VERSATILE GUEST HOUSE OFFERING WRITING RETREATS
SHEEPWASH, DEVON

A unique Guest House and business opportunity, currently offering Writing Retreats proving popular and lucrative with scope to grow and develop further, offering other retreats such as yoga, painting, or photography. New owners can continue with the existing format or alternatively simply offer Bed & Breakfast accommodation, the premises also suitable for that of a quintessential Tearoom, or even whole house self-catering Holiday Accommodation, both of which have been undertaken. Comprising fabulous 1600’s thatched character property steeped in history, set in grounds with driveway and courtyard offering ample car parking, additional detached 2 storey barn with adjoining studio/mini gym/toilet offering potential for self-contained detached dwelling or separate holiday let, attractive rear tranquil private enclosed lawned garden with summerhouse and offering distant countryside views. The main building is very versatile, currently configured to provide guest sitting room, dining room, and 5 individual letting rooms in addition to owners’ accommodation which can be self-contained, comprising snug/office, bedroom, utility room, and shower room with both guest and owners’ accommodation converging onto a modern comprehensively fitted kitchen. Previous servants’ accommodation in the huge loft could also be converted and used via the existing back staircase. A renowned destination business, established 2008, under current ownership approaching 10 years, reluctant sale due to living out of area and other commitments, considered ideal for full-time live-in owner operators. Currently offering fully catered retreats for writers, both just write and tutored courses (tutors hired in), typically lasting 4 days, and of late only 1 a month undertaken due to personal time commitments but could be weekly. Excellent reviews, superb social media following, and considerable established newsletter/database attracting guests from home and abroad, many returning on a regular basis.

LOCATION & AREA:

Situated at the heart of this picture postcard village, the epitome of the Devonshire village, with its cob and thatched properties, central village square, renowned Inn, church, and active village community, all surrounded by glorious countryside with winding country lanes, the perfect retreat for writers. The property overlooks the village square which also provides an abundance of free unrestricted car parking, and on the other side of it is the popular Half Moon Inn incorporating the community shop. Sheepwash lies in North Devon, on the Devon coast to coast cycle route, close to the river Torridge, approximately 9 miles south of Great Torrington, 10 miles east of Holsworthy, and 12 miles north of Okehampton with its railway station. The spectacular coastline associated with the North Devon and North Cornwall coastline are only a short drive.

PREMISES:

A character Grade II listed traditional thatched property dating back to the 1600’s arranged in an ‘L’ shape, benefiting from oil fired central heating. Main front entrance door opening to ENTRANCE HALLWAY, and leading off to one side is the SITTING ROOM, benefits from additional side entrance door, front aspect, window shutters, wooden flooring, feature fireplace incorporating wood burning stove, recessed shelving alcoves, and beams. Leading off to the other side of the entrance hallway is the DINING ROOM, front aspect, window shutters, wooden flooring, internal window to hallway. Inter-connects with rear KITCHEN, enjoys rear aspect over courtyard, feature flooring, beams, and double height vaulted ceiling with Velux roof window. Comprehensively fitted with modern work counter, island/breakfast bar unit, base and wall storage units, inset stainless steel sink unit, induction hob, double oven, and extractor with fireplace housing Rayburn cooker albeit not utilised. Leading off is a REAR LOBBY with Velux roof window, and internal window to dining room, provides storage space, also houses back door opening to the rear of the property and provides access to the owner’s accommodation.

LETTING ACCOMMODATION:

Situated on the FIRST FLOOR of the property, accessed via stairway situated in the sitting room, rises to ‘L’ shaped LANDING AREA, wooden flooring, STORAGE cupboard, airing cupboard, and from which all rooms lead off, the letting rooms benefiting from writing desks and tea/coffee making facilities.

HEWITT ROOM: - A double bedroom with side aspect, wooden flooring, and EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM fitted with shower cubicle, hand washbasin, and toilet.

DUFTY ROOM: - A double bedroom with side aspect.

MARTIN ROOM: - A double bedroom with front aspect, and EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM fitted with shower cubicle, hand washbasin, and toilet.

JONES ROOM: - A single bedroom with front aspect.

GEORGE ROOM: - A very large king bedroom, dual aspect to the front and rear of the property, feature beams, hand washbasin within the room, also houses door to stairway leading to former servant’s quarters situated within the roof space.

BATHROOM: - Feature wooden flooring and side aspect, fitted with bath having shower over, hand washbasin, toilet, and heated towel rail.

(None of the above appliances/systems have been tested and a purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the serviceability of these.)

OWNERS ACCOMMODATION:

Versatile and flexible, situated to the rear and to one side of the property, accessed from the either the rear lobby off the kitchen, or inner lobby off the main sitting room. Leading off this lobby is a SNUG/OFFICE, potentially another bedroom, side aspect, wood flooring. BEDROOM, a double with side aspect with potential to install an en-suite bath/shower room, fitted storage and window seat. A STORAGE AREA provides access to the UTILITY ROOM, overlooks courtyard, fitted work counter, plumbed for automatic washing machine, space for tumble dryer, inter-connects with SHOWER ROOM, window to courtyard, fitted with shower cubicle, hand washbasin, and toilet.

