Landscove House and Barns | 14-Bedroom Manor in Ashburton

Thirty-six guests, fourteen bedrooms, and the kind of countryside silence that feels genuinely rare. Landscove House & Barns sits three miles from Dartmoor’s edge in Devon’s South Hams, a restored 1840s manor combined with late-18th-century barn conversions that together create one of the South West’s most substantial private estates. This is the luxury manor rental in Ashburton that actually delivers on scale without sacrificing intimacy.

Inside Landscove House & Barns

Landscove House & Barns sleeps 36 guests across 14 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, split between the main manor and the barn complex. The architecture tells a story of careful restoration: original stone walls in the dining room, hand-sawn timbers and exposed rafters throughout the barns, working fireplaces that actually heat rooms rather than exist for decoration.

Landscove House (8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, sleeps up to 16)

The ground floor works as the collective heartbeat. The kitchen runs long and serious—professional-grade stove, four ovens, two dishwashers, two full refrigerator units, an island that functions as both workspace and gathering point. This is a kitchen where groups cook together without elbowing for counter space. The dining room seats 18 comfortably. Beyond it, the living and family room opens to countryside views with a substantial corner sofa; the separate study provides a quieter retreat for work calls or reading.

First floor bedrooms include a super-king with a two-person soaking bath and wet room shower; two twin rooms (one convertible to super-king on request); a four-poster king; and a king accessed via a spiral staircase within the bedroom itself—a detail that signals how thoroughly these spaces have been designed for interest rather than mere function.

The second floor holds three additional chambers: a super-king with a feature bath and shower room; a super-king with an attached sitting area; and a king with en-suite shower. Every bedroom has its own bathroom. Every bathroom includes both a bath and shower option.

Landscove Barns (6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sleeps 12-20 independently)

The barn courtyard—once home to working dairy cattle—is now a gated, private courtyard where children run safely and adults linger over morning coffee. Six interconnected suites provide flexibility: rooms can be rented individually or combined into larger family cottages.

Barn Room 1 (sleeps 2-4) combines a living and dining area with a sofa bed, a full kitchen, a king bedroom with feature bathtub, and a separate shower room. Room 2 (sleeps 2-4) is a studio-style suite with kitchenette, living area with sofa bed, four-poster king bed, and feature bathtub. Room 3 (sleeps 2) stands alone as a luxurious retreat: king four-poster bed, private bathroom with wet room shower, and a large two-person soaking tub. Room 4 (sleeps 2-4) contains double or twin beds with pull-out options for children, plus bath and shower; it typically connects to Room 3 or 5 to create a larger cottage. Room 5 (sleeps 2-4) is a substantial suite featuring a super-king bed with feature bathtub and wet room shower, designed to pair with Room 4 for a two-bedroom configuration. Room 6 (sleeps 2-4) functions as a studio cottage with living area and sofa bed, full kitchenette with convection oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, and washing machine, plus a king bedroom and bathroom with both bath and shower.

Each barn room includes underfloor heating and is designed with both rustic character—exposed beams, original architectural details—and modern comfort: quality linens, proper kitchens (not afterthoughts), reliable plumbing and heating.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds encompass several hundred acres. A heated outdoor pool operates year-round, maintaining temperature when it drops below 15°C. The terrace provides dining space for outdoor meals. A lily pond reflects sky and trees. Manicured lawns transition to wilder meadow where oak trees provide afternoon shade.

The estate includes several distinctive structures: a converted World War II Nissen hut (adding character and available guest space); a dedicated Dairy Kitchen suitable for private chef events or cookery classes; and a glass-roofed barn capable of seating up to 180 guests for formal dinners, exhibitions, or corporate functions. The conservatory accommodates intimate gatherings of up to 24. Additional marquee space can be set up across the meadows for outdoor celebrations.

Towering trees screen the property from the outside world while framing views across rolling farmland. The babbling stream and established woodland create a sense of genuine seclusion despite proximity to villages and attractions.

