Devon LivingIssue #01
Hot property
We take a look inside some of Devon’s most beautiful and exclusive homes, from coast to country.
We all have our own personal idea of that dream home lodged somewhere in our minds, whether a vague, fuzzy notion or a very specific vision. It might be that grand country pile to reign over; perhaps a chic contemporary pad on the coast, or an elegant townhouse in the heart of the city. Whatever it might be, you’re likely to find it somewhere in Devon. Over the following pages, we’ve selected a small batch of some of Devon’s most gorgeous homes, taking a peek inside these beautifully realised properties, where the views are as breathtaking as the interior design.
“The main draw to this picturesque and verdant corner of Devon is the lifestyle on offer”
But first, what’s the attraction of living in Devon exactly? Gail Streatfeild of estate agent Chartsedge tells us: “Devon offers some of the most beautiful coastline and countryside in the UK, and what’s more, you can still pick up some truly stunning homes for less than the price of a flat in London. According the UK House Price Index, the average price for a detached house in London in 2017 was a whopping £897,788, whereas a similar property would only set you back as little as £371,870. Advances in technology mean that distance workers get a great work/life balance, as much of Devon has superfast broadband meaning your office needs never be too far away. Great schools, friendly communities, stunning countryside and a quieter way of life is what living in Devon is all about.”
The countryside awaits…
With Devon known for its beautiful rolling countryside, it’s easy to see the attraction of donning the wellies, taking in the fresh air and enjoying a simpler way of life. If your dream is of rural bliss tucked up in a fairy tale thatched cottage on the Moor, then perhaps Bush House is for you (price £985,000). Gail of Chartsedge says: “This magnificent thatched former farmhouse sits in the heart of the popular rural village of Spreyton on the north edge of Dartmoor. The property has been a much loved family home and has oodles of character and charm, retaining many of its original features to include stone fireplaces, oak joinery and floors, and beamed ceilings. It comes with six bedrooms, two/three bathrooms, a homely country kitchen with Aga and two striking reception rooms.”
But there’s more to this idyll than first meets the eye, as Gail explains a potentially lucrative business opportunity, ripe for holiday lettings. “Outside and to the rear of the house and grouped round a courtyard there is a sweet three-bedroom cottage, a further barn that has been converted into a games room/billiard room, a traditional barn and a detached garage.” With the entire grounds stretching to around 3.7 acres, there is plenty of space to spread your wings. For more information contact Chartsedge: www.chartsedge.co.uk
If you have in excess of a cool £7 million to spend, and fancy being lord or lady of the manor, then surely The Chanters House in Ottery St Mary is the one for you (guide price: offers of £7,000,000). Currently on the market with Knight Frank, and nestled in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, this is a real gem.
Partner at Knight Frank, James Crawford tells us: “Not every property has a private library over 70 feet in length and 30 feet high, but that is not all that separates the spectacular Chanters House from other important country houses. The library, added in 1890 for the then Lord Coleridge, whose family had already lived there for generations, in order to house his 18,000 collection of books, is indeed supremely impressive, but the house is in fact a superb family home with all the mod cons such as swimming pool, modern kitchens and ensuite bathrooms, all beautifully refurbished and well presented, ideal for modern living. The house overlooks parkland with a river and woodland and there is a coach house, walled garden and two cottages all set in over 21 acres.
“The Chanters House is also well located to access to all the best private and state schools the West Country has to offer, and is convenient to Exeter and its ever popular international airport. Whilst a private home, it could easily support a commercial operation such as wedding venue subject to the usual consents. In short it is one of the West County’s most important houses which will attract interest from buyers not only from within the UK but also from abroad.”
