Carpark: No     Coach parking (by arrangement): Yes     Street parking: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes     Disabled Toilets: Yes     Inside Toilets: Yes     Bar available: No     Kitchen available: Yes     Stage available: No    
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The Church House, South Tawton, Devon is a small, robust and highly attractive late 15th century building, constructed of granite with a thatched roof. It lies just inside the northern edge of the Dartmoor National Park, at the heart of the village of South Tawton, and is a Grade II* Listed historic building, in a Conservation Area, with the church of St Andrew rising dramatically behind it. The proximity of the building to this Grade 1 church, in the centre of the village, is a significant attraction for visitors to the area. The building is south facing with, on the ground floor, an entrance lobby, ramped to a large hall on one side and a food preparation area and toilets on the other. The first floor is reached by external granite steps, with a large hall and a smaller display/audio visual room. Church House is an outstanding example of a special type of medieval community building. The community of the Parish of South Tawton has used Church House for over 500 years and remarkably it is still owned by the Incumbent and Church Wardens, as Trustees on behalf of the Parish and is run by the Church House Management Committee. Local documentary evidence (which begins in 1524) has produced data about the history of farming, land management and the evolution of the distinct group of community buildings called "Church Houses" during the Reformation; a period of major importance in national history. A special feature is the roof structure, which preserves cruck trusses and rare smoke-blackened thatch. It has recently undergone a complete restoration costing a third of a million pounds, funded by The Heritage lottery Fund (78%) and seventeen other major donors (22%) and now fulfils the dual role of Heritage Visitor Centre (Sundays: May, June and October - Wednesdays and Sundays: July, August and September) and a Bookable Function Hall (exhibitions, away days, concerts, training, lectures, social events, etc.) There is a ramped entrance to the ground floor, a sound loop and a ground floor DVD facility, for viewing the first floor features (timbers, thatch, etc.) for those who cannot get there, together with changing room/disability toilet facilities and a modern food preparation area Although the hall has no permanent drinks licence, the Seven Stars Inn is within 100 paces of Church House and they will cater for you by arrangement.

Hall availability is always open to negotiation. Please do not assume this hall cannot be used on days where activities are indicated here. Community services available at this Hall:

Café

,

Conference / Training support

 

From : Cornwall, Plymouth via Tavistock,. Barnstaple & North Devon Join the A30 heading Eastwards and leave at the second exit signposted Okehampton B3260. Turn right signposted Sticklepath, continue through the village, over the bridge and then turn left at Ford Cross. Church House South Tawton is half a mile straight on. From : Exeter Leave the A30 at the Merrymeet Junction and turn left following signs for South Zeal to the mini roundabout, and straight over From : South Devon via Moretonhampstead At the mini roundabout, turn left signposted South Zeal, etc. Follow the road past the turn off signs for Dishcombe and South Zeal, down the hill and round a sharp right hand bend passing Owlsfoor Garage and Wainhomes on your left and continue on to Ford Cross. Turn right and Church House South Tawton is half a mile straight on.

From: £15 single floor, half day or evening - £86 whole building, all day and evening