Historic Grade II home with 2.15 acres, six bedrooms and major investment already completed

Grey Gables is a house of real stature. Grade II listed and rich in character, it stands within beautiful mature grounds on the edge of Bovey Tracey, combining the feel of a country house with the convenience of a well connected market town nearby. Dating back in part to the 16th century, it is a home with depth, presence and a fascinating story behind it.

What is especially appealing today is the work that has already been done. During the current ownership, substantial investment has gone into the important areas of the property, including a new roof, lead work, drainage, exterior landscaping and management, along with an enlarged drive and additional parking area. The result is a handsome and deeply atmospheric home where much of the essential work has already been tackled, leaving the next owner free to focus on enjoyment and to bring their own decorative vision over time.

Grey Gables has evolved over centuries and its story is woven into the history of Bovey Tracey itself. Records suggest there has been a substantial house on the site since at least 1765, though the origins of the property reach further back, with references to an earlier building in the 1600s and evidence of former foundations within the grounds. Over time the house was altered and enlarged, and at one stage took on the form of a Georgian house with a granite wraparound.

In the mid 19th century the house, then known as The Vicarage, became associated with Canon Charles Leslie Courtenay, appointed Vicar of Bovey Tracey in 1849. His wife, Lady Caroline Margaret Somers Cox, had close links to Queen Victoria, and the house is said to have enjoyed royal associations during that period. Grey Gables was restored in 1854, and later passed into private ownership following the war. Its long history can still be felt throughout the house today, not just in its architecture and detailing, but in the sense of permanence that runs through it.

The approach to Grey Gables sets the tone, and once inside, the house opens beautifully. An imposing oak front door leads into a generous reception hall, from which the principal rooms unfold. One of the most memorable spaces is the chapel, with its vaulted rib ceiling and leaded light windows, a remarkable room that speaks directly to the property’s past. The morning room, drawing room, dining room, garden room and office all add to the scale and versatility of the accommodation.

The drawing room and dining room now flow more openly, with the former doors between them removed, giving these two principal rooms a better sense of connection for modern living and entertaining. The former butler’s pantry and snug have also been combined to create a larger and more practical space on the ground floor.

Elsewhere, the house is full of period atmosphere, from the Ashburton marble fireplace in the morning room to the stone mullioned windows, bay window, wood burner, old safe and the extensive cellar spaces below. The cellars themselves are a wonderful feature, offering excellent storage and further flexibility. The kitchen is generous and characterful, with high ceilings and original detailing, and is supported by a useful adjoining utility room.

Upstairs, the accommodation is arranged across two linked landing areas and includes six double bedrooms, one en suite and two further bathrooms. The layout gives the house breadth and flexibility, whether for family life, visiting guests or multi generational living. Several of the bedrooms enjoy lovely outlooks across the surrounding area.

The grounds are a huge part of Grey Gables’ appeal and now extend to around 2.15 acres. They provide privacy, variety and a lovely sense of escape, while still leaving the town within easy reach.

A long private drive leads through granite gateposts to the house, where the enlarged driveway and additional parking area make arrival and everyday practicality much easier. There is also a large garage with space for storage and vehicles. The principal terrace is south facing and looks out across the lawns towards the surrounding landscape, creating a natural setting for outdoor dining, entertaining or simply sitting in the sun.

The gardens unfold in distinct areas, giving them real interest. There are broad lawns, a woodland section with winding paths, a walled garden, productive spaces, greenhouse, fruit trees and a number of useful outbuildings including a potting shed, storage sheds and a lovely garden summer house. The overall feel is green, established and wonderfully private.

Grey Gables enjoys an enviable position on the very edge of Bovey Tracey, close enough to walk into town for everyday needs, yet with a setting that feels calm and tucked away. Bovey offers a good range of amenities including shops, eateries, public houses, a health centre, post office and primary schooling.

The location also works exceptionally well for wider access. Newton Abbot is around 15 minutes away and provides a mainline rail link to London Paddington, while the A38 gives straightforward access to Exeter, Plymouth and the M5. Dartmoor National Park is just moments away, with Haytor and the open moorland landscape close by, and the coast at Teignmouth, Shaldon and Torquay is also within easy reach.

Newton Abbot Train Station: 8 Miles

Stover Golf Course: 4 Miles

Stover School (Private): 4.4 Miles

Torquay Marina: 14 Miles

Exeter Airport: 18 Miles

Plymouth: 34 Miles

Bristol: 100 Miles

Grade II listed, Historic England entry number: 1334079.

Local Authority: Teignbridge District Council.

Council Tax Band: G. £4411.75 for the 2026/27 tax year

Tenure: Freehold

Services: Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage

Heating: Gas central heating.

Broadband: Up to 1800MBPS available via Ultrafast, according to OFCOM

Mobile Signal: Good outdoor and variable indoor according to OFCOM (EE - 74%, Vodafone - 74%, O2 - 64%, Three - 62%)

Flooding: Very low risk of long term flooding according to the government, long term flood risk checker

EPC: Ordered, TBC