Monkleigh, Bideford, Devon, EX39

ONE COUNTRY ESTATE. MANY POSSIBLE FUTURES.

Beaconside is difficult to define by a single use — and that is perhaps its greatest strength.

Set within 24 acres of gardens and woodland in the North Devon countryside, the estate brings together an early Victorian manor house, four self-contained cottages, nine woodland cabins, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, extensive guest and parking facilities, and the distinctive timber-framed Beacon and adjoining Glasshouse.

Previously operated as a destination wedding and holiday venue for more than two decades, Beaconside already has many of the individual elements that would take considerable time, investment and imagination to assemble elsewhere.
For one buyer, its future may lie in weddings, events and holiday accommodation once again. For another, it could become a retreat or wellbeing destination, a private estate for several generations, an exclusive-use venue, a training or creative venue, a company or organisational base, or something entirely different.

What makes Beaconside unusual is the way so many different spaces, facilities and types of accommodation come together within one estate — while still offering the flexibility to use them independently or as part of a wider concept.

Over the years, Beaconside has evolved considerably and now presents an opportunity for a new owner to build on its former use, reshape it, or take it in a completely new direction.

Beaconside is a country estate that really needs to be seen to appreciate just how special the setting is and the breadth of possibilities it offers.

AT A GLANCE
• Extending to 24 acres of gardens, grounds and woodland
• Substantial nine-bedroom early Victorian manor house
• Four individual self-contained cottages
• Nine secluded woodland cabins
• Flexible mix of residential, guest and leisure spaces
• The Beacon — an impressive timber-framed space with adjoining Glasshouse
• Indoor heated and outdoor swimming pools
• Biomass heating system serving the principal buildings and benefiting from Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments
• Extensive terraces, lawns and outdoor spaces
• Victorian walled garden
• The Sundial, a bespoke oak pavilion with far-reaching countryside views
• Parking for approximately 60 vehicles
• Separate office/reception building
• Potential for a wide variety of future uses, subject, where necessary, to the appropriate consents
• No onward chain
THE ESTATE

The substantial Victorian Manor House stands at the heart of Beaconside, looking out across the lawns and down the valley beyond.

The four self-contained cottages are positioned within the central part of the estate, with The Lodge, Goodison, Stackstead and Baytree forming an adjoining group nearby.

The Beacon and adjoining Glasshouse occupy a prominent position within the main grounds and provide a substantial space for hospitality, events and a wide range of alternative uses (subject to any necessary permissions).

An indoor heated swimming pool is housed within its own building close to the cottages, while the outdoor pool sits within the Victorian walled garden.

Beyond the main buildings, the lawns lead down towards the woodland, where nine individual timber cabins are scattered among the trees, creating a more secluded and natural setting.

Beaconside is made up of a series of distinct spaces, each with its own character and potential, and with the flexibility to work independently or together.
That is what gives the estate such a strong sense of possibility. It could continue to operate as several complementary parts, or those elements could be brought together to create an entirely different concept.

THE MANOR HOUSE

At the heart of Beaconside stands the substantial early Victorian Manor House, retaining much of its original character and architectural detail.

A handsome arched entrance opens into a striking original geometric tiled hall, with an elegant period staircase, high ceilings, decorative cornicing and tall sash windows.
The ground floor provides a series of generous reception rooms, including three sitting rooms, all retaining original period fireplaces, together with a dining room and spacious kitchen with room for a large table.

A decorative veranda wraps around two sides of the house, providing one of the Manor’s most distinctive external features and overlooking the surrounding grounds.

The upper floor provides eight bedrooms, with the principal bedrooms generously proportioned and several enjoying dual aspects and far-reaching views across the gardens and surrounding countryside.
The accommodation is served by a combination of en-suite and additional bath and shower rooms.

The Manor combines the scale and character of a substantial Victorian country house with the flexibility to remain at the heart of a hospitality or visitor business, or to return to use as an impressive private home.

THE COTTAGES
The four self-contained cottages are positioned within the central part of the estate, each with its own character and sense of independence. Together, they add a considerable amount of flexible accommodation, whether for guests, extended family, staff or as part of a wider use of the estate.

THE LODGE
The Lodge is a spacious, single-storey three-bedroom property offering generous and versatile accommodation.

A broad entrance area provides useful additional space and storage, opening into a well-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar and through to a substantial sitting and dining room with wood-burning stove.
Two of the bedrooms are particularly generous. One benefits from an en-suite walk-in wet room, while the remaining two bedrooms — one a good-sized double and the other suitable as a twin or smaller double — share a family bathroom with both bath and separate shower.

Outside, The Lodge has its own enclosed courtyard with space for outdoor seating and a hot tub, creating a private area for relaxation.

The Lodge also benefits easy access into the adjoining indoor swimming pool building.

With its generous proportions and entirely single-storey layout, The Lodge works equally well as independent guest accommodation, a holiday property or a self-contained home within the wider estate (subject to any necessary permissions). It is understood that this building has residential use, but a buyer is advised to make their own enquiries to confirm.

