A life less ordinary

Unusual properties from North to South, some with inhabitants of note

Devon, £6 million

The word ‘flatpack’ certainly does not spring to mind on viewing this Grade II-listed, English oak, Kentish Wealden-style house, ‘built exactly as half-timber dwellings were in the 15th century, every timber, joint, mortice and tenon was produced by the handwork of craftsmen in the style of a Kentish manor house,’ say agents. However, it was originally created for London’s 1924 British Empire Exhibition to showcase English architecture at its finest, alongside other delights of the day, such as elephants, butter sculptures and miniature railways. Among 25 million visitors was a Lady Moore, who bought it, had it dismantled and transported by ship to Salcombe, where it was re-erected on a seven-acre plot above the town, complete with its studded front door, stained-glass windows, carvings, exposed beams and ‘magnificent Great Hall’ with its extraordinarily large feature fireplace. It’s thought that Gertrude Jekyll later designed the gardens, which contain espaliered fruit trees, a former kitchen garden and a secret rose arbour and, today, wisteria-clad Falconers benefits from a west-wing extension and eight bedrooms, including a principal with a balcony. A four-acre paddock by the drive contains a helipad. Signature Spaces (01548 435007)

Cumbria, £3 million