Visit us at Chagford, Dartmoor, England

Chagford is an ancient stannary town situated on the eastern slopes of Dartmoor, the largest national park in the South-West of England. Dating from prehistoric settlement, during the middle ages Chagford was one of four stannary towns serving tin mines on Dartmoor. During the industrial revolution it became a major wool trading centre, this later declining to the present day with agriculture as the largest local employer.

The village lies 25 miles from the county town of Exeter and 28 miles across Dartmoor to the naval town of Plymouth. The South Devon coast and 'The English Riviera' of Torbay are less than an hours drive away, with the rugged and beautiful North Devon coast being a similar distance.

Why not visit Chagford; a warm and friendly village in a beautiful part of Devon that's ideal for touring the county, walking, cycling, fishing, or merely relaxing?

Padley Hey

An imposing newly refurbished four bedroomed bungalow standing in one acre of its own grounds with unrivalled views over the eastern slopes of Dartmoor. Approached by a gravelled drive, Padley is one of Chagford's finest bungalows. From the living room overlooking Meldon Hill and the moors, to its master bedroom and en-suite bathroom, the beautifully fitted kitchen (with aga, dishwasher and washing machine), double garage and lawned gardens, Padley offers the ultimate in self-catering accommodation.

Sleeping up to six ( two double bedrooms and two singles). Padley is the perfect place to relax or indulge in the wide range of outdoor activities offered by Dartmoor. It is also an ideal base from which to explore the diversity of one of England's most beautiful counties.

The Old Stables

The Old Stables is a sympathetically restored converted stable block in a secluded position within the village.

Granite built with many original features, The Old Stables boasts its own private outdoor swimming pool which is heated (in season). There is a large lounge, dining room, entrance hall and fitted kitchen (with gas aga, washing machine and dishwasher) downstairs, with a twin-bedded room and en-suite shower and a larger double bedrom with en-suite bathroom making up the luxurious accommodation. Sleeping four, there is gas central heating throughout, with a weekly cleaning service and bed linen provided free.

The stable block has extensive views of Dartmoor, yet is situated within a short, level walk of the centre of the village. It is ideally suited to a family looking for a more active holiday or those seeking a quiet retreat in peaceful surroundings.

Lookover

Lookover is a charming bungalow, set in its own grounds, with private parking and extensive views across Dartmoor. Comprising a twin bed, single bedroom, double bedded loft conversion, lounge-diner and fully fitted kitchen (with dishwasher), Lookover can accommodate 4/5 adults and children, though we suggest that the loft conversion would be unsuitable for younger children. There is gas central heating throughout, a weekly cleaning service free (if required), with bed-linen provided.

With a level walk to the centre of the village, Lookover nestles in a secluded position accessed by a private drive.

About Dartmoor

Dartmoor is perhaps Southern England's most beautiful and rugged wilderness. Created a National Park in 1951, the central moorland with its wooded fringes cover 365 square miles. Its granite plateau dominates the county of Devonshire, the wet uplands giving rise to eight of the county's rivers. Rocky outcrops, or Tors, are the dominant feature, standing in bleak and isolated testimony to the moor's volcanic past. High Willays and Yes Tor on the northern moor are the highest points at 2,039 feet & 2,028 feet.

History pervades every part of Dartmoor, the earliest remains being those of neolithic settlements at Grimspound and Haytor. Grey weathers, a standing stone circle below Sittaford Tor, is said to be a druidic site. A royal forest in Saxon times, the castle, manor and forest of Dartmoor were granted to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, by his brother King Henry VIII in 1337, since when it has belonged to the Duchy of Cornwall.

Quarrying and mining grew as major industries on Dartmoor, with many abandoned mine workings left at The Warren and Haytor, once the site of tin and copper mines and granite quarrying. Although some quarry work remains, the major industries are now agriculture and tourism. Wild Dartmoor ponies, sheep and moorland cattle now graze the sparse grass, the chief vegetation being heather, thriving on the peat soil.

Superstition and legend are present in abundance on Dartmoor. From the Devil's Aces at The Warren to Jay's Grave and the infamous "Hairy Hand", the moor has always given rise to a sense of mystery and foreboding. Shrouded in mist, Dartmoor was the setting for Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles". Certainly when the fog settles, Dartmoor is a strange and eerie place, but in any weather, its rugged beauty inspires, and its reputation as one of England's most beautiful areas is richly deserved.

To come to Devon and not to visit Dartmoor is an opportunity lost. It is truly one of those rare parts of England that you will always carry with you in your memory!