The luxury property is set in 55 acres of land in the rural Devon countryside
A luxurious Devon property owned by a Rolling Stones icon has hit the market for £2.75 million. Charlie Watts called Halsdon House home for four decades before his death
The Grade II listed country estate boasts equestrian facilities and sprawls across 55 acres in the Devon countryside. The legendary drummer and his wife Shirley discovered the Grade II-listed property on the edge of Dolton village through Country Life magazine back in 1983, whilst searching for a rural retreat.
They remained there contentedly until Charlie’s death in 2021 aged 80. Shirley passed away a year afterwards, also at the residence.
Their daughter Seraphina is now selling the property through Savills. Seraphina was just 15 when the family relocated there.
She’d previously told how her parents cherished the peaceful refuge away from public attention during breaks from touring, reports Devon Live. The Rolling Stones drummer had also once described life at the estate.
He said his family were “content to live their solitary human lives amongst a menagerie that includes 15 Arabian horses, 18 dogs, and two cats.”
Photographs reveal both the interior and exterior of the magnificent estate. The property is said to blend “architectural grandeur with a warm and welcoming feel.”
The listing stated: “Set within extensive private grounds, the property offers an outstanding principal house of elegant proportions, a self contained annexe, and an impressive collection of outbuildings including stabling, workshops, and traditional barns.”
According to Savills, the property is “perfectly positioned for those seeking privacy and tranquillity, whilst remaining highly accessible to the thriving villages and market towns of mid-Devon.”
This impressive traditional Devon country house boasts period features throughout, including sash windows, lofty ceilings, decorative plasterwork and stylish fireplaces. Spanning more than 8,500 sq ft across three storeys, the main reception areas are arranged around a central entrance hall.
Among them is a drawing room featuring tall sash windows and an ornate fireplace, a formal dining room, a cosier sitting room and a breakfast room connected to the kitchen. Other ground floor spaces comprise a library-style sitting room, boot room, and a cellar offering useful storage.
At the property’s core sits the kitchen, complemented by a utility room and walk-in pantry. From this space, doors lead out to the garden and breakfast room.
Throughout the upper levels, there are nine bedrooms in total. The master bedroom suite enjoys sweeping views, whilst additional bedrooms, some with dual aspects and delightful period touches, that cater for family members or visitors.
A library room on the first floor provides versatility as a study, reading nook or private lounge. The second and third storeys house further bedrooms, perfect for youngsters, visitors or home working spaces.
Connected to the main residence yet with separate entry, the one-bedroom annexe offers useful independent living quarters. Featuring a lounge, kitchen, bedroom and en suite bathroom, it’s perfectly suited for staff, relatives or guest accommodation.
The property also boasts several outbuildings. These are arranged to accommodate both agricultural and equestrian requirements.
They include a sizeable stable yard with multiple loose boxes, tack room and feed room. There are also various workshops and barns alongside other detached structures.
The listing added: “Together, these buildings create a highly functional estate, perfectly suited to equestrian pursuits, smallholding, or lifestyle farming. The house sits at the heart of its own grounds, surrounded by sweeping lawns, rhododendron beds, and an impressive collection of mature specimen trees.
“The formal gardens, with wide lawns and colourful borders, provide a wonderful setting for entertaining and outdoor living. Beyond the gardens, the land opens into rolling pasture and paddocks, ideal for horses or livestock.”
The listing also draws attention to a substantial water reservoir, which serves as an eye-catching landscape element and provides practical water supply possibilities. It concluded: “In all, Halsdon House extends to approximately 55 acres, offering a unique combination of beauty, privacy and practicality.”
