Woodlands house plot and Tamerton Lake
Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 4LD
Guide Price
£350,000
Residential Tags: Private Water Supply
Property Tags: Development Potential, Equestrian, Moorings, Solar Energy, Water Frontage
Land Tags: Building Plot, Fishing Rights and Lakes, Foreshore, Pasture Land, Woodland
Summary Details
- First Marketed: Jun 2022
- Removed: Aug 2022
- Residential Tags: Private Water Supply
- Property Tags: Development Potential, Equestrian, Moorings, Solar Energy, Water Frontage
- Land Tags: Building Plot, Fishing Rights and Lakes, Foreshore, Pasture Land, Woodland
An amazing property on the northern side of the city of Plymouth near the charming village of Tamerton Foliot. A building plot with consent for a 4 bedroom house with 15 acres of land plus 90 acres of tidal water.
Situation - A rare opportunity to acquire a sizeable area of recreational and amenity land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty together with the almost unique ability to design and build your own house on an existing plot with outline planning consent for a 4 bedroom house located in a quiet rural location with no neighbours.
Situated on the northern side of the city of Plymouth is the small charming village of Tamerton Foliot which lies discretely in the countryside. The plot lies on a no-through country-maintained lane that leads from the village to only a few houses including Woodlands House itself, Warleigh Castle, the Old Station House and Warleigh Point Nature Reserve. The overall property encompasses almost all of Tamerton Lake having provided the ancient sea-going passage from the village to the river Tamar and hence to the wider world. The lake itself is abundant with its own history, one common to the waters of the South West.
The centre of the city of Plymouth along with its waterside attractions on the Barbican and Hoe is approx. 6 miles. Plymouth has an excellent range of facilities and is known as The Ocean City which has one of the most extensive natural harbours in the world. To the north is also the Dartmoor National Park. Plymouth has a varied range of shopping, educational and sporting facilities. There is a mainline train service to London Paddington and to Penzance in Cornwall. Brittany Ferries operates seasonal services from Plymouth to France and northern Spain. The A38 dual carriageway which links to the east to the M5 motorway network is easily accessible. Exeter Airport provides short-haul flight links to most major financial cities in the UK or Europe as well as flights to most popular European holiday destinations.
The location has a 4G signal. In all this opportunity is perfect for those wishing to work wholly or partly from home in convivial surroundings whilst retaining the ability to quickly reach the financial hubs of the UK and Europe.
History And Introduction - Woodlands House was acquired by Mr Simmonds in around 1983 and who went on to acquire other areas of freehold land and tidal creek from the Duchy of Cornwall and others. Ultimately the lands comprise the whole of Tamerton Lake (NB the word “lake” does not automatically imply that it is an inland body of fresh unsalted water. This is one of the rare examples where tidal estuarial water is referred to as “a lake” due to old English language.) The coastline included within this sale has boundaries which are (approximately) Station Road where the residential plot is located, the sea wall to the Ernesettle side of the water, the railway bridge across the mouth of the estuary and finally further inland to where the conurbation of Tamerton Foliot commences and the waterway devolves to a stream.
A former London boatyard owner and ex-RAF coxswain Mr Simmonds also brought with him much of his equipment from London including an (approx) 80 foot barge which he towed to Tamerton Lake from the Thames.
Mr Simmonds’ ambitions for the lands were regrettably on too large a scale to be feasible and ultimately the land was never developed at all.
In around 2010 Woodlands House suffered fire damage whilst the insurance had lapsed and was effectively destroyed. The site has now been cleared to ground level exposing the sizeable garden available as a building plot. The beneficiaries of the Estate are now looking to sell the property as one lot, leaving purchasers to fully develop Woodlands House in a design of their choosing and the adjoining lands as they see fit, which offers a multitude of possibilities, subject to the relevant planning and other consents.
A drone video of the property has been prepared and can be accessed via the Stags website or telephone the office on and a link to this will be sent.
The Site For The House - This is situated on the north side of the no-through road, within its own existing curtilage, backing onto farmland on three sides. Consent was granted in 2020 under Ref 1515/20/PIP for the replacement of the dwelling, with a 4 bedroom house. There are no neighbours anywhere near the house and it is in a very secluded location. The site has now been cleared to rubble save for the established mature treeline which forms the boundaries of the plot and provides screening. No discussions have been held regarding the final design of the building. The plot is now a blank canvas to create a truly spectacular dwelling to the buyer’s chosen design.
