Listed Devon Mansion With Brunel Link For Sale At £4m

Listed Devon Mansion With Brunel Link For Sale At £4m

The Grade II-listed mansion where Isambard Kingdom Brunel intended to retire is on sale for £4 million.

The engineer, widely regarded as one of the greatest ever Britons, commissioned the home in Torquay, Devon.

But he died before he could ever live in it.

Now it is on the market for £4 million and comes with planning permission to build a further 35 homes.

The site is currently split into three separate properties: Brunel Manor, Brunel Court and Brunel Lodge.

ATA Estates purchased the remainder of the estate approximately five years ago from the Woodlands House of Prayer, a charity that had run the property as a hotel and Christian retreat and conference centre.

Andy Fudge, who has been leading the project, says he researched "all things Brunel" while considering options for the site, including the late engineer's sketchbook with original designs for the home.

Through extensive consultations with Historic England, the Torbay Design Review Panel and the local authority, Torbay Council granted them planning permission for the project in June 2025.

This will involve the demolition of the modern extensions to restore the setting of the listed buildings, converting them into 26 apartments and homes.

Nine new build properties will also be constructed on the site.

ATA Estates say they have explored all options, including a potential sale, but, having fallen in love with the project, they are determined to take it forward themselves should a buyer not come forward.

They are working towards making a start on construction in the new year.

The property is listed with Savills and they will be open to hearing offers throughout.

Andy said: "As part of our investigations before even considering potential options for the site we carried out detailed research into the history of the property and grounds and it was immediately apparent there was a fascinating history to the estate due to its connection to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which in his time extended to some 600 acres.

"It was an absolute tragedy that Brunel never got to live there himself as he passed away before construction reached above foundation level, but from our investigations it was apparent the site deserved to be treated with the utmost respect and approached from a 'heritage first' perspective to ensure its survival going forwards did not detract from its previous storied history.

"We are excited to have reached the next stage of its restoration and redevelopment and for the next evolution in the life of Brunel Manor to commence."

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *