Marchand Petit At Home Magazine Autumn 2022

warm WELCOME

Our world is ever changing and evolving, and recently we have seen the election of a new Prime Minister, followed sadly by the death of Queen Elizabeth II shortly after - something that touched all our hearts, worldwide. The Elizabethan period comes to an end and the new King Charles III ascends to the throne with a pageant that no other country could contest.

While the greater world around us is changing, so too is the housing market, and we now find ourselves entering an era of what some might consider instability. On the minds of many of our clients, both buyers and vendors alike, the frequently asked question is “what will happen next?”

Yes, the last two years have been more than buoyant, seeing a 20 - 25% growth across the South Hams, but it is only growth that was needed, as in the last 10 years that increase across the area has been minimal.

One thing for sure is that when the market gets tougher you need a more resilient, tenacious and professional estate agent working on your behalf. Gone will be the days of estate agents putting properties on the market at a competitive price, then just sitting back and watching people rolling in for the appointments and doing deals.

Now is the era of the real estate agent; the professionals who have extensive knowledge of the business, the multiple teams who knows how to get the best price in a tough market, the company who knows how to promote houses so that they are seen in the right places and in the best light. Those businesses will continue to get the best results and will be in higher demand. That is where Marchand Petit step in. We are the leading estate agent in the South Hams, established almost 35 years ago, and we know what to do to get the best prices for your properties and to find your dream home.

Evolution is a hugely important part of becoming and remaining the best. At Marchand Petit, we are constantly trying to develop, so we are pleased to present our redesigned At Home magazine. More design led, it showcases properties beautifully alongside editorial features on interior design, architecture and spending time in the glorious South Hams. We’re also sharing a closer look at our new partnership with Dartington charity, Moor Trees, which will see us plant a tree for every house sale completed.

We hope you enjoy reading our new look At Home magazine and we look forward to working hand-in-hand with our vendors and purchasers alike, as we continue to deliver dreams in an ever-changing market.

Prunella Martin MA Director Prime Waterfront & Country House

Published by TBC Publishing Limited. Telephone: 01763 810042. ©TBC Publishing 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of of Marchand Petit and the Publishers. The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and it does not form part of any offer or contract. TBC Publishing Limited cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors.

REWILDING: TREES FOR COMPLETION

30 GREAT DESIGN SHOULDN’T COST THE EARTH

36 HOURS IN TOTNES

OUR FAVOURITE FOUR: WILD SWIMMING SPOTS

90 BY THE WATER’S EDGE

118 ARE ECO FEATURES REALLY WORTH IT?

14 SKY HIGH

Touch Down

22 STEP INSIDE

Delve into the spectacular Georgian Glazebrook House.

38 TOWN HOUSE CHARM

A period property with a charm all of its own.

44 RIVERSIDE RETREAT

Polweir takes full advantage of enviable views across the Millpool.

50 PICTURE PERFECT

A former farmhouse set in the rural idylls of Blackawton,

64 OPENING DOORS

Sophisticated Victoriana at Salcombe's Somerset House.

72 SIMPLY SOUTH HAMS

Woodview Cottage is the

78 APPLE OF MY EYE

rural abode.

Raise a glass to The Pound House, a Grade II listed former cider

102 ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

Tranquil surroundings at Courtyard Barn in

112 GRAND DESIGNS

Spectacular architectural design with eco credentials at The Moorings.

The next edition of the showcase Marchand Petit ‘At Home’ magazine will be published and printed in Spring 2023

to include your business kindly contact Steven Hall of TBC Publishing direct on 01803 752184 or steven@tbcpublishing.co.uk

Marchand

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Back in August, we debuted our new sustainability initiative. Created in partnership with Dartington-based charity ‘Moor Trees’, Trees for Completion sees a tree planted for every property sold. Here’s why we wanted to help rewild and restore South Devon and Dartmoor, one sale and seed at a time.

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For every property sold by Marchand Petit, a donation will be made to the Moor Trees charity that equates to one tree seed nurtured and planted in the local area.

Trees for Completion marks the next step in our renewed focus on becoming a more sustainable business, and one which protects the beautiful region we’re so lucky to not only sell, but to call home too. Having already made the move from traditional sales boards to carbon neutral eco boards, shunned the more traditional plastic merchandise like keyrings and pens for more ocean-friendly alternatives, and turned to paperless systems long ago, this would mark the next stage. We aren’t perfect – print brochures and window cards still play a big part in the estate agency world - but Trees for Completion is another step towards doing our bit to take care of both the local region and the planet.

There are, thankfully, countless charities doing incredible work to rewild vast swathes of once burgeoning forest. When it came to choosing which we would like to partner with, we were determined to not only have the trees planted in the local area, but to find a local-based charity to do it too. Since 2001, Moor Trees has planted well over 100,000 trees on Dartmoor and in South Devon, collecting and nurturing tens of thousands of local seeds each year in their Dartington and South Brent nurseries. We’re really proud to partner with a charity that shares our South Hams roots.

So, how does it work?

