COUNTRY PURSUITS

by Gillian Molesworth

It’s that time of year, when huntin’ shootin’ fishin’ is on the agenda (well possibly not fishin’, but certainly huntin’ and shootin’). Across the Westcountry, keen countrymen and women are pulling on their tweed coats and getting out to enjoy their sport. If it’s not your bag (no pun intended), sporting homes provide lots of opportunities for interacting with nature. Here are some of our favourite sporting homes on the market right now:

Lower Manaton, South

Cornwall, £1 million

One of the oldest homes in the district, Lower Manaton is full of atmosphere. Proper roaring fire in a big granite hearth, studded wooden doors, casement windows: just the right “shooting lodge” feel, and with 11 acres of grounds to go with it, including woodland suitable for a rough shoot. Delightful grounds and a range of outbuildings, including a holy well. Not everyone can say that.

Agents: Webbers Fine & Country, Launceston, 01566 771919, www.fineandcountry.com

Four Seasons, Bradworthy, north Devon, £695,000 This fisherman’s dream boasts two fishing lakes, stocked with carp, bream and tench, with a number of jetties to cast your line. The peacefully located house has four bedrooms, with a separate two-bedroom annexe, all set in attractive gardens. Bring in income with the two two-bedroom holiday lodges: you can share your fishing passion with like-minded souls.

Agents: Stags, Exeter, 01308 428000, www.stags.co.uk Tremasden, Keybridge, Blisland, Cornwall, £575,000 The wilds of Bodmin Moor are on the doorstep of this picturesque period home, offered for sale for the first time in half a century. River frontage along the De Lank River and 15 acres of pasture and woodland are up for grabs here, in one of Cornwall’s wildest spots rich in natural wonders. The house has four bedrooms, and there’s also a workshop and substantial barn outbuilding. It’s also just five miles from the A30.

Agents: Cole, Rayment & White, Wadebridge, 01208 813 595, www.crw.co.uk

Rowe Farm, Ellicombe, Minehead, £795,000

Fab equestrian facilities at this character farmhouse property, set within the hunting and riding Mecca of Exmoor National Park. Seven loose boxes, tack room, hay barn, menage, paddocks...oh, and for humans Lower Manaton, Callington

Hill Road,

Callington, there’s a charming three-bedroom home.

Agents: Jackson-Stops, Taunton 01823 325 144, www.jackson-stops.co.uk

Riverford House, Launceston, Cornwall, £550,000 Superb trout fishing on the River Kensey, or you can cast for salmon in the nearby River Tamar from this unique property. It even has its own two-acre “ham”: yet surprise surprise, it’s within the town boundary of Launceston, so you can still walk out to get milk and bread. A real countryman’s home in town, with a summerhouse, useful outbuildings, polytunnels, and chicken runs.

Agents: Kivells, www.kivells.com

Leigh Farm, Bere Alston, Yelverton, Devon, £2.25 million

Privately located on the beautiful Bere Peninsula, this property comes with a four-bedroom character farmhouse, substantial five-bedroom luxury barn conversion, and two further cottages. There are extensive modern livestock buildings and far-reaching views. About five miles from Tavistock, this great farm is on the threshold of Dartmoor, with its myriad walking and sporting activities.

Agents: D.R. Kivell & Partners, 01822 810 810, www.drkivellandpartners.co.uk

West Burridge Cottage, Cheldon, near Chawleigh, £599,950

This archetypal English country cottage happens to be in prime hunt country, with the Eggesford Hunt located nearby. West Burridge Cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with vaulted ceilings, AGA, and a green oak garden room. You’ll love the stunning two acres of gardens with polytunnel and greenhouse, as well as the home office and double garage.

Agents: Chartsedge, 01392 www.chartsedge.co.uk

Houndle Farm, Cornwood, South Devon, £775,000 Set within Dartmoor National Park, this four-bedroom farmhouse has a one-bedroom barn conversion and beautiful gardens with a swimming pool. Adjoining paddock will allow you to keep a horse or two, and you can ride out accompanied by your dogs across the moor’s amazing scenery. Plenty of rustic charm here, with exposed stone feature walls, and the gardens are a delight.

Agents: Marchand Petit, Modbury, 01548 831163, www.marchandpetit.co.uk

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