Another grand home ticking all the boxes for that country escape is the magnificent Whitechapel, near Exmoor (guide price £2,650,000). This splendid Elizabethan Grade I listed manor house boasts beautifully manicured formal gardens and glorious views of rolling countryside. Edward Tallack of the agent Savills tells us: “Whitechapel is a most impressive listed manor house on the cusp of Exmoor National Park. The property has a fascinating history and is rich in striking features.” For more information, contact Savills: www.savills.co.uk
In the heart of the city…
If the buzz of the city is beckoning, then you should swiftly arrange a viewing of 1A Baring Crescent, a chic four-bedroom house with an eye for cutting edge design (guide price £950,000). This contemporary build is located in an extremely sought-after address – a real statement home. The agent says: “The architect has created a unique modern dwelling which draws on the classical architecture of the original Regency Georgian villas within Baring Crescent, achieved by creating large internal spaces with oversize doors and windows and floor to ceiling light sources. The building has underfloor heating on each floor, washed oak flooring, a smart oak staircase with seamless glass balustrade, a Bulthaup kitchen, and an impressive six metre high opaque glazed wall with stunning glass chandelier.” For more information contact the agent, Wilkinson Grant & Co: www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk
Welcome to the coast…
Of course, we couldn’t forget the beautiful coastline that borders the county on the north and south. Harriet Cundy, Director of Marchand Petits’ Salcombe office tells us specifically about the draw of the South Hams on the south coast.
“The property on offer in the South Hams is diverse and varied,” says Harriet, “from period townhouses and cosy fisherman’s cottages, to contemporary coastal villas and substantial waterside homes. We are lucky to have sold several properties more than once, as family requirements change and owners up or downsize to move closer to the water or purchase a larger home.”
Hariet continues: “The main draw to this picturesque and verdant corner of Devon is the lifestyle on offer. With sandy beaches, hidden creeks and inlets and Dartmoor as a backdrop, there is something for all the family. Road and rail links, via the A38 Devon Expressway and Totnes train station, keep the region well connected with the capital, you can leave Paddington and have sand between your toes within the same afternoon on one of the glorious South Hams beaches.”
As far as luxury contemporary waterside properties go, High House in Salcombe takes some beating (guide price £1,750,000). The modernist exterior is chic and crisp with sharp edges and a cubist-inspired design, while the interior boasts an array of floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in, while capitalising on those incredible views over Salcombe and the estuary. Everything is perfectly considered, with neat touches and state-of-the-art fittings and fixtures throughout.
With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, there’s ample room for bringing friends and family together in a truly gorgeous setting. For more information, contact the agent Marchand Petit: www.marchandpetit.co.uk
In an equally beguiling setting in Salcombe is Waterside View (guide price £1,000,000). As the name suggests, this three-bedroom apartment boasts arguably some of the best panoramic views of the estuary. The quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail is immediately evident on first viewing, from the contemporary high-gloss kitchen to the sumptuous bathrooms. A luxurious and low-maintenance home, it’s also the perfect ‘lock up and leave’ property for those who wish to escape the city for their weekend bolthole by the sea. For more information, contact the agent Marchand Petit: www.marchandpetit.co.uk
But then the north coast impresses in equal measure, with its fair share of popular haunts and golden beaches, scattered with stunning properties, such as The Chalet in Saunton Sands (price available on request). This recently completed development is in fact a collection of seven luxury waterside apartments set in a jawdropping position overlooking Saunton Sands beach and Braunton Burrows. Each apartment has been impeccably finished to an exacting standard throughout. It has been designed as an ‘Apart-Hotel’ and according to the agent, Knight Frank, “all seven apartments are let out for short term holidays throughout the year and are as desirable out of season as in high season.” As such, The Chalet presents an excellent investment opportunity for those in the position. For more details visit www.knightfrank.co.uk
Needless to say, this is just a small selection of the wonderfully diverse array of luxury property currently on the market across Devon. There are many more we would love to have shared with you if space allowed! Whatever your budget, we hope our selection has inspired you in the quest for your own dream home.
Keep a look out for future issues of Devon Living, for more stunning homes on the coast and in the country.
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For more information on securing the dream home, visit the following websites:
"The main draw to this picturesque and verdant corner of Devon is the lifestyle on offer"