An incredibly rare chance to buy your own Iron Age hillfort with 'significant archaeological, conservational and ecological value'
Your eyes do not deceive you. Upon first glance, the ancient monument known as Hembury Fort Cross could well be mistaken as just a verdant hilly slope coated in trees. However, there's a lot more to it than first meets the eye.

Granted, buyers searching specifically for an Iron Age hillfort may be scarce. Maybe you didn't even know you were a buyer searching specifically for an Iron Age hillfort until now. Maybe you didn't know what a hillfort (or 'hill fort' if you prefer— both terms are used) was until now; you wouldn't be alone. Either way, Hembury Fort Cross is sure to cause intrigue.
It's certainly not the normal sort of thing you'll see on the property portals, not least because there is no form of dwelling included within the 38.8-acre area at Hembury Fort Cross, near Honiton, Devon, which is currently on the market via Savills at a guide price of £100,000. But digging a little deeper unearths a fascinating history.
Agents Savills have delved into Historic England's scholarly pages for their research, describing hillforts as being amongst 'the most striking of all archaeological monuments in England.' Many were built and occupied during the period from about 900 to 100 BC, at a time when our island was divided into numerous tribal territories. Hillforts were well-defended settlements, ancient earthworks made up of defensive banks.
And as hillforts go, Hembury Fort Cross is up there with the best, according to its Historic England listing: it's in 'exceptionally good condition' with a 'well defined circuit of defences' causing the site to have huge archaeological significance and importance.
This particular hill fort was constructed on the site of a far older site, a former Neolithic causewayed enclosure (no shame in googling that one, though this link will save you the bother) that's between seven and eleven thousand years old. The hillfort also played a role beyond the Iron Age, being occupied by the Roman Army in 1st century AD.
The site, which is part of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has been managed since 2014 by Natural England's Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, under which works have been carried out in order to preserve and transform the fort, including the biodiversity and landscape value of the site as a whole.
Penny Dart, who is overseeing the marketing of Hembury Fort Cross for Savills' Exeter office, points out the unusual nature of the listing. 'It is incredibly rare for a site of such importance to reach the open market,' she says.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
'A significant heritage asset, the landscape is also rich in ecological and environmental value. From the open heathland ridge, which offers outstanding views over Dartmoor and the south coast, mature woodland slopes away, providing fascinating woodland walks and a diverse habitat for interesting flora and fauna. It is a fascinating opportunity.’
Fascinating is the word. The south-facing heathland climbs up to a 240-metre high ridge (that's one way to keep your neighbours away), with woodland walks through an area that is a diverse habitat for plants and wildlife.
Yes, it is a bit random — and certainly niche. But when else will you get the chance to say that you own an ancient defence monument?
Hembury Fort Cross is currently for sale via Savills at a guide price of £100,000 — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details. Further information can also be found here.
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
An incredibly rare chance to buy one of the most beautiful stretches of river in Britain (and one that's teeming with fish)
Two striking beats on the River Tay, Dunkeld House Water and the Newtyle Water, have come to the market. Carla
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
-
Which of Henry VIII's wives was just 19 when she died? And nine more brainteasers in the Quiz of the Day
How much is that house? What's that crazy picture? And which of Henry VIII's wives was youngest when she died? It's all here in Tuesday's Country Life Quiz of the Day.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How the high street can change for the better
The high street might not be dying, but it's definitely changing and in some places, it's changing for the better. So, what can the centre of town in the 21st century look like?
By Lucy Denton Published
-
A 17th century country house estate for sale in Yorkshire that's not too big and not too small
Take a look inside one of the finest private houses in the north of England that's perfectly manageable as a family house.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Two-thirds of us buy a house and immediately set about refurbishing it
We spend more buying our houses than on anything else in our lives — yet the first thing we do on moving in is set about changing the place. Annabel Dixon takes a look at what we do and why.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Dawn Chorus: Audrey Hepburn’s Swiss villa hits the market for £17 million and research reveals that looking at art can, quite literally, help you live longer
Everything you need to know today: The Swiss home that Audrey Hepburn lived in for 30 years prior to her death is for sale, those who regularly engage with art have a 31% lower risk of dying early and an iconic Palm Beach hotel teams up with interior designer Ashley Hicks.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Five beautiful homes for sale around Britain, as seen in Country Life
By Toby Keel Published
-
On Devon's Saunton Sands, the future is Ferndown
This modern masterpiece, for sale with Savills, boasts 12,000sq ft of luxury contemporary living with beach views.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A fairytale castle peeking above the treetops of Cumbria is for sale at just £2 million
Augill Castle has a wonderful backstory and a lifestyle business attached. .Annunciata Elwes tells more.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A Paragraph 80 house hidden in the rich woodlands of Wadebridge
By its very definition, Trehytte will be a five-bedroom home of 'exceptional quality' built to the 'highest architectural standards'. It could be yours.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Interiors that inspire in a four-bedroom cottage in Hertfordshire
Come for the Grade II-listed family home an hour from Central London, stay for the interior-design inspiration.
By James Fisher Last updated