The Lost Music Hall
Ipplepen, Totnes, Devon, UK
Created by a London dandy to serve as his secret retreat from society, this intriguing homestay has been revived as part of a tender restoration project besides Devon’s lost Italian gardens. Now fully restored, the hedonistic spirit of the former host invites guests to make themselves at home in his music hall of enormous proportions. Float beneath the summer sun in the outdoor pool, sip on cocktails and spend evenings tinkling the ivories of the baby grand piano within the enchantment of this hidden South Hams valley.
Introduction
The turn of the 20th century marked a significant milestone for the historical Great Ambrook estate near Totnes, when its Georgian manor was extended considerably by eccentric owner Arthur Graham. Many say the London aesthete moved to the South Hams to become a recluse, but his additions of an enormous music room, four-acre Italian garden and swimming pool skirted by dozens of chairs hinted otherwise. One can only imagine the parties this extravagant country manor could host within its wild and secluded valley location. Forgotten for many years and reclaimed by nature, the estate was eventually split and the music room restored to offer luxury self-catering accommodation by recent owners, who reside in the original adjoining manor.
Inside
William Morris once said that ‘simplicity of life, even the barest, is not a misery, but the very foundation of refinement.’ Paying homage to its Arts and Crafts roots, The Lost Music Hall follows a similar vein. The pared-back interiors are a rejection of classical Victorian frivolity, instead a celebration of simple, honest craftsmanship. This unconventionally grand annex was designed to colossal proportions, with the original ceilings climbing to over 11 metres high. Oak parquet flooring gleams in the light-filled living spaces and auction finds sit in harmony with pieces imported from the owners' New York loft. Spectacular valley views wrap around the upstairs balcony where (of course) each bedroom generously boasts not one but two double beds.
Outside
Every coin has two sides and this secret paradise was designed to be as much a place for socialising as it was for contemplation and solace. The music hall and adjoining manor sit in over seven acres, shaded by ancient trees and crossed by the gurgling Ambrook river - tempting wild swims on balmy afternoons. Guests have private use of the games room, terraces, back garden and pool area. As for Graham’s Italian garden (the only surviving work of architect T. H. Lyon), the forgotten site was accidentally discovered beneath 50 years of growth and now undergoing restoration work by private owners. Devon certainly isn't lacking in beautiful stately gardens open to the public, and guests may be able to visit this sleeping beauty in the near future.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
From £1,995 per week, £1,595 per short break - Alternative group optionsUp to 2 or up to 12 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe Lost Music Hall features three large double bedrooms, including two double beds in each. The master suite includes king-size beds plus an en suite bathroom with shower attachment, while the other two bedrooms share a Victorian-style bathroom with overhead shower. Please note: whilst Unique Homestays market the three bedrooms for six guests, parties up to 12 people are welcome to make use of this extra large home by selecting the sleeps 12 option from the calendar.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHeated outdoor swimming pool (May-September) and games room with table tennis and darts
- PetsTwo pets are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One cot and highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThe kitchen is well-equipped for self-catering escapes, featuring a Neff induction hob and Zanussi oven for cooking plus a washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer. Guests have their own access and parking separate to the main manor house (attached to The Lost Music Hall, where the owners reside) and enjoy private use of the back garden with 16ft sq heated outdoor pool between May-Sept. Please supervise children around the pool and river. The owners have a friendly lurcher, who would happily play with your dog (or you!) but can otherwise be kept out of the way. The garden is not fully enclosed. Please note that due to slopes and steep steps in places, The Lost Music Hall may not be suitable for the less mobile.
- Homestay includesWelcome hamper of local and organic produce, logs and kindling to get you started, Dip and Doze organic cotton bed linen and towels, Bramley toiletries, wellingtons, children´s toys, luxury magazines, wool covered hot water bottles in winter...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Weddings
Two lovers in The Lost Music Hall; the start of a lovers´ fable. For aesthetes in the throes of love seeking a historic elopement destination fit for a fairytale, this luxury wedding venue in the land of milk and honey is just the ticket.