For every property sold by Marchand Petit, a donation will be made to the Moor Trees charity that equates to one tree seed nurtured and planted in the local area. Vendors will receive a certificate of thanks shortly after completion, a token of appreciation for helping us to play a part in rewilding the South Hams and beyond. We’re keen to get our hands dirty too, so our teams will be joining Moor Trees regularly over the coming months to collect and plant seeds, or to give them a helping hand at their Dartington nursery.

Above:

Moor

With your help, we’re looking forward to sowing the seeds for a more sustainable future for the special part of the world we’re so lucky to call home.

SKY

High

PERCHED HIGH ABOVE WARFLEET CREEK, WITH UNRIVALLED PANORAMIC VIEWS OF BOTH THE COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE, TOUCH DOWN OCCUPIES A PRIME POSITION ON ONE OF DARTMOUTH’S MOST COVETED ROADS.

Snaking a path away from the hustle and bustle of town, Touch Down's location puts miles of country walks at your feet and views of one of the prettiest ports in Europe on your doorstep.

Extensively renovated and extended by the awardwinning BBH Chartered Architects, widely renowned as one of the South Hams’ leading architectural practices, Touch Down’s innovative design sees its top floor cantilevered to float over the floors beneath. The result is an exceptional property, finished to exacting standards and a worthy recipient of its ‘Building Excellence Award’ from the Building Control Authority.

Touch Down’s top floor accommodates the light and spacious kitchen, living and dining areas, an expansive terrace sitting between the three to create a unique inside/outside feel. Five bedrooms and a home office, along with home gym or multi use studio, complete the interior space.

Views across the River Dart command attention outside, framed by immaculately landscaped gardens and a series of balconies situated to take full advantage of this extremely special waterside home’s location. Practically speaking, a forecourt offers private parking for a number of vehicles.

Step INSIDE

ESCAPE DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE THAT IS GLAZEBROOK HOUSE, A SPECTACULAR DESIGN AND IMPOSING GEORGIAN RESIDENCE WITH ORIGINS DATING BACK TO THE 1650S.

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The unique interiors for which Glazebrook House is so renowned were curated by the current owners in conjunction with designer Timothy Oulton, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Steeped with character and style, with wonderfully proportioned rooms, this exceptional property sits in peaceful gardens on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park.

The unique interiors for which Glazebrook House is so renowned were curated by the current owners in conjunction with designer Timothy Oulton, creating an enchanting atmosphere with stunning British revival décor, sumptuous handmade furniture and beguiling vintage and retro curios. The current guide price includes furnishings (with the exception of personal effects) and so the property becomes a wonderful turnkey opportunity. Move in and enjoy the magic!

GLAZEBROOK HOUSE, SOUTH BRENT

A farmhouse originally occupied the site of Glazebrook House, with the current building still encompassing three of the original rooms. Later, in 1865, the farmhouse was converted into a manor house in what is believed to have been a twophased extension to the south and subsequently north sides. Though Georgian in design, the property’s granite entrance portico alludes to its early Victorian elements, further authenticated by its Victorian light-well and the stained glass windows on the stairwell that illuminate the area with natural light.

In 1945, Glazebrook House was bought by naval commander Algernon Edmund Penrice-Lyons, who owned the property until circa 1970 when it was converted into a hotel. The current owners have carried out considerable refurbishments since their purchase in 2013, giving the house a new lease of life and ensuring its longevity, future proofing it for its next owner and custodians.

GREAT DESIGN SHOULDN’T COST THE

EARTH

It’s a motto many of us will have heard, only when Weaver Green made it theirs, they weren’t talking in pounds but the planet. With the world more focused on sustainability, we take a look at how that translates into our homes without sacrificing style, and we hear what inspires Tasha Green and her designs....

Left: Medina Tangier Rug, Safi

Ottoman and Tarifa Wall Hanger.

Right: Dove Grey Bag Collection.

Below: Hammam Collection.

Weaver Green was founded in 2008, by cider-maker Tasha and flooring specialist Barney. Born from an idea sparked upon seeing a rudimentary fishing rope made from unravelled bottles, Tasha and Barney saw an opportunity to turn some of the 35 billion plastic bottles that enter our seas and landfill each year into something beautiful. More than seven years of research, trials and tribulations went into creating the perfect textile.

From their roots in Devon, Tasha and Barney have created a business that enables artisans in Europe, India, and Asia to be treated fairly and paid appropriately as they create products which are as beautiful as they are innovative. Weaver Green has recycled more than 200 million plastic bottles to date, with almost half fished from rivers and seas across the globe. It takes around 300 of them to craft a soft blanket and as many as 5400 to make a rug, but touch either and you wouldn’t know that the texture and softness wasn’t wool.

Weaver Green received a royal seal of approval in 2021, when HRH The Duchess of Cornwall officially opened its new shop and café at the Loddiswell-based Heron Valley Orchard. Were that not testimony enough, Weaver Green’s sustainable soft furnishings have long accessorised Clarence House, home of the eco-conscious Duke and Duchess.

