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Fairytale Devon manor is five minute drive from one of UK’s best beaches
An ancient manor house hidden away in rural Devon but just a five-minute drive from one of the UK’s best beaches has been transformed into sumptuous apartments in a renovation that has cherished its glorious history.
Pickwell Manor dates back to the 10th century and its visitors will be left in no doubt of that fact as they take in its high ceilings, fireplaces, original oak doors and panelling and antique furniture. Throw in a hot tub or two and some modern treehouse escapes within the grounds, the lovingly-created accommodation suits all tastes.
It’s off the beaten track down windy rural lanes between the picturesque village of Georgeham in North Devon and the gloriously sandy Putsborough Beach – escapism at its most luxurious.
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The manor house is of significant historical importance. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 by which point it had already been in existence for 100 years. It is said that after the death of Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Beckett in 1170, three of the murderers fled to Pickwell where they were captured and beheaded in front of the house. Ghostly tales of headless horsemen riding towards the beach from Pickwell on the anniversary of Beckett’s grisly assassination in Canterbury Cathedral add to the intrigue.
Since the Second World War the house had periods of use as a hotel and a small school. But for the last few decades it has been used as holiday accommodation, reaching its full potential after it was bought by two families nine years ago.
Susannah and Steve Baker and Tracey and Richard Elliott were long-standing friends from childhood. Living in the Brighton area with young children, the couples wanted to explore a different way of living and working together when the opportunity arose to buy Pickwell Manor. Both couples had experience of renovating properties and Steve had extensive experience in the commercial property sector. But the others came from health (nursing) and education professions, and while Susannah was an experienced interior designer, the prospect of renovating an old manor house and running it as holiday accommodation was new for everyone.
When they bought it, it was structurally sound but in need of reconfiguration and renovation throughout. The owners set about a project that would take in every corner of the house. At the time of purchase there were five apartments that were let as holiday accommodation and the Ballroom was used for weddings.
The new owners decided to create a more distinct separation between the east and west wings of the house and to create a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
One of the biggest appeals is that large groups and families can stay together in the Manor by renting two or more apartments. The jewels in the Pickwell crown are the aptly named Grace and Bliss apartments. The ground-floor 2,000-square foot Grace which sleeps nine and allows dogs is the epitome of rural relaxation. It has its own private courtyard and its master bedroom boasts a freestanding bath. It was once the main hub of the house, featuring the grand kitchen and lounge.
Bliss, which sleeps ten, also features a free-standing bath in the master bedroom as well as an ensuite. Also covering more than 2,000 square feet, access is via the impressive staircase. The lounge and front bedroom boast stunning views from the south-facing stone mullion windows over the formal gardens, countryside and coast. With these apartments come the option to book the huge ballroom for dining, the snug complete with a sizable kitchen and the Nook (a hidden hot-tub within the woods).
The house also had some historic outbuildings that had long fallen into disrepair – the 16th Century family chapel and the old laundry. These have been renovated to create beautiful intimate hideaways for couples.
The three, bespoke, handmade treehouses were created in 2017. The Hideaway and The Loft are designed for couples who want the ultimate romantic treetop retreat and The Den is a family retreat.
The treehouses were built with a combination of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, for a mix of down-to-earth simplicity with enough extravagances to make you feel pampered.
A tennis court, croquet lawn, games room including table tennis and surf equipment, pigs and chickens, a fairy house trail and pirate island all await visitors who explore the grounds of this unique retreat. For more information on Pickwell Manor and to book using the discount code EMMA10%, click here .
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