Location: Ashburton and the Surrounding Area

Ashburton itself is a small market town on the edge of Dartmoor, 8km north-west of the estate. The town holds weekly farmer’s markets and contains independent shops and cafes that serve the local community rather than tourist crowds. Within 3km sits Hill House Nursery and Gardens, where the plant selection spans everything from common perennials to rare specimens, and the tea rooms serve homemade cakes and proper tea.

Buckfastleigh (7km south) houses the Dartmouth Steam Railway, a heritage line operating continuously since 1872. The train runs 7 miles along the River Dart to Totnes, passing through landscape that barely changes decade to decade—high wooded banks, river light, stone villages. It is the kind of journey that satisfies both nostalgia and actual experience.

Dartmouth (16km south-east) is the region’s cultural anchor. The town spreads across steep hillsides above the estuary of the River Dart, its medieval core of narrow streets and overhanging houses virtually unchanged since the 15th century. Britannia Royal Navy College dominates the hill; the town offers the Flavel Arts Centre, a working cinema, numerous galleries, antique dealers, and waterfront restaurants serving fresh fish from boats moored below. Coleton Fishacre House and Garden (National Trust, 8km away) is a 1925 Arts and Crafts mansion with exceptional gardens descending to the Dart estuary. Babbacombe Model Village provides family entertainment. Bayards Cove Fort is a small Tudor fortification with genuine historical weight. Berry Head Nature Reserve (13km, near Brixham) protects limestone cliffs and supports populations of breeding seabirds.

Salcombe (22km south-west) is frequently ranked among England’s most beautiful coastal towns. The town curves around a natural harbour; boutique shops and art galleries line the streets; restaurants emphasize locally caught seafood and Salcombe Dairy’s acclaimed ice cream. The August Regatta celebrates sailing, fireworks, and maritime heritage. South Sands and North Sands provide family beach access; East Portlemouth beach sits directly across the estuary via ferry. Burgh Island (24km), accessible by sea tractor at high tide, is an island hotel and attraction surrounded by dramatic tidal geography. The South West Coast Path passes through Salcombe en route to Start Point Lighthouse (12km walk), offering constant sea views and coastal drama.

Slapton Sands (18km south) combines beach recreation with genuine historical significance. In 1943, this beach served as a rehearsal ground for D-Day landings; a tragic combination of live ammunition and poor visibility resulted in 749 American servicemen losing their lives. A stone monument marks the location. Today the beach offers watersports, a cafe, and access to Slapton Ley Nature Reserve, a freshwater lake system supporting diverse wildlife.

Greenway House and Garden (15km west), Agatha Christie’s former residence, is now managed by the National Trust. The gardens are described (by Christie herself) as “the loveliest place in the world.” They cascade toward the Dart estuary through woodland and ornamental plantings.

Explore our luxury villas across Europe and our full collection of luxury properties in Britain & Ireland. For deeper destination inspiration, read our The South West travel guide, covering seasons, activities, and regional highlights.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family gatherings: The combination of 14 bedrooms across two distinct buildings allows grandparents, parents, and children to share a property without sharing bathrooms or bedrooms. The barn rooms with separate kitchens provide flexibility for families with different meal schedules or dietary requirements.

Corporate retreats and team-building events: The glass barn accommodates 180 for formal dinners or presentations. The scale of accommodation means all participants stay on-site. The Dairy Kitchen supports team cooking classes. Meadow space allows outdoor activities.

Wedding celebrations: The manor and barns can host both ceremony (on the grounds) and reception (in the barn). Guest accommodation is integrated—out-of-town attendees have no need for a hotel. Multiple distinct spaces allow for cocktails in one area while dinner happens elsewhere.

Groups of 12-20: Landscove House or the Barns can be rented individually if full estate capacity is unnecessary. This makes the property accessible to smaller cohorts without the cost of hiring the entire site.

Families seeking pet-friendly accommodation: Pets are accepted on request, and the hundreds of acres of grounds provide genuine space for dogs to run.

