HOME AT
TWO ARTISTS & A GALLERY
Celebrating almost two years of art at Velarde
FIELD NOTES
Delicious dispatches from the Millbrook Inn
warm WELCOME
As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring breathe new life into South Devon, there’s a palpable sense of optimism in the air. The blossom is out, the landscape is bursting with colour, and thankfully, we’re off to a cracking start in 2025! The property market has kicked off the year with gusto and we’re already seeing higher sales than anticipated. If properties are competitively priced, demand remains strong, competition is heating up, and we’re expecting this momentum to carry us through what promises to be a very interesting year.
The market’s strength is a testament to the enduring appeal of this stunning corner of the world. Buyers are drawn not just to bricks and mortar, but to the lifestyle South Devon offers - a blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and long-term value. It’s clear that a home here isn’t just a purchase; it’s a stake in something truly special.
Political upheaval shows no signs of slowing down, with Donald Trump’s second term adding another layer of uncertainty to the mix. In times like these, it’s no surprise that more people are looking for stability closer to home. South Devon offers exactly that — a place where life feels a little simpler, the community is strong, be it for a main home or holiday home, and the stunning landscape provides a daily reminder of what really matters. It’s this sense of security and quality of life that continues to draw buyers in.
Spring is such a pivotal time for buying and selling. With gardens in bloom and the sun finally making an appearance, it’s the perfect moment to showcase your home at its best. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, holiday homing, or just curious about the market, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
So grab a cuppa, have a read, and let’s celebrate the homes that make this corner of the world so special. And remember, while global headlines may change, one thing remains constant: there's no place like home.
Charlie Heath Associate Director
DARTMOUTH
01803 839190
KINGSBRIDGE
01548 857588
MODBURY
01548 831163
NEWTON FERRERS
01752 873311
SALCOMBE
01548 844473
TOTNES
01803 847979
PRIME WATERFRONT & COUNTRY HOUSE
01548 855590
LETTINGS
01548 855599
10 TWO ARTISTS & A GALLERY
Celebrating almost two years since the opening of the art gallery Velarde
32
36 HOURS IN CHILLINGTON
What to do, eat and drink, in and around the village of Chillington
50 FIELD NOTES
Tom Westerland from the Millbrook Inn shares this season's culinary delights
70 THE SUMMER GARDEN EDIT
Tips for getting your garden summer ready
92 NEW FOUNDATIONS
On the shift towards a more bespoke approach to new homes
98 FAVOURITE FOUR: DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES
A look at some of the prettiest pup-friendly beaches in the South Hams
PROPERTIES
18 A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES
Asman blends Edwardian period features with modern interiors to create a special home
26 RURAL RETREAT
This barn conversion is a masterstroke of modern design woven into historic bones
38 TAKE A LOOK
Set in an elevated position on the outskirts of Kingsbridge is this contemporary home
44 THE RIGHT MOVE
Piers Cottage is tucked into the folds of West Alvington, just a mile from Kingsbridge
56 JUST THE TICKET
There is something particularly special about this Staverton home
62 COUNTRY LIFE
Higher Spriddlestone Barn boasts sweeping views over the surrounding countryside
76 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Patchways is tucked into a prime spot overlooking the rolling Devon countryside
84 BY THE WATER'S EDGE
A rare opportunity to embrace a classic “Swallows and Amazons” lifestyle.
104 DELIGHTFUL DARTMOUTH
An elegant Grade II Listed townhouse with sparkling views across the town
The next edition of the showcase Marchand Petit ‘At Home’ magazine will be published and printed in July 2025.
Matt and Fi want to break down the perception that galleries are exclusive spaces only for serious collectors. Instead, their aim is to create an environment for everyone to explore and enjoy.
South Devon TWO ARTISTS, A GALLERY
&life in
It is coming up to the two year anniversary since Fi and Matt Velarde threw open the doors to their new contemporary art gallery in the heart of rural south Devon.
Printmaker and artist Fi, and husband Matt, a fine art photographer have been constantly drawn to the beauty of the land and seascapes of the South Hams, a source of constant inspiration which touches every part of their creative work and process.
So what does it actually take to create a new venture and a start up business from scratch in such a rural setting? Right from the start the couple knew that in order to reach their goal to create a much loved, and real destination art gallery, their approach must seamlessly balance local and national talent.
Matt says “At Velarde Gallery, you will always find a unique mix of outstanding local talent, and an incredible line-up of nationally acclaimed artists. We select artists from all over the UK and are always looking to give opportunities to emerging artists.”
In the two years that the gallery has been open Velarde has shown 80 artists and makers over nine exhibitions showing a diverse selection of art, ceramics, sculptures, contemporary craft and original print.
Recent exhibitions have names like Bruce Munro, known for his Field of Light installations. His work spans from New York’s Freedom Square to Australia’s deserts. The late Malcolm Le Grice who did a retrospective look at his sixty years of work as a pioneer of digital art. A talent so cutting edge, he started the very first film school at St Martins in London, and when Velarde Gallery showed his works in Autumn of 2024, post show, some of the pieces were delivered directly to the Tate, London for their permanent collection.
The latest exhibition is the ‘Original Print Show, which is bursting with colour, and texture, with an exciting selection of works from very talented printmakers, including Katherine Jones RA, who at the age of 44 is the
Top left: Fran Gynn RWA Top Right: Katherine Jones RA. Above: Bruce Munro.
youngest artist Royal Academician, and Frances Gynn RWA, an artist who is known for her ever-evolving focus on nature, extinction and issues of the environment. Plus London based, master of print; Jonathan Lawes, and Fi Velarde herself, who has produced a small series of bird prints in homage to her ongoing obsession with these beautiful feathered creatures.
“The joy lies in collaboration. “Collaboration especially with the artists themselves; meeting the artists in their working studios, seeing the work live as it comes together. That very intuitive working relationship that is so open, progressive and exciting all at the same time. This is what makes this gallery special.”
The next exhibition celebrates the work of abstract painter, Steve Joy, who will be showing his work for the very first time in the UK, via the Velarde Gallery from May 2025. Joy spent the majority of his artistic career exhibiting works as a respected artist and academic. A master painter devoted to interrogating and developing the language of non-objective art.
