Duredon

This stunning period-style dwelling sits at the end of a long private drive in the midst of the 6000-acre Exmoor Forest Estate.

Appearing at first glance to be a beautiful Georgian Manor house, Duredon is actually less than a decade old.

Huge light-filled rooms are packed with period features, paintings and antique furnishings with dramatic views over the surrounding countryside.

In this secluded rural retreat, traditional Georgian style meets the latest in modern facilities, with underfloor heating, superb water pressure, a Sonos sound system and high-speed fibre broadband throughout.

The ground floor provides an ideal setting for large gatherings, featuring several beautiful rooms with antique furnishings, open fires and stunning views over the surrounding moors and River Barle Valley.

Guests can gather in the magnificent dining room, which comfortably seats 16. The large, well-equipped commercial kitchen is perfect for large groups, whether you choose to self-cater or use the fully catered and serviced catering options.

For an authentic taste of the region, guests can enjoy organic Galloway beef, Scottish Blackface lamb, wild venison and seasonal feathered game from the estate and surrounding areas.

The property sleeps up to 18, in 9 beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms with wonderful moorland views. Several rooms feature four-poster beds and roll-top baths. There are 6 bedrooms in the main house and 3 in the beautifully renovated stables across the courtyard.

The estate can supply its own organic Galloway Beef, Scottish Blackface lamb and wild venison. Feathered game is available in season from Simonsbath and neighbouring estates.

Outdoors

The property boasts a large garden with a terrace for outdoor dining, expansive lawns ideal for games, and captivating views of the surrounding countryside. With some of the darkest night skies in the country, Exmoor is also an exceptional location for stargazing.

Beyond the gardens, guests can enjoy the estate’s 6,000 acres of moorland, perfect for walking, cycling, or horseback riding (stabling for horses is available on the estate).

Many guests come for the shooting on Exmoor, others for the sensational wildlife. The estate hosts the largest herd of wild red deer in Britain and there are also sea eagles, otters and wild Exmoor ponies.

The River Exe rises on the estate and the beautiful River Barle flows through the middle of it.

For guests with access to private air transport, there’s a private airstrip for small aircraft, and helicopters can land on the lawn.

Location

Duredon nestles high on Exmoor, close to the secluded moorland village of Simonsbath.

Reaching Duredon takes approximately 45 minutes by car from Junction 27 of the M5.

Tiverton Parkway railway station is around 45 minutes away, offering a direct connection from London in under 2 hours. Umberleigh station is closer to the property but requires a change at Exeter.

Taxis can easily be arranged from either station for the final leg of your journey.

Edmund’s choice of extraordinary feature

“When a property is as beautiful as this, it’s exceptionally difficult to pick a favourite feature. But I think access to 6000 acres of stunning countryside, wild ponies, sea eagles, otters and a herd of wild red deer is pretty difficult to beat!”

Things to do

Fishing is available on the Barle River for guests. Hunting is also widely available locally.

There is magical wild swimming available in Exmoor’s unique Pinkery Pond and the Exmoor coastline with stunning beaches and cliff walks is only 8 miles away.

Wildlife safaris, clay pigeon shooting, sea fishing, boat trips and star-gazing evenings can be arranged for guests.

Food lovers should visit the estate’s Exmoor Forest Inn, which is about 2 miles away from the house and has great food and draught beer.

Weddings

Duredon is an exceptional setting for wedding celebrations. The property can accommodate large celebrations, with space for a marquee hosting up to 300 guests.

Ceremonies can be arranged in the charming St Luke’s Church in Simonsbath, just 5 minutes away.