Chambercombe Manor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids General information |
|
|---|---|
| Type | Manor house |
| Architectural style | Norman |
| Town or city | Ilfracombe, Devon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Completed | 11th Century |
| Owner | Privately owned |
Chambercombe Manor is a Norman manor house located near Ilfracombe, Devon, which dates back to the 11th century and was recorded in the Domesday Book.
History
The Manor was owned by the Champernon family until the 15th century, when it passed through various families until 1979 when it was donated to the Chambercombe Trust (registered charity number 278794). The Trust managed Chambercombe Manor and its grounds for the benefit of visitors to the area and the local community.
In its annual return to the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 29 January 2023, the Trust announced its decision to sell the property.
In its submission to the Charity Commission for England and Wales in January 2024, the Trust reported: “Over the last few years it has become difficult to finance Chambercombe due to the construction of the building, costs of maintenance and compliance with regulations. We therefore had no option but to sell the property, which was a complex process that was completed in December 2023”.
With the completion of the sale, the manor and grounds returned to private ownership and was closed to the general public.
Plans for 2024 and beyond
In January 2024, the new owners confirmed that they had started a two-year restoration programme to maintain the Grade II listed buildingas a private residence; a project that involves working closely with the local authority and Historic England. As part of this, much of the property will be returned to its original configuration, with previous non-compliant alterations removed where possible. Existing out buildings, including Wisteria Cottage will be fully restored following water ingress in previous years.
Throughout 2024, work will be undertaken on the extensive grounds to help return the gardens to their former glory. The new owners plan to undertake a study of the existing flora and fauna, and plan to work with a recognised woodland organisation on a strategy for long-term woodland management.
It is hoped that, following successful completion of the works, some of the existing holiday lets will become available; with the occasional use of the gardens for events open to the general public.