Prices & Availability
Totnes
Beautiful on the eye and with a Bohemian soul, the south Devon market town of Totnes combines breathtaking countryside with alternative therapies and a magnetic relaxed atmosphere.
Getting there
- On the Map The estate sits in a hidden valley near Totnes in the South Hams region of Devon, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- By Car The house is just over an hour from Exeter, or four from London via the M3 or M5 via Bristol.
- By Train The house is conveniently located equidistant between Newton Abbot and Totnes train stations.
- By Air Exeter Airport is approximately 40 minutes away, with taxis and car hire available.
From the owner
“We bought the property and moved here in 2019. We have since met many individuals who have connections to the estate, each sharing stories about the house and the families that have enjoyed it as their home. Arthur Graham’s historian and biographer talks fondly about the special atmosphere here, and it does indeed have a tranquil, magical ambience.”
This unique building was a bold addition to the existing manor house in the early 1900s by Arthur Graham. Designed by local architect T. H. Lyon, the building was originally an enormous single-height chapel-like structure with a vaulted ceiling and gallery. It is said to be similar to a chapel that the architect had designed at Cambridge where Graham had studied and was in part constructed in order to house an enormous organ that was especially made and shipped from New York.
Graham was a society bachelor who entertained extensively and there are many stories of the guests that enjoyed time here in the hidden valley. I can imagine the gatherings with guests spilling onto the grand Italianate terraces on a summer evening enjoying the view across the grounds with its ancient trees and tiny river.
A biography of Graham and the creation of his music room and the Italian garden (sadly no longer part of the estate) is due to be published later this year. The music room was converted to a two storey building in the 1930s and what was lost in the grandeur of the full height was gained in the lovely parquet flooring upstairs and the light-filled bedrooms.
Holding up the tradition, we've hosted several music events since we’ve been here. Notably a benefit concert with some amazing folk musicians and a chamber music event as part of a festival organised by Ashburton Arts, where a world-class string quartet played to an audience of over 100 people. A brilliant evening.
The Montgomery Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Totnes with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Almond Thief Cafe, Dartington
A little corner of Brooklyn in South Devon, The Almond Thief is rightly famous for its sourdough bread and melt-in-the-mouth pastries served from their industrial bakery. Team all of this with great coffee and a charming friendly vibe, and it will fast become your favourite new brunch spot.
To Do
Surfing, Bantham Beach
Nestling deep in the South Hams at the mouth of the river Avon, Bantham is home to one of Devon´s best surfing beaches. Backed by soft sand dunes, the beach overlooks Burgh Island, accessible by sea tractor. A wide expanse of shallow sloping sands, rock pools and a “Gastrobus” serving snacks makes this a favourite with families.
To Eat
Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh
This award-winning organic restaurant creates a daily-changing menu from whatever is available on Riverford Farm, so you can enjoy food sourced literally metres from the plate. Booking in advance is essential. Check the website for special events, cookery classes and farm tours, and partake in a memorable culinary experience during your stay.
To See
Ashburton
This sweet little town on the edge of Dartmoor has developed a chic London feel, thanks to an influx of newcomers choosing to relocate from the capital. An established centre for antiques, don´t miss Ashburton Craftmongers for beautiful, locally made crafts, or Catherine Waters and Franklin & Hare for gorgeous antiques.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
The Lost Music Hall is an incredible property that we couldn’t recommend highly enough. With an unparalleled service provided by Unique Homestays, we hope to revisit in future. Thank you again.
The property looked so magical and interesting. Quiet location, beautiful gardens, swimming pool and lots of space. The owners were absolutely lovely and extremely helpful in suggesting things for us to do and places for us to visit. They responded so quickly to any questions we had and they even put up with our dog who decided it was her house and barked at them every time she saw them!
We all loved the property, it was the perfect venue for a family get-together, six adults one toddler and a dog, despite being out of season. We all loved the log burner. Despite the property´s enormous and imposing nature, it felt cozy and comfortable. We will definitely choose Unique Homestays another time.
