New owner to preserve tiny folly

The Pimple gets its name from the stone at the apex of its roof

A building thought to be the smallest designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

The folly on top of Whitchurch Down, known locally as the Pimple, is a Grade II listed building.

The 94-year-old triangular building - whose walls are just 13ft (4m) long - has panoramic views across Dartmoor.

Estate Agent Ward and Chowen said the new owner was "very keen to preserve the building in its existing state for the benefit of the local community".

Spokesman Neil Woolcook said: "Lutyens wanted the Pimple to be a place where people could visit and enjoy the stunning views over Devon and Cornwall."

Disused reservoir

The folly was put up for sale with an asking price of £10,000.

Mr Woolcock said an offer had been accepted on the Pimple, but he was not in a position to disclose what the sum was.

It has public access and sits on a 40ft (12m) mound housing a disused reservoir, which was also included in the sale.

The Pimple, which was described by its previous owners as a "little corner of England", gets its name from the stone at the apex of its tiled roof.

Lutyens is probably best known for designing the Cenotaph in London and Castle Drogo near Exeter.