Everything we do at Weaver Green has been inspired by our experiences whilst travelling, our love of the great outdoors, architecture and the ability of colour, texture, and design to uplift and create beautiful spaces to live in. We always strive to combine our ethos of sustainability with making products that are lovely to live with.

We love traditional textile weaving techniques, folk embroidery and weaving, and the ability for textiles to tell the story of a culture in the way they look and behave. We support traditional Kilim weavers in our rug development, as this is an ancient art and skill that is under threat as modern machine weaving takes over. The use of symbols, colour combinations and patterns and we look to historic textile design from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. We are also drawn to the natural world, botany and wildlife for ideas – the colour combinations in marine tropical fish are astonishing and an English woodland in late spring never ceases to inspire.

During the pandemic, people began to cherish their outdoor spaces and gardens became hubs for entertaining, socialising, and relaxing. People extended their living spaces outdoors, landscaping or creating terraces to have more usable and welcoming outdoor spaces. There has been an uplift in the number of rugs bought for use alongside garden furniture or to act as a bridge between the garden and the interior. Used in this way, a rug can make a garden feel like an extension of the home and allow people to extend their time outside later into the cooler evenings.

Investment in outdoor furniture, textiles and outdoor spaces has grown and people are looking for materials that not only look great but are weatherproof, practical, and easy to clean. Our rugs are perfect for outdoor use as they are made from recycled plastic, offering the practicality and durability of an outdoor rug, but are just as soft as wool.

Q

Tasha, can you tell us who or what are your major influences and inspirations behind the designs for Weaver Green?

Q

With the huge upturn in entertaining outdoors over the past two years, have you seen a great increase in demand for outdoor rugs?

Top: Jaipur Acorn Navy Washbag.

Middle: Darjeeling Ottoman and Cushion.

Bottom: Nomad Patara Rug Outdoor Kitchen.

Our Nomad range of Kilim rugs have always been a favourite with our customers, with the Tarifa being our most iconic. Authentically woven by craftsmen, they look great in modern or traditional homes and are hard wearing, and the colours less prone to fading. We love taking our pioneering yarn, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, and applying it to traditional artisanship.

Q

What are your trend predictions for the year ahead?

Craft underpins everything we do, and the importance of using traditional techniques and artisanal skill in our rugs, ensuring they are beautiful and last a lifetime. We are investing in looms and weavers that celebrate and support traditional hand weaving Kilim and Dhurrie techniques. Colour and geometrics are design features we’ll be concentrating on in the next 12 months, with a whole flurry of new rug designs celebrating vibrant colour and simple striking geometric patterns. We have some classic Swedish handloom inspired designs launching in the autumn and some knock out new nomadic designs in beautiful colourways.  Visit www.weavergreen.com to find out more

Left: Nomad Atlas Darjeeling Throw. Below: Nomad Tarifa Rug. Bottom: Las Salinas Blue Canvas Bag

Q

What is your most popular rug design?

“

Everything we do at Weaver Green has been inspired by our experiences whilst travelling, our love of the great outdoors and architecture.

Town House CHARM

PERIOD PROPERTIES LIKE KESSEL HOUSE HAVE A CHARM ALL OF THEIR OWN.

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Uniquely and sympathetically renovated by its current owner, Kessel House retains all of the period features that have lent it its charm for decades, yet works perfectly for modern living.

Tiled entranceways make for a grand approach, cornicing is deep and skirtings high, and floorboards that could tell a thousand stories look good as new thanks to their rub downs and licks of wax.

Kessel House has all the above and more, including a lofty entrance hall, characterful fireplace and vast windows that flood the house with the kind of light that makes decorating a dream. Uniquely and sympathetically renovated by its current owner, Kessel House retains all of the period features that have lent it its charm for decades, yet works perfectly for modern living. Better still, it sits just a ten-minute stroll from Dartmouth, where a bustling waterfront rubs shoulders with a town centre that’s home to some of the South Hams’ best restaurants and boutiques.

A perfect family home, its accommodation spans a spacious three floors. On the ground floor is a sizeable bedroom, shower room and reception room, while a stunning open-plan kitchen/breakfast room occupies the lower ground floor – sleek white subway tiles and a Belfast sink lending character to the space, while a utility cupboard offers some much-needed practicality for busy families. A characterful sitting room and separate study provide an opportunity for a healthy work/life balance. Upstairs, on the first floor, a further two bedrooms and a family bathroom complete the accommodation in this versatile home.

Outdoor space comes courtesy of a level lawned garden. A private parking bay – in a town where there are notably few – completes the lineup.

Riverside RETREAT

PERCHED ON THE EAST BANK OF THE RIVER DART, POLWEIR TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE OF ENVIABLE VIEWS ACROSS THE BEGUILING MILLPOOL.

his contemporary home has been created to bring the outside in, maximising water views with reverse level accommodation and expanses of glass.

