Independent property adviser GVA has completed the sale of the Tawstock Court estate near Barnstaple, Devon, on behalf of Nigel Morrison and Trevor O’Sullivan of Grant Thornton UK LLP, joint administrators of St Michael’s School Tawstock Ltd.
The Grade 11/11* listed property, which boasts magnificent views of the Taw Valley, has been sold to property investor and developer, Mr Rik Peryer, for an undisclosed sum.
Mr Peryer will be using the property as a private residence, and at the same time has secured the future of St Michael’s School Nursery, which will continue to operate from Tawstock Court.
Situated in 32 acres of grounds, Tawstock Court is located in a prominent position on the edge of Tawstock village, boasting magnificent views of the Taw valley. It had been run as a private preparatory school since 1940.
The main house, which is built around an enclosed courtyard, currently comprises offices and classrooms. The sale included a number of outbuildings and facilities, including the children’s nursery and former gym, an outdoor swimming pool, sports hall, as well as a theatre, residential flat and sports pitches.
Prior to being used as a school, the main house, believed to have been built in 1787, was a private dwelling. The site itself is mentioned in the Domesday Book and the original buildings, most of which were destroyed by fire, date back to the 16th century. A 16th century gatehouse however, remains.
James Petherick of independent property adviser GVA in Bristol, who handled the sale, says, “This was an unusual sale which attracted a number of serious enquiries. The completion to Mr Peryer will see the house returned to its original use as a private dwelling, as well as safeguarding the future of St Michael’s School Nursery, which is good news for its staff and pupils.”
Mr Peryer comments, “When a business fails the ramifications are felt immediately by many people and it is the administrators who have the unenviable task of picking up the pieces. In this case it has been the sensitive and supportive approach of GVA and the administrators, Grant Thornton UK LLP, towards St Michael’s Nursery, that has enabled it to survive.”
