SITUATION This incredible former engine house is located at Okel Tor Mine, Harewood, Calstock, in the heart of the Tamar Valley AONB and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Occupying an elevated, south-facing wooded setting adjoining Okel Tor Wildlife Reserve, the site enjoys spectacular views over The River Tamar, an abundance of flora and fauna, as well as an exceptional level of peace and privacy. Calstock is a former inland port on the tidal path of the river Tamar, now enjoyed by sailing enthusiasts who use the quay and mooring facilities, with the village enjoying an excellent community spirit and a regular, 35-minute train service to Plymouth. The village contains a shop, two pubs, a church and a primary school. The village of Gunnislake is 2 miles away and the thriving market town of Tavistock, with its superb range of shopping, recreational and educational facilities, is just 7 miles away.
DESCRIPTION This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a landmark heritage asset with enabled planning consent to be re-purposed into holiday accommodation for camping/glamping under C1 use class, in a spectacular riverside location.
The Stamps Engine House, constructed in 1881, powered the tin processing works at Okel Tor Mine which operated between 1849 and 1887. Of some considerable local historical interest, this one was one of the most important copper and tin mines around Calstock, with a quay capable of taking vessels up to 200 tonnes. Over the past 136 years the site has slowly been reclaimed by nature. Part of the adjoining Wildlife Reserve is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the mine is a County Wildlife Site. In 1999 English Heritage (now Historic England) scheduled part of the site as an Ancient Monument and a few years later UNESCO designated the area as a World Heritage Site for its mining heritage.
The consent provides for a unique retreat with balconies extending south towards the river, affording some incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The building was re-pointed, and partially rebuilt and re-roofed in 2000 (with new timbers and some insulation), and new timber lintels were installed where required. The planning permission includes the creation of a semi-underground turfed-roofed "remote facilities" building providing additional accommodation. Historic England have agreed in principle to internal alterations to the original plans (illustrated on the attached plans and internal CGIs), including a free-standing kitchen, "shower room pod" and log burning stove, as well as the erection of a 6m by 4m storage shed (subject to the necessary consents).
The plot extends to 2.45 acres, including historic orchard, woodland and heathland. There's also a chimney which has been repointed and had a lightning conductor installed plus several other ruined structures which were all stabilised in 1999/2000. The former Boiler/Jigger House was substantially consolidated and has potential for various uses, eg for hosting events such as woodland weddings, subject to any necessary consents. The site enjoys direct access to and scenic rights of way over the adjoining Wildlife Reserve, the right to access the river and to create a mooring on part of the historic quay. This truly is a one-of-a-kind opportunity which should appeal to those seeking a riverside retreat or unique holiday let from which to derive an income stream.
PLANNING Consent for the conversion of The Stamps Engine House was granted by Cornwall Council on 2nd October 2000. The application reference is E2/00/00255/FUL ("Restoration of former stamps engine house and change of use to a camping barn (use class C1))". All of the relevant documentation can be found on Cornwall Council's planning portal, or by enquiry with the agents.
SERVICES Mains electricity has been laid to the site together with cabling for an EV charging point and driveway lighting. A mains water pipe has also been laid through the neighbouring woodland ready for connection to the mains. Private drainage to be installed by the new owner, by way of a sewage treatment plant. Please note that the agents have neither inspected nor tested these services.
VIEWINGS AND DIRECTIONS Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the agents, Stags. From Tavistock take the A390 into Cornwall. Drive through Gunnislake & just before the petrol station turn left. At the end of that road turn left & continue through Calstock into Harewood Road. After 300 metres continue up hill (Eric Road) passing railway crossing on your left. Continue for 250 metres until "Harewood Farm" sign & turning bay on your left. Keep over to the left so you can take a wide sweep to the right - there's a risk of grounding if you turn too early. Should cars obstruct the turning bay continue along the left fork for 50 metres turn around & approach from other direction. 100 metres down the track you'll see a parking area on your RHS. What3words///fuse.sliding.stones
AGENTS NOTE All viewings are by strict appointment only. Due to the nature of the site, all viewings must be accompanied by the agent, we do not accept any liability for entering the site unaccompanied.