GOODISON, STACKSTEAD & BAYTREE

Goodison Cottage, Stackstead and Baytree form an adjoining group of three self-contained cottages, each with its own entrance to the front and private patio to the rear, with direct access into the Victorian walled garden and outdoor swimming pool.

GOODISON COTTAGE

A spacious three-bedroom property arranged over two floors, with generous living accommodation and its own private outside space.

The ground floor opens into a full-width, stone-floored dining area with exposed masonry. From here, the accommodation leads through to an open-plan kitchen and sitting room with wood-burning stove and downstairs cloakroom.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, including a principal bedroom with glazed patio doors opening onto a private balcony overlooking the gardens. One bedroom benefits from an en-suite, with a family bathroom serving the remaining accommodation.

With its spacious open-plan accommodation and private outside areas, Goodison Cottage offers considerable flexibility as a self-contained home, guest accommodation or holiday property within the wider estate (subject to any necessary permissions).

STACKSTEAD COTTAGE

Stackstead Cottage is a two-bedroom property offering spacious and flexible accommodation arranged over two floors.

The property is entered through a full-length conservatory, which forms part of a generous open-plan living space incorporating the kitchen, dining and sitting areas, with a wood-burning stove providing a focal point. A downstairs bathroom is also provided.

Upstairs are two en-suite bedrooms, providing comfortable accommodation for guests or holiday use.

With its open-plan layout and independent accommodation, Stackstead Cottage provides another versatile self-contained property within the wider Beaconside estate.

BAYTREE COTTAGE

Baytree Cottage is a characterful one-bedroom property offering comfortable, self-contained accommodation.

The living space includes a cosy sitting and dining area with a wood-burning stove, together with a fitted kitchen. A particularly distinctive feature is the original well, preserved beneath a glazed floor panel and illuminated from below within the living area.

The bedroom is complemented by a walk-in shower room.

With its exposed stone exterior, individual character and unusual original features, Baytree provides an attractive and independent one-bedroom property within the wider Beaconside estate.

THE BEACON & GLASSHOUSE

The Beacon is a substantial, purpose-built building set within the grounds of Beaconside, combining a striking vaulted interior with an adjoining Glasshouse and extensive outdoor space.

Originally created as the principal space for weddings and events, the main hall has an impressive exposed timber frame, high vaulted ceiling and extensive glazing, creating a light and characterful interior.

Expansive glazed bifold doors open directly onto the surrounding lawns and terraces, while the adjoining Glasshouse enjoys far-reaching views across the Devon countryside and provides a beautiful additional space in its own right.

The Beacon also includes a commercial catering kitchen, an attractive fitted bar, toilet facilities and a separate chiller room, providing much of the practical infrastructure required for large-scale events and hospitality use.

The building has successfully accommodated large celebrations and dining, but its appeal extends well beyond its former use. Its generous, open layout and connection with the grounds give it the flexibility to be adapted for a wide variety of future ideas, subject to any necessary consents.

For a new owner wishing to continue Beaconside as a wedding or hospitality venue, much of the infrastructure is already here. Equally, The Beacon presents an exciting opportunity to rethink the space entirely and make it central to a very different future for the estate.

THE SUNDIAL

Set in an elevated position within the grounds, The Sundial is a beautifully handcrafted oak pavilion designed to make the most of the far-reaching views across the surrounding Devon countryside.

Originally created as an outdoor ceremony space, its appeal extends well beyond its former use. The covered oak structure and open deck create an intimate destination within the grounds in their own right, lending themselves equally well to outdoor dining, small gatherings, music or performance, or simply as a peaceful place from which to enjoy the exceptional setting.

It is another example of the flexibility found throughout Beaconside, offering a new owner an established and characterful space that could be used as it is or reimagined as part of their own plans for the estate.

THE WOODLAND CABINS

Set discreetly within the woodland are nine individual timber cabins, carefully arranged to make the most of their peaceful and secluded surroundings.

Each cabin provides self-contained accommodation with a sleeping and seating area, kitchenette and en-suite shower room. Glazed double doors open directly onto the woodland, allowing uninterrupted views of the surrounding trees from the king-size bed, while a bistro table and chairs provide space for dining. A convertible chair offers occasional additional sleeping space for a child.

Outside, each cabin has its own seating area, surrounded by mature trees, ferns and seasonal carpets of bluebells.

Tucked away from the main buildings yet forming part of the wider Beaconside estate, the cabins provide a distinctive addition to the accommodation and considerable potential for continued holiday or short-stay use.

INDOOR & OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS

Beaconside has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, adding another dimension to the leisure facilities available across the estate.

The heated indoor swimming pool is housed within its own dedicated building and includes a shower, toilet and changing area. Three separate points of access make it particularly convenient for different parts of the estate, including easy access from The Lodge and external access serving the Manor House and adjoining cottages.

