Land for sale

Highampton, Beaworthy, Devon EX21

An historic village church with positive pre-application feedback for change of use, offering a rare opportunity for redevelopment (STP), set in a peaceful edge-of-village position with views over Dartmoor.

Occupying an elevated position on the edge of the popular village of Highampton, this striking former parish church offers a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a building of significant historical and architectural merit. With a positive pre-application response recently obtained for a proposed change of use, the property represents an exceptional project for those seeking to create something truly unique (subject to full planning permission).

Believed to have 12th-century origins and substantially rebuilt in the 1830s, with Victorian restoration in 1876, the church is Grade II* listed and retains many period features, including a Norman-style arched entrance, lancet windows, an impressive west tower, and fine stonework throughout. The building stands proudly within its own grounds, with far-reaching countryside views towards Dartmoor, and a pleasant sense of privacy created by its slightly tucked-away position from the main village street.

Internally, the church comprises a nave, chancel, vestry, and tower base, with generous proportions and soaring ceilings that offer superb potential for imaginative conversion. The building is no longer in ecclesiastical use and is being sold as seen. Any future use or redevelopment will be subject to obtaining the necessary consents, but the positive feedback from the local authority offers a strong foundation for proceeding with design proposals.

Accessed via a quiet lane and adjacent to a small group of barns, the site offers a tranquil rural setting while remaining close to the heart of the village. Highampton itself is a well-served community with a primary school, public house, village hall, and a welcoming atmosphere. The nearby towns of Hatherleigh and Okehampton provide a broader range of amenities, with good road links beyond to the A30 and Exeter.

This is a highly individual property that will appeal to buyers with vision-whether seeking to create a bespoke private residence, community space, creative studio, or holiday accommodation (all STP). Opportunities of this nature are exceptionally scarce, particularly where strong heritage character is combined with the promise of viable change of use.

Legal and general note:
(1) All offers received will be referred to the Diocesan Church Buildings Strategy Committee (cbsc). While the Diocese does not have a power of disposal, it will make a recommendation to the Church Commissioners who have power under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 to prepare and issue a draft pastoral (church buildings disposal) scheme authorising the new use and disposal of the property.
(2) In the event of that scheme becoming effective the Commissioners will be empowered to sell the property for the authorised use when the remaining statutory requirements are completed. The scheme will also free the property from the legal effects of consecration.
(3) Until the scheme has been completed the Commissioners will not be in a position to proceed to contract.

Conditions: Prospective purchasers are invited to submit offers, subject to the following rules and stipulations:-
(1) Offers must be accompanied by sketch plans (which need not be detailed at this stage but which should outline the applicant's proposals) and written details of the proposed use of the property.
(2) The Vendors do not bind themselves to accept the highest or any offer.
(3) The offer must state clearly the price which the applicant is prepared to offer for the property, and must be unconditional save for the condition that planning permission and listed building consent be granted. Conditional acceptance of an offer will be subject to: (a) Completion by the Church Commissioners of a pastoral (church buildings disposal) scheme authorising the new use and disposal of the property. (b) Approval by the Church Commissioners of detailed plans and specifications of any proposed architectural or structural alterations following consultation with their expert advisers. (c) Compliance with the statutory requirements where human remains are present and the disposal of any tombstones, monument and memorials.

Covenants: Indicate that: Covenants will be included when disposing of the property. These are designed primarily to: Ensure the property is used for authorised purposes only. Prevent unauthorised alterations or demolition. Protect against disturbance of any human remains, tombstones, monuments or memorials A set of standard covenants is enclosed/available from the Agent. These may in some cases be adapted to take into account particular circumstances.

Please note that the grounds have been and continue to be used as a
graveyard. The extent of graveyard to be included in any disposal will be
subject to agreement between the vendor and potential purchasers. Certain
restrictions therefore apply, including not disturbing any human remains interred in the property

Enquirers should discuss their proposals for the building with the local planning authority