Beaches

It’s all about coming home -  my regular readers will recognise this as the strap line in my marketing -   buying a house is just that. So does that extend to second homes?  It should do and perhaps even more so. Whilst beach front properties aren’t the preserve of second home owners they provide that magical ingredient and fatal attraction – water. The escape from busy lives. Devon beaches are arguably the best in the world, soft golden sand between your toes as you tread nervously (in my case) to the water- sand castles created with precision to be swept away by the rising tide breaching fortifications in a single sweep. Families at leisure and what more simple pastime than creating memories for generations than on the beach. For some a taste isn’t sufficient and a permanence is created when buying a property by a beach.

Simple beachside homes have become ever more stunning as affordability and access has improved. Whilst pushing prices in line with many London boroughs and out of reach of locals, the demand has provided what seems an endless line of work for the construction industry and fuelled the tourist industry. The crave for escaping to the seaside has never been greater.

Across the county beaches such as Putsborough, Croyde, Welcombe, Mothecombe, South Milton, Bigbury, South and North Sands, Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth to name but a few are some of the favourites. It is no coincidence these beaches adjoin some of the best waterside properties in the county, enjoyed by principle and second home buyers. Why only spend precious holidays here -up sticks and live by the sea. Winter walks along the beach followed by a cream tea by the fire -heaven!

The Black House is literally across the road from the beach in Budleigh Salterton, on the Jurassic Coast – distinctive by it’s colour which belies the bright interior  and hidden garden and garage -it’s the perfect family home or weekend retreat where an early morning walk on the beach is mandatory! David Rhys (01395 444011)

Inevitably Salcombe beaches will be mentioned! At North Sands, Cable Cottage has a traditional exterior of this rebuilt house – internally a stunning contemporary, open plan design offers an amazing reception/living/kitchen space perfect for entertaining with four en-suite bedrooms – all a few short steps from the beach and the perfect wall to sit with an evening glass of wine .(Marchand Petit 01548 844473)

In the heart of Salcombe Knight Frank (01392 423111) are offering The Watch House. The perfect look out of for race days with private steps to the water and yards from the pub - what more can anyone want!

Let’s not forget the magical sandy beaches of North Devon—overlooking Woolacombe Beach -3 miles of perfect sand stretching towards Putsborough, and great surf! Taylor Underwood (01271 323290) are offering a ground floor three bedroom apartment in the Narracott Apartments, currently a holiday let sleeping ten, with a good income stream. Enjoying westerly views of the beach the terrace is perfect for long summer evenings with the bar be que and another glass of wine!

 So whether the dream is for escaping at weekends or making the full lifestyle move “it’s all about coming home”.

Nigel Bishop

Founder & Managing Director of Recoco Property Search