Ford ParkChagford • Dartmoor National Park • Devon

A beautifully presented, unique, late Victorian, purpose-built artist’s residence, standing

in approximately 17 acres of gardens and grounds, on the edge of open moorland.

SummaryHall • Cloakroom • Large studio with expanse of windows • Dining room • Study • Sitting room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Butler’s pantry • Larder

Boiler room • 6 bedrooms (master en-suite) • 2 bathrooms and separate WCs • Attic room ANNEXE: Open plan living/kitchen, bedroom and bathroom

Beautiful gardens and grounds with sweeping lawn, large lily pond, mixed woodland and extensive parking, garage and stables • About 17 acres

Ford ParkChagford • Dartmoor National Park • Devon

Description & HistoryFord Park is a breathtaking property tucked away amidst 17 acres

of established gardens and grounds in a wooded setting in the lee

of Dartmoor’s spectacular scenery. The house was designed to

take full advantage of its wonderful setting. It is approached along

its own private drive which drifts through an array of established

trees and shrubs (azaleas, rhododendrons, etc) giving tantalising

glimpses of both the house and the small lake.

The house was built in the late 19th century as an artist’s residence

by Robert Stark, the father of Freya Stark, the celebrated traveller

and author. Dame Freya Stark spent her childhood years at Ford

Park and there are several descriptive passages in her autobiography

“Traveller’s Prelude” ...”The loveliest of his gardens was created out

of an oak wood scooped in a curving hill. It was below the edge of

the moor and out of reach of the south west wind that howled and

tossed above but stirred no leaf around us. The wood was so

sheltered that bamboos would grow. There were glades of azaleas

and rhododendrons now thick trunked, like trees, and daffodils

beside wild bluebells, in dappled clearing”.

The property has recently undergone an extensive restoration

programme. Brimming with character, Ford Park exudes all the

hallmarks associated with its past, yet with careful consideration,

modern day conveniences combine subtly to ensure a most

comfortable and up to date home.

The versatile accommodation is beautifully presented full of charm

and character, while the extensive use of granite is a constant

reminder of the proximity to open moor. All the principal rooms

enjoy fine views across the lawns to the pond and beyond.

The large and impressive studio was once used by the sculptor John

Skeaping to create his statue of Lord Derby’s great racehorse,

Hyperion, which now stands at Newmarket.

Description & History (continued) The sitting room is particularly fine, with its deep square bay and

mullioned windows. The kitchen, with Aga, again is a lovely room,

with some interesting features and perfect for informal dining.

There are six bedrooms, including a master bedroom, with

en-suite shower and covered balcony whilst to the rear of the house

a separate staircase gives access to a self contained annexe – ideal as

a staff or guest suite.

The gardens and grounds offer a broad range of flora and fauna.

Indeed, the whole area is a natural haven for wildlife and there is an

abundance of flowering shrubs and impressive specimen trees.

Beguiling pathways lead through the gardens and mixed woodland.

SituationFord Park is situated in a peaceful, rural location with two miles

of the popular Stannary town of Chagford within the Dartmoor

National Park. Chagford is a thriving community and offers a wide

range of amenities, including churches, primary and Montessori

school, post offices, banks, health and dental centres, together with

excellent sports facilities. There are a wide range of shops,

including a Spar, a delicatessen, dairy, ironmongers, wine merchant,

art galleries and a number of high clothing and interior boutiques.

The award winning Gidleigh Park Hotel is just over a mile away.

The moorland town of Okehampton, about 11 miles away, has a

number of churches, schools and community college, health centre

and a sports and leisure centre. There are also several supermarkets,

including Waitrose.

Situation (continued)The Dartmoor National Park offers superb recreational facilities,

with excellent riding, walking and cycling, along with fishing

opportunities. There are golf courses at Bovey Castle near

Moretonhampstead (15 minutes) and at Stover near Bovey Tracey.

There are good local, private and grammar schools.

The cathedral city and county town of Exeter is about 23 miles

away and provides a comprehensive range of cultural, educational,

recreational and shopping facilities. Exeter University is ranked

amongst the Top 10 in the country.

CommunicationsRoad: The A30 is accessible at Whiddon Down, just 3½ miles

away, providing a fast link in a westerly direction to Cornwall and

in an easterly direction to Exeter and the M5 motorway.

Rail: Intercity high speed trains operate from Exeter St Davids to

London (Paddington) or via Salisbury to Waterloo.

Air: Exeter International Airport, about 25 miles from Chagford,

provides flights to a number of cities within the British Isles and to

a number of Continental and Intercontinental destinations.

Distances (approximate)• Chagford 3 miles • Exeter 23 miles • Plymouth 44 miles

OutsideFord Park is approached by its own long private drive which

meanders through the mixed woodland and is bounded by

colourful flowering trees and shrubs. To the front of the house is a

parking and turning area with space for several vehicles. The

original coach house has been beautifully refurbished by Character

Builders, using traditional carpentry skills and is now a stable,

feed room and wood store. The house is well positioned in

approximately 17 acres, consisting of easy to maintain gardens,

sweeping lawns leading down to a lily pond and mixed woodland

with a myriad of paths, providing a wonderful natural haven for a

wide variety of wildlife.

Middle Tor and the open moor - Within walking distance

Property InformationTenure: The property is held on a lease from the Duchy of

Cornwall. Prospective purchasers are invited to discuss the lease

with the agents.

Services: Mains electricity. Oil fired central heating system.

Private water supply and private drainage.

Local Authorities: Devon County Council, County Hall, Topsham

Road, Exeter EX1 3QQ. Tel. 01392 382 000.

Dartmoor National Park Authority, Parke, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9JQ.

Tel. 01626 832 093.

Contents, fixtures and fittings: Only those mentioned in this

brochure are included in the sale. All others such as carpets,

curtains, light fittings, mirrors, garden ornaments etc. are

specifically excluded but may be made available by separate

negotiation.

Viewing: By appointment with Jackson-Stops & Staff’s Exeter

office: 01392 214 222.

For sale by private treaty with vacant possession upon

completion.

DirectionsFrom the square in the centre of Chagford turn right (signposted

Kestor) and after approximately 100 yards keep left, following the

brown sign to Fernworthy reservoir. Follow the road out of the

town for 0.8 miles. Turn right (signposted Kestor and

Thornworthy). After 0.9 miles turn left (Frenchbeer and

Thornworthy) and do not be deterred by the ‘dead end’ sign.

Go past Heather Cottage and the entrance to Ford Park will be

found halfway up the hill after 0.3 miles on the right hand side.

Important NoticeJackson-Stops & Staff and their clients and any joint agents give

notice that: 1. They have no authority to make or give any

representations or warranties in relation to the property.

These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must

not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact.

2. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text,

photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily

comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all

necessary planning, building regulations or other consents and

Jackson-Stops & Staff have not tested any services, equipment or

facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or

otherwise.

For identification purposes only. Not to scale.

Exeter 01392 214 222 exeter@jackson-stops.co.uk10 Southernhay West Exeter EX1 1JG www.jackson-stops.co.uk