Down in Devon, Richard Addington of Jackson-Stops in Exeter seeks ‘offers over £4.5m’ for Grade I-listed Bishops Court near Clyst St Mary, five miles from Exeter, aptly described by the Devon Gardens Trust as ‘an intensely Gothic mansion’ remodelled in 1860–64 by the Gothic Revival architect William White, who worked on Grade I-listed Dartington Hall near Totnes at about the same time.
At Bishops Court, he transformed a house of about 1800, which itself incorporated the remains of the most important medieval residence of the Bishops of Exeter, acquired in 1265 and used by them until 1546.
Set in more than 30 acres of parkland at the end of an imposing lime avenue, Bishops Court stands in open countryside above the valley of the River Clyst and comprises, in addition to the principal family living accommodation, five self-contained apartments.
There is also a Grade II-listed thatched gate lodge and the original medieval tithe barn and adjoining stable block, both listed Grade I.
The current owners of Bishops Court, who bought the draughty 11,796sq ft building in 2003, are artists and architects who have carried out their own sensitive, but practical restoration of the historic structure.
They have carefully updated the interior of the main house, which now boasts four main reception rooms, the former chapel and eight bedrooms, most of which have bathrooms en suite.
The former service wing has been converted into three self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments and two studios, all let on assured-shorthold tenancies, which, together with the Renewable Heat Incentive from the wonderfully efficient biomass boiler system, provide a substantial income stream.
Bishops Court is for sale through Jackson-Stops at £4.5 million — see more details and pictures.
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
Best houses for sale in Devon today, from country houses and cottages to a place within a Grade I-listed castle
We pick out some of the finest country houses for sale in Devon today.
-
Rust-free romance: hire a classic, not the headachesWant to drive a classic car, but don't fancy the headaches of ownership? Why not borrow one for a day and explore the most beautiful parts of England while you're at it.
-
Mastiffs: Gentle giants revered by Shakespeare, feared by thieves, adored by familiesThe mastiff is England’s gentle giant.
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country LifeOur regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul GettyChestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in BritainBressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interviewAfter many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can seeMellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
