Country houses for sale

A ‘truly magical place’ that’s ‘one of the jewels in the South Hams crown’ has come to the market near Dartmouth

Penny Churchill shares this 'truly magical place', which was originally a cider press and orchard.

Buyers looking for a quiet rustic retreat close to the sea might consider Worden House, near Dartmouth, which dates from the 16th-century. Originally a cider press and orchard, it was a proper working farm until the year 2000, when it was sold as a family home.

The Grade II listed former farmhouse us set in 6½ acres. Credit: Savills

Now on the market at a guide price of £5m through the South Hams office of Savills, the Grade II-listed former farmhouse, set in 6½ acres of gardens, paddocks and an olive grove of 160 trees shipped in from Andalusia, has been transformed by its owners into ‘a truly magical place — one of the jewels in the South Hams crown’, enthuses selling agent Sarah-Jane Bingham-Chick.

Worden House, near Dartmouth.

Currently run as a successful high-end holiday let, but equally suited to family living and entertaining, Worden House is located on a quiet lane between Dartmouth and the Blackpool Valley; a nearby bridleway makes a pleasant walk to the beach at Blackpool Sands, a mile or so away.

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The property features a Moroccan-style steam room and sauna and an indoor swimming pool. Credit: Savills

There is more than a touch of the Mediterranean in the generous, well-proportioned accommodation on three floors, which includes a galleried entrance hall with a high vaulted ceiling, a large kitchen/living room, with access to the heated dining terrace and croquet lawn, and a separate commercial kitchen next to the dining room at the heart of the house.

The house enjoys generous, well-proportioned accommodation. Credit: Savills

The first floor houses six luxurious bedroom suites, with two further suites in the guest cottage. The lower ground floor comprises a large living area with a bar, cinema/games room, a Moroccan-style steam room and sauna and an indoor swimming pool.

There are several outbuildings. Credit: Savills

A range of traditional outbuildings includes a party barn that could double as a home office or children’s den and outdoor amenities include an AstroTurf tennis court and an outdoor pool.

Worden House is on the market at a guide price of £5m through Savills

Dartmouth, Devon: What you need to know

  • Location: Worden House is located on a quiet lane between Dartmouth and Blackpool Valley, which leads to the pretty coastal village of Stoke Fleming. The nearby town of Totnes, 12 miles away, offers a mainline rail link to London Paddington in under three hours.
  • Atmosphere: Stoke Fleming has a popular pub, village store/post office, bistro/wine bar and primary school. The larger town of Dartmouth offers a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants as well as a cinema, leisure centre, primary and senior schools and the beautiful River Dart Estuary.
  • Things to do: Outdoor enthusiasts are well-suited to the area, which lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A bridleway is easily accessed from the house which leads to the beach at Blackpool Sands, just over a mile away.
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