surrounding the manor and cottages with expansive areas of ancient woodland, rich in wildlife and natural beauty. The grounds are designed to complement entertaining and events, while offering a sense of privacy and seclusion. The land stretches to the River Torridge.
A number of practical outbuildings support the estate, including a woodland store serving the lodges and a separate structure housing the biomass boiler.

Property Information

Services – Mains electricity and water. Private drainage. Heating via biomass boiler which also generates an income via an RHI grant of circa £30,000 per annum with 6 years remaining.

Local Authority – Torridge District Council – .

Contents, Fixtures and Fittings – Only those mentioned within this brochure are included in the sale. All others, such as light fittings, mirrors, garden ornaments etc. are specifically excluded, but are available by separate negotiation.

Agent’s Note – It is understood that there is a public lane that runs through a section of the woodland, which is only accessible for a few local properties and seldom used.

Viewing – By appointment with Jackson-Stops, North Devon .

For sale by private treaty with vacant possession upon completion.

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EPC Rating: E

Directions – From Barnstaple, take the A39 towards Bideford and continue to the traffic lights just before Bideford Bridge. Turn right, following signs for East-the-Water, Instow and Yelland, and proceed to the roundabout. Turn left towards Bideford, and at the next roundabout, turn right over the Old Bideford Bridge.

At the following roundabout, turn left along the river, then at the next mini-roundabout take the first exit onto the A386 towards Great Torrington. Continue along this road to the village of Landcross then take the right-hand turn signposted for Monkleigh and Holsworthy. Continue for approximately 0.6 miles until you reach the entrance to Beaconside on the left.