Joys work will sit in harmony alongside figurative painter, Pippa Young. Young’s work proposes a reality in which the chaos of contemporary life –our scattered attention, and dependence on technology, are not cause for despair, but more a useful and positive resource.
As well as the artists it represents, another of the gallery’s defining features is its sculpture garden; an immersive outdoor space where art and nature intertwine. A unique offering in the South West, where the gallery is lucky enough to keep the works for sometime. With the celebrated work of Peter Randall-Page RA, Patricia Volk RWA FRSS and Antonio Lopez-Reche as permanent fixtures, and others in rotation, ensuring there is always something fresh for they’re clients with gardens and outdoor space for these works shine.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” says Matt. “We’ve learned so much and had a fantastic response from all our visitors. Our aim has always been, to be a destination gallery, and through the tenacity of our team, the artists and the community around us, that goal is excitingly starting to be realised.”
Velardes ambition is clear: to establish their gallery as the South West’s premier destination for contemporary art. “Cornwall has a rich history of modern British art, but the South Hams has untapped potential,” Matt says.
‘‘
The next exhibition celebrates the work of abstract painter, Steve Joy, who will be showing his work for the very first time in the UK, via the Velarde Gallery from May 2025.
Top: Steve Joy.
Above: Jonathan Lawes.
As well as the artists it represents, another of the gallery’s defining features is its sculpture garden; an immersive outdoor space where art and nature intertwine. ‘‘
Every exhibition is carefully considered, ensuring that each show has a strong, cohesive flow whilst allowing individual pieces to stand out.
Matt and Fi want to break down the perception that galleries are exclusive spaces only for serious collectors. Instead, their aim is to create an environment for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Aside from the above, they’ve hosted gallery talks with figures like broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby and avant-garde filmmakers, hosted groundbreaking light installations, intimate dinners with the South West’s finest, and this is still just the beginning!
On a personal level, aside from the gallery the couple have also had great fun sharing their world with a growing family (six grandchildren and counting), and a home perfectly placed near one of the most outstandingly beautiful beaches and coastlines in the whole of the South Hams. Where daily coastal walks, hunting for shells, and rock pooling are ‘second nature’. Plus of course the odd Sunday family roast, by a roaring fire for good measure.
On reflection, Fi says "Creating anything new can be a daunting process, but you know, we might be getting there – so far so good! The balance feels right. We will continue to grow by listening to our clients, artists and community, and also by trusting ourselves and the choices we make”.
For further information please visit velarde.co.uk
Words by Genevieve Madeira.
Top Right: Malcolm Le Grice. Above: Fi in her Studio.
Left: The Velarde Sculpture Garden.
for sore eyes A SIGHT
Asman blends Edwardian period features with modern interiors to create a special family home by the sea. Overlooking Salcombe’s ever-popular North Sands beach, its rural and sea views spill into a home that is flooded with natural light and character.
The sitting room again boasts south facing windows that fill it with natural light and frame the exceptional views.
Asman sets the bar high with a name meaning ‘highest heaven’ and the property on prestigious Sandhills Road lives up to expectation. The lobby leads into a grand entrance hallway with handsome feature staircase to the floor above, while a dedicated cloakroom lends space for post-walk muddy boots and rain macs.
Along the hallway is a gloriously bright and spacious open-plan kitchen/ dining room. South facing, it enjoys sunlight throughout the day and delivers beautiful views across the gardens and into the North Sands Valley. A window seat serves as the perfect place to see in the morning with a coffee and to wait for dinner with a glass of wine. The kitchen itself is particularly well designed to make the most of the space and views, well-equipped and with a central island and breakfast bar. In the dining area, space for a large dining table and chairs makes hosting a delight. An outside lounge and barbecue area leading off the kitchen makes for the perfect spot to catch the sun or entertain into the night.
The sitting room again boasts south facing windows that fill it with natural light and frame the exceptional views, while a wood burning stove promises cosy evenings after long wintery walks. Climbing the staircase takes you to a first-floor landing, from where four bedrooms and three bathroom/shower rooms extend. The master bedroom is reminiscent of a boutique hotel suite, its sliding doors leading to a south facing balcony with views across the North Sands Valley. Off this impressive bedroom space is an ensuite bathroom crowned by an ornate cast iron vintage bath.
There are two more double bedrooms to the first floor, one with ensuite shower room and the other with spectacular views over the valley. A twin bedroom and separate shower room complete the lineup. A large space with gabled roof and Velux windows sits on the second floor; while currently used as a bedroom with ensuite bathroom, it could also become an undisturbed office space. In addition to the three main floors, a lower ground floor room is currently used as a cellar.
As the home of delightful ‘Salcombe Spaniels’ duo Hebe and Purdey, Asman’s gardens are designed with pups in mind and plenty of room to roam. Gated access at the bottom of the garden leads along Sandhills Road and to North Sands beach in minutes. The beach is dog friendly all year round! Several sun terraces are dotted around Asman, enjoying the sun all day and into the evening too. A large double garage sits to the side of the property, providing a home for all of the water sports equipment that so often comes with a life by the sea, while boat storage and ample parking for several vehicles also features.
Sandhills Road is one of the most coveted addresses in Devon. A pretty fifteen-minute walk along Cliff Road takes you into the heart of Salcombe, with its pastel harbourfront and host of boutique shops, fantastic restaurants and coffee stops. Salcombe is the sailing heart of the South Hams and Asman’s position in the town places it perfectly to take full advantage of all the town offers.
Asman’s position in the town places it perfectly to take full advantage of all Salcombe offers.
Rural RETREAT
This Grade II-listed barn conversion is a masterstroke of modern design woven into historic bones.
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Reimagined with absolute attention to detail, its 2,500 square feet of living space sees a reverse-level layout, with the added luxury of a potential selfcontained studio wing. Outside, a bordering stream and wild-edged gardens complete a picture of quintessential rural living.
