Historic Dartmoor church for sale at £150k as village marks end of an era

The historic village church in Lee Mill is set to close, with an official final service planned for January.

A landmark since 1885, the building is now listed on Rightmove with the church being marketed Millington Tunnicliff estate agents based in nearby Ivybridge

A post on social media by local resident Kirsty Jones explained that the decision to sell was not made by long-time volunteers Dorothy and Daphne, who have dedicated years to caring for the church, but by the church trustees.

Despite the closure, some events will still take place; the village’s planned Christmas Carol Service hosted by Ivybridge Baptist Church, and a final Macmillan coffee morning before the church officially closes.

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These events offer the community a chance to gather one last time in the historic building with the announcement prompting many villagers to share memories and sadness.

Debbie Jayne recalled attending Sunday school, summer fetes, weddings, funerals, and youth club events. She said, “Sadly, church attendance has been in decline for a number of years… it’s very sad to see yet another village amenity go.”

Carly Hickman shared that her children attended the toddler group run by Dorothy and Daphne.

Kerry Popham and other residents remembered play school and Sunday school, while Claire Erasmus described the church as “beautiful.”

ABOVE: The property "retains some period featues" (Credit: Rightmove)

Many commenters expressed concern that the church’s history and significance to the village are not lost.

Ivybridge Baptist Church also expressed sadness, noting historical ties between the two communities.

Residents are now considering a village meeting to discuss the closure and answer questions about the church’s sale.

The Lee Mill church has been central to village life for generations, hosting religious services, social events, and community gatherings. 

Its closure marks the end of an era and highlights the challenge of preserving local landmarks in changing times.

Sale details:

According to a Rightmove listing, the church, located on Plymouth Road, is now on the open market with a guide price of £150,000. 

The building is offered as freehold and is "suitable for a range of uses, including as a community hall, offices, nursery, or residential conversion" (subject to planning).

The property "retains character features, including stained glass windows and a rectangular nave with triple aspect, alongside electric heating and male and female toilet facilities". 

It also comprises a secondary entrance porch, kitchen, cloakroom, storage rooms, and a church hall measuring approximately 9.58m x 6.03m. 

As a place of worship, it is also exempt from business rates.