Polweir’s ground floor sees three double bedrooms and a family bathroom, but the property’s overriding feature is its striking first floor, which includes a reception room with floor-to-ceiling windows and log burner, a modern openplan kitchen dining room, a fourth bedroom or deck room with sliding doors connecting seamlessly with a private sun deck perfect for lounging and entertaining. A rear walkway leads to a study that offers the perfect solution to today’s modern flexible working world.

driveway

lawn

its rear

shrubs

which

a

wildflower

Millpool

garden

Picture PERFECT

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY, DECAMPING TO THE PICTUREPERFECT SURROUNDINGS OF THIS PERIOD FORMER FARMHOUSE SET IN THE RURAL IDYLLS OF BLACKAWTON.

Pruston House sits in around 1.75 acres of meticulously designed and maintained gardens, the rolling countryside around it creating the most stunning backdrop to a more restful, gentler way of life.

With every former farmhouse comes a long history of stories to tell and those of Pruston House date as far back as the 18th century. Today, it is a haven of relaxation, its interiors spaciously arranged across three floors to create the perfect family home. The ground floor comprises a porch, welcoming entrance hall, sitting room leading through to a beautiful garden room – one of many highlights of the property – a dining room, and finally a farmhouse style kitchen with fully-programmable electric fired Aga, along with utility room off.

Head upstairs to the first floor and you’ll find four bedrooms, one featuring an en suite shower room, plus two family bathrooms. A spectacular fifth bedroom with dressing room occupies the second floor, a stunning vaulted and beamed ceiling creating a space full of character.

The outside grounds of Pruston House are idyllic, a stream meandering through the bottom of the garden, a charming summer house overlooking the fishpond, and a hot tub and pizza oven creating the perfect space to entertain. The property also features an adjacent detached stone built barn which has planning permission for conversion to a two bedroom home.

wonderful home is set in the most delightful landscaped gardens, which have been meticulously and lovingly designed and maintained by the current owners.

36 Hours in TOTNES...

“

It’s a great place to catch those lesser-known arthouse flicks and an unmissable experience that leaves you torn between wanting to tell everyone and nobody.

Do this...

Catching a matinee performance at Totnes Cinema feels more akin to time travelling back to the 1920s. Easily missed from outside, save for a blink-andyou'll-miss-it vintage sign, the indie picture house welcomes patrons with tinkling ivories and cocktails before the film begins. It’s a great place to catch those lesser-known arthouse flicks and an unmissable experience that leaves you torn between wanting to tell everyone and nobody.

Totnes sees vintage wear sit side-by-side with designer threads, but Revival is the place that always promises new wardrobe treasures found. It’s an eclectic dressing up box where vintage varsity jackets rub felt shoulders with silk crepe 1930s tea dresses, well-worn in Doc Martens and everlasting leather jackets that already have endless stories to tell.

Just down the road, and proudly declaring itself ‘deliberately different’, Arcturus Books has nestled on Totnes’ main thoroughfare for decades. In keeping with the town’s bohemian magic, the indie bookstore sells words for the soul, from Devon travel and nature inspired tomes to spiritual guides. Don't forget to bookmHark the Dartington Trust Bookshop too; recently reopened after a refurb, its plethora of coffee table books are impossible to leave behind.

From its beating heart of a town centre, opportunities for exploration further afield emanate from Totnes. Rather than choosing between the scenic estates of Dartington and Sharpham, combine both on a five-mile walk along the River Dart that connects the two. Another favourite walk is the ‘Measured Mile’ from Totnes Plains to Longmarsh, a meandering mile-long stroll best enjoyed with a coffee from The Curator nearby. Alternatively, take to the water on a steamer cruise to Dartmouth as part of the Round Robin, an award-winning South Devon day out that sees the river cruise combine with an open-top bus ride and steam train journey. It’s a must if your time in Totnes falls between April and October.

Opposite page: Totnes Cinema.

Below: Arcturus Books.

Above: River Dart at Totnes.

Tuck in...

Totnes is arguably one of the best places to eat in the South Hams. Whether you have appetite for plant-based, nurturing fayre or gluttonous gelato and pastries, the town has it covered.

The best mornings begin at the Almond Thief Bakery on South Street. They’re open Tuesdays and Fridays only, between 9am and 1pm, but be warned: sample a pastry from here and few others will ever compare. Don’t forget to pick up a sourdough loaf for later.

Lunch in Totnes can take various guises, from the humble pasty to the more exotic. Taguchi-Ya is a relaxed canteen-style eatery serving delectable Japanese cuisine that’s heavy on taste and light on frills. Each week sees a new ‘teishoku’, a £15 set meal served with rice, miso soup, your choice of main and four vegan side dishes. Tucked away on Ticklemore Street, the unassuming restaurant is a local gem in the truest sense of the overused phrase!

For more indulgent dinners, Gather remains a hot ticket. Fine dining in the heart of Totnes, the restaurant delivers a menu brimming with locally-sourced, often foraged ingredients from the fields, shorelines and hedgerows of the South Hams. The prix fixe menu is especially good value, best followed by a night of live music at the nearby Barrell House.

