The Flete Estate, Ermington, South Devon
If you are thinking of retiring in style, Flete House could be just what you have been looking for...
An Historical Overview
The first written evidence of an estate at Flete appears in Domesday 1086, referred to as Fluites. After the Conquest, the estate was in the possession of a Norman knight, Robert de Albermara, and later in 1379, known as the Manor of Fleet, was owned by Sir John Daumerle and his descendents for over 30 years. It then passed through a number of families until in 1558 Nicholas Hele of Exeter took up residence and built the Tudor house.
Modifications were undertaken in 1621. By 1801, under ownership of the Bulteel family, the estate had grown to about 3,000 acres. Decorative additions to Flete House were made, classic of the Victorian age, including the castellations and Gothic granite framed windows and the large square porch. By 1860 the Bulteel family had moved out and the house was let for 3 years before being sold to a Mr Splatt, a retired sheep farmer from Australia.
Then in the late 1800’s the estate once again changed hands as a Mr Mildmay bought the house in 1876, returning the estate to the Bulteel family that he was married in to. His cousin, Edward Baring, bought the nearby Membland Estate just a year later. In 1879 the Architect Norma Shaw was commissioned to dramatically re-build the house to include the tower we see today – the trademark of Flete itself. New wings were added and the interiors transformed. The estate itself had grown to some 5,500 acres.
Credit Crunch 19th Century Style
Disaster struck in 1890 when a financial crisis emanating from Argentina forced near insolvency on the famous Barings Bank, luckily rescued by the Bank of England but leaving the Baring family to re-pay very substantial loans. As a result of this, Membland and Flete were put on the market.
Flete did not sell, although parts of the estate and its wealth had to be sold off. In 1894 improvements in the South American market enabled the loans to be paid off. Flete once again found some stability. The then Mr Mildmay sat in the House of Commons and Flete served as a place of elegant hospitality to many distinguished guests including royalty.
Beautiful Gardens
The beautiful gardens were created through the early 1900’s and fortunately WWI left Flete relatively unscathed, but in WWII all staff left to join the war effort. In 1941 the maternity hospital in Plymouth was badly damaged and the unit was moved to Flete. During 16 years as a maternity hospital some 11,000 children were born at the house! The tragic death of Lord Mildmay in 1950 was later followed by the hospital vacating Flete and the house became empty.
The family later adapted the house for a more economical style of living rather than see it disintegrate. The Country House Association acquired the lease in 1961 and created many of the apartments we see today. Further apartments were then created by the current lessors, Audley Raven Ltd, in both the main house and The Stables Courtyard; the arrangement we see today, offering elegant, quiet living reminiscent of a bygone era, within a truly remarkable and historic house. (Facts extracted from Flete – A Historical Review. Douglas Watt-Carter. 2nd Ed. 1997).
Situation
Flete House stands just South of the A379 between the villages of Yealmpton and Ermington and the attractive Georgian town of Modbury. Good medical centres can be found in both Yealmpton and Modbury. Its setting is above the lower reaches of the River Erme about three miles inland from its mouth, where we find the quite stunning Mothecombe Beach – the famous setting for Film and Drama such as Sense and Sensibility and International Velvet among others. The location provide good access to many of the beaches of the beautiful South Devon coastline, the sheltered sailing waters of the Yealm Estuary at Newton Ferrers and the wild open spaces of Dartmoor National Park. We are then blessed by close proximity to numerous golf courses and leisure facilities.
Flete is about 10 miles from Plymouth itself, an historic and vibrant waterfront City, well provided with good shopping, modern University, Peninsula Medical School, Theatre Royal and cinemas, large department stores and cafes, bistros and restaurants. The leisure facilities are outstanding with superb watersports in and around Plymouth Sound. Communications are excellent; there are Intercity trains from Totnes and Plymouth, which also has a cross channel ferryport and expanding airport. The A38 links to the M5 at Exeter where we find another good international airport facility Life at Flete House.
At Flete House Audley have created an environment for any compatible age group, where you can continue to live as independently as you chose. The apartments are ideal as holiday retreats, for retirement or perhaps for the busy professional wishing to return to a haven of peace and quiet at the end of a busy working day. All properties are fully self-contained but each owner enjoys the security of living within the grounds of a beautiful private estate with a range of staff on hand 24 hours a day, returning vibrancy and life to this wonderful historic mansion.
The Management Charge & Tenure
The House Manager will be able to relay the exact cost to seriously interest parties. Apartments are generally held on a 99 year lease.
A Breakdown of the Management Charge
24 Hour access to Staff
A team of on site personnel with a dedicated Estate Manager Payment of all associated local office costs – stationery, telephones, recruitment, photocopying etc Support of Head Office Audley Management ensuring not only a smooth operation at Flete but also back up support across the board for all residents.