The indoor pool is heated by the estate’s biomass system.

The outdoor swimming pool is set within the Victorian walled garden, surrounded by mature planting and a generous paved terrace with ample space for loungers and outdoor seating. Its position close to Goodison, Stackstead and Baytree gives the cottages particularly easy access, while the established garden setting creates a private and sheltered area for swimming and relaxation.

RECEPTION BUILDING

Positioned just inside the main entrance to Beaconside is a useful single-storey building, previously used as the estate’s reception and office.
The open-plan interior has full-height glazing, glazed double doors and a fitted sink with storage cupboards, together with an adjoining storeroom. The doors open onto a small covered seating area, creating a sheltered space immediately outside.
Its convenient position at the entrance makes it particularly well suited to reception or office use, while the simple, adaptable layout offers scope for a variety of other uses to suit a new owner’s plans.

BIOMASS HEATING & RHI

A biomass heating system serves the principal buildings within the main part of the estate, including the heated indoor swimming pool.
The system benefits from the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, with historic receipts in the region of £30,000 per annum. Payments vary according to eligible heat usage, with the current RHI term running until 14 March 2034.
The woodland cabins are not connected to the biomass system.

GARDENS, GROUNDS & WOODLAND

Beaconside is set within 24 acres of gardens, grounds and mature woodland, with far-reaching views across the surrounding Devon countryside.

Around the Manor House and cottages, the grounds have a more formal character, with established lawns, terraces and the Victorian walled garden. The outdoor swimming pool sits within the garden, while the separate indoor pool is positioned close to the cottage accommodation.

Beyond the more formal areas, the estate gives way to mature woodland, creating a wonderfully secluded setting for the nine timber cabins and a completely different character within the same property.

The grounds offer a considerable sense of space and privacy, with established areas for both recreation and quieter enjoyment of the surrounding landscape.

There is parking for approximately 60 vehicles, together with useful ancillary and storage buildings, including a woodland store.

A PROPERTY WITH MORE THAN ONE FUTURE

Beaconside’s previous life as a destination wedding and holiday venue demonstrates how successfully the different elements of the estate can work together. It does not, however, have to define what comes next.

The Manor House, independent cottages, woodland cabins, The Beacon and Glasshouse are set within approximately 24 acres of grounds and woodland, with far-reaching views across the surrounding Devon countryside. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools add another dimension, while the combination of accommodation, leisure facilities, adaptable buildings and extensive outdoor space gives Beaconside enormous flexibility and scope.

For a buyer wishing to re-establish its former wedding, events or holiday use, much of the infrastructure is already in place. Equally, Beaconside offers the opportunity to take the estate in an entirely new direction. Its buildings and grounds can work together or independently, creating possibilities for hospitality, retreats and wellbeing, business or creative use, multi-generational living, exclusive-use accommodation or simply an exceptional private country estate, subject to any necessary consents.

LOCATION & NORTH DEVON

Beaconside enjoys a private rural setting while being remarkably close to the North Devon coast, with attractive waterside villages, beaches and countryside all within easy reach.

The estuary villages of Instow and Appledore, around six miles away, offer waterfront restaurants, cafés, independent shops, galleries and sailing, while the sweeping sandy beach at Westward Ho! can be reached in under 20 minutes.

The location is particularly well placed for walking, running and cycling. The Tarka Trail can be joined at Landcross, approximately three minutes by car from Beaconside, with this section connecting directly into the South West Coast Path network.

North Devon combines dramatic Atlantic beaches, wooded river valleys, rolling countryside and characterful coastal villages. Home to the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere and the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve, the area has an established appeal for tourism, outdoor pursuits and coastal living while retaining a wonderful sense of space.

Everyday shops and services are available in Bideford, approximately three miles away. Barnstaple, around 12.5 miles away, is North Devon’s main town, with a wider range of shopping and amenities, its historic Pannier Market and Butchers Row, theatre and railway station.

RHS Garden Rosemoor is also within easy reach, while Exmoor National Park, with its dramatic moorland, wooded valleys and coastline, lies approximately 24 miles to the east.

Beaconside therefore combines the privacy and space of a country estate with exceptional access to the coast, countryside and many of North Devon’s most appealing destinations.

CONNECTIONS

Barnstaple railway station provides direct services to Exeter St Davids on the Tarka Line, with onward mainline services to London Paddington.
The A39 is readily accessible near Bideford, connecting with the A361 North Devon Link Road towards Tiverton and the M5, providing road connections to Exeter, Bristol and the wider national motorway network.

APPROXIMATE DISTANCES

Tarka Trail at Landcross – around 3 minutes by car
Bideford – 3 miles
Westward Ho! – 6 miles
Instow – 6 miles
Appledore – 6.5 miles
RHS Garden Rosemoor – approximately 7 miles
Barnstaple & railway station – 12.5 miles
Clovelly – approximately 14 miles
Exmoor National Park – 24 miles
South West Coast Path – Under 20 minutes by car