A house in a valley in Devon that's actually seven houses in a valley in Devon
West Charleton Grange sits in a peaceful and private setting near Kingsbridge, and boasts a buzzing holiday-let business.


It’s very chic right now to discuss the searing views of the surrounding countryside. I would argue that it is one of my most used phrases on this website. We like views, we like to look at the countryside. It’s kind of what this whole place is about.
So, this is a piece about a house in a valley, because it’s about time valley-living received some love. You could live in a valley, a very nice valley, for £3.75 million, if you like Devon and the look of West Charleton Grange, which is for sale with Knight Frank.
The benefits of valley living are numerous. You have enormous amounts of privacy, hidden from view by the undulating landscape. There is likely a source of running water nearby; in the olden days this would have been useful for drinking/washing, but now it’s just nice to listen to or look at. You are also protected from the elements, which in the West Country is always helpful, with those fierce winds blowing in from the Atlantic. All in all, valleys are good, we reckon.
A good home in a good valley is the aforementioned West Charleton Grange. With five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a tennis court, swimming pool and nine acres of gardens, this property has it all. It’s also unlisted, which is good, but that’s an article for another time.
Originally a farmhouse built in the 16th century, West Charleton has been substantially altered, and now provides modern and comfortable living within its mellow local stone façade. If all that wasn’t enough, the property comes with six (6!) self-contained properties, the backbone of a well established holiday let business.
Outside, a party barn known as The Folly can accommodate up to 30 people underneath its vaulted oak ceilings, and also works as a cinema room. The grounds also feature an indoor pool, lawns, a ‘secret’ garden, orchard, woodland lake and stream.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Credit: Knight Frank
A 112-acre estate in Hardy country with nine bedrooms and glorious gardens that is far from the madding crowd
Bingham's Melcombe in Dorset is a 'real gem', say agents, and is so quiet you won't hear 'a car door
Credit: Knight Frank
An island retreat with 27 bedrooms and a swirling staircase on the Queen of the Hebrides
Islay House on the Isle of Islay is a hotel with enormous potential to become an awe-inspiring home.
Credit: Hamptons
A contemporary Sussex home with a cinema room taken from the First Class section of a Jumbo Jet
The aviation-themed cinema room is not the only stand-out feature of this £3.5m property. We lift the lid on why
From organic pools to £100k huts, the seven trends defining the housing market today
From natural swimming pools to shepherd's huts with six-figure price tags, there are all sorts of things which are getting
James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
How many puppies in the average litter? Country Life Quiz of the Day
Plus a 1960s house, Hollywood's most famous cavewoman and more in Friday's quiz.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Love, sex and death: Our near-universal obsession with the rose
No flower is more entwined with myth, religion, politics and the human form than the humble rose — and now there's a new coffee table book celebrating them in all of their glory.
By Amy de la Haye Last updated
-
The sounds of spring and stained glass in an Arts-and-Crafts masterpiece in Dorset
With 35 acres, more than 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court, Winterfield has it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An eight-bedroom wonder in East Sussex where the outdoors are an adventure
The interiors of Old Middleton are pretty good too.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A lakeside farmhouse on the market in the beautiful heart of Pembrokeshire
A lake, streams, 15 acres and five bedrooms. Rogershook might have it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An idyllic countryside home that's light, spacious and comes with a Grade II-listed folly
Hagg House is a gorgeous family home that just happens to have a miniature castle in the gardens. Annabel Dixon explains more.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A historic villa for sale on the Via Nomentana worthy of Rome's rich history
Three floors, lots of balconies, and a private garden in one of Rome's loveliest neighbourhoods.
By James Fisher Published
-
Eight bedrooms of unlisted Edwardian elegance with sweeping views of Somerset
Ashton House sits near the market town of Chard and comes with a wealth of amenities both inside and out.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A waterside cottage in Devon with a private quay, idyllic views and the prettiest summerhouse we've seen in years
Right beside the picturesque Yealm Estuary, No 1 Noss Mayo is an idyllic home that feels like an escape from the world. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
This elegant Greek villa offers would-be buyers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in the shadow of the Acropolis
Athenian Legacy consists of two houses in walking —and almost touching — distance of one of the world’s most famous and precious landmarks.
By Rosie Paterson Published