Approach the house through a glazed, single-storey hall, an architectural thread connecting the main property with its garden room/studio wing. The ground floor features a master suite with exposed beams and dual-aspect garden views, plus a sleek en-suite with walk-in shower and bidet. Three further bedrooms, each with their own character, share a stylish family bathroom. The quiet star of this floor is the studio wing; a versatile space that could be a guest annexe, a fifth bedroom or a garden-facing retreat.
The first-floor living space is nothing short of dramatic. A vaulted ceiling, crisscrossed with exposed timbers, stretches above an open-plan reception room, where bespoke shelving and a sleek RIAS Viva wood burner are the focal point. At one end, a balcony catches the morning sun.
Tucked just off the main space, ‘The Whisky Room’ was once a bedroom but now serves as a comfy snug featuring triple-aspect windows. The kitchen is a design statement in itself: a Bertazzoni dual-fuel Heritage Range Cooker holds court, surrounded by sophisticated cabinets and views over the countryside.
Outside, a shared courtyard gives way to a private gravel driveway, leading to gates that open onto a sweeping lawn. The decking area, an al fresco dining dream, overlooks a patchwork of fields, while a small bridge leads over the stream to a secret garden.
Ugborough itself is an ancient village that has stood proud since Saxon times. The 12th-century church presides over the square, and the village has a well-regarded primary school. The historic Ship Inn has become well-known for its food and always promises a warm welcome. The Salcombe and Yealm estuaries offer sailing opportunities, while Modbury, Ivybridge and the larger Plymouth are all in easy reach too.
36 CHILLINGTON hours in
A slip of a village just inland from the sweeping blues of Start Bay, Chillington is a place that for long walks at golden hour, impromptu (then inevitably extended…) pub stops, farm shops and food that goes from land or sea to plate in no time at all.
Even here in the remarkable South Hams, few villages can claim to offer quite so much on their doorsteps. Here are some of its very best bits, from springtime walks through green fields to the sea, to live music and local ales in country pubs, and storage containers hiding everything from craft breweries to antiques within their walls.
Top left: Beesands Beach.
Top right: Overlooking Start Bay.
Bottom left: Chillington to Torcross loop.
Bottom right: Cottages at Hallsands.
DO THIS
Chillington is a village for walkers. Not in the obvious, signposted, take-apicture-of-the-map-at-the-car-park kind of way, but in a rambling “let’s see where this lane takes us” kind. Footpaths peel off from the village in all directions, some winding along lanes and through fields, others dipping down towards the water - whether that may be the sea or where the creeks of the Kingsbridge Estuary snake their way inland.
One of the best routes is the Chillington to Torcross loop, an easy two-hour wander that takes you through lush Devon countryside before spilling you out at Slapton Ley, where a freshwater lagoon meets the sea. From there, you can push on along the shingle of Slapton Sands, or divert into Torcross for a pint before looping back.
Another, wilder, walk will take you along the South West Coast Path to Hallsands, a village all but lost to the waves in a ravenous 1917 storm. Drive from Chillington to Beesands to begin a walk along a stretch of coast that is all high cliffs and secret coves. It’s an exhilarating, salty-air and big-view type of walk, and it’ll leave you feeling like you have truly earned your post-hike fish and chips.
If all of this sounds a little too strenuous for your liking, leave your hiking boots by the door and make for some of the best farm shops in the South Hams instead.
Stokely Farm Shop usually sees you arrive intending to grab a loaf of sourdough and leave with an armful of local cheese, a still-warm pasty, a couple of bottles of good Devon cider and, somehow, a new houseplant or two. A constellation of independent businesses are housed in repurposed shipping containers outside the main farm shop, including Relish, one of our favourites for antique furniture and artisan homewares sourced from around the globe. A little green shed welcomes a rotation of indie pop-ups too, all well worth a browse.
Smaller than Stokely but no less charming, Springfield Farm Shop in East Charleton is impeccably curated. Fruit and veg is proper farm-fresh and the meat counter is a carnivore’s dream. If a good jar of locally made chutney is the type of thing that gets you going, you’ll be in heaven.
Of course, this close to the coast, it would be madness not to spend at least some of your time barefoot in the sand. The best beaches in Chillington depend on your mood. For long walks, crashing waves and that bracing feeling of open skies, head to Slapton Sands. We should probably point out that a section of the beach here is a long-established naturist spot - worth keeping in mind if the only thing you want to see bobbing around is a seal beyond the breakers!
For something smaller and gorgeous, try Lannacombe Beach. It’s tiny, hard to get to along lanes barely big enough for a car, utterly unspoilt and very special.
Top: Coastal path. Middle: Slapton Sands and Slapton Ley. Bottom: Lannacombe Beach.
Photo by Simon Lewis
TUCK IN
The Bear & Blacksmith in Chillington is everything a good country pub should be. Local as they come, rustic in the very best way and run by lovely people who really know their food. A large chunk of what you find on the menu here has been grown, reared or caught locally, which means the steaks are deliciously tender, the veg is properly seasonal and the flavours dance together in a way that notches things well above the usual pub grub standard. Pints of local beer are pulled just right, and with a roaring fire taking the chill off those early spring nights - and a tired dog curled up beneath the table - there’s nowhere better to be.
Another coastal country pub that gets our vote is the Church House Inn at Stokeham, one of those picture-perfect thatched affairs that could have come straight from a Devon postcard. Inside, it’s all low beams and warm welcomes, but in summer, it’s the garden that steals the show. The barbecue smokes in the sun, the cider flows freely, and decisions start and end at whether to have another round of monkfish tacos (the answer is yes)
If fish and chips were a religion, the Start Bay Inn at Torcross would be considered the high temple around these parts. The 14th-century thatched inn perched by the shingle beach does the classics flawlessly: battered cod crackling under lashings of vinegar, proper chunky chips and the kind of tartare sauce that makes your face screw up a little at its tartness. The vegan version is excellent too. Eat outside with a sea view, licking the salt from your fingers as the waves roll in.