Practical Information

Capacity and Configuration: 36 guests maximum across 14 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. Landscove House sleeps 16 across 8 bedrooms. Landscove Barns sleeps 12-20 across 6 bedrooms (depending on room configuration). Additional sofa beds can accommodate up to 8 additional guests.

Nearest Airport: Exeter International Airport (40km north-west, approximately 50 minutes’ drive) is the main regional hub. Plymouth Airport (55km south, 70 minutes) offers alternative access.

Ground Floor Accessibility: At least one bedroom with full bathroom facilities is located on the ground floor, facilitating access for guests with mobility limitations.

Utilities and Inclusions: Wi-Fi internet throughout. All-inclusive heating. Linen and towels provided. Cleaning service available. Pool heating included (operates year-round). Pets accepted on request.

Professional Chef Option: Private chef services can be arranged through the estate. The professional kitchen supports multi-course meal preparation for large groups.

Arrival and Check-in: Flexible check-in and check-out arrangements available by prior agreement with the owners.

Frequently Asked Questions about Landscove House & Barns

How many guests does Landscove House & Barns sleep?

Landscove House & Barns accommodates 36 guests at maximum capacity across 14 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. The main manor sleeps 16 across 8 en-suite bedrooms. The barn complex sleeps 12-20 across 6 interconnected bedrooms (the configuration depends on whether rooms are used individually or combined into larger cottages). Additional sofa beds can accommodate up to 8 more guests, depending on space preferences. Smaller groups of 12-20 can rent either Landscove House or the Barns independently if exclusive use of the full estate is not required.

What is the nearest airport to Landscove House & Barns in Ashburton?

Exeter International Airport is the closest major airport, located 40km (25 miles) north-west of the property with approximately 50 minutes’ drive time. Plymouth Airport sits 55km (34 miles) south, requiring a 70-minute transfer. Both airports offer regular flights from London and other UK cities, as well as selected European destinations. Ground transfers can be arranged.

What is the best time of year to rent Landscove House & Barns?

Summer (June through September) offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, ideal for garden use and coastal visits. May and September are particularly pleasant—quieter than peak summer, with still-warm weather. The heated pool allows year-round swimming. Winter (December through February) brings frost and occasional snow at this elevation, but the grounds are dramatic in winter light. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) provide mild temperatures and lower tourist crowds at nearby attractions. Salcombe’s August Regatta and Buckfastleigh Steam Railway operate extensively in summer months.

Is Landscove House & Barns suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated outdoor pool is suited for supervised swimming throughout the year. The several-hundred-acre grounds provide safe, enclosed space for children to run and explore—the former barn courtyard is a dedicated gated area. Family beaches at South Sands and North Sands (22km) are sandy and sheltered. Pennywell Farm (15km away) offers farm experiences for young children. Babbacombe Model Village provides attractions. The steam railway at Buckfastleigh (7km) appeals to all ages. Family-friendly restaurants are available in nearby Dartmouth, Salcombe, and Totnes.

What is included in the rental price at Landscove House & Barns?

Accommodation in all 14 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, linen, and towels. Wi-Fi internet throughout the property. Heating (standard and underfloor where installed). All-inclusive pool heating and year-round pool access. Cleaning service. Use of all kitchen equipment and dining spaces. Use of the conservatory, glass barn, and grounds. Utilities are included. A private chef can be arranged at additional cost. Towel and linen service is provided throughout the stay.

What restaurants and shops are near Landscove House & Barns?

Ashburton town center (8km north) contains independent cafes, shops, and holds weekly farmer’s markets. Buckfastleigh (7km south) has village shops and cafes near the steam railway. Dartmouth (16km south-east) offers multiple fine dining restaurants specializing in fresh seafood and local produce, plus galleries and antique dealers. Salcombe (22km south-west) is known for its boutique restaurants, local gin distillery, and Salcombe Dairy ice cream. Totnes (12km west) is a historic market town with independent shops, cafes, and markets. Supermarkets serving daily groceries are located in Ashburton and Buckfastleigh.