Chagford, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13

Higher Stiniel is a beautifully modernised Grade II listed property, perfectly situated in a peaceful corner of Dartmoor National Park. Recently rethatched and lovingly updated, this charming country home is one of only five dwellings in the tiny picturesque hamlet of Stiniel, just 1.5 miles from the sought-after town of Chagford, which lies on the eastern edge of the park. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Dartmoor, the location offers an idyllic rural setting.

The main house is recorded by Historic England as dating from the late 15th to early 16th century. Period features abound throughout, including original cruck timbers in the main bedroom and a large axial chimney stack in the sitting room, believed to have been added in the 16th century.

Higher Stiniel has been completely refurbished and renovated throughout, combining modern upgrades with the preservation of the property's historic charm. The result is a warm, welcoming home that beautifully blends the character of the past with the comforts of modern living.

The house is south-facing, with large sash and leaded windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The beautifully appointed kitchen, complete with a traditional AGA, connects to a generous separate utility room and walk-in larder, and flows into a spacious dining room—perfect for entertaining. The large sitting room features a stunning original fireplace and bread oven, ideal for winter evenings. There is also a separate meditation room with French doors leading to the front garden and a door to the courtyard at the rear.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, including a fabulous principal suite with walk-in closet and a separate family bathroom. The principal bedroom features a beautiful arched beam, adding to the sense of history and craftsmanship.

There is a south-facing walled garden at the front of the house level lawns, mature shrubs, flower borders, and rose beds. The rear garden offers a further large level lawn interspersed with mature trees and shrubs including oak, maple, cedar, apple, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas—creating numerous peaceful, sheltered areas to enjoy. The courtyard garden to the rear is a real suntrap, perfect for al fresco dining or quiet relaxation.

The property includes a range of interesting and versatile outbuildings, two of which are thatched. These lend themselves to a variety of uses such as storage, workshops, entertaining spaces, or housing small livestock or stabling.

One of the standout architectural features of the outbuildings is a two-storey thatched barn, nestled into the side of the hill. Additional stables and outbuildings complete the offering and support a truly rural lifestyle.

A large barn to the rear leads to a gently sloping paddock—formerly a cider orchard—still home to an old apple tree that continue to produce abundant fruit each year. The land surrounding the property is ideal for a smallholder, those with equestrian interests or simply left as wildflower meadows bursting with nature.

The grounds at Higher Stiniel are a key highlight. From the top of the land, there are far-reaching views over Dartmoor towards Hookney and Birch Tor. The surrounding fields have been sensitively planted with over 2,000 native trees, providing privacy and attracting a rich variety of wildlife.

Lot 1 comprises the main house and outbuildings, along with four adjoining fields, which are home to established wildflower meadows and one of the largest ash trees in Devon.

Lot 2 features a stunning hidden valley, complete with a small stream, rare wet meadows, mature woodland and a secluded mossy boulder glen, which is bursting with bluebells during spring. This magical, untouched landscape provides an exceptional natural habitat, offering a truly outstanding haven for wildlife.

Lot 1: House and outbuildings with four fields - 10.62 acres
Lot 2: Secluded valley meadow with stream and woodland - 4.33 acres
In all about 14.95 acres

Stiniel is an 'exceptionally picturesque Dartmoor hamlet' (Historic England) with quintessential Dartmoor buildings of granite with either slate or thatch roofs, positioned in a small valley approximately 1.5 miles from the equally attractive small country town of Chagford. Chagford is a picturesque stannary town on the north-easterly edge of Dartmoor.
Chagford has been voted “Best rural place to live in Britain” by the Sunday Times and boasts a wide range of conveniences and speciality shops including a Post Office, surgery, dentist, pharmacy, family butcher, wine shop, bakery, greengrocer, two delicatessens, various restaurants, cafés, pubs and a large hardware and household store. There are three hotels including Bovey Castle which has excellent facilities including a superb 18 hole golf course, tennis, heated indoor pool, spa and excellent dining and the world famous Gidleigh Park close by with it's Michelin starred restaurant. Further afield is the market town of Okehampton which has a large Waitrose supermarket.

The village has a primary school, pre-school and Montessori. The Cathedral City of Exeter has a good selection of private schools, including The Maynard and Exeter School. The nearby ancient stannary and market town of Tavistock has Mount Kelly which is also a private school.

The A30 at Whiddon Down, is 4.5 miles away, giving good, quick access to the cathedral city of Exeter and the M5. Exeter offers a wide range of amenities befitting a centre of its importance including excellent shopping, dining, theatre and recreational pursuits. There are regular rail services to London Paddington from Newton Abbot and Exeter. Exeter Airport has a growing number of national and international flights, including daily flights to London City Airport.

Chagford is perfectly situated for Dartmoor's vast array of activities such as Riding, fishing, walking and cycling which are all within easy reach of the property. It also boosts excellent sport facilities including a football pitch, cricket pitch and pavilion, bowling club and a seasonal open outdoor river fed community swimming pool.