From Boathouse to Medieval Dream: A Daring Transformation Fifteen Years in the Making
What do you get when you mix an old 19th-century boathouse, a passionate British art dealer, and an inspiration plucked from the ruins of Italy? No, it’s not the start of a joke—but the incredible story of a property on the banks of the Dart river in southwest England’s Devon. And after fifteen years of determined work, David Southwick is ready to part ways with his medieval-inspired mansion, hoping it fetches a princely sum close to six million euros. Knights not included.
A Whiff of Italy by the Dart River
At first glance, you might mistake this property for an Italian villa lost along the turquoise Mediterranean. But let’s not be fooled by appearances (or Mediterranean daydreams): this dream estate stands proudly on the riverside in Devon, England, surrounded more by sailboats and kayaks than olive groves.
The real magic lies in its origins and its creator’s vision. Originally, the site featured a boathouse from the 1850s, paired with a modest 1960s residence. When David Southwick and his wife acquired the place back in 1993, they had a bolder dream in mind. Inspired by a visit to the city of Ninfa—about 80 kilometers south of Rome and famous for its evocative ruins—Southwick was smitten by the idea of building something that looked abandoned but, well, wasn’t. The result? A structure with the mysterious aura of a medieval castle, despite what your local historian might say.
The Grand Revamp: Fifteen Years, Five Levels, and a Touch of the Extraordinary
Transforming an old boathouse into a medieval relic isn’t just an afternoon DIY project. Over fifteen years, the Southwicks tore down the outdated 1960s dwelling, preserving only the historic boathouse shell. Around this, they developed what can only be described as their ultimate dream home, sprawling across nearly 400 square meters and five impressive levels. The construction even delved down to 19.5 meters below sea level—a feat not for the faint of engineering heart.
The finished home, wrapped up in 2008, quickly became a local curiosity. Passersby and neighbors alike soon viewed it as a venerable relic from a bygone era—ironic, considering its very modern rebirth.
- 400 square meters of living space
- Five floors blending old-world spirit and modern luxury
- Private beach and indoor swimming pool
- Jetty for easy Dart river access
From every angle, the property exudes a distinctive character, teetering brilliantly on the edge between ancient fantasy and contemporary comfort.
On the Market: A Medieval Marvel Awaits Its Next Chapter
Now listed with real estate group Savills, this unique estate comes with a price tag of 5 million pounds—just about 5.9 million euros for those already counting their pennies (or dreaming of winning the lottery). Why sell after all this time and effort? The Southwicks are ready for their next big adventure: moving permanently to Italy, perhaps to seek out more ruins—or simply enjoy the warm Italian sun.
Here’s what you get in this extraordinary Devon property, as seen in the listing:
- Four bedrooms for sweet, castle-worthy dreams
- Two bathrooms (no waiting your turn!)
- Three spacious living rooms—perfect for entertaining or practicing your best medieval banquet
- Private jetty and terraced gardens
Whether you’re an admirer of medieval fantasies or just in the market for something wildly original, this home proves that imagination—when combined with persistence and a dash of Italian inspiration—can truly turn anything, even a dusty boat hangar, into a remarkable riverside legend.
Thinking of embarking on your own ambitious renovation? Maybe start with something smaller than a castle. Or at least check for hidden dungeons.