The Main House
Throughout the day and evening, use of the beautiful communal rooms, whether to meet other residents at Flete or to entertain friends and family in spacious, comfortable surroundings. Full use of the well stocked private library/games room. Use of the Billiard Room and small gym Cleaning of all communal areas, including windows
Dining Room
A wonderful room to enjoy breakfast, a leisurely lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. Each day, a chef produces a freshly prepared, varied menu using the best of local seasonal produce. The dining facility may be booked for special private functions – a lovely facility to have on your doorstep for birthdays, anniversaries and parties.
Guest Accomodation
Everyone enjoys having guests – no-one enjoys clearing up after them! Available to be booked for a small charge is a beautifully appointed guest suite, fully furnished and supplied with freshly laundered bedlinen, bath towels etc.
Safety and Security
Regular patrols by a night porter for absolute peace of mind § Each property features a comprehensive emergency call system, intruder and fire alarm that connects not only to a remote call centre but directly to the duty manager at Flete to deal swiftly and personally to your call.
Repairs and Maintenance
The upkeep and maintenance of the grounds and gardens Payment of all charges in respect of maintenance contracts for the lift, fire alarm system, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, emergency call system and all communal equipment The maintenance and servicing of Flete House kitchen and laundry equipment General repairs to the communal rooms and exterior of the main house and stables.
Social Diary
An extensive programme of events and social activities are arranged throughout the year, from themed lunches, barbeques, croquet matches through to musical events and interesting lectures and talks. Residents of the Flete estate are canvassed for their interests and future events are planned accordingly.
Optional Meal Plan Package
If you would like to have a daily two course lunch included within your management charge, this can be offered as shown.
Flete House two course lunch per day served in the stunning panelled restaurant.
Some commonly asked questions:
Q. Who will be managing Flete House?
Flete House is owned by The Audley Group and is managed by Audley Flete Ltd. The team at Audley Court has over 20 years experience in managing and owning schemes similar to Flete House. For more information on the Group please see our website www.audleylife.co.uk
On a day-to-day basis, Flete House will continue to be managed by General Manager and supported by senior management of Audley who will visit Flete House on a regular basis.
Q. What is included in my monthly management charge?
As a Resident you will pay a monthly management charge. There are 30 apartments here at Flete: 23 in the Main House and 7 in the Stable Courtyard. The Management Charge is per apartment not per person and equates to each apartment paying a 30th of the running costs of Flete House and its gardens. Your charge will cover all costs pertaining to staff and their training and recruitment and access to the emergency call system. Maintenance of the grounds, regular external window cleaning and a social diary is also included. However please do feel free to discuss any queries that you may have.
Q. What about my utility bill? Due to the highly sensitive nature of oil, gas and electricity the utility charges are shown as a separate surcharge. This will be charged along with your monthly management fee at a rate of 1/30th of the invoices as they are received.
Q. What bills are not included within my Management Charge? Each apartment is Council Tax banded. All apartments are charged differently as the charge is calculated on the size of the apartment. As a guide our apartments fall between Band C to Band F or G for the very largest apartment. In monetary terms this is approximately £1,100 to £1,700 per annum. Your telephone bill is individual to each apartment. Before moving in you would need to contact British Telecom to arrange connection. Utility bills as mentioned above.
Q. To whom do I pay my management charge?
Your management charge will be paid to the management company at the end of each month. Direct debit can be arranged. Approximately ten working days before the last working day of the month, we will present all Residents with an invoice. We have found that this usually provides ample time for Residents to check their invoice and raise any queries or concerns with the management team.
Q. Are there any additional services that I can purchase? Residents will be able to purchase all meals from our Restaurant, for example; Breakfast, Lunch and Supper. Sandwiches could also be provided, perhaps a packed lunch if you are wishing to go out for the day. For the Restaurant services we ask for as much notice you can give us but at least 24hrs minimum. House keeping services and or a laundry service for bed linen and towels etc will also be made available to all Residents. A price list detailing all services can be obtained from The General Manager. We are of course open to any new ideas and welcome suggestions from Residents.
Q. Am I bound to buy in any additional services?
There is no obligation to purchase any additional services. If you wish to, then you will be informed in advance of any supplementary charges by either a letter or printed price list. The cost of any extra services will then be added to your monthly invoice.
Q. I believe that the service charge is reviewed annually. How and when will I be informed about any increases? The management charge cannot be guaranteed to remain the same from year to year as some costs are not within the company’s control. However, we will do our utmost to limit any increases. At the end of each year the accounts of the management company will be independently audited and accounts distributed to all Residents. Residents will then be invited to meet with us to discuss the management policy for the forthcoming year.
Q. What happens if major repairs are required in the future?
When ownership of a property is transferred, a sum of money linked to the number of years that you have lived in the property will be retained. This will then provide a fund to pay for any repairs that are necessary to both the common areas, the outside of your own property and the grounds. The charge will be equal to 1% of the sale value of your property plus 0.5% for each year of your occupation up to a maximum of 5%.
