A beautiful, historic Manor House set within 10 acres of private grounds in South Devon

Canonteign Manor is one of Devon’s most remarkable historic houses, set within around 10 acres in the beautiful Teign Valley. Grade I Listed and with origins reaching back centuries, it offers exceptional scale, character and presence, together with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

With its ancient stonework, mullion windows, granite fireplaces, grand reception spaces and wonderfully private grounds, it is a significant and atmospheric country property. Canonteign Manor was used as a private residential dwelling for many years prior to its change of use and, subject to the necessary planning consent, could once again make a wonderful home.

Before arranging a viewing or making enquiries, interested parties should be aware of the current permitted use of the property, which is explained below.

Canonteign Manor is currently permitted for use as Sui Generis Holiday Let. The current owners obtained planning permission in 2019 to change the use of the property from C3 Residential Dwelling House to its present holiday let use.

As such, buyers should be aware that the property is not currently permitted for unrestricted residential occupation as a C3 dwelling. Should a buyer wish to use Canonteign Manor as a private residential home, a change of use planning application would be required.

By Design has contact with experienced planning consultants who are familiar with matters of this nature, and further guidance can be made available to interested parties should they require it. Buyers should make their own enquiries and take independent planning advice before proceeding.

A Domesday Manor, Canonteign was given to the canons of St Mary du Val in Normandy circa 1125 and later conveyed to the Prior and convent of Merton, in Surrey. After the Reformation it was granted to Lord John Russell and then passed through a series of owners. It was garrisoned for the King during the Civil War and taken by Fairfax in 1645. According to Lysons, it belonged to the Davy family in the 17th century.

In 1812, Sir Edward Pellew, later Lord Viscount Exmouth, purchased the manor and it became a farm after 1828 when Exmouth built Canonteign House close by. It was restored by Lady Exmouth in the 1970s and, during recent years, the ancient house has been brought into the 21st century with extensive and sympathetic renovation.

Today, Canonteign Manor is an extraordinary and beautifully maintained historic property, combining the character of its 400-year-old origins with the comfort and convenience of modern technology. It has been sympathetically cared for to ensure it continues to stand proudly for decades to come.

The real magic of Canonteign Manor is its generously proportioned and elegant rooms, which, although lit from mullion windows, are both tall and light.

Most of the principal rooms have a focal point of a granite fireplace and enjoy spectacular views across the valley of the River Teign. From the main entrance, you step into the dining hall, an impressive space by anyone’s standards. With a stone floor, intricate wood panelling on the walls and beautiful stone mullion windows, it is a very special space indeed, with a substantial dining table which comfortably seats twenty guests. A large open fireplace provides a beautiful focal point.

Moving through the dining hall, there is access into the cloakroom and rear entrance. There is also a staircase to the first floor. The kitchen has been very well designed to fill a large space without it feeling overwhelming. There is a large central island and plenty of storage. The AGA sits on one side of the room and the owner has added a large oven and hob to the other. Double doors open into the breakfast room, which has a grand fireplace with wood burner, creating another generous reception space.

On the other side of the house, there is a spacious study, a snooker room and a formal sitting room. Each room has been decorated sympathetically in neutral tones to enhance the natural beauty of the building’s windows, stonework and period features.

The main reception rooms are fitted with wood burners, creating inviting spaces in winter. The current owners have enhanced the property with LED lighting, refurbished bathrooms and carried out extensive work to the roof.

There are two staircases which access the first floor, where you’ll find the bedrooms. The largest rooms are at either end of the house. The principal bedroom suite has been improved with the renovation of the ensuite to create a luxury space with high-quality fittings and finish. The principal bedroom is accessed via the dressing room, where there are numerous built-in wardrobes. The second and third bedrooms are also of a generous size and accommodate large four-poster beds. There are seven further bedrooms, all of which are bright, inviting spaces. They either have ensuite facilities or are very close to facilities.

From the landing, a staircase takes you up to the second floor. The amount of space here is a real surprise, with exposed wooden beams, plenty of light and gorgeous elevated views across the grounds, valley and hills beyond. The main space here has previously been used as a comprehensive gymnasium but could suit a number of different uses, subject to any necessary consents. It leads into another substantial room which is set up as a games and TV room. It is large enough to create a cinema space if desired. Also on this floor are various store rooms, as well as a room with steam and sauna facilities and a further room currently set up as a massage/treatment room.

