Making the move out to the country means different things to different people. Some are looking for a little more space, but keeping easy access to the nearest City; some are looking to throw themselves into village life, in a cottage at the heart of a thriving community. And some are looking for a touch of self-sufficiency. Those in the latter bracket will be excited to see a farmstead for sale in the heart of the undulating Exmoor National Park, which — in the words of the agents — offers a ‘unique opportunity to immerse in serene countryside living.’
Higher Eastcott Farm, near Withiel Florey, Somerset, spans 44 acres and has potential as a family home, equestrian centre and more. It is on the market via Knight Frank for £2,400,000.
The ‘much-loved’ five-bedroom farmhouse has a homely, country feel to it, with open fireplaces and cosy rooms.
There’s more space than might first appear from the outside. On the ground floor, there’s a drawing room, sitting room, dining room, study, modern kitchen, breakfast room, utility room, and a boot room.
There's also a conservatory with views out across the garden and, more unusually for a ground floor, a guest bedroom.
Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, two with ensuites, and a family bathroom.
The farm comes with a number of substantial outbuildings and barns. They include a one-bedroom cottage, carport, stables, log cabin, barn, and a Dutch barn, where there’s an indoor riding school.
While they have a strong equestrian leaning, the outbuildings offer huge potential for a variety of uses, according to the agent — especially when you start thinking about the number of small businesses which seem to be popping up across the country since lockdown. You'd need to get the relevant permissions, but the new incumbent can certainly think big. A riding school? Local business centre? B&B?
‘This captivating property presents a unique opportunity to immerse in the serene countryside living, while still holding the potential to serve a variety of uses, from a cherished family abode to a bustling equestrian hub,’ the agents.
No write-up of Higher Eastcott Farm would be complete without highlighting its remote location in the middle of Exmoor National Park. Secluded and private, it is.
‘Few homes of this type come to the market within the Exmoor National Park. Especially when surrounded by 360-degree views of rural undulating countryside and big skies,’ says the agent.
‘Plus, this property is surrounded and protected by its own land which gives one the sense of remoteness and privacy.’
Higher Eastcott Farm is currently on the market via Knight Frank for £2,400,000 — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
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
-
Become a part of Bath's rich history in this Grade 1-listed Georgian townhouseWith 5,500sq ft set over six floors in the centre of Britain's most architecturally rich city, there is much to love here.
-
17 delightful homes for sale, as seen in Country LifeOur round-up of some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life this week includes a wonderful Cotswolds home and a happily affordable cottage in the West Country.
-
'This is the most money you'll spend on anything ever': The things that really matter when buying your first home in LondonIt’s easy to dream of what the ideal first-home in London might be, but when the cost of living in the capital is this expensive, being near a Gail's isn't as important as you think it is.
-
Get lost in the whispers of a running stream at a one-bedroom Cornish cottageFormerly the studio and retreat of renowned artist Lamorna Birch, this small home near Lamorna Cove is a delight in every single way.
-
How the high street can change for the betterThe 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?
-
A 17th century country house estate for sale in Yorkshire that's not too big and not too smallTake a look inside one of the finest private houses in the north of England that's perfectly manageable as a family house.
-
Two-thirds of us buy a house and immediately set about refurbishing itWe 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.
-
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 longerEverything 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.
