Commercial development for sale

TO BE SOLD BY ONLINE AUCTION ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2026 UNLESS SOLD PRIOR UNDER AUCTION TERMS

Thorverton Baptist Church, Berrysbridge Road, Thorverton, Exeter, Devon EX5 5NL

Thorverton Baptist Church is the perfect fusion of heritage and opportunity. The kind of property that attracts both dreamers and developers. Whether you’re seeking a rewarding conversion project or the chance to create a one-of-a-kind home in a thriving Devon village, this lot delivers on every level.

A magnificent Grade II Listed former Baptist church, occupying a prominent position in the heart of one of Mid-Devon’s most picturesque and desirable villages. This striking detached building offers an exceptional opportunity for conversion or creative redevelopment, subject to the necessary consents.

Dating from the mid-19th century, the property combines dramatic period architecture with grand arched windows, a soaring double-height main hall, and a galleried landing that floods the space with natural light. Arranged over two floors and extending to approximately 1,973 sq ft (183.3 sq m), the existing layout includes a large principal hall, meeting rooms, kitchen, WC and office accommodation.

Outside, there are enclosed garden areas to the front and side with a walled boundary and independent rear access. Ideal for landscaping, private parking, or potential extension (STP).

Thorverton Baptist Church represents a textbook value-add project.

At a guide price of £315,000+, it sits comfortably below the value of neighbouring detached homes, with comparable converted or period properties in Thorverton achieving between £775,000 and £895,000.

Even allowing for £150,000–£200,000 in build and fit-out costs, the potential margin to a £900k GDV remains compelling.

Auction buyers will appreciate the rare mix of character, location, and profit potential, all supported by the stability of the wider Mid-Devon market.

Market Tone (Q3–Q4 2025): Stable, supply-tight, and price-resilient.

Detached and period homes in the Thorverton–Silverton–Brampford Speke triangle remain in high demand, especially those with heritage value or renovation scope.

Very limited new-build supply protects resale values and creates consistent appetite for character conversions.

Sales Market Overview

Detached village homes £370–£460 / sq ft £650k–£900k Premium for listed or period stock

Semi-detached £320–£390 / sq ft £375k–£475k Mainly traditional cottages

Terraced / small cottages £300–£360 / sq ft £300k–£400k Scarce supply, often snapped up quickly

Conversions / barn-style £400–£500 / sq ft £800k–£950k Highest-performing segment

Price Movement:

+1.5 % annual growth across EX5 postcodes (( ... ) index, Sep 2025).

Market has plateaued but remains buoyant for “one-off” properties.

Rental Market Overview

2-bed cottages: £1,100–£1,250 pcm

3-bed detached: £1,400–£1,700 pcm

4-bed family homes / conversions: £2,000–£2,500 pcm

Gross yields typically 4.5 – 5 %, but short-let / holiday-let models can exceed 8 – 9 % in this region.

Beyond its investment fundamentals, this is also a dream-home-in-waiting. A property that invites imagination. Picture a statement open-plan living space beneath vaulted ceilings, or a gallery mezzanine overlooking a show-stopping lounge. With sensitive restoration and thoughtful design, the church could become a truly unique family home, holiday retreat, or artist’s studio, blending rural tranquillity with village community life. Thorverton offers everything needed for modern living: two traditional pubs, an award-winning village shop and post office, a primary school with preschool, and easy links to Exeter, Tiverton, and the M5 (J27).

The property offers scope for completion of conversion and cosmetic works, with many initial improvements already underway by the current owner. These include new kitchen and utility fittings, installation of a downstairs cloakroom and shower area, repair of internal plasterwork, and refreshed decoration externally.

Please note: the property has not been inspected by Edward Mellor Auctions. A combination of original and updated images has been provided to demonstrate condition before and after recent works.