Would you betray your friends to live in this Traitors-esque castle in Devon? Yes. Yes I would
Tawstock Castle near Barnstaple even comes with its own banishing table. And four bedrooms.


I am not usually one for reality TV — your Big Brothers, your Love Islands, things of that nature — but you can’t beat The Traitors when it comes to pulsating evening viewing. Watching supposedly decent people slowly drive themselves into the darkest recesses of their minds while paranoia slowly overwhelms any semblance of rationality is appointment viewing if you ask me. As is the machinations and schemes of those operating in plain sight, conducting those around them to turn on each other, all in the name of winning some money.
It is fascinating thing because it is at once so simple (me want money, me do anything to get money) and complex (how can I convince people that I am something other than what I am). Also, Claudia Winkleman is in it, wearing a series of ever more elaborate outfits. There are no flaws to the concept.
The other star of the show, other than gothic Claudia Winkleman and despair, is Ardross Castle, the 19th century Scots Baronial castle north of Inverness where the show is set. It looks a very nice castle, with all the bells and whistles you would need to create an atmosphere where people slowly turn on each other in a desperate cash grab. Or you could use it as a family home. Up to you really.
Of a similar vein, but more importantly for sale, is Tawstock Castle near Barnstaple in North Devon. It’s for sale with Knight Frank for £1.5 million. We can’t guarantee Claudia Winkleman or mental anguish, but there is a large round table, which is quite similar to the one used in the Traitors.
Listed Grade II, the castle was built in the 18th century and is, according to the agents, a ‘testament to timeless elegance and historical charm’. It stands on a hilltop overlooking its 8.41 acres of private grounds. It also comes with a ‘motte’, which is the mound that surrounds it. You learn something new every day.
Inside, the property is set over two floors, if you discount the tower, which we will come back to. On the lower-ground floor are two large bedrooms, both en-suite. And by large, I mean they take up half of the total floorspace each.
On the ground floor, you’ll find the main reception room (which contains the banishing table) and a kitchen in one of the towers. There’s also a study/home office in one of the other towers. A staircase leads up one of the towers, where you’ll find two more bedrooms and a lookout right at the top. There is also a vast roof terrace, which would be great for throwing parties or topping up one’s tan. Or for scheming.
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.
It’s in remarkably good condition for a castle of this age and size, which is a testament to the work of the current owners. It’s also in a great location, with the village of Tawstock itself not far away, and the town of Barnstaple a short drive further. There are lots of nice walks, golf courses, beaches and so on all within easy reach. The weather in Devon is probably much better than in the Highlands too.
If you must have your Traitors castle in Scotland, feel free to check out our list of bests Scottish Castles for sale below.
James Fisher is the deputy digital editor of countrylife.co.uk. He is a faithful, he promises, and lives in London
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
Credit: Michael Graham
5 country homes for sale, from £1.575 million to £12 million, as seen in Country Life
Here are five of the best homes to come up for sale via Country Life over the holiday period.
Credit: Strutt & Parker
A four-bedroom home overlooking Salcombe where you can dream of summers to come
Inside the unassuming exteriors of Rectory Barn in East Portlemouth is a modern home that demands to entertain your friends
'People love land': The top estate sales of 2024, from the Duke of Northumberland to first-time farmers
Some estate sales were trickier in 2024, yet overall most eventually found buyers. We look at some of the top
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.
-
From California to Cornwall: How surfing became a cornerstone of Cornish culture
A new exhibition at Cornwall's National Maritime Museum celebrates a century of surf culture and reveals how the country became a global leader in surf innovation and conservation.
By Emma Lavelle Published
-
Jaecoo 7 SHS: Can you really get a luxury SUV for £35,000?
The Chinese automaker Jaecoo lands on UK shores with the 7. We take it for a spin around Scotland and the north of England to see if the hype is real.
By Charlie Thomas Published
-
18 magnificent homes for sale from £550k to £20 million, as seen in Country Life
From a charming thatched cottage to a 300-acre estate with its own vineyard, here's our pick of places to come to the market via Country Life of late.
By Toby Keel Published
-
If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool
5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
By James Fisher Published
-
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