The residential plot alone represents one of the rarest opportunities which have come to market in the UK for many years for a buyer to obtain a plot in a rural area of AONB with consent to build a family sized house without the burden of nearby neighbours but without also being too isolated from life’s travel and shopping necessities.
The Land - The land is shown coloured pink on the plan within the brochure, it comprises Title Nos DN265059, DN133948 and DN265059. The site of the house is a separate Title No, DN 153345. In total, the freehold land extends to about 106 acres. The majority is the tidal water, which includes the fundus and foreshore of the water (the water bed itself) together with mooring rights across it and access to it. Any vessels currently moored on the water are liable to pay rental or be removed. It remains a law of the country that all vessels have a free right of navigation across Britain’s coastline, but not to remain in one spot. Subject to laying moorings so as not to cause a hazard to vessels exercising their right of navigation the prospective owner can utilise the lake as they wish since they will own the water bed. As a matter of regulation one obtains a license to lay moorings from the Plymouth Harbour Master so as they do not represent a hazard. Mr Simmonds’ license was valid for 2 years beyond his death and there is no reason to suppose that there would be any difficulty in a new owner obtaining a licence.
For the private sailing or motor boat enthusiast the water presents a perfect opportunity for keeping a vessel at anchor in the quiet waters of the estuary but with immediate access to the Tamar and the world renowned recreational watersports waters that are a distinct feature of Devon and this whole region of the country – with England’s main marine city close by in the form of Plymouth there is no shortage of all marine facilities. As is the norm for coastal adventurers the whole area is abundant with “destination marinas”, anchorages and villages which can be explored easily during a weekend.
Directly opposite the site for the house is a wider area of land which comprises two large pasture fields. Although these have become somewhat overgrown in the years following Mr Simmonds death. The executors have cleared the pasture to the West (in a day and at a cost of only £500) to demonstrate to potential buyers how easily these pastures can be returned to field. Once cleared these pastures benefit from existing road access and a road / pedestrian route down to the private water lands and indeed the old barge. These pastures open up the possibility of use for equine leisure pursuits or recreational facilities such as glamping and the old barge acts as something of a base point. Subject to necessary consents.
Further to the west and east are areas of more mature broadleaved woodland with a variety of species which run down to the water and offer themselves up as a viable fuel logging, charcoal, coppicing or wood pellet business within their own rights – either operated by the prospective purchaser or operated under license by a 3rd party - hence the name of Woodlands House itself. Thinning of these overgrown sections is likely to be actively supported by the local planning department as the woodlands have not been managed properly for many years.
The pleasant walk or drive in a 4 x 4 vehicle, takes you to the former london barge which sits nestled on the banks of the tidal area and for which fabulous views are enjoyed up and down the lake. The barge is well settled in its current location and it is believed that it could easily and cheaply have a levelled steel floor constructed at the old deck level of the hull horizontal to the land but at an angle to the boat thus creating a secure level platform. With the hull re-blacked this platform could then be used as a secure base upon which to locate a site office and / or to run a floating pontoon from the deck of the barge to access the water for moorings or for leisure activities such as dinghy sailing or jetski on the water itself. A quirky and characterful project in keeping with the history and lay of the land whilst providing the practical facility of a base for recreational activity.
This corner of the land lends itself to glamping and similar operations either on stilted structures or within cleared parts of the woodlands and within the pasture itself in yurts or similar. There is existing vehicle access from Station Road to this locality across the pasture land.
Services - Woodlands House had water and telephone connected plus private drainage. An easement remains under the road to the old septic tank in the land to the south. It is believed that mains electricity runs within the road across the front of the residential plot. However, no warranties can be given that any such services are connected and purchasers must make the relevant enquiries.
Not visible from the ground but visible on Google Maps is the presence of a large solar farm. Access (very infrequently used) to this and to the neighbouring farmland runs alongside the periphery of the residential plot. The presence of the solar farm is indicative of the solar energy available within the area and a forward thinking buyer may well want to consider designing an entirely self-sufficient home, the facilities for which are amply provided by this offering.
Information Pack - The legal pack is available from Stags.Prospective purchasers are strongly advised to inspect the information documentation and to consult legal advice prior to offering.
