Dartmoor, Devon

An exceptional opportunity has arisen to acquire the historic and prestigious Prince Hall Country House, located in the heart of the renowned Duchy Estate. This remarkable property offers the chance to own a piece of Dartmoor's heritage while embracing the potential for a variety of future ventures.

The main residence boasts an impressive nine double bedrooms, each complete with en suite shower rooms, ensuring ultimate comfort and privacy for guests or family members. As you enter through the grand entrance hallway, you are welcomed by a series of beautifully appointed reception rooms, providing ample space for both relaxing and entertaining. The expansive kitchen on the ground floor is perfect for preparing gourmet meals and hosting gatherings. A spacious ground-floor bedroom adds further convenience and versatility to the layout.

Set amidst over three acres of scenic grounds, this property offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Dartmoor landscape. The peaceful location is ideal for nature lovers, with a wealth of walking trails right on your doorstep, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the area at your leisure. The property is accessed via a long, tree-lined driveway, enhancing its privacy and exclusivity.

Prince Hall has a rich history of being used as a hotel, bed and breakfast, tea room, and most recently, a guest house, earning numerous five-star reviews. This well-established reputation for excellence provides a solid foundation for future endeavors. With the current owners retiring, the property is brimming with potential, offering a fantastic opportunity to develop the space into a luxury wedding venue, wellness retreat, boutique hotel, or any other number of possibilities. The expansive grounds and charming setting provide a perfect backdrop for unforgettable events, making this an ideal location for special occasions and gatherings.

Additionally, the property also boasts a detached barn that has been granted planning permission for owners' accommodation, featuring four bedrooms, which presents exciting potential for further development. This approval also includes the option to create an additional access point, unlocking even more opportunities for expansion or diversification. Furthermore, the current owners have creatively transformed the former stables into a stunning, versatile open space, perfect for hosting weddings, retreats, or workshops. The space includes separate cloakrooms and a designated area for an outdoor kitchen, enhancing its functionality and appeal.

Whether you’re seeking a luxurious family home, a business opportunity, or a combination of both, Prince Hall Country House presents an extraordinary chance to own a piece of Dartmoor's rich heritage while embracing its promising future. The possibilities are endless, and this property is ready to become the next chapter in your success story.

This exceptional property is currently held under a recently renewed Duchy Lease, with a term of 65 years starting in 2024. The annual rent is £8,000 plus VAT, offering an attractive long-term lease structure.

It’s also worth mentioning that a four-bedroom detached cottage with land is available by separate negotiation. This property is owned by the Duchy and could be rented for £780 per calendar month.

History
Prince Hall, originally known as Prynse Hall, has stood on Dartmoor since 1443. Its original house was likely destroyed during the Civil War, possibly by troops in an act of vandalism. The current mansion was built in 1787 by Sir Francis Buller, a young High Court Judge known for sending convicts to Australia. Sir Francis also built the local Saracen's Head pub and offered his sitting room as a place of worship before Princetown had its own church.

In the 19th century, the house changed hands several times, with the Gullet and Fowler families farming the estate. During the Napoleonic Wars, Prince Hall housed French aristocratic prisoners. By the end of the 1800s, it became the private home of the Barrington family. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is believed to have been inspired by the surroundings to write *The Hound of the Baskervilles*.

In 1906, the house became a hotel, offering full board for two guineas a week, but closed during WWI. After changing owners multiple times, including a brief period as a residence for the Prince of Wales in the 1930s, it was purchased by the Llewellyn family in 1937, who restored it. During WWII, the house was used by troops, and later, Lord and Lady Astor made it their summer home.

By 1956, the house fell into disrepair before being bought by Dr. Bentley, who lived there for over 20 years. In 1984, it was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, who began renovations. Prince Hall reopened as a hotel in 1985 and remains a popular destination today under its current owner, Chris Daly.