Sitting somewhere between a deli, a café, and a very well-curated wine shop, Keyon’s in Frogmore is all about snacking of the more refined kind. Construct a picnic around local charcuterie and cheese from just down the road, with the kind of pasty that makes you “oof!” and pause mid-bite for the main event. Finish with a slice of their signature Basque cheesecake and a bottle of something interesting, recommended by staff who really know their stuff.
Eat outside with a sea view, licking the salt from your fingers as the waves roll in. ‘‘
Top: Start Bay Inn, Torcross. Above: View from Start Bay Inn.
DRINK UP
If you need local veg, homemade chutney or a proper slab of cake, Stokely Farm Shop has you covered, but it’s also where you can find a really great beer. Tucked inside a storage container, South Hams Brewery is an awardwinner many times over, serving up golden ales and easy-drinking IPAs in a taphouse that regularly rings out with the sound of local bands.
The Bear & Blacksmith has Chillington itself covered when it comes to village pubs, but a couple of other low-key locals are worth the 20-minute stroll in either direction.
The Tradesman’s Arms in Stokenham is one of those pubs that doesn’t need to try too hard. Just well-poured pints, good chat with friendly folk, and an atmosphere that tends to see you stay a bit longer than planned.
For live music, head to The Globe Inn in Frogmore. Live jazz or folk plays out each Wednesday, solo performers and bands make appearances most Fridays, and regular open mic nights complete the line-up.
For live music, head to The Globe Inn in Frogmore. ‘‘
Left and above: The Globe Inn, Frogmore.
Take a LOOK...
Stable Cottage was originally built in the midto-late 1800s as stables, was converted in the 1960s, and has since evolved into a warm, inviting home.
The approach is as charming as the property itself. A gravel driveway curves towards the house, offering ample parking and a sense of being hidden away. Steps lead down to double gates, where the entrance leads onto a walled garden, a decked terrace and a tranquil seating area framed by greenery.
Inside, the heart of the home is the open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room, with underfloor heating, a triple oven, a built-in coffee machine to start your mornings properly, along with views worth lingering over. The valley is ever-changing with the seasons and on warmer days, bi-fold doors peel back to extend the living space out onto the deck.
The master suite, with its own private access to the deck, is a quiet retreat, while two further double bedrooms - one en-suite - provide plenty of space for family or guests. A cosy snug, complete with a log burner, tends to encourage cosy nights in.
Beyond the main house, the grounds reveal more delights. A shepherd’s hut, tucked discreetly within the walled garden, is perfect as an artist’s retreat, a home office or a dreamy sleepover spot for teenagers. There’s also a useful workshop/storage barn.
Then there’s the annexe. Added in 2022, this wooden cabin sits separately from the main house, with a vaulted ceiling that creates an airy space. It’s
The heart of the home is the open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room ‘‘
This wooden
cabin sits separately from
the main house, with a vaulted ceiling that creates an airy space. ‘‘
an ideal hideout for visiting guests, a self-contained hideaway for teenagers craving independence, or a quiet retreat for older family members. A private decked terrace wraps around the back, while the front deck provides yet another spot to sit and soak in the peace of this tucked-away setting.
Despite its peaceful location, the cottage is close to the thriving market town of Kingsbridge. Here, you’ll find independent shops, a cinema, a leisure centre, and a lively collection of restaurants and pubs. The town’s excellent schools make it a perfect spot for families, while the estuary’s quays and slipways offer connection to the water. And, of course, the coast is never far away, with Salcombe, Dartmouth and the golden beaches of Slapton, Blackpool Sands and more all within easy reach, promising you the chance to enjoy everything from sailing and sea dips to windswept coastal walks and sunset picnics.
KINGSBRIDGE 3-4 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
2 reception rooms
EPC: E GUIDE PRICE £1,100,000
KINGSBRIDGE 01548 857 588
The right MOVE
Tucked into the folds of West Alvington, just a mile from the market town of Kingsbridge, this three-bedroom retreat is designed for slow Sundays and lively gatherings alike, set in an ever-changing canvas of rural views.
Inside, the flow is effortless. A welcoming entrance hall leads to a light-filled kitchen/dining space, where a breakfast bar invites lazy brunches and double doors open onto the garden’s stone patio. The sitting room is anchored by a stone fireplace with a slate hearth and timber mantle, a log burner flickering at its centre. For those who need a quiet corner, a study offers a tucked-away refuge.
Upstairs, the main bedroom features exposed roof trusses that draw the eye up to a full-height glass wall. Step onto the covered balcony and you’ll find Devon in all its bucolic splendour. Two further double bedrooms and a wellappointed family bathroom complete the picture.
Beyond the house, a beautifully landscaped garden stretches over an acre, enclosed by mature trees and shrubs. The patio runs the full width of the property, linking seamlessly with the kitchen and sitting room for an effortless inside-outside connection. There’s a double garage and ample parking, but the real gem is the attached annexe. A self-contained space with a fitted kitchen and shower room, its 30ft sitting-room-cum-bedroom, accessed via a spiral staircase, offers endless possibilities: a guest hideaway, a creative studio, or the ultimate home office.
The setting of Piers Cottage is very special. West Alvington is a picturepostcard village with a parish church, a welcoming pub and a highly-regarded primary school. Just four miles away, Salcombe beckons with its sailing scene and salt-flecked sea air. Thurlestone, with its golden beaches and championship golf course, is only a short drive away.
01548 857 588
Wild garlic velouté is on the menu at the Millbrook this spring. ‘‘
Notes FIELD
Chef Tom ‘Westy’ Westerland has a culinary journey that has seen him recognised as the National Chef of Wales in 2018 and appear twice on BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’, representing Wales in both 2019 and 2023. He now heads up the kitchen at the Millbrook Inn, delighting diners with menus that are unusual, fun, bursting with flavour and always with sustainability at heart.
His delicious dispatches see him share what’s in season and why it matters, shining a light on the ingredients he’s most excited about for the months to come.
"This time of year is all about wild garlic. We have loads of it around Fowlescombe, our own farm and where we source as much as our produce for the pub as possible. This time of year is especially good for it, because we get the little baby leaves and that is where you get most of the flavour. As we get further through the season, the flavour tends to become much more bitter and the colour of those leaves not as good, but then we get towards the end of the season and you get the flowers. They are delicious and we’ll be using lots of flowers as garnish on dishes, as well as in salads.
