Stenlake, sometimes known as Stanlake, was an expansive farmstead with multiple dwellings in Walkhampton parish to the south-east of the B3212 road sandwiched between Devonport Leat and the River Meavy. The earliest evidence of a farmstead at the site is from the late 13th century and was occupied for over 650 years. The farmstead was extended several times adding additional dwellings and around late 17th century the farmstead became known as Higher and Lower Stenlake differentiating the multiple dwellings.
Devonport Leat was constructed in the late 18th century to convey water to Devonport. It intersected the farmstead at multiple points with holes created in dry stone walls to enable it’s path.
Historically Stenlake has been referred to by several variations including what is widely accepted via conjecture as the official name Stanlake, but also Stenlake, Stenylake, Stanelake and Steanlake.
The last occupants of the farm were Mr and Mrs Gill who left in the 1920s. The property was still standing as late as the early 1960s but by the late 60s the building had started to collapse and was demolished. Various earth workings, walls and other features such as staddle stones, granite troughs and gate posts exist today giving a rough idea of the layout of the site.
According to manor records the members of the Worth family tenanted the properties with Nicholas Worth (1685 – 1740) and his brother Michael Worth (1679 – 1746), sons of Nicholas Worth (1655 – 1699), documented as tenants at Lower Stenlake in 1700.