THE Chagford home of Sir Frank Whittle, the man credited with the invention of the jet engine, is up for sale.

The five bedroom property at Walland Hill is on the market for £1.45 million. The inventor moved into the house in 1962 after a life devoted to the development of aircraft. He lived there until 1976, when his first marriage was dissolved. He emigrated to the USA, where he forged a new career as a lecturer, and married his second wife Hazel S Hall.

Whittle, born in 1907, is credited with single-handedly inventing the turbojet engine, developed some years earlier than those of Germany's Dr Hans von Ohain, who was the designer of the first operational jet engine.

Edward Tallack, of estate agents Jackson Stops, said: 'It's a rare opportunity to buy a house that once belonged to someone who was incredibly famous.'

From an early age Whittle demonstrated an aptitude for engineering and an interest in flying. At first he was turned down by the RAF but through his determination he overcame his physical limitations and was accepted and sent to No 2 School of Technical Training to join No 1 Squadron of Cranwell Aircraft Apprentices.

His academic and practical abilities as an aircraft apprentice earned him a place on the officer training course at Cranwell. He excelled in his studies and became an accomplished pilot. While writing his thesis there he formulated the fundamental concepts that led to the creation of the turbojet engine, taking out a patent on his design in 1930.

In 2002, six years after his death, Whittle was ranked number 42 in the BBC poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.