The staff apartment, also on this floor, provides a generous living/dining room with lovely views, a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and double bedroom.

The house stands in simply landscaped grounds which include large areas of lawn and a park-like field providing space for grazing if required. The grounds are approached through a pair of electrically operated tall gates opening onto the gravelled drive, which leads to a generous parking and turning area beside the house.

There is a further garden space to the far side of the house. Steps lead down to the outdoor swimming pool and large level lawn. The pool is currently decommissioned and may require attention before being brought back into use. This remains a lovely, private and sheltered area of the grounds to enjoy the sunshine.

The grounds stretch to around 10 acres in total and gently slope to the lower boundary. The boundary is made up of mature trees, giving excellent privacy in all directions.

Canonteign Manor is one of the South West’s most significant ancient houses. Presented in good condition and situated in a spectacular yet convenient location, it offers a remarkable combination of history, scale, privacy and setting.

The nearest village is Christow, which also overlooks the Teign Valley and is popular due to both its location and good range of community facilities, including pub, village school, shop, sports fields, doctor’s surgery and clubs.

Bovey Tracey, the popular town on the edge of Dartmoor, is around 10 minutes’ drive away. You’ll find a range of amenities there, along with the popular Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

Exeter is a short drive away, accessible either via the A38 dual carriageway or the very scenic Teign Valley road and B3212. This lovely Cathedral city offers many restaurants and high-quality shopping outlets. There is also a very popular university and excellent range of schooling.

You’ll find a wealth of information on the area at visitsouthdevon.co.uk

Exeter International Airport: 20 miles

Exeter St Davids Mainline Railway Station: 16 miles

Newton Abbot Mainline Railway Station: 11 miles

Plymouth Ferry Port: 38 miles

Torquay Marina: 17 miles

Bovey Castle including golf course: 10 miles

Gidleigh Park: 15 to 20 miles dependent on route

Current Permitted Use: Sui Generis Holiday Let. Planning permission was granted in 2019 for a change of use from C3 Residential Dwelling House to Sui Generis Holiday Let. A buyer wishing to use the property as a private residential dwelling would need to obtain the necessary change of use planning consent.

Council Tax Band: Band H. The current annual charge should be confirmed with Teignbridge District Council before publication.

Local Authority: Teignbridge District Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority.

Listing Information: Grade I Listed. Historic England List Entry Number: 1097834. Listing NGR: SX8379183124.

Services: Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil-fired central heating.

Construction: Stone construction and slate roof.

EPC: Rating D. Certificate number 1999-6241-1668-9966-3548. Valid until 5 March 2036. The certificate records the property type as Hotels. Total floor area recorded on the certificate is 1,155 sq m.

Swimming Pool: The outdoor swimming pool is currently decommissioned and may require attention before being brought back into use.

Parking: Gravelled driveway with generous parking and turning area.

Tenure: Freehold

Flood Risk: To be confirmed before publication.

Broadband: 6 MBPS according to OFCOM service checker - The current owners subscribe to Starlink are are achieving circa 100Mbps.

Mobile: Variable outdoors according to OFCOM service checker. EE 72%, O2 68%, Vodafone 66%, Three 64%

If you wish to view Canonteign Manor, please make arrangements via By Design on 01392 982952.

If you are travelling from out of area, accommodation may be available locally, including at Gidleigh Park, which is known for its luxury accommodation and award-winning cuisine. Gidleigh Park may also offer helicopter landing facilities by prior arrangement. Buyers should make their own enquiries directly with Gidleigh Park.

We will help make your travel to Canonteign Manor as straightforward as possible and can assist with general guidance where required.

For a property of this nature, and in line with our responsibilities under Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, interested parties will be asked to provide ID, proof of funds and source of funds information before a viewing is confirmed. We appreciate that this can feel quite personal, but it is a standard part of the process and should not be taken as anything other than necessary due diligence.

If you would like to discuss the property in detail before travelling, we can also arrange a video call from the property so we can walk, talk and show you around.