2 Bed Houses For Sale in Skilgate, Somerset

The Skilgate property market reflects the unique character of this rural Somerset village, offering a distinctive selection of period properties that are rarely found elsewhere in the region. Our current listings showcase traditional stone-built cottages, historic farmhouses, and character homes that date back generations, many constructed using local blue lias and red sandstone typical of properties throughout Exmoor and west Somerset. The village's location on the boundary of Exmoor National Park ensures that properties here benefit from stunning rural views, extensive walking routes, and a protected natural environment that maintains its appeal year after year.

Recent market activity in Skilgate indicates sustained interest in this exclusive rural location, with Rightmove recording 19 sold properties in the area and houseprices.io reporting details of 41 sales available for this postcode sector. The average sold price of £575,000 positions Skilgate within the premium tier of the Somerset property market, reflecting the scarcity of available homes and the village's desirable location adjacent to Exmoor National Park. For context, detached properties across wider Somerset averaged £451,000 in late 2025, while semi-detached homes fetched around £286,000 and terraced properties averaged £231,000. Flats and maisonettes in the broader county averaged £136,000, though the flat market in Skilgate itself remains extremely limited given the predominantly rural housing stock built from traditional materials.

Property availability in Skilgate is consistently tight, with the village's historic housing stock rarely seeing multiple homes listed simultaneously. The TA24 postcode sector covering Skilgate and surrounding villages sees limited turnover each year, meaning serious buyers often need to act quickly when suitable properties become available. The absence of new build developments in the village means that all available properties are character homes requiring careful assessment before purchase, particularly given the age of the local housing stock and the traditional construction methods employed in their original build.

Families considering a move to Skilgate will find educational options spread across the surrounding towns and villages, with the nearest primary schools located in the nearby market towns. Primary education within reasonable travelling distance includes Dulverton Primary School, which serves the southern Exmoor area and benefits from small class sizes and strong community involvement. Bampton Primary School provides education for younger children living to the north of Skilgate, both schools offering the intimate learning environment that smaller rural settings can provide.

These smaller schools often benefit from close-knit communities where teachers know each pupil personally, providing individual attention and a supportive learning environment that many parents find preferable to larger urban schools. Dulverton Primary School has received positive reports from Ofsted, with inspectors noting the strong ties between the school and the local community as a significant strength. Parents frequently cite the rich outdoor learning opportunities available to children in this rural setting, with school trips to Exmoor National Park providing hands-on geography and natural history lessons.

Secondary education options include comprehensive schools in nearby towns, with students typically travelling to schools in Dulverton, Watchet, or other Somerset towns that serve the Exmoor area. For families seeking alternative educational approaches, the region offers several independent schools including Blundell's School in Tiverton and West Buckland School, both providing alternative curricula and boarding options. Parents should note that catchment areas for schools in rural Somerset can be extensive due to the dispersed population, and school transport arrangements are typically provided by Somerset County Council for qualifying students living more than the statutory distance from their nearest suitable school.

Purchasing a property in Skilgate requires careful consideration of factors specific to rural Somerset properties and the Exmoor National Park boundary location. Properties in this area are predominantly constructed from traditional materials including local blue lias stone, red sandstone, brick, and render, with many homes dating back many generations to when the village was a thriving agricultural community. When viewing properties, pay close attention to signs of damp, which can be a common issue in older properties with solid walls, lime mortar pointing, and traditional construction methods that predate modern damp-proof courses.

The historic nature of many Skilgate properties means that specialist considerations often apply, including potential listed building status that may restrict permitted development rights and require approval for alterations from the relevant heritage authorities. A significant proportion of the village's housing stock is likely to pre-date 1919, meaning traditional building techniques were used including lathe and plaster with horsehair plaster, wattle and daub infill, and hand-made bricks laid in lime mortar. These materials require different maintenance approaches compared to modern construction, and repairs must often use compatible traditional materials to avoid causing damage.

Check the condition of roofing materials, as replacement costs can be significant for traditional slate or clay tile roofs on period properties. Inspect gutters and downspouts for signs of wear or blockage that may indicate long-term maintenance issues. Given the age of the local housing stock, we recommend instructing a RICS Level 2 survey before completing any purchase, as this will provide a thorough assessment of the property condition and highlight any issues requiring attention or negotiation with the seller. Our inspectors are experienced in assessing traditional Somerset properties and will identify common defects including outdated electrical systems, aging plumbing, and any signs of structural movement that may require further investigation.

Understanding the full costs of purchasing property in Skilgate is essential for budgeting effectively, with stamp duty representing a significant element alongside solicitor fees, survey costs, and moving expenses. For a typical Skilgate property priced around the village average of £575,000, a purchasing buyer would pay no stamp duty on the first £250,000, then 5% on the amount between £250,001 and £575,000, resulting in total SDLT of £16,250. First-time buyers purchasing properties up to £625,000 would benefit from relief, reducing their stamp duty liability considerably and making village ownership more accessible.

Beyond stamp duty, buyers should budget for a RICS Level 2 survey costing between £350 and £600 depending on property size and complexity, conveyancing fees typically ranging from £499 to £1,500 for a residential purchase, and mortgage arrangement fees that vary by lender. Given the period nature of many Skilgate properties, we strongly recommend budgeting for any immediate repairs or upgrades that may be identified during survey, particularly for traditional stone-built properties where damp proofing, re-roofing, or electrical upgrades may be needed. Buildings insurance should be arranged from the point of exchange, and removals costs will depend on the volume of belongings being transported to your new rural home.

Additional costs to consider include local search fees, which cover searches for planning history, environmental factors, and drainage in the Somerset area. Search fees typically range from £250 to £400 depending on the searches required and the location. Land Registry fees for registering your ownership will be handled by your solicitor as part of the conveyancing process. If the property you are purchasing is leasehold or has any unusual features, there may be additional charges or requirements to factor into your budget.