Winter weekend visits to Totnes absolutely must see time accounted for Sunday roasts with all the trimmings. Live & Let Live is a stone’s throw from town, with a famed Sunday dinner that is worth the drive. Start with Salcombe Gin cured salmon, devour prime beef or rolled pork belly from nearby Darts Farm, and finish with ‘Our Tiramisu’. Conveniently, the restaurant also has rooms, should the food coma make leaving nigh on impossible.

Drink up...

Totnes is the live music capital of South Devon and nowhere does the beat hit better than at the Barrell House Ballroom. Open mic nights attract talent from far and wide on a Tuesday evening, while the atmospheric ballroom sees regular guest appearances from emerging bands and local favourites. Enjoy a drink in the shadow of Totnes Castle at Totnes Brewing Co. downstairs, then head on up for an evening of lyrical genius beneath the disco ball. For those seeking a more traditional boozer, the Steam Packet Inn offers views of the River Dart with your chosen ale and some really good pub grub, while The Bay Horse comes into its own in warmer months, thanks to a sizeable beer garden with lots of suntrap spots. A CAMRA member, the pub is known for its selection of local ciders and lagers, as well as its Thursday acoustic sessions and Sunday jazz club.

Venture just outside of Totnes and two of the region’s best country pubs await. The Cott Inn at Dartington opened its doors in 1320AD and in the glow of its inglenook fireplace remains one of the most cosy places to spend an autumn evening. Similarly storied is the Pig & Whistle, whose history dates back to the slightly more recent 1700s and where dark beams and log burners make for the perfect place to decamp come winter.

The unassuming restaurant is a local gem in the truest sense of the overused phrase!

“

Above: Japanese cuisine at Taguchi-Ya.

“

A hotel with ethics, this stylish bolthole combines an organic, ethical pub and restaurant with nine beautifully eclectic bedrooms.

Sleep here...

There’s something special about the way the peachy walls of The Bull Inn reflect the sunlight on a balmy Totnesian eve. A hotel with ethics, this stylish bolthole combines an organic, ethical pub and restaurant with nine beautifully eclectic bedrooms. Founded by Geetie Singh-Watson, who coincidentally opened the world’s first certified organic pub all the way back in 1998, the hotel operates by a set of ‘No-Bull Rules’ that has seen it crowned best eco hotel of the year by The Times and Sunday Times in 2020, less than a year after opening. By 2021, the hotel had scooped its spot in the 100 Best British Hotels List.

A locally-sourced, veg-led menu sees the upcycled tables downstairs laden with dishes like poached pears and stilton, or crab and red mullet bisque with salty focaccia, best paired with one (or more – who’s counting?) of 20 organic wines. Head to bed and you’ll find a cacophony of interiors that come together to create absolute harmony in the 18th century inn; lime plastered walls create rustic backdrops for tiles handmade locally and bespoke lighting by Rodney Lomas, crafted in a workshop just down the road in Dartington. Double rooms start at £145 per night.

Above: The Bull Inn.

Opening

DOORS

SOPHISTICATED VICTORIANA COMES TO PLAY WITH CONTEMPORARY AT SOMERSET HOUSE.

Over the years, this elegant residence has undergone comprehensive and sympathetic refurbishment, carefully combining modern day comforts with original features to create a family home full of distinctive character.

Bright and well-proportioned, many of Somerset House’s rooms enjoy views either of the garden or out across the town towards the estuary. The principal accommodation is arranged over three floors, making a lasting first impression with an impressive entrance porch, where immediately the period features and beautiful interior design begin to unfurl.

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Somerset House is a most stunning property, situated within the much sought after and highly-regarded coastal town of Salcombe.

Parking is precious commodity in Salcombe and Somerset House has lots of it; a shared driveway leads to parking for three cars, while a gated gravel parking area can accommodate cars, boats and more. A detached double garage also offers ideal boat storage. A rear garden features a large paved terrace and timber deck area, along with beautiful flower beds and an ornamental olive tree, summerhouse and roundhouse with seating. A courtyard with terracotta tiling completes the opportunities for al fresco dining and entertaining on the very fringes of this special coastal town.

one of the most sought-after waterfront locations in the UK, Salcombe is the perfect setting for this elegant home.

“

A delightful three bedroom terrace cottage offering an immense amount of character & charm.

Simply SOUTH HAMS

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF ERMINGTON, A BUCOLIC SOUTH HAMS VILLAGE SET AMONGST ROLLING HILLS YET WITHIN EASY REACH OF PLYMOUTH AND TOTNES, WOODVIEW COTTAGE IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL RURAL ABODE.

Lovingly renovated, this three-bedroom home overspills with charm, from its interiors through to its pretty walled cottage garden.

Beautifully decorated, Woodview Cottage encapsulates the appeal of period features; a stone fireplace, characterful arched alcoves and stable door opening into the sweet rear garden are highlights of the 24ft sitting room. In the dining room, a cast fireplace and painted floorboards lend a rustic edge that continues into the kitchen, where shaker style units and beech worktops are reminiscent of traditional farmhouse interiors yet combine with the modern integrated appliances necessary for long, leisurely Sunday roasts with the family.