Directions - Use the postcode PL5 4LD, though when the Satnav says you have arrived, continue on further for about another half a mile and the building plot for Woodlands House is on the righthand side whilst the land for sale is on the left-hand side of Station Road, nearly as far as the end of the road, by the railway line.
Local Authority - The bulk of the land is in South Hams Council. The boundary of the waterway to the Ernesettle side of the lake strictly falls under the control of Plymouth City Council.
Viewing - Strictly by appointment through Stags Plymouth
Marketed by: Stags, Plymouth
Situation - A rare opportunity to acquire a sizeable area of recreational and amenity land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty together with the almost unique ability to design and build your own house on an existing plot with outline planning consent for a 4 bedroom house located in a quiet rural location with no neighbours.
Situated on the northern side of the city of Plymouth is the small charming village of Tamerton Foliot which lies discretely in the countryside. The plot lies on a no-through country-maintained lane that leads from the village to only a few houses including Woodlands House itself, Warleigh Castle, the Old Station House and Warleigh Point Nature Reserve. The overall property encompasses almost all of Tamerton Lake having provided the ancient sea-going passage from the village to the river Tamar and hence to the wider world. The lake itself is abundant with its own history, one common to the waters of the South West.
The centre of the city of Plymouth along with its waterside attractions on the Barbican and Hoe is approx. 6 miles. Plymouth has an excellent range of facilities and is known as The Ocean City which has one of the most extensive natural harbours in the world. To the north is also the Dartmoor National Park. Plymouth has a varied range of shopping, educational and sporting facilities. There is a mainline train service to London Paddington and to Penzance in Cornwall. Brittany Ferries operates seasonal services from Plymouth to France and northern Spain. The A38 dual carriageway which links to the east to the M5 motorway network is easily accessible. Exeter Airport provides short-haul flight links to most major financial cities in the UK or Europe as well as flights to most popular European holiday destinations.
The location has a 4G signal. In all this opportunity is perfect for those wishing to work wholly or partly from home in convivial surroundings whilst retaining the ability to quickly reach the financial hubs of the UK and Europe.
History And Introduction - Woodlands House was acquired by Mr Simmonds in around 1983 and who went on to acquire other areas of freehold land and tidal creek from the Duchy of Cornwall and others. Ultimately the lands comprise the whole of Tamerton Lake (NB the word “lake” does not automatically imply that it is an inland body of fresh unsalted water. This is one of the rare examples where tidal estuarial water is referred to as “a lake” due to old English language.) The coastline included within this sale has boundaries which are (approximately) Station Road where the residential plot is located, the sea wall to the Ernesettle side of the water, the railway bridge across the mouth of the estuary and finally further inland to where the conurbation of Tamerton Foliot commences and the waterway devolves to a stream.
A former London boatyard owner and ex-RAF coxswain Mr Simmonds also brought with him much of his equipment from London including an (approx) 80 foot barge which he towed to Tamerton Lake from the Thames.
Mr Simmonds’ ambitions for the lands were regrettably on too large a scale to be feasible and ultimately the land was never developed at all.
In around 2010 Woodlands House suffered fire damage whilst the insurance had lapsed and was effectively destroyed. The site has now been cleared to ground level exposing the sizeable garden available as a building plot. The beneficiaries of the Estate are now looking to sell the property as one lot, leaving purchasers to fully develop Woodlands House in a design of their choosing and the adjoining lands as they see fit, which offers a multitude of possibilities, subject to the relevant planning and other consents.
A drone video of the property has been prepared and can be accessed via the Stags website or telephone the office on and a link to this will be sent.
The Site For The House - This is situated on the north side of the no-through road, within its own existing curtilage, backing onto farmland on three sides. Consent was granted in 2020 under Ref 1515/20/PIP for the replacement of the dwelling, with a 4 bedroom house. There are no neighbours anywhere near the house and it is in a very secluded location. The site has now been cleared to rubble save for the established mature treeline which forms the boundaries of the plot and provides screening. No discussions have been held regarding the final design of the building. The plot is now a blank canvas to create a truly spectacular dwelling to the buyer’s chosen design.
The residential plot alone represents one of the rarest opportunities which have come to market in the UK for many years for a buyer to obtain a plot in a rural area of AONB with consent to build a family sized house without the burden of nearby neighbours but without also being too isolated from life’s travel and shopping necessities.
