Opened in 1940, the building was the range observation post for the top secret Gunnery Research Unit, based at RAF Exeter.

Here at Stantyway Farm, the renowned Professor Sir Bennett Melvill Jones perfected a revolutionary aircraft gunnery sight, which helped ensure allied air superiority on D-Day

The Observation Post has always been an important landmark and a popular rest stop for walkers on the South West Coast Path, which runs past the front of the building. In recent years this iconic building was becoming derelict and in danger of being lost.

In 2020 we restored the building in partnership with our landlords, Clinton Devon Estates, and are offering basic but comfortable accommodation to walkers and anyone who would like to stay there. Facilities for passers-by have been much improved with better benches, more information about the building's history and a mains water tap. These are freely available for users of the South West Coast Path and will always remain that way.

Isaac Kenyon

August 10, 2023

There is also a water tap where you can fill your water bottle up here, very useful for hikers and runners alike!

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Elevation 110 m

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Sunday 9 November

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Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Otterton, East Devon, Devon, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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