The wild garlic season is very dependent on the weather, so it can show really early in the year – as early as the end of January. It really depends on where you are in the country too; we tend to see it quite late here in Devon.
Once we are a couple of months into the season, we have the best of both worlds: those baby leaves are delicious in salads or as garnishes, but also really good in soups and risottos. As the leaves get bigger and bigger, it’s better to use in a similar way to spinach, so we will sweat it down and use it under things. Then, late in the season, all the little seed buds will appear on the flowers, and we’ll pick those and pickle them. We’ll use those next year
‘‘
as little garlic capers. So, as well as using it through the season, wild garlic is something we can keep aside ready for later in the year or the next year. Wild garlic velouté is on the menu at the Millbrook this spring. Peas from the garden, cooked off with butter and some vegetables. Then we’ll put wild garlic into it and blend. It is delicious. Wild garlic also does really well in a pesto, so what we’ll do when there is lots of it around is go out and pick loads in one go. We’ll wash it all and blend it with some cheese, and some olive oil. We’ll put it in Kilner jars and that will give us enough pesto for the menu for an entire year.
More generally, spring sees lots of action, especially in the gardens. Peas and broad beans are growing, and spinach is coming through. We have loads of kale and our lovely salad leaves are in, and we have little baby mustard frills, which are really, really peppery. We use those to top off our beef, just to give it a little bit of pepperiness. It’s a really good way of adding those flavours without using peppercorns that aren’t from this country. We’re very conscious of how we can use flavours that are very traditional, but through ingredients we grow on the farm, that are more local and readily available. We like to use produce that is our own wherever we can. As we get to summer, around 80% of the menu comes from the farm and gardens."
Sample wild garlic, Westy's way, at the Millbrook Inn. Visit millbrookinnsouthpool.co.uk to book a table.
This time of year is all about wild garlic. We have loads of it around Fowlescombe, our own farm and where we source as much as our produce for the pub as possible.
Just the TICKET
There is something particularly special about this Staverton home, perched above meadow and woodland with the River Dart just beyond.
Despite Riverside Cottage’s bucolic setting, its interiors are modern and bright.
Take a closer look and you will see the tracks of the historic South Devon Steam Railway just beyond the garden’s edge, a charming nod to a more romantic era of travel and a scene that never ceases to raise a smile as the historic locomotive quietly breezes by every now and again.
Despite Riverside Cottage’s bucolic setting, its interiors are modern and bright. The entrance hall leads into an open-plan living/dining room, where a wood burner anchors the space and bi-fold doors merge inside and out. The kitchen is beautifully sleek and understated, with a bedroom and bathroom completing the ground floor. Upstairs, two further bedrooms tuck beneath the eaves.
The location of the cottage is very private, its gardens stretching into woodland and with the River Dart meandering through just a little further beyond. Off-street parking and a garage for kayaks, walking boots and the like are useful, while a standalone studio serves as an inspiring home office or studio space. It could also be a peaceful guest house, though the views and location might make it difficult for them to leave.
Staverton itself attracts those who love Dartington and Totnes, but who prefer to have somewhere slightly more peaceful to escape to. It has a close-knit community and a local pub, The Sea Trout Inn – renowned for its Sunday roasts. Steam trains weave peacefully through the landscape here, but those looking for mainline links will find them in nearby Totnes.
Set well back off a quiet country lane on the edge of the hamlet, Higher Spriddlestone Barn has a commanding position with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.
The main house is presented to the very highest of standards and offers well-proportioned accommodation with large windows allowing natural light to flood in. The barn was converted in the 1980s and has subsequently been refurbished to a very high standard by its current owners, who have created a wonderful country home which perfectly blends its older origins with contemporary styling. These refurbishments have included converting an adjacent, smaller barn into a wonderful guest cottage which also provides an office/treatment room alongside a single garage and workshop, with a selfcontained apartment above. Both barns are built of local granite and roofed in slate, with mellow red brick detailing around the many windows. Original architectural fittings have been incorporated where possible, including areas of exposed stone, beams and ceiling timbers.
The main house also now boasts a first-floor balcony with fantastic sweeping views, along with a veranda and several glazed doors that allow the house to be opened to the garden. The kitchen/breakfast room is positioned centrally forming a family-centric hub and is fully-fitted with a range cooker, central island, quartz work surfaces and a stone-tiled floor.
Higher Spriddlestone Barn’s first floor offers three bedrooms and a large walk-through playroom/TV room, which could also be used as an occasional bedroom. The main bedroom is a gorgeous haven of tranquillity, with double doors leading to a balcony with superb far-reaching views, a beautiful ensuite bathroom and full-length dressing room, fitted with wall-to-wall shelving and hanging to create a peaceful place to start the day. There is also a family shower room.
The Loft is a beautiful, detached, stone-built barn which mirrors Higher Spriddlestone Barn. ‘‘
The Loft is a beautiful, detached, stone-built barn which mirrors Higher Spriddlestone Barn across the gravelled turning circle, meaning both properties are totally independent of each other and highly private. The apartment is as beautifully presented as the main house, its self-contained accommodation made up of a large bedroom with en suite shower room, a well-appointed kitchen and a sitting room with delightful vaulted ceiling. On the ground floor, alongside the treatment room, is a small entrance lobby, a storeroom and a garage. The Loft has its own parking and outside seating area with a garden, screened for privacy by a pretty shrubbed border. A small arboretum is planted with a delightful mix of broadleaf trees and fringed by a deep, richly planted border.
Higher Spriddlestone Barn is situated on the edge of the hamlet of Spriddlestone set amidst beautiful, unspoilt countryside, with far-reaching views across the rolling South Hams greenery. Despite its rural setting, the city of Plymouth is less than 5 miles away, and the nearby village of Yealmpton offers a popular farm shop with café and pick your own, plus a primary school, village store and petrol station, several shops and a popular pub, The Rose and Crown. The village also hosts an annual agricultural show; widely recognised as one of the best one-day shows in the South-West! The stunning delights of Wembury Beach and the South West Coast Path are less than three miles away, and for other outdoor pursuits, the glorious expanse of Dartmoor National Park can be reached in about six miles.
