A diverse and versatile rural estate, set above the Exe Valley, on the Devon / Somerset border, with three independent dwellings, modern farm buildings, productive grazing and woodland.
Set close to the scenic landscape of Exmoor National Park, Benshayes Farm forms a compact yet versatile small estate. The farm is approached by either of two separate drives, offering both convenience and privacy.
At its centre stands an impressive 17th-century farmhouse, accompanied by a collection of traditional buildings, some of which have been thoughtfully converted to provide additional living accommodation. The holding is complemented by a useful range of modern agricultural buildings one of which is equipped with a substantial and efficient solar panel array, adding both practicality and sustainability.
The Stables - An attractive range of stone-built former farm buildings with timber framed double glazed windows and doors under a traditional slate roof, The Stables have been thoughtfully converted to offer comfortable and flexible accommodation. The ground floor is currently configured to include a spacious entrance hall, ideal for boots and coats, a practical utility room, a stylish shower room, two well-proportioned bedrooms, and a versatile office space.
A hardwood stair case rises to a stunning vaulted kitchen/living area with exposed roof timbers, character windows flooding the space with natural light, a traditional fitted kitchen and a wood-burning stove with a statement chrome flue. A snug, bedroom, family bathroom and master bedroom with exposed timbers completes the first floor accommodation. Currently used as a generous single dwelling, The Stables benefit from planning permission to be used as two independent units if required.
The Farmhouse - Benshayes Farmhouse is a charming, five-bedroom, grade II listed, period property with 17th-century origins and later Georgian remodelling, set in a sheltered position overlooking its own land. The house enjoys a south-facing outlook with most rooms benefiting from views across the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation extends to a generous footprint, combining character features such as exposed beams, slate flagstone floors, and traditional fireplaces. The principal front entrance opens into a central hallway with stairs rising to the first floor.
The ground floor offers a series of characterful reception rooms, including a dining room with an open fireplace, a living room with a wood-burning stove, and a nursery/study to the rear of the hallway. The kitchen, with its impressive slate flagstone floor, leads through to a spacious scullery, ideal for hanging coats and kicking off boots after a day outdoors.
Upstairs, there are five bedrooms of varying size and character, including a master bedroom with ensuite facilities, alongside a family bathroom. An additional storage room provides scope for conversion, subject to the necessary consents.
Benshayes Cottage - Connected to the rear of the traditional farm buildings, Benshayes Cottage offers additional and adaptable accommodation. Constructed from attractive stone beneath a slate roof, and featuring timber-framed double glazed windows and doors, the cottage reflects the same timeless character and quality as the surrounding structures.
The ground floor includes an entrance hallway, two double bedrooms, and a family bathroom. A staircase leads to the first floor, where an open-plan kitchen and living area is enhanced by Velux skylights and enjoys pleasant views to the front. Outside, the cottage benefits from its own parking and soft landscaping.
Adjoining the converted stables and cottage is the continuation of the traditional farm buildings, constructed from stone walls and partly enclosed by timber panels under a slate roof. The building suggests a variety of uses and benefits from planning permission to be converted into two further residential units.
The grounds at Benshayes Farm are equally as charming, featuring well maintained gardens with mature shrub borders and paved footpaths that weave through the landscaped
setting. A Grade II listed rendered stone granary stands proudly on its staddle stones, adding further historic character to the traditional courtyard. Nearby, a stone-built outbuilding provides useful storage and further enhances the authentic
rural appeal.
Extending to approximately 58.33 acres in total, the land comprises gardens, pasture and mixed woodland. The pasture is parcelled into manageable enclosures, defined by mature hedges and has most recently been used for cutting crops of grass but would also support livestock grazing and woodland creation. The woodland comprises stands of native and semi-native mixed species but also includes specimen varieties which were originally planted for propagation purposes. There are some ponds and small watercourses with areas of the woodland. Further land is available by separate negotiation.
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With its historic main residence, versatile farmland, and impressive scope for residential and recreational use, Benshayes Farm stands out as a rare opportunity in one of the area’s most sought-after settings.
Chris CliffordProperty agent