The character continues upstairs, where three double bedrooms each have their own individual personality. A panelled bathroom sits ready for busy family mornings with a separate bath and shower cubicle.

Woodview Cottage’s outdoor space sees a private courtyard, pond, cobbled seating area and planted borders create a secret gardenesque hideaway.

COTTAGE, ERMINGTON

“

The character continues upstairs, where a panelled bathroom sits ready for busy family mornings.

APPLE

of My Eye...

THERE CAN BE FEW ORIGINAL FEATURES QUITE AS UNIQUE AS A FULLY-OPERATIONAL CIDER PRESS...

Slip through the English country gardens and that’s exactly what you’ll find inside The Pound House, a Grade II listed former cider press dating back to the 18th-century. Acres of exposed beams, flagstone flooring and a wood burner are also among the original features that make this property so special.

Arranged over three floors, The Pound House has three bedrooms, two reception rooms and two new bathrooms – the result of a recent refurbishment, along with a new kitchen – plus a study and gallery space.

Outside, the property enjoys a tranquil garden space teeming with trees, shrubs and flowers. A lawned area and paved terrace with pergola over are perfect for summer evenings spent entertaining, while a garage and driveway parking also features.

THE POUND HOUSE, TOTNES

Our favourite four...

WILD SWIMMING SPOTS

From arduous swims to gentle paddles, South Devon has a wild swim spot to suit all ages and abilities, at any time of year. Here are some of our favourites; cast off your armbands and dive in.

Moor Sands, East Prawle

Moor Sands is an East Prawle highlight, second only to the eclectic and ever-entertaining Pigs Nose Inn. The remote beach sits on the most southerly spot in Devon and is one for the adventurous; the scramble down the sands from the meadows above requires use of a rope ladder! The effort required to reach Moor Sands means it is never busy, making it the perfect place to beat the summer crowds and while away the hours with nothing but a book and your snorkel.

Sugary Cove, Dartmouth

This rocky slip of a beach sits just around the corner from Dartmouth Castle. Sheltered and within walking distance of one of the South Hams’ very best harbour towns, it’s a favourite cooling off spot for those tackling the tough Brixham to Dartmouth section of the South West Coast Path. Take a dip, dry off, then head into town to reward yourself with a pasty.

Take a dip, dry off, then head into town to reward yourself with a pasty.

“

Sugary Cove, Dartmouth

Soar Mill Cove, Near Salcombe

Nestled between Salcombe and Hope Cove, Soar Mill Cove’s secluded location once made it a smuggler’s paradise. Nowadays, with the pirates departed, it has instead become a wild swimming spot worthy of the effort it takes to get there along rocky and winding pathways. Wildlife is abundant here, from the hovering kestrels above to the inquisitive seals below, and caves become watery playgrounds in high tide.

South Milton Sands, Thurlestone

Save South Milton Sands for high tide and Thurlestone Rock becomes the star of the show. Navigate your way around and through the iconic arch, popping on swimming goggles to explore an underwater world teeming with marine life. Afterwards, round up the gang – furry friends included – and make for the dog-friendly Beachouse, a popular hangout that is just steps from the sand and home to delectable fish dishes.

Planning a dip? Find more adventure inspiration in Wild Swimming Walks, one of our favourite guides.

Published by Wild Things Publishing.

Thurlestone Rock

Soar Mill Cove

By the WATER’S EDGE

Whether a sailor or a swimmer, a coastal walker or simply an appreciator of watching the world pass by from the serene surrounds of a riverbank or beach, a good life is lived by the water’s edge. Here are some of the most beautiful waterfront and riverside properties on the market in the South Hams today.

FERNBANK, SALCOMBE

Fernbank fulfils great expectations of coastal abodes. A grand Victorian villa in a coveted location that sits just a short walk from the centre of Salcombe and its estuary, the handsome property simmers with period features like high ceilings and sash windows. The water views delightfully improve with the ascension of each floor. A long driveway provides parking for two vehicles, while front and back gardens are the perfect place to seek solace in the shade on a hot day in this popular coastal town.

HIDCOTE HOUSE, STRETE

AT THE BEACH, TORCROSS

HAYES HOUSE, DARTMOUTH

Hayes House is a beautiful period townhouse with far-reaching river and sea views. It’s situated just a short, gentle walk from the heart of this sought-after South Hams town, and benefits from not one but two garages – a rare commodity in Dartmouth. This much-loved home has undergone an extensive programme of high quality refurbishment in recent years and is beautifully presented to a high standard throughout.

GUIDE

DARTMOUTH

THE MILLPOOL, STOKE GABRIEL

One of the last remaining properties on a boutique development of just ten waterfront homes, exclusively for over 55s, this luxury ground floor apartment features breath taking views of the Mill Pool directly beyond your private garden. It is not just the homes that make life at The Millpool such a pleasure; estate maintenance is fully taken care of, ensuring the private gardens, property exteriors and overall development always looks its best, leaving you free to just relax in truly inspired surroundings.

