Having grown up and lived in Membland for over 20 years, I knew it would only be a matter of time before this little hamlet would be out for the world to discover.
It is a glorious pocket of the south hams, close enough to the twinned villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo to enjoy the River Yealm and the pubs, yet perfectly situated just under a mile away so that when the August bank holiday chaos descends, you can feel smug knowing you are comfortably removed from the crowds — yet still within walking distance of the coast path and local beaches.
The area has barely changed over the years and properties like Dovecote House very rarely come up for sale.
On the market via Marchand Petit with a guide price of £1.25 million, the handsome house really has it all: Plenty of flexible accommodation space with large rooms and lots of lovely features — think aged oak floorboards, wood burners and sleek appliances.
Described as being part of buildings that were ‘formerly stables to Membland Hall’, Grade II-listed Dovecote House owes its existence to the banker Edward Baring, later Lord Revelstoke, who purchased the estate circa 1877.
The initials ‘ECB’ (Edward Charles Baring) are inscribed on many of the buildings within the hamlet, and each played a vital role in the running of the estate, from the laundry house and clock tower, to charming forge and former game keeper’s cottage.
Dovecote is situated down a quiet lane, within a sheltered, mature garden of about two-thirds of an acre. A large gravel pathway leads up to the substantial house, surrounding which are well-maintained lawns and two large patio areas that are perfect for al fresco gin and tonics.
It offers five bedrooms in total, two of which can be separated to form a self-contained annexe which provides lucrative holiday-letting potential. There’s also a wonderful attic space which could double up as a yoga/pilates studio.
The kitchen overlooks a private rear courtyard, off from which is a self-contained home office/studio.
Nearby Newton Ferrers and its twin Noss Mayo offer a range of amenities. In Newton Ferrers you’ll find a popular yacht club, The Dolphin Inn, a pharmacy, art gallery, post office, butchers, co-op and The Green — a new deli/café. There’s also a local primary school and parish church.
Over the water in Noss (which can be accessed at low tide via a walkway called the ‘voss’) are two great riverside pubs: The Swan Inn and the Ship Inn, plus another church.
In the summer, the village comes alive with the River Yealm Regatta which sees the whole community come together to compete in rowing, sailing, swimming and sporting events. The South West coast path wraps around the area providing many beautiful walks with lots of secret bays and coves to discover.
There are, naturally, lots of wonderful beaches and other delights to be found here, but everyone knows that the best-kept secrets are the ones that remain, well...just that.
Dovecote House is currently on the market via Marchand Petit with a guide price of £1.25 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agents for further details.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
Thomas Cook: The travel agent who changed the world, and the house his descendants live in to this daySennowe Park in Norfolk is the home of Charles and Virginia Temple-Richards, the descendants of trailblazing travel agent Thomas Cook. Oliver Gerrish looks at the travel business that funded and informed the renovation of this extraordinary Edwardian country house.
-
Art saved for the nation? Not enough, it would seemThe recent publication of a report on export control of art from the UK makes depressing reading.
-
Everything the light touches… The London penthouse for sale that will make you feel like a kingThe Observatory in London’s Fulham boasts 360-degree views of the capital.
-
This converted mill is the epitome of bucolic beauty and its grounds were masterminded by one of the finest garden designers alive todayHunworth Mill is the very picture of bucolic bliss, with exquisite gardens created by Arne Maynard.
-
Yes to padel, no to swimming pools: How to attract a new generation to the countrysideYoung parents are leaving the city earlier than in previous years, according to new research. What are they looking for?
-
A country house for sale that's had a century and a half of blood, sweat and tears poured into itGeneration after generation has lovingly restored Little Onn — and their efforts have paid off in fine style.
-
Papple your wick at this elegant Georgian home in Nottinghamshire which used to be part of an Augustine MonasteryThe Grade-I listed estate is on the market with Strutt & Parker — set in more than 10 acres, it comes with four cottages and a rather grand spiral staircase.
-
Hide from your hay fever in a larch-clad Passive House in Surrey designed by an award-winning architectHeron House might cost more than a pack of Piriteze, but it does come with three bedrooms and you'll save a fortune on bills.
-
This Cornish country home comes with barn, a burial mound, a piggery and a 700-year-old cottageHelland House is a wonderful country home in one of the most sought-after spots in Cornwall, and it's for sale for only the fourth time in the last 300 years.
-
So you want to buy a ruined castle? Here's what you need to knowBuying a property that includes a ruin — whether it be a castle, ancient priory or a crumbling Roman villa — carries undoubted romance, but there are caveats.
