About Longlands

Originally listed in the Doomsday Book of 1067, Longlands has played
home to families, artists, traitors and heroes. Some of England's greatest
designers and artists have spent time creating within its walls, and rumour
has it that even Oliver Cromwell slept under its roof.

One of the most impressive houses in Hennock, it is thought to have been
built in the 15th century on the foundations of a Saxon farmhouse. In
1685 it was known as Langland. The farmland stretched from Longlands
Farmhouse all the way down to Doghole Bridge by the River Teign — this long
tract of land is the suggested origin of the name. The Tithe Survey of 1840
shows Longlands consisting of 116 acres. It is now a Grade II listed
property. Some metalwork indoors carries a King Charles I crest, though we
don't know how long it has been here. During the Second World War, Major
Bancroft-Wilson, who lived here, was in charge of the Hennock Home Guard —
they took an active part in protecting the reservoirs from German landings.

John Reeve, a successful Canadian potter now living in New Mexico, once
lived at Longlands and built pottery kilns here. He was a student of the
world-famous Bernard Leach in St Ives, Cornwall, and obtained funding
from the Canadian Council to set up his pottery at Longlands. Warren
MacKenzie, another famous Leach student, came to stay for about six
months — which is why one of the cottages is still called the Potters.

Stuart Abrahall and his wife ran a bed and breakfast at Longlands (a full
week's stay in 1971 cost £14 for adults). From the mid-'80s, Longlands was
used as a field study centre where children from schools around the
country came down to experience Dartmoor and the countryside. It was later
bought by the famous shoe designer Oliver Sweeney, who turned the barn
into offices to showcase his shoes. After an unfortunate illness his
renovation plans had to be put on hold — and in 2019 the property came to
us.

We finished a two-year renovation in 2022 — part of it was documented on
Discovery's Derelict Rescue (Season 1, Episode 1). The cottages and the Old
House were a labour of love, and we're always happy to show you around and
tell you the story. The Old House is still under gentle renovation; if you'd
like a tour at any point during your stay, just ask.

You will have two human hosts: Isadora and her mother Heather.
Isadora splits her time between Longlands and Rixey Manor, her wedding
venue in Virginia, USA. Heather lived in France for the last fifteen years
and is thrilled to be back on British soil.

We also have a rescue dog and a cat who may come and say hello.

Cecilia is Heather's little terrier mix — she can be a little nervous
to start with but will give lots of kisses once she gets to know you.

P.K. is the cat. In true cat form you may or may not see her.