Higher Compton Barton

A sympathetic, Grade II Listed development of Barn conversions situated in the stunning South Hams

BUILT. 1839

Higher Compton Barton is a superb example of a sympathetic Farm and Barn conversion, creating 13 special homes in the South Hams countryside between Totnes and Torbay.

The old farm complex was bought, with a view for development, in 1996 by Eileen Brown. She engaged local architect and developer Roger Hawkins of Totnes to design and restore the magnificent 19th century "model farm" into a collection of unique residences, mixing barn conversions and the restoration of the Old Farmhouse and Groomsman's Cottage.

The first properties (The Farmhouse and the Cottage) were completed and sold in early 1998, with the rest of the complex completed during the remainder of 1998 and early 1999.

Click here to view the sales particulars from 1998/1999

Original barn doors
Beams
Original Barn doors
As featured in Period Homes Magazine

Click here to read the article

The History

From research, it appears that Higher Compton Barton was built just after the turn of the 19th Century, as the working farm to support the original Compton Barton which has now been renamed Compton House.

The History of Higher Compton Barton

There are no records of the farm buildings in the last census of the 18th Century, but Parish records of 1809 record activity at the Farm.

The buildings are what as known as a "Model Farm", and are perhaps the best surviving examples of this style in eastern Devon.

More recent items from history include;

  • East side of the complex sustained damage to the roof when a German bomber en-route to the docks in Plymouth dropped a mine in the nearby field (incidently killing one of the horses on the farm)
  • Later, during the 1970's the farm was 'raided' by the police on a 'drugs bust'. The attic of the "Cottage" - now part of number 10, was being used dry the cannabis, that was being grown in the allotments (now part of the gardens for numbers 2 and 3).
  • The farm fell into disuse during the 1970's; its courtyard and buildings being unsuitable for the larger mechanised farming equipment of the later part of the 20th Century. Farming activity moved to the top of the Moles Cross Lane, using modern pre fabricated structures common in today's faming practice.

Click here to view the plans dating from construction in 1839

Log Stack
Snow at Higher Compton Barton
Gate handle
Location, Location, Location

Torbay and its major towns of the bay, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, collectively known as the English Riviera, is approx. 4 miles distant and provide a more comprehensive range of shopping, educational, recreational and sporting needs can be met. The highly regarded Grammar Schools of Torquay Boys and Girls are within 10 minutes drive and Churston Ferrers Grammar School within 20 minutes drive.

If travelling and commuting are important to you, Devon has a comprehensive rail network accessed at the mainline railway station in either Totnes or Newton Abbot with rapid regular rail links to London Paddington. Access to the motorway network is via the M5 at Exeter.

For Sale

There are no properties currently on the market at Higher Compton Barton