SPRIDDLESTONE
4 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
4 reception rooms
EPC: TBC
GUIDE PRICE £1,175,000
NEWTON FERRERS 01752 873 311
The SUMMER
GARDEN Edit
There comes a moment, usually somewhere between the second iced coffee and the first pair of sandals, when you realise that the seasons have changed without asking. The windows are flung open, dinner is eaten later and lighter, and suddenly the garden is asking for attention after existing for months as little more than an afterthought.
Summer garden edits aren’t a full overhaul, but a subtle refresh. A tuning-in to the season. Because summer happens outside. It’s where breakfasts last longer and rosé becomes a food group. Dogs dry off in the sun, rather than in the living room, and children reappear with grass-stained knees and saccharin sweet ice cream breath.
The summer shift isn’t about transforming your outdoor space into a botanical masterpiece, it’s simply about getting ready to host the season.
Image by Dobbies.
Begin with a ceremonial clear-out
The late spring cull is practically a rite. The chipped plant pots and the limp inflatable paddling pool, that wooden bench that has seen far better days. Out. Gone. Gardens tend to get some colour back in their cheeks almost immediately, after something of a ruthless edit.
Get the lawn looking vaguely respectable
It doesn’t have to be a bowling green, but something in a shade of green, evenly cut and soft enough to sit on with your book and a cuppa now the mornings are finally warming up is just enough. Getting your grass ready for summer is less about precision, more “this will do nicely…”
Think lazy, not lavish
There can be a temptation to channel your inner Charlie Dimmock when all and sundry are pruning around you. However, unless you are genuinely the type of person to deadhead at dawn, opt for low-key elegance in your planting instead. Gravel over grass, herbs in raised beds, a terracotta pot of lavender near the kitchen door. Plant things that look after themselves and smell good while doing it. Rosemay, mint, thyme; anything that might end up in a salad or a spritzer is an obvious choice.
Create a somewhere to be
Even the smallest courtyard or sun terrace deserves its time to shine. Summer lends itself to indulgent moments of romanticising your usual lunchtime salad or taking tonight’s traybake out onto the patio to channel the glamour of al fresco Tuscan evening meals into your everyday. Drape some linen over the table and move it beneath the shade of a tree, then make like connoisseur of all things hosting, Laura Jackson, to give tablescaping a go.
Image by Sophie Allport.
Colour, carefully deployed
When it comes to colour, restraint is everything. Choose soft blush tones, chalky whites and Mediterranean greens in your pots and bits and bobs. A pot of lavender adds a lilac pop and a whiff of spring, while the odd climbing rose can see you channel English country garden with surprisingly little effort.
Do the front, too
The front door deserves more than a quick nod in your spring edit. Sweep the step, polish the knocker, treat yourself to a couple of olive trees for a majestic welcome home. You’re setting the tone for yourself, as much as anyone else.
Getting the garden ready for summer is less about tidying up and more about setting a scene. Spontaneous suppers that stretch later than they should do into the evening are back, coffees can last a little longer in the morning, the cold wine after work feels just that little bit more justified. Give it a little TLC, then sit, sip…stay. You have waited all winter for this.
Image by Dobbies.
Image by Dobbies.
Location, Location
Patchways is tucked into a prime spot overlooking the rolling South Hams countryside, a detached home that has the style of a contemporary abode and the soul of a country retreat.
The heart of this home is the recently-added glass extension, a striking space that has totally transformed the open-plan kitchen and dining room into something very special. A log burner anchors the room, making for chilly evenings that are every bit as inviting as long summer days with the doors thrown open to the terrace. The sitting room is brought to life with a large open fireplace, while two more reception rooms open straight onto the garden to nurture the indoor-outdoor connection that makes country living so appealing.
A utility room is a must for muddy boots and sandy paws, two byproducts of days spent rambling along coast paths, through fields and on beaches. Two separate staircases lead to the first floor, where you will find six bedrooms including a master suite with seemingly endless views. With two additional bathrooms and shower rooms, there is space for family and friends to make themselves at home whilst keeping a sense of privacy.
Outside, a paved terrace is a suntrap that encourages long lunches and late drinks. The garden extends beyond the terrace, beautifully landscaped but not too formal, blending into the surrounding countryside at its edges. A private driveway leads to a large garage and ample off-street parking, something that is a rare luxury in this part of the world.
Batson itself could have been plucked from the pages of a storybook. Set at the head of Batson Creek, the village is a quiet neighbour to the hustle and bustle of Salcombe, yet the town centre is less than half a mile away. Slipways and mooring pontoons are within strolling distance, making Batson a haven for sailors and sea-lovers.
‘‘
The
heart of this home is the recently-added glass extension, a striking space that has totally transformed the open-plan kitchen and dining room into something very special.
HIGHER BATSON, SALCOMBE
6 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
3 reception rooms
EPC: E GUIDE PRICE £1,750,000
SALCOMBE 01548 844 473
By the WATER'S
Together, Passage House and The Toll House represent a rare opportunity to embrace a classic “Swallows and Amazons” lifestyle. Bordered by land owned by the National Trust, the property offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, with woodland walks, local beaches and quiet river inlets just moments away.
Set in the heart of the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the twin villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo offer an enviable coastal lifestyle where river meets sea. Passage House overlooks the waters of the Yealm Estuary, an unrivalled setting for those drawn to life on the water, whether it’s setting sail for coastal adventures, paddleboarding along tranquil inlets or plunging into sheltered waters for invigorating cold water dips.
Accessed via a quiet riverside road through Passage Woods, the property is tucked away from the hustle and bustle. The original fisherman’s cottages, built circa 1840, were positioned to take advantage of the clear natural spring water, and today they stand as timeless homes that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Passage House has remained in the same ownership since 1967 and offers a very rare opportunity to purchase a home in this commanding and coveted waterside position.