The Land - The land is shown coloured pink on the plan within the brochure, it comprises Title Nos DN265059, DN133948 and DN265059. The site of the house is a separate Title No, DN 153345. In total, the freehold land extends to about 106 acres. The majority is the tidal water, which includes the fundus and foreshore of the water (the water bed itself) together with mooring rights across it and access to it. Any vessels currently moored on the water are liable to pay rental or be removed. It remains a law of the country that all vessels have a free right of navigation across Britain’s coastline, but not to remain in one spot. Subject to laying moorings so as not to cause a hazard to vessels exercising their right of navigation the prospective owner can utilise the lake as they wish since they will own the water bed. As a matter of regulation one obtains a license to lay moorings from the Plymouth Harbour Master so as they do not represent a hazard. Mr Simmonds’ license was valid for 2 years beyond his death and there is no reason to suppose that there would be any difficulty in a new owner obtaining a licence.
For the private sailing or motor boat enthusiast the water presents a perfect opportunity for keeping a vessel at anchor in the quiet waters of the estuary but with immediate access to the Tamar and the world renowned recreational watersports waters that are a distinct feature of Devon and this whole region of the country – with England’s main marine city close by in the form of Plymouth there is no shortage of all marine facilities. As is the norm for coastal adventurers the whole area is abundant with “destination marinas”, anchorages and villages which can be explored easily during a weekend.
Directly opposite the site for the house is a wider area of land which comprises two large pasture fields. Although these have become somewhat overgrown in the years following Mr Simmonds death. The executors have cleared the pasture to the West (in a day and at a cost of only £500) to demonstrate to potential buyers how easily these pastures can be returned to field. Once cleared these pastures benefit from existing road access and a road / pedestrian route down to the private water lands and indeed the old barge. These pastures open up the possibility of use for equine leisure pursuits or recreational facilities such as glamping and the old barge acts as something of a base point. Subject to necessary consents.
Further to the west and east are areas of more mature broadleaved woodland with a variety of species which run down to the water and offer themselves up as a viable fuel logging, charcoal, coppicing or wood pellet business within their own rights – either operated by the prospective purchaser or operated under license by a 3rd party - hence the name of Woodlands House itself. Thinning of these overgrown sections is likely to be actively supported by the local planning department as the woodlands have not been managed properly for many years.
The pleasant walk or drive in a 4 x 4 vehicle, takes you to the former london barge which sits nestled on the banks of the tidal area and for which fabulous views are enjoyed up and down the lake. The barge is well settled in its current location and it is believed that it could easily and cheaply have a levelled steel floor constructed at the old deck level of the hull horizontal to the land but at an angle to the boat thus creating a secure level platform. With the hull re-blacked this platform could then be used as a secure base upon which to locate a site office and / or to run a floating pontoon from the deck of the barge to access the water for moorings or for leisure activities such as dinghy sailing or jetski on the water itself. A quirky and characterful project in keeping with the history and lay of the land whilst providing the practical facility of a base for recreational activity.
This corner of the land lends itself to glamping and similar operations either on stilted structures or within cleared parts of the woodlands and within the pasture itself in yurts or similar. There is existing vehicle access from Station Road to this locality across the pasture land.
Services - Woodlands House had water and telephone connected plus private drainage. An easement remains under the road to the old septic tank in the land to the south. It is believed that mains electricity runs within the road across the front of the residential plot. However, no warranties can be given that any such services are connected and purchasers must make the relevant enquiries.
Not visible from the ground but visible on Google Maps is the presence of a large solar farm. Access (very infrequently used) to this and to the neighbouring farmland runs alongside the periphery of the residential plot. The presence of the solar farm is indicative of the solar energy available within the area and a forward thinking buyer may well want to consider designing an entirely self-sufficient home, the facilities for which are amply provided by this offering.
Information Pack - The legal pack is available from Stags.Prospective purchasers are strongly advised to inspect the information documentation and to consult legal advice prior to offering.
Directions - Use the postcode PL5 4LD, though when the Satnav says you have arrived, continue on further for about another half a mile and the building plot for Woodlands House is on the righthand side whilst the land for sale is on the left-hand side of Station Road, nearly as far as the end of the road, by the railway line.
Local Authority - The bulk of the land is in South Hams Council. The boundary of the waterway to the Ernesettle side of the lake strictly falls under the control of Plymouth City Council.
Viewing - Strictly by appointment through Stags Plymouth
Marketed by: Stags, Plymouth
Land Registry Data
- No historical data found.