Ann Widdecombe’s Dartmoor home where she was murdered goes on sale for £900,000, four months after her death; property valued 50% higher than the £600,000 she paid in 2008

The Dartmoor home of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, who was murdered in July 2026, has gone on the market for £900,000, just four months after her death. The five-bedroom property in Haytor Vale, Devon, where she was found dead following a hammer attack, is being marketed by estate agents Knight Frank under its original name, Thurlecot.The property, which Widdecombe had renamed ‘Widdecombe’s Rest’ after moving there following her retirement from Parliament, comes with five reception rooms, three bathrooms, a swimming pool, stables and extensive gardens. The asking price represents a reported 50 per cent increase on the £600,000 she paid for the house in 2008.According to the property's listing on Rightmove, the detached bungalow spans approximately 5,139 square feet and is surrounded by gardens. Knight Frank describes it as being within easy walking distance of the open moor, with a south-facing position offering privacy and views of the surrounding countryside.Estate agents include special note about Ann Widdecombe’s deathThe circumstances surrounding Widdecombe's death have also been acknowledged in the property's sales brochure. As reported by The Daily Mail and The Sun, the estate agents have included a note under the property information section stating: "A significant event occurred at the property in 2026, involving the unlawful death of an occupant. Further details can be provided by the agent."The listing also showcases the house's spacious interiors, including a sitting room with a fireplace, a stylish fitted kitchen and a large library-cum-dining room. The property has a stone-paved terrace running along its front, which the agents say benefits from long-distance views of the surrounding countryside.Home was targeted by visitors after the murderThe property also attracted unwanted attention after the murder, with locals reportedly complaining that visitors were turning up to take selfies outside the crime scene or attempting to look through the windows.According to The Sun, large wooden gates were subsequently installed at the entrance and secured with a heavy chain and padlock. The sign bearing the name ‘Widdecombe’s Rest’ was also removed.A local resident told the publication that the incident had shocked the entire community, adding that Widdecombe was genuinely loved by villagers. Residents reportedly hoped the additional security measures would help restore normality in the neighbourhood.What happened to Ann Widdecombe?Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in the kitchen of her Dartmoor home on July 9, 2026, after failing to attend a scheduled online appearance on a Channel 5 programme the previous day.According to details presented in court, she had been eating lunch when she was allegedly attacked with a hammer on July 8. Prosecutors told the court that she had been struck 21 times on the head. Her gardener discovered her body during a welfare check after she could not be contacted.Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody. He has also faced a separate charge relating to the preparation of a terrorist act. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.From Parliament to Strictly Come DancingWiddecombe retired from the House of Commons in 2010 after representing the Conservative Party for more than two decades. She subsequently moved to Dartmoor, a region she had a personal connection with, and named her new home ‘Widdecombe’s Rest’.However, her departure from Parliament did not mean an end to her public appearances. She became a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, where she was partnered with professional dancer Anton du Beke. She later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 and entered European politics as a Brexit Party MEP before becoming associated with Reform UK.Ready to Make a Smarter Property Decision? Build Your Legacy with TOI Homes.