A Georgian building listed Grade ll for its group value, Ireland House was given to the Governors of the Ashburton Grammar School as a Headmaster's and Boarding House by a former pupil, John Ireland, who was Dean of Westminster for 26 years. He officiated at the coronations of George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria and is buried in Westminster Abbey.
Ireland House was purchased by Devon County Council in 1972 as being worthy of conservation and was conveyed to Devon Historic Buildings Trust soon after its formation in June 1973. The Trust produced a scheme for conversion to flats/maisonettes but before this could be implemented, escalating building costs put the project beyond its financial resources. Collaboration with Teignbridge District Council resulted in the latter taking over responsibility for the restoration but continuing economic difficulties delayed a start on site until 1977 . The first stage comprising the restoration and conversion of the Georgian building to provide 9 flats was officially opened by the Chairman of the District Council in November, 1978, followed by a second stage development providing a further 6 flats in the gardens at the rear.

 

Also in East Street, Ashburton, a 17th or early 18th century Conduit Head, listed Grade II, was restored by the Trust in 1975 with financial help from the Dartmoor National Park Committee and the Ashburton and District Amenity Society. This project demonstrates that in certain circumstances the Trust's independent position and its recognised skills are able to draw together various interested parties in the resuscitation of a town in danger of losing its historic character.