Set head and shoulders above the land, Passage House maximises its gorgeous views over the Yealm Estuary, the Wembury coastline and the River Yealm, serving up an ever-changing outlook. The house itself is designed in such a way that it invites you take a moment to appreciate the beauty of its surroundings often. The light-filled kitchen and breakfast room has the most magnificent outlook over the sheltered waters, while the log burner in the main reception room creates an inviting atmosphere for quiet nights in.
The accommodation is arranged over two floors, with three dual-aspect double bedrooms, one adaptable single bedroom, and a good-sized family bathroom. The upstairs room are filled with natural light, with views that never stray far from sight. The downstairs shower/boot room is a nicely practical touch, ideal for when sandy feet and wet dogs need a quick clean-up after trips to the nearby beach or foreshore. When standing on the front terrace overlooking the harbour, it’s easy to imagine quiet mornings watching the boat glide by with a coffee in hand, or evenings of alfresco dining with the sound of waves on the shore as your soundtrack.
Set apart from the main house, in a former boat store converted in 1987, the Toll House is a simple yet beautifully designed one-bedroom retreat. Its openplan living is perfect for making extended family or guests feel at home, or as a secluded hideaway for paying guests as a charming holiday let cottage.
A spacious living and dining area flows into a well-equipped kitchen, while a double bedroom has fabulous views over the water to Newton Ferrers and up the River Yealm.
With its close proximity to the water and location in an idyllic area that is everpopular with visitors, the Toll House promises a chance for guests to totally immerse themselves in coastal living and excellent income potential for those seeking a holiday let property.
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Set head and shoulders above the land, Passage House maximises its gorgeous views over the Yealm Estuary, the Wembury coastline and the River Yealm, serving up an ever-changing outlook.
With its close proximity to the water and location in an idyllic area that is everpopular with visitors, the Toll House promises a chance for guests to totally immerse themselves in coastal living. ‘‘
Spanning half an acre and beautifully maintained, the gardens at Passage House and The Toll House are vibrant with wildflowers, fruit trees and raised beds providing an abundance of seasonal produce. A stream forms the eastern boundary of the property, while a greenhouse on the lawn of the Toll House encourages hours of green-fingered nurturing.
A collection of workshops, plus carport and lean-to provide plenty of space to store cars, bikes and all the watersports equipment that life in this part of the world tends to bring! Speaking of a love of the water, Passage House has a particularly special feature: a raised decked area, positioned above the slipway and quay. Reached by a pathway that forms part of the beautiful South West Coast Path, it is a magic place from which to take in the ebb and flow of the tide and all its associated seafaring. The property benefits from privately owned waterfrontage, slipway and quay (with an outhaul by permission of the harbour master). There is a public right of way across the slipway.
Whether you’re drawn to the peaceful surroundings, the water access or the thought of a potential income from The Toll House, this rather special home promises a perfect gateway to a life well-lived by the water.
NOSS MAYO
5 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
2 reception rooms
EPC: E
GUIDE PRICE £1,800,000
NEWTON FERRERS 01752 873 311
New FOUNDATIONS
There is a shift underway in the world of new homes. For years, the phrase conjured up an image of identical, boxy estates that perhaps lacked a little soul or charm. Practical but often uninspired. But that is changing. Today more than ever, developers are tuning into not only what we need from the place we call home, but what we want too.
Today’s new homes buyers are asking for more than just square footage and a desirable postcode. ‘‘
Today’s new homes buyers are asking for more than just square footage and a desirable postcode. Sustainability isn’t a nice to have anymore, it’s a baseline expectation. Air source heat pumps and solar panels are becoming standard, rather than optional upgrades, and some developments are taking things up a notch more.
Tucked away on the fringes of Holbeton, a sweet little village that is both a pebble’s throw to the closest beach and a short drive to Plymouth and all its hustle, Monks Way feels like a well-kept secret. The development taps into that South Hams sense of seclusion yet offers homes that could have come straight from the pages of Architectural Digest magazine. Exteriors in pale render, natural stone and beautifully finished timber cladding blend into the local landscape, perfectly at home against a backdrop of rolling Devon hills.
What truly sets Monks Way apart lies within. Created by Verto Homes and powered by Octopus Energy, this is a zero carbon development. Each innovative ‘zero-bills’ property features solar panels, air source heat pumps, home batteries and advanced super-insulation, with some featuring an app-controlled Zero Carbon Smart Home™ system designed to intuitively understand how you use your home and adapt your surroundings accordingly. Every property here is designed to produce zero carbon emissions for the planet and to guarantee zero energy bills for the homeowner.
The way we live within our four walls has become a very real consideration for developers. Flexibility is key when it comes to design: open plan living that can be sectioned off with pocket doors, offices that double up as guest rooms or accommodate the growing number of multi-generational families sharing spaces, plus clever storage that makes smaller spaces feel plenty big enough for everyone to spread out and do their own thing all factor in. New homes developers are adapting, moving away from cookie-cutter blueprints in favour of properties that are designed to evolve with all the comings and goings of our modern lives.
For developers, the challenge isn’t just about building more houses, but about building smarter homes. Designs are becoming more sympathetic to their surroundings and the landscape, with more emphasis on locally-sourced materials and architecture that blends rather than standing apart. Interiors are similarly shifting, the boxy homes of old being given a biophilic update with tactile timber and stone finishes outside, and a desire to bring more of outside in when it comes to interiors.
There is a growing desire for community at play too. Buyers are looking for more than somewhere to rest their head, instead seeking somewhere to foster their own close-knit communities and nurture a lifestyle with connection and convenience baked in.
Opposite page and this page: Monks Way, Holbeton.
The development of 125 homes nestles within South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and green space plays a huge part in plans. ‘‘
It is this communal element that sets Collaton Park apart. Set in Newton Ferrers, a village that has long been considered one of Devon’s most soughtafter addresses, the already award-winning new development by Coln Signature Homes and Pillar Securities has been designed with community front of mind.