TOTNES

SUMMERFIELD, NEWTON FERRERS

Located in the centre of Newton Ferrers and situated on an imposing south-facing plot with estuary views of Newton Creek, this fully renovated detached property is stunningly individual. Created to the highest standard, Summerfield sees four en-suite bedrooms, a study cum home office or snug featuring bespoke oak furniture, and a magnificent kitchen/dining room with conservatory style seating area with bi-fold doors leading onto a veranda from which views of the Yealm River unfold. A spacious lounge with log burner was made for cosy winter nights. Parking for four cars also features, along with electric charging.

GUIDE

NEWTON FERRERS

&

EBB FLOW

Life at Stoke Gabriel very much revolves around the calming ebb and flow of the River Dart. Here’s our guide to a life lived by the Mill Pool and beyond.

Kayaking

Whilst the Mill Pool and creek is adored by the village’s active sailing club community, one of the most popular ways to explore the River Dart is by kayak or paddle board. Kayak with beautiful wild seals, kingfishers, egrets and herons on the way to scenic spots such as Dartmouth, Dittisham, Tuckenhay, or Totnes.

Don’t worry if you or your visitors forget your kit. Equipment is always available for hire from the Totnes Kayak company with prices starting from £28 for 2 hours. River guides and coaching sessions are also available.

Crabbing

Head down to the village’s quaint quay to enjoy one of South Devon’s crabbing hotspots. Crabbing equipment and bait are available to purchase from Stoke Gabriel’s River Shack Café, along with light refreshments to keep everyone fuelled for hours of fun. Enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, delicious ice creams or tasty scones (served the Devon way – of course!).

Apple picking

If you fancy exploring Stoke Gabriel by foot, a woodland walk through the community orchard is always a delight. With over 40 established apple trees, the village upholds their 300-year-old cider making tradition. The best part is, with no fencing around the orchards, you’re free to wander through the orchards, sampling some of the Bramleys or Sweet Copins apples along the way!

Lazy lunches

Why not try the local cider or apple juice in one of the village’s local pubs? For just a small village, there are a number of options for great food and drink. The dog-friendly family pub, The Castle Inn, is a firm favourite among both locals and visitors – so booking is always advised. The Church House Inn, built in 1152, is unusual nowadays as it is still owned by the local parish church. It's also a real hub for the village. To ensure you can savour the hospitality from either of these charming pubs, please do contact them directly for opening times.

Head a little further afield along the banks of the River Dart and you’ll find the beautiful Sharpham Vineyard in Totnes. Open for tasting in the winery and for tours of the vineyard, we’d recommend popping along to stock up on their award-winning wines and cheeses.

Retail therapy

The Millpool is perfectly situated close to some of the best retail therapy spots in Devon. Only five miles away is the market town of Totnes, which benefits from a variety of independent cafés and is home to an eclectic mix of shops and handy local amenities.

Head into Exeter City Centre, just twenty-five miles away, for access to many of the high street’s favourites such as John Lewis and Marks and Spencer in the popular Guildhall and Princesshay Shopping Centres.

Beach days

Crystal clear waters, large sandy beaches and beautiful secluded coves are all within easy reach of Stoke Gabriel. There are many with blue flag awards, such as the large shingle beach at Blackpool Sands or the favourite with water sport fans, Meadfoot Beach. But don’t overlook the sandy swathes of Goodrington Sands, nor the charming, sheltered cove at Hope Cove, a little further south…

Top: Sharpham Estate.

Above: Blackoool Sands.

Right: The Millpool, Stoke Gabriel.

Ramble on

With stunning coastlines, award-winning beaches and the sweeping expanses of Dartmoor National Park, all nearby, a gentle stroll or a rocky ramble is always on the cards. For walks closer to home, take a saunter along the shoreline to Duncannon beach, or venture out into the woods that look out towards Dittisham.

Stoke Gabriel is undoubtedly a special spot in the desirable South Hams and the last remaining luxury apartment at The Millpool over 55s development promises the perfect opportunity to enjoy all the special location has to offer.

Contact Marchand Petit Totnes today on 01803 847979 to find out more about the final property available at this unique boutique development.

Escape to the COUNTRY

A COUNTRYSIDE RELOCATION IS EVERAPPEALING AND COURTYARD BARN COMBINES THE TRANQUIL, PICTURESQUE SURROUNDINGS OF BLACKAWTON VILLAGE WITH THE CONVENIENCE OF BEING WITHIN TOUCHING DISTANCE OF DARTMOUTH.

This substantial barn conversion has been well thought out to offer a high degree of privacy, with stunning views across rolling South Hams hills and the neighbouring Dartmouth Golf Course. Beautifully maintained, its current owners have created a really special home with a welcoming warmth throughout. The property’s versatile nature also offers further potential.

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Courtyard Barn is flooded with natural light.

Courtyard Barn is flooded with natural light, nowhere more so than in the first floor sitting room. Light pours in, double doors opening onto a decked sun terrace. Equally bright is the beautiful atrium dining room downstairs, from where a kitchen full of character awaits with all the appliances and space an avid cook could desire.