OUTSIDE:

To the rear of the property, DRIVEWAY offering CAR PARKING for 2 cars, 5 bar gate opens to COURTYARD offering additional CAR PARKING, and pedestrian access to the rear of the main property. The courtyard also provides an area of lawn with shrub borders and houses a newly installed oil tank in respect of the central heating. Centrally positioned is the 2 storey detached GRANARY BARN, provides traditional under croft STORAGE at ground floor level whilst at first floor and accessed independently is a WRITING ROOM which doubles up as a BEDROOM when required, offering peace and quiet with views over the rear garden to one side and views to the house the other side. Attached to the front of the barn is a covered STORAGE AREA and lockable GARDEN STORE, whilst attached to the side of the barn is the STUDIO, a versatile space, incorporates MINI GYM, benefiting from patio doors to both ends enabling you to walk through from the courtyard to the rear garden, also offers some STORAGE, and benefits from CLOAKROOM fitted with toilet and hand washbasin. Subject to obtaining the necessary consents it is considered the barn and studio could potentially be converted to form alternative detached owners’ accommodation or holiday letting accommodation. Beyond the barn is the main GARDEN AREA, fully enclosed, predominantly laid to lawn, containing SUMMER HOUSE benefiting light and power, the garden enjoying distant countryside views ensuring it remains a pleasant place in which to sit.

BUSINESS:

A respected business acquired by the vendor in 2017 having attended a writing retreat, only now reluctantly offered for sale due to time constraints associated with an alternative career and family commitments which has now resulted in living out of the area a considerable distance away, the business would ideally suit full time working owners/occupiers. Offering fully catered retreats for writers to improve their skills, from ‘Just Write’ retreats to fully tutored of varying levels. The retreats are typically 4 days, running from Monday to Friday, weekdays being preferred by writers rather than weekends, offering opportunities for new owners should they wish to do traditional bed and breakfast accommodation at the busy weekends. A register of tutors is held who are booked accordingly, the business also covering the cost of their accommodation which is normally in the adjacent inn with whom an excellent business working relationship is maintained. The writers benefit from self-service breakfast, light lunch, and evening meal comprising home from home cooking albeit often preceded by wine o’clock with everyone meeting in the sitting room for pre-dinner drinks. A comprehensive website is maintained advertising retreats available – to include YouTube videos of the property and rooms, additionally an excellent social media presence is maintained on Facebook and Instagram with some 2,800 and 1,000 followers respectively. The business commands an excellent reputation, attracting writers from all over the country and from abroad, several returning on a regular basis.

TRADING HOURS:

Currently the business only offers retreats once a month, Monday to Friday, albeit previously weekly retreats were available. Additionally, the premises operated as a Tearoom on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

STAFF:

Operated by the sole vendor albeit with the vendor living out of the area some housekeeping and gardening assistance is sought. The business could easily be operated by full time working owners/occupiers.

TAKINGS:

Income reflects the low level on which the business is currently operated, typically only one retreat per month hosted due to the other commitments of the vendor, and as such takings typically amount to between £50,000 and £60,000. In respect of the financial year ended 5th April 2025 Income amounted to £55,667 which included £3,243 from the holiday letting of the property. Considerable scope exists to build on these income levels, especially through additional retreats, pricing per person for a 4 day retreat ranging from just over £500 for a just write retreat to just over £800 for a tutored retreat. In respect of whole house self-catering accommodation, the property is available through Cottages.com, whereby weekly income of up to £3,000 per week can be achieved during the peak summer months.

COMMENTS:

The sale of The Court and Retreats For You provides an opportunity to acquire a spacious and versatile landmark character property occupying a lucrative trading position at the centre of a popular village surrounded by stunning countryside. Coupled with this is an established highly regarded business which lends itself to further development through the introduction of additional retreats for which good demand would be anticipated such is the reputation of the business. Alternatively, new owners may just wish to trade as a traditional Guest House establishment offering Bed & Breakfast with the option to also trade as a Tearoom. Furthermore, should new owners not require accommodation themselves then the property proves ideal as a whole house self-catering holiday let. Viewing is recommended to appreciate the size and nature of the property and the opportunities it offers.

KEY INFORMATION:

AGENTS NOTE: This is a business for sale as a going concern, not an empty premises for sale or let.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: In order to release further information on the business – such as the accounts, we require you to complete a short online non-disclosure form. Please contact our office and we will provide full instructions and assist where required.

REFERENCE NUMBER: H37010N

OPENING HOURS: Currently the business only offers retreats once a month, Monday to Friday, albeit previously weekly retreats were available. Additionally, the premises operated as a Tearoom on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

TENURE: Freehold.

RATES PAYABLE: As of 1st April 2026, the premises carry a Rateable Value of £2,550 enabling 100% Business Rate Relief to be obtained resulting in the amount payable being Nil.

This information has been provided to us by the vendor and any interested party is advised to enquire of the local authority to check the position with regards to business rates that will apply to a new owner.

STAFF: Operated by the sole vendor albeit with the vendor living out of the area some housekeeping and gardening assistance is sought. The business could easily be operated by full time working owners/occupiers.

PRICE: £599,000 for the benefit of the Freehold and Goodwill, with Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment available by separate negotiation.

VIEWING: Viewing is strictly by appointment only. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule a time that suits you.

FINANCE: If you require assistance with business financing or commercial mortgages (subject to eligibility), we may be able to help. Let us know if you would like our support, and we will gladly put you in touch with our recommended whole-of-market broker.

BUSINESS TO SELL: Thinking of selling your business? That’s our specialty. If you’re curious about its value, we offer a free, confidential valuation service. Simply pick the day and time that work best for you, and we will provide an honest, professional assessment. Feel free to get in touch with our office at your convenience to book an appointment.

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DISCLAIMER:

1. MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS: Prospective buyers will be required to provide identification documentation and proof of funding during the purchasing process. Cooperation is appreciated to ensure the sale proceeds without unnecessary delays.

2. PARTICULARS: While we strive to ensure all information is accurate and reliable, it serves as a general guide only. Should any particular details be of special importance, please contact us so we can verify the information before you travel to view.

3. MEASUREMENTS: Provided room sizes are approximate and intended solely for general guidance. Prospective buyers are advised to independently verify all measurements to ensure accuracy.

4. SERVICES: Please note we have not tested the services or any of the equipment or appliances.