The development of 125 homes nestles within South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and green space plays a huge part in plans: 12 acres of parkland sit adjacent to Collaton Park, planted with more than 1,000 native trees and dotted with wetland habitats to encourage local species to thrive. An orchard, children’s play areas and private allotments will all encourage residents to make the most of a landscape that will change with the seasons. There are also plans for a village shop, cafe and boat storage on the development, while new footpaths and cycle links will connect Collaton Park with the heart of Newton Ferrers and all its estuary lifestyle offers. For families seeking a slower pace of life, where the school run is done on foot and weekends are spent paddleboarding on the creek, a new home here makes perfect sense.
This page: Collaton Park, Newton Ferrers.
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The common thread running through all of these developments is a shift towards homes that are above all else truly sustainable, but also towards more thoughtful, lifestyle-driven design.
For many people, the purchase of a new home in Devon signals the beginning of a whole new life by the sea. Green Park in Chillington is a development of just 58 new homes, with the first phase on sale now, and its developer, Acorn Property Group, has custom built a boutique gateway to the coast. Trace the estuary route through Devon countryside and you’ll reach salty-aired Salcombe in no time, while just two miles away is pretty Torcross, home to the expansive Slapton Sands beach with its three-miles of shingle shoreline.
On any given day, the scene on Slapton Sands is a beautiful one, families catching and cooking mackerel on the beach as the sun goes down, sunset appreciators rolling out their blankets to watch the sky turn purple, and the tang of hot, vinegary chips wafting from a hole in the wall that serves up plates piled high when evenings are far too nice to spend cooking at home. Slapton Ley Nature Reserve, the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West, is just across the road, teeming with wildlife and offering ample opportunities for avid birdwatchers.
The common thread running through all of these developments is a shift towards homes that are above all else truly sustainable, but also towards more thoughtful, lifestyle-driven design. The future of new-build homes is about creating spaces we really want to live in, in places we really want to live. Some may say the new homes market has finally come of age.
This page: Green Park, Chillington.
BEACHES
Tucked away in the Devon coastline, where fields tumble to the sea and the air tastes of salt and hedgerow honey, you’ll find some of the prettiest dog-friendly beaches in the country. With summer bringing with it beach bans for our four-legged friends, here are some of lesser-known shores where you and your pup can roam without worry.
Beesands Beach, Kingsbridge
A mile-long stretch of shingle, a proper working fishing village, and the kind of sea that broods with the storms one minute and sparkles the next. Beesands isn’t just dog-friendly - it’s doggy heaven. Run, swim, skim, and head to The Cricket Inn when you fancy a pint and a plate of local crab.
Above: Beesands Beach, Kingsbridge.
Photo by Simon Lewis
Gara Rock Beach, East Portlemouth
Gara Rock isn’t the easiest beach to get to, which, of course, is part of its charm. A short hike from the Gara Rock Hotel or a more adventurous ramble from East Portlemouth will lead you to sands hidden between rugged cliffs and shallow waters. Bring a flask, let the dog go crackers in the surf and stay until the day melts into evening, then head back up to the dog-friendly Gara Rock Hotel for a well-deserved feast.
Bring a flask, let the dog go crackers in the surf and stay until the day melts into evening.
Above: Walk to Gara Rock Beach.
Below: Gara Rock Beach, East Portlemouth.
Photo by Simon Lewis
Strete Gate Beach, Dartmouth
At the northern tip of Slapton Sands, far from the crowds, Strete Gate is a lesser-known beauty. A swathe of pale shingle backed by greenery, the whole thing dropping into deep, endless blue, it is the kind of place that feels glorious off-grid. Get cakes and coffee from the little blue shack on the beach, then make yourself comfortable, digging your toes into the pebbles, watching tankers edge across Start Bay and fishermen duel with dumpy grey seals for the catch of the day.
Lannacombe Beach, Kingsbridge
Lannacombe is one of those beaches that feels like a secret when first stumbled across. A pocket-sized stretch, framed by dark rocks and rolling countryside, it’s a place to escape for simpler days. Rock pools brim with life and the water - when it’s calm - is a glassy green that beckons swimmers of the two and four-legged kind alike.
Above: Strete Gate Beach, Dartmouth.
Above: Lannacombe Beach, Kingsbridge.
Photo by Simon Lewis
This Dartmouth townhouse is a lesson in colour. Duck egg blue to the front and soft green to the rear, washed in shades of blue, subtle pink, slate grey and even a flash of fuchsia, its interiors complement its location and character perfectly.
The Grade II-listed home is poised in a south-facing position and is a classic of its kind, full of period charm but thoughtfully reimagined for modern life. Its reception rooms offer gorgeous views across the River Dart and its French doors open onto a secluded garden that brings a private oasis feel to one of Devon’s liveliest harbour towns. 29 Clarence Hill has a beautiful heritage and a host of original features like restored floorboards and sash windows that frame constantly changing river views.
A regal navy gas-fired AGA is a star of the spacious open-plan kitchen and dining room. Accessed by delightful dark wood stairs, this space is particularly special thanks to double doors that open into the most fabulous sunroom. With built-in seating, this space is the perfect spot for slow mornings with coffee and late afternoons with a glass of something cold and delicious in summer.
The Grade II-listed home is poised in a south-facing position and is a classic of its kind, full of period charm but thoughtfully reimagined for modern life.
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Offering spectacular views over the grey and blues of the River Dart.
In the sitting room, a beautiful period fireplace commands attention, sash windows flooding the room with light. A particular favourite room of ours is the bar room, complete with original shutters and window seat, it lends an air of old-world glamour to the handsome home.
The refined interiors make their way upstairs, where the landing leads to a grand main bedroom with pretty period fireplace. Another bedroom sits on this floor, with two further bedrooms to the top floor above – one of which offers spectacular views over the grey and blues of the River Dart.
The terraced garden of 29 Clarence Hill is a hidden sanctuary and a space for letting time slow down a little. Mature planting envelopes you, framing views out across town and towards the rolling green hills beyond. Dartmouth itself is a place that has long drawn sailors and bon vivants, home to a vibrant maritime scene, celebrated restaurants like Andria and Mitch Tonks’ Seahorse, and a thriving event calendar that includes the ever-popular Royal Regatta.
