This Estate’s Former Owner Might Return To Fish – He Can, He’s The King

No one likes to be caught unawares in the comfort of their own home: dressing gown on, hair unbrushed, mysterious stain on face – and then suddenly the postman’s at your door asking you to sign. If it’s your private land, then you should be free to waddle about the grounds in your pyjamas or play tennis, Rivals style, au naturel. Be warned, however, if you’re planning to dabble in naturism on the grounds of this estate. And be sure to check through your post, email and comms before you dare, because its former owner could pop over with just 24 hours’ notice. Rude, no? Don’t bother trying to dob him in for trespassing; he is the King after all.

King Charles III Once Owned Brimpstead Estate

Brimpstead Estate was originally commissioned as a private hunting lodge in 1906, before being purchased by King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales). Though he has since relinquished ownership, His Majesty still owns the surrounding lands through the Duchy of Cornwall and enjoys fishing rights on Brimpstead’s grounds – meaning he could request to go angling in your backyard with just 24 hours’ notice. 

Ruling over Dartmoor National Park, Brimpstead Estate is done up in the Arts and Craft style of the Edwardian period. Nestled within nine acres of wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and open moorland, the estate sits at the confluence of the East and West Dart Rivers. Private footpaths meander through trees, leading down to the river and onto the nearby open Duchy farm land. Alongside the main house, the estate boasts two cottages, plus a granite barn built into the hillside from which partygoers can enjoy surrounding views from the 11m balcony: a definite upgrade from the dingy smoking areas of London bars. Other features include dog kennels, garden stores, a pump house, extensive garaging and private (minus His Majesty) two-rod fishing rights along the banks of the East Dart River.

The Current Owners

‘When we first set eyes on Brimptsmead, it felt like a dream, a place of history, beauty, and deep tranquillity,’ say the current owners. ‘Owning freehold property in the heart of Dartmoor is incredibly rare, with much of the surrounding land still belonging to the Duchy of Cornwall. When we enquired about purchasing it in 1993, we never imagined the journey it would take us on.’

The couple had to be invited to London for an interview to be approved before they were even granted the opportunity to purchase. Beginning their ‘30-year love affair with this extraordinary home’, they carried out an extensive restoration across a period of 10 years. With authenticity at the forefront of their design, the leaded windows were handcrafted by Lamplight of Ashburton, while the bronze door handles were cast by a Devon workshop that once made the metalwork for the Gladiator film. They restored the original oak and satinwood panelling and fitted a vast number of cast iron radiators (adding this, plus underfloor heating, to the nine working fireplaces). When a tree needed to come down, they brought in a mobile sawmill to cut the timber into the precise imperial sizes needed to make the most of the land’s gifts. 

‘It has been our family’s sanctuary,’ they add. ‘A place of laughter, music, and memory. From evening gatherings in the panelled drawing room, to quiet mornings in the turret, to watching the sun set from the Shed’s balcony, Brimptsmead has been a place to live, to love, and to remember.’

Step Inside

Built in pink granite, with Dartmoor stone mullions and lintels, Brimptsmead Estate boasts all the period features of our Downton Abbey dreams. Inside, the reception hall-slash-library features oak panelling, polished granite floors and an imposing fireplace, while the drawing room offers uninterrupted views across the open moor. Beyond the dining room, breakfast room and kitchen, the most iconic corner of the estate is the turret room, the curve accentuated by three deep-set windows (plus the all-important window seats). From here, you will discover a door to the gunroom – which can be transformed into a home office, cinema room or snug for those of you not planning an upcoming shoot – while the former ballroom has been transformed into a sitting room, with a wood-burning stove set into an arched bay. 

Upstairs, four bedrooms (including the principle) boast en-suites, while the remaining two – one tucked into the turret Rapunzel style – share a family bathroom. On the second floor, a further bedroom and bathroom provide additional space. The two cottages, Bentley and Herb, are hidden away from the main house. The former three-bedroom home features a living room, conservatory, private garden and balcony, while the latter offers an open-plan kitchen/dining room and two reception rooms with garden access. 

Where Is It?

Located in Dartmoor National Park in Devon, Brimptsmead Estate sits close to the towns of Ashburton and Tavistock, and is within easy reach of Exeter and Plymouth. 

Brimptsmead Estate is on the market for £4.5m. Find out more at bydesignhomes.com