A home office and utility room are practical additions, while the property’s four bedrooms –three of them ensuite and two featuring direct access out to the garden – are incredibly spacious and airy.

The gardens surrounding Courtyard Barn are an absolute delight and are a real feature of this property, having been lovingly created and nurtured over many years. There is an abundance of mature planting and lawn, with meandering pathways leading to pretty dining terraces and secluded hideaways. Private driveway parking leads to a good sized garage too.

COURTYARD BARN, BLACKAWTON

The gardens surrounding Courtyard Barn are an absolute delight and are a real feature of this property.

GRAND Designs

COMPLETED IN 2020, THE MOORINGS IS A SPECTACULAR ARCHITECT-DESIGNED PROPERTY.

he Moorings has been created with attention-to-detail both in its attractive building design externally, as well as in the ways it captures the outstanding long views over the River Tamar from within.

Large double gates opening on to a beautifully landscaped driveway provide the most impressive of approaches. The property sits within an attractively landscaped acre stocked with a wealth of plants and shrubs, as well as some stunning mature trees that enhance the peace and tranquillity of the setting. Generous patio areas flow out from living areas to create superb spaces for entertaining amidst captivating views.

Inside The Moorings, a high-specification kitchen features quartz worktops, two Neff ovens with hide and slide doors, a further Neff built-in combination oven and microwave, Neff induction hob, integrated dishwasher and breakfast bar area. Bi-fold doors open to the garden, further extending this already large open-plan space.

A beautifully designed vaulted ceiling is the focal point of the impressive dining area, bi-fold doors allowing light to flood into both the dining room and landing area above. It is from this spacious landing area that it becomes immediately apparent from where The Moorings gets its name; an incredible vantage point delivers long views down the River Tamar, with its countless boats moored ready for owners to enjoy a day on the water.

The master bedroom has again been designed to take full advantage of those spectacular views, a large balcony beckoning for lazy weekend breakfasts. Extensive built-in wardrobes offer convenience, while a luxurious ensuite also features.

The Moorings has been built with the upmost thought given to ensuring the property is as energy efficient as possible, with details such as PV panels, maximised insulation, and one of the most efficient boilers available on the market.

An incredible vantage point delivers long views

the River Tamar.

Are ECO features really worth it?

Only a few years ago energy efficient improvements, despite being financially attractive, did little or nothing to improve the value of a property. It is widely appreciated that we are now in a different world...

Above: Thornfield, Hareston Farm Barns, Yealmpton

Those letting an investment property have been well aware that landlords can no longer let or continue to let a property that has an Energy Performance Certificate rating below E, but from 2025 this will rise to an often-demanding rating of C or above. There are some exemptions, but the writing is on the wall.

The legislation, however, endorses the trend. Energy efficient properties clearly minimise expenditure, while also saving the planet. With fuel costs rocketing low efficiency buildings are much in demand, matching the requests for “character” homes. Additionally, there is nothing more “wow” than a South or South West facing house, flooded with natural light, and oozing with modernism, with the bi-product of helping to reduce heating bills.

Insulation is the benchmark of fuel efficiency, whether that relates to roof, walls, or windows and doors. Materials and techniques have advanced rapidly over recent years, not only to reduce heat loss but also to generate it. Advances in

science have enabled walls to be retro insulated, windows are technologically in a different league and breathable materials reduce condensation. Heat recovery systems, and both ground and air source heat pumps are now common. Architects regularly say that central heating systems, as we know them, will phase out. If you haven’t heard of Passivhaus now would be a good time to bring yourself up to date!

Marchand Petit are delighted to be marketing two fine examples of energy efficient properties. The Moorings, boasting a B Energy Efficiency Rating, is a spectacular architect-designed property completed towards the end of 2020 and designed with the very best attention to detail, both in its attractive building design externally, as well as capturing the outstanding long views over the River Tamar from within the property. In addition, the upmost thought has been given to ensure that the property is as energy efficient as possible, including details such as Photovoltaic panels, maximising the insulation, and installing one of the most efficient boilers available on the market at the time of build.

Designed by the well-respected South Hams practice of BBH Architects, Thornfield is an individually contemporary property, currently being built to the very highest of standards by a highly reputable small building firm. The owner of Dart Developments commented: “The house has a Predicted Energy Rating of B, with solar panels already fitted to the garage roof, all glazing to an A+ standard, and all appliances anticipated to have A+ energy ratings. Suitable to upgrade to quick charge electric car charging via three phase electric supply, situated in the countryside setting of Hareston Farm Barns with quick road links to the Devon Expressway.”

So, the way forward is looking at voluntary standard for energy efficiency for buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling - not just in homes but office buildings, schools, supermarkets etc. and incorporating the process into our carbon foot-printing thinking.

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The upmost thought has been given to ensure that the property is as energy efficient as possible, including details such as Photovoltaic panels, maximising the insulation, and installing one of the most efficient boilers available on the market at the time of build.

Above: The Moorings, Hewton,