A modest ‘secret cottage’ hidden in woods, owned by Richard III and Lord Nelson’s right hand man is on sale for £1.25million.
Colwell Wood Cottage, near Honiton in Devon, is perfect for someone who wants to live like a hermit as it sits in a clearing in 75 acres of woods, offering unrivalled solitude.
In the 15th century during the Wars of the Roses it was held by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who finally became King Richard III.
Colwell Wood Cottage, near Honiton in Devon, is perfect for someone who wants to live like a hermit as it sits in a clearing in 75 acres of woods, offering unrivalled solitude
The land is also an incredible haven for wildlife, an untouched natural habitat for bats, birds, deer and butterflies
It retains period features, such as the inglenook fireplace in the living room, and has stunning views to the woodland over a wildflower meadow next to the property
It was owned by aristocratic families – de Courtenay, Hungerford and Hastings – as part of much larger estates.
The land then passed through landed gentry families from the 16th century until Admiral Thomas Graves, Lord Nelson’s second in command at the Battle of Copenhagen, bought it for £1,210 in 1793.
He later gave it to his daughter Mary and the cottage was built, possibly as a sylvan retreat for her or a home for their woodman.
The cottage was lived in until the mid-20th century when it fell into decline and dereliction.
The current owner bought it in the 1980s and carried out a restoration to both the cottage and the surrounding woodland.
The property is fairly basic and modest with 1,256 sq ft of accommodation. It has three bedrooms, a large living room, a kitchen/breakfast room and two bathrooms.
It retains period features, such as the inglenook fireplace in the living room, and has stunning views to the woodland over a wildflower meadow next to the property.
The land is also an incredible haven for wildlife, an untouched natural habitat for bats, birds, deer and butterflies.
It has been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, the woodland is mainly oak, with some ash and sycamore, and includes about 18 acres of bluebell woods and a spring-fed pond.
The land is also an incredible haven for wildlife, an untouched natural habitat for bats, birds, deer and butterflies
The woodland, which is currently managed by Tilhill Forestry, is near the village of Offwell, about a mile and a half from Honiton.
Alex Coates, from estate agents Humberts, who are handling the sale, said: ‘It’s a completely magical setting.
‘You get to the cottage down this lovely long track and the woodland is all beautiful ancient oak, not a lot has been changed there in 500 years.
‘There are other cottages in woodland but they tend to be little cottage stuck in the middle of thick trees.
‘The rarity of something like Colwell is you have this open feel to it with the clearing, which is a very rare combination.
The property is fairly basic and modest with 1,256 sq ft of accommodation. It has three bedrooms, a large living room, a kitchen/breakfast room and two bathrooms
‘It is like you’re in your own little enchanting world there. It’s an amazing haven for wildlife.
‘Part of the property’s charm is it’s actually a very modest cottage when you get there.
‘It is not listed so it could have potential to build on what’s there but I think it works brilliantly as it is.
‘The owners have used it as a retreat. It was pretty much derelict when they bought it in the 80s, they have extended it and put the slate roof on but they don’t get out there as much anymore and don’t want it to sit unused.
‘It would appeal to someone with a love of the countryside who wants somewhere completely away from it all.’