Rolling Stones Legend Charlie Watts' £2.75m Devon Estate Hits Market After 40 Years
Charlie Watts' £2.75m Devon Estate for Sale After 40 Years

The £2.75 Million Devon Estate of Rolling Stones Icon Charlie Watts Goes Up for Sale

The magnificent country home of legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has been listed for sale at an impressive £2.75 million. Watts and his wife Shirley resided at Halsdon House for an extraordinary forty years, from 1983 until his passing in 2021, creating a cherished family sanctuary away from the relentless spotlight of rock stardom.

A Serene Sanctuary in the Heart of Devon

Nestled within 55 acres of picturesque rural Devon, Halsdon House is a secluded Grade II listed country estate that offered the Watts family profound privacy and tranquility. The couple originally discovered the property featured in Country Life magazine while searching for a peaceful country retreat. Their daughter, Seraphina, who was just fifteen when they moved in, is now overseeing the sale through the prestigious agency Savills.

Charlie Watts famously described their life there as "content to live their solitary human lives amongst a menagerie that includes 15 Arabian horses, 18 dogs, and two cats," highlighting the property's role as both a home and a haven for their beloved animals.

Architectural Grandeur Meets Family Comfort

This traditional Devon country house masterfully blends architectural grandeur with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Spanning over 8,500 square feet across three floors, the residence boasts elegant period features throughout, including:

  • Tall sash windows and high ceilings
  • Ornate decorative plasterwork
  • Elegant fireplaces in principal rooms

The accommodation is arranged around a central entrance hall and includes a formal drawing room, a dining room, a relaxed sitting room, and a breakfast room adjoining the kitchen. A particular highlight is the library-style sitting room, perfect for quiet reflection.

Spacious Living and Functional Outbuildings

The heart of the home is undoubtedly the well-appointed kitchen, which flows into a utility room and a walk-in pantry. Doors open directly to the garden and breakfast room, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The upper floors contain a total of nine bedrooms, including a principal suite with far-reaching views and additional bedrooms ideal for family, guests, or home offices.

Attached to the main house is a valuable self-contained annexe with independent access, featuring:

  1. A sitting room and kitchen
  2. A bedroom with an en suite bathroom
  3. Ideal space for staff, extended family, or guests

The estate's impressive collection of outbuildings is meticulously laid out for both agricultural and equestrian use. These include a substantial stable yard with multiple loose boxes, a tack room, a feed room, and various workshops and traditional barns.

Expansive Gardens and Practical Grounds

The house sits proudly at the center of its own extensive grounds, surrounded by sweeping lawns, vibrant rhododendron beds, and mature specimen trees. The formal gardens, with wide lawns and colorful borders, provide a stunning setting for entertainment and outdoor living.

Beyond the gardens, the land opens into rolling pasture and paddocks, perfectly suited for horses or livestock. A significant water reservoir serves as both a striking landscape feature and a practical water supply. In total, Halsdon House extends to approximately 55 acres, offering a rare combination of natural beauty, complete privacy, and functional practicality.

Savills emphasizes that the property is "perfectly positioned for those seeking privacy and tranquillity, while remaining highly accessible to the thriving villages and market towns of mid-Devon," making it an exceptional opportunity for a discerning buyer seeking a historic and luxurious country lifestyle.