A real fairy tale property! 19th Century Devon country house built to look like a castle and turned into a tourist attraction in 1977 goes on the market for undisclosed amount
- 19th Century Watermouth Castle near Ilfracombe, Devon, has gone on the market for an undisclosed amount
- Situated by Watermouth Harbour – once a haven for smugglers – the Grade II* Listed Castle is a tourist hotspot
- The building was erected in the mid-19th century and is not a true castle, but a country house built like one
A Victorian fairytale castle overlooking the Devon coastline has gone on the market for an undisclosed sum.
Watermouth Castle, near Ilfracombe, has been run by the same owners for 45 years and is billed as one of the top tourist destinations in the county.
Situated by Watermouth Harbour – once a haven for smugglers – the Grade II* Listed Castle is situated in a stunning position with breath-taking views.
The building was erected in the mid-19th century and is not a true castle, but a country house built to look like one, according to its listing with Savills.
It is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin.
A 19th Century fairytale castle overlooking the Devon coastline has gone on the market for an undisclosed sum
Watermouth Castle, near Ilfracombe, has been run by the same owners for 45 years and is billed as one of the top tourist destinations in the county
Situated by Watermouth Harbour – once a haven for smugglers – the Grade II* Listed Castle is situated in a stunning position with breath-taking views
The building was erected in the mid-19th century and is not a true castle, but a country house built to look like one.
It was later turned into a tourist attraction featuring a mix of rides, activities and play areas.
The castle was built in 1825 by Arthur Davie Basset for his bride, Harriet.
In 1916, the castle was used as a convalescent home for Army Officers wounded in the First World War.
Then, during the Second World War, it became the headquarters of P.L.U.T.O (Pipe-Line-Under-The-Ocean).
In 1945, the last descendant of the Basset family finally moved out and Watermouth Castle fell into a state of disrepair.
In 1977, the near derelict castle was bought by Richard Haines and his family, who turned it into a tourist attraction.
It now boasts a mix of rides, activities and play-areas, including: Gnome Land, Merry-Go-Land and Adventure Land.
There are also seven apartments which are used as short term holiday lets and an indoor swimming pool.
The castle has a large, impressive entrance hall with a fireplace, panelling and a staircase and gallery.
The hall and the rooms leading from it now form the museum part of the attraction.
Exhibits include a wide variety of Victorian and Edwardian artefacts, an ‘N gauge model railway’ and a working ‘Decap Organ’.
The castle was built in 1825 by Arthur Davie Basset for his bride, Harriet. In 1916, the castle was used as a convalescent home for Army Officers wounded in the First World War.
Then, during the Second World War, it became the headquarters of P.L.U.T.O (Pipe-Line-Under-The-Ocean)
In 1945, the last descendant of the Basset family finally moved out and Watermouth Castle fell into a state of disrepair
In 1977, the near derelict castle was bought by Richard Haines and his family, who turned it into a tourist attraction. It now boasts a mix of rides, activities and play-areas, including: Gnome Land, Merry-Go-Land and Adventure Land
There are also seven apartments which are used as short term holiday lets and an indoor swimming pool. The castle has a large, impressive entrance hall with a fireplace, panelling and a staircase and gallery
The hall and the rooms leading from it now form the museum part of the attraction. Exhibits include a wide variety of Victorian and Edwardian artefacts, an ‘N gauge model railway’ and a working ‘Decap Organ’
The basement of the property, which is known as the ‘Dungeon Labyrinths’, contains a selection of fairy-tale animations, exhibits and attractions and is also open for visitors to explore.
The basement area leads into the courtyard, which comprises the underground theatre currently operating as a water, music and light show attraction, the main café, gift shop, toilets and an animated show.
The site is nearly 12 acres in total, with an additional 52 acres of woodland and car parking.
The popular family attraction is on the market with Savills.
Justine Morris, Associate Director in the leisure and trade-related team at the estate agency, said: ‘This is a rare opportunity to acquire a popular and profitable visitor attraction that has been in the same family ownership for almost half a century.
‘The opportunity now exists for new owners to continue to develop the substantial visitor attraction.’
Watermouth Castle remains open to the public.
It is currently operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The attraction will also be open during the October half term.
For more details, see the property listing with Savills.
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