More than 1,000 years of Dartmoor history are woven into the fabric of Grade II-listed Shilstone, three miles from Chagford in the Dartmoor National Park. The beautifully restored, thatched complex of buildings, comprising a Grade II-listed Devon longhouse, two cottages and a traditional farmstead set in 30 acres of pasture, paddocks and woodland, is currently for sale through Jackson-Stops and Knight Frank at a guide price of ‘offers over £3.5m’.
Its 1952 listing describes Shilstone as ‘an outstanding Dartmoor longhouse… attractively sited and, like many of the older moorland houses, tucked tightly into the hill-slopes. It forms a group with its associated 17th century farm buildings… It is remarkable that such a modestly-sized farmhouse should consistently be built to such a high standard, from its medieval roof to the 1656 front doorway. As early as 1935, the historian R. H. Worth recognized the house as one of the finest surviving examples of the Dartmoor longhouse type, and [a building] of national importance, in his book The Dartmoor House’.
Set at the end of its own private drive and surrounded by delightful gardens, picture-perfect Shilstone, which reputedly dates from Saxon times, has been much improved by successive owners since it was last used as a farmhouse, although its spectacular views towards Castle Drogo and Chagford remain the same.
The house lies centrally within its land, sheltered by the rising ground to the south west but high enough to capture long views to the moor. It offers more than 6,100sq ft of living space in the main building, including three reception rooms, a garden room, kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms with bathrooms, and a recently added master suite with a dramatic vaulted ceiling.
Another addition of note is the converted party barn with its 34ft dining hall, as is the equestrian yard comprising four loose boxes with Victorian-style fittings, and an adjoining thatched barn with two further loose boxes leading to a full-size sand arena and a range of gently sloping post-and-railed paddocks.
Two two/three-bedroom cottages, located beside the entrance drive, have also been recently renovated and are used partly as guest cottages or for occasional holiday lets.
Shilstone is currently on the market via Jackson-Stops and Knight Frank at a guide price of over £3.5 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agents for further details.
Chagford: What you need to know
Location: On the north-east edge of Dartmoor, four miles from Moretonhampstead and roughly 20 miles west of Exeter.
Atmosphere: The market town is hailed a 'hidden gem' within the Dartmoor National Park, with picturesque stone cottages, a 15th century church and a number of good pubs.
Things to do: Explore the national park via the many walking, cycling and bridle tracks. Exeter is a short drive away for a cultural or shopping excursion, and is home to both high street and independent shops and restaurants.
Schools: Chagford Church of England Primary School, South Tawton Primary School and Running Deer School are all local to the area; with Kelly College and schools in Exeter slightly further afield.
See more property for sale in the area.
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
-
No strings attached: A brief history of swimwear, from heavy skirts of linen linked to women's drownings, to the skimpy two-piece named after a nuclear weapons siteFrom knee-length numbers to a scandalous suit denounced by the Pope, the colourful history of swimwear has been brought to life by a glamorous London exhibition.
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every windowPenny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new ownerIn the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countrysideHartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in CornwallThe Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its historyIn the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston MartinA new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
-
The Mediterranean Magic of MaltaWith historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country LifeIf Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
