It dates back to the thirteenth century, and is one of the many buildings to have been restored since the monks returned to Buckfast in 1882. The restoration was completed at the beginning of 1993, and the nooks and crannies of its thick stone walls together with the vast slate roof offer a reminder of the building's rich medieval heritage. The restoration transformed Southgate into a purpose-built guesthouse and residential centre. It has its own house chapel, library, common room, kitchenette, telephone and garden. In addition, it has a walled water garden where guests may relax in peace.
Facilities are available for disabled guests.
Both the Monastery Guesthouse and Southgate Guesthouse have their own monastic Guestmasters, who are available for information and advice. The Abbey itself acts as a parish church for a large part of the surrounding area, and is used not only for Parish Masses, but also for baptisms, weddings and funerals. In addition, Buckfast also serves three outlying Mass Centres in Buckfastleigh, Ashburton and South Brent. As well as taking care of the spiritual needs of our own parishioners, we also have monks of the Community working on parishes elsewhere in the country. One of the Community also acts as a prison chaplain.