The images online cannot do the property justice. The Lost Music Hall is an extraordinary space to stay in and the owners have done an incredible job with the interior which is to die for. Even though the rooms are huge upstairs they were warm and cosy. The downstairs space is a real pleasure to be in. The owners were incredibly helpful, friendly and welcoming. We are definitely going to try to come back when there is likely to be more sun!
I loved the design of the house. It´s been beautifully decorated, preserving and taking full advantage of its unique historical character. It´s also wonderfully secluded with lots of space, inside and out, to explore and enjoy.
The Lost Music Hall is absolutely stunning. I’m not sure there’s a single other property quite like it. Unique Homestays is lucky to have this one on their books. Thank you for an incredible stay, we loved it.
Fantastic property with so many nice touches - a welcome hamper, lots of tea bags, a really detailed house book and very welcoming owners. The location is beautiful and facilities really good. Thank you for an incredible stay.
Loved the place and loved exploring the area. The recommendations in the house book were really helpful and we enjoyed visiting the places the owners recommended. The place was beautifully furnished and the extra touches were wonderful - amazing welcome hamper, lots of lovely books and magazines to read. The beds were very comfortable with nice bed linen. Just wished we were booked in for longer!
The owners were very helpful and couldn’t have done any more. The restaurant and beach recommendations in the local area were great and very helpful. We loved exploring the local area and all that Totnes had to offer.
We absolutely loved our stay at The Lost Music Hall. The property itself is simply stunning, we were in awe all week of how amazing it was. It was exactly as described on the website, no surprises- it was very clean and well prepared. Communication in the lead up to our stay was fantastic and very straightforward. The owners were so friendly and welcoming when we had any questions and made us feel very at home. We would love to come back again to The Lost Music Hall in the future and thanks so much for a great experience, one we will never forget.
The Lost Music Hall doesn´t disappoint - a wonderful anachronism in the south of Devon! A huge downstairs area for entertaining and relaxing with everything you need for the best possible long weekend break. Bedrooms are also vast with balconies for enjoying the views of the rolling hills and lots of space outside too for curious dogs. Our hosts were excellent - very accommodating and on hand to answer any questions. Would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get away from city life!
What an incredible place! We couldn´t have enjoyed our stay more. A beautiful piece of countryside and a truly stunning building set within it. The pool was invaluable but even without it, the grounds are a lovely place to walk or otherwise spend a relaxing evening. With so much to do: the beaches, the moor and history especially, it really is an amazing place to stay topped off with a very gracious host!
The Lost Music Hall is absolutely stunning, and we have had the most marvellous few days. Thank you so much for everything, and huge congratulations on what you have achieved here. We leave happier, well rested and aglow.
Thank you for such a lovely stay at this majestic house. We like to think we did the heritage justice with all of our music and our dancing throughout the weekend. Until next time...
Thank you for sharing this lovely home. The Lost Music Hall is a special place and the owners are doing a great job as its latest custodians! Everything has been a pleasure here, and the weather, such a bonus! Our daughter has loved the pool and grounds to play in. We will be highly recommending it to others. Thank you!
The Lost Music Hall was blissful. We made a log fire in the gorgeous fireplace and sat around telling ghost stories after dinner. We sang songs around the grand piano. We bobbed around in the heated pool with a view of Devon. We stargazed from the balcony, the Milky Way clear above us. We cooked together and ate on the sun-soaked terrace, it felt like we were in Italy for lunch. We spent a night at the fire pit roasting marshmallows and singing and dancing, all with our little dog along for the fun. We made the most magical, happy, unforgettable memories.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which The Lost Music Hall and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
The coolest hen party houses in the UK
Condé Nast Traveller
September 2022Adventure for all Ages
The Telegraph
February 2021Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
Collections > Luxury Christmas Breaks > UK > Devon > Totnes > The Lost Music Hall
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