Q. If I am retired, will I be able to live at Flete House as long as I choose?
If a Residents health should deteriorate they are at liberty to arrange help from either Social Services or an independent regulated care provider. If the need should arise our staff can provide guidance and support. As we all grow older, there are occasions when our independence diminishes and permanent care becomes a necessity. In these situations the Resident or their relative generally recognises that alternative living arrangements need to be identified. There is normally no need for alternative arrangements to be made when a couple are occupying a property and one of the parties becomes unable to care for themselves as long as the other party is able to manage with the assistance of external agencies. Unfortunately there are occasions when a Resident is unable to recognise that their general well-being and or independence results in them being unable to manage in own their home. In these rare situations, and considering the best interests of all the other Residents, the Resident themselves and the staff, alternative arrangements have to be made.
Q. If in the future I should wish to sell my property, what is the procedure?
The management company will provide you with a valuation of your property though you are entitled to obtain your own independent valuation. Once a sales figure is agreed, the management company will actively market your property and will handle the sale on your behalf. A Sales and Administration Fee of 5% will be charged for the properties within the house and a 3% admin fee will be charged for the properties within The Stables.
Q. Can I make any improvements or changes to my property once I have bought it? As you will appreciate Flete House is a Grade I Listed building. Therefore there are restrictions on improvements and or changes. We ask that before any works are considered you consult the management company in writing.
Q. Will my property be looked after if I am temporarily away from home? All properties are fitted with a smoke alarm that is linked to the central system which is monitored 24 hours a day. These security and safety features should enable you to leave your home with peace of mind.
Q. Will there be a member of staff on duty at night?
There will be a Duty Manager, who will be on duty throughout the night in case of emergencies. They will undertake patrols and will also collect your refuse first thing in the morning.
Q. Is there a transport service available to Residents? We operate in conjunction with a local taxi company. We currently have two trips per week, one to Tesco at Lee Mill and one to Modbury. However, the taxi company do go further afield and a full pricelist of their services is available. Similarly if there is a trip that a number of residents wish to take this to can be arranged. Whilst the twice weekly trips are included in your management fee, any bespoke trips will carry a very moderate charge.
Q. Can I have a pet?
This is very much on an individual basis and we ask that you consult us prior to any decisions.
Q. Am I free to use Flete House for my own purposes? We are all proud of what we are creating and want the communal rooms and grounds to be used as often as possible for your own and your fellow Residents’ enjoyment.
Q. Will there be a Residents Association? We actively encourage the involvement of all Residents in the management of Flete House and senior management of Audley will consult with Residents on a regular basis. There are very regular ‘open meetings’ with the senior management of Audley, and we do also have a Residents Forum with three current members. We meet four times a year and it is an opportunity for residents through their forum members to bring forward ideas and suggestions. We also hope that volunteers will come forward to form a social committee to help organise social activities and events.
Q. Am I still responsible for my own contents insurance? Residents remain responsible for their own contents insurance.
Q. Will there be a Guest Suite? A guest suite is available for bookings with charges added to your monthly invoice.
Q. Will there be a regular programme of activities and do I have to participate?
We are planning to introduce a diary of regular social actives. It is entirely up to each Resident if they wish to attend these events.
Q. What are the plans for the future of the gardens and grounds? We have now refurbished the Italianate Garden and the Listed Russell Page Water Garden and more seating has been introduced around the grounds and paths. Recently we have created further seating area and landscaping outside the Drawing Room. The Tennis Courts were completed in September 2005.
Q. Can my visitors and guests use the Restaurant and will there be a charge for meals? Visitors are most welcome though there will be a charge for visitor’s meals.
Q. Are all utilities included in the management charge? All utilities are included in the management charge except the cost of your telephone.
Q. Will we be able to access the communal laundry? Washing machines for Residents personal use will be made available and the cost is included in your management charge. As an extra we can also arrange for a service wash or pressing facilities.
Q. Will there be access to other areas of the Flete Estate? The terms of the lease with the Flete Estate will allow Residents to use the lower road to Mothecombe. In addition please speak with the General Manager regarding certain fishing rights. and other forms of access. The Apartments In all, 30 self contained and individual apartments are located through the main house, Mildmay Wing and in the more recent conversion of the Stables Courtyard. Apartments may become available at any time, for various reasons. The Agent holds a list of those currently on the market, with a more detailed specification and photographs of each home available upon request. Viewing Arrangements If you wish to visit the apartments at Flete House it is advisable to book well in advance to ensure we can allocate you plenty of time for a full guided tour of this beautiful country home. If the Agent is unavailable, the House Manager and team are very willing to offer up their time. T. 01752 830549
Contact us
Call our Yealmpton office on 01752 880044 for further details.