Living By the Water - South Devon
Summertime and everyone wants to be by - or even better - on the water.
Devon offers the widest opportunity for buying property with water frontage and views but South Devon probably takes the prize for combining waterside living with towns and villages that offer the broadest choice of water activities, restaurants and lifestyle. Higher property values reflect this and the summer months see a greater influx of tourism, all adding to the viability of the local economy.
Even across the South Devon coastline there are amazing differences in the communities – Torbay centred around the harbour to the hidden creek leading up to the twin villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo. In between is what is recognised as the second most expensive waterside town in England -Salcombe -just falling behind Sandbanks in Dorset. And little wonder it draws the London second home market -when the Kingsbridge Estuary is so spectacular. The summer months see a tenfold increase in population, not counting the many visitors arriving by boat and using the towns many eating places and designer led shops.
Inevitably all this magic comes at a price and “the London effect” influences property values in these favoured coastal spots significantly. The owners do spread their cash in the community with extensive building renovations and household services so there is an indirect benefit.
Finding a house with direct water frontage may not be easy but they do exist. Many have running and even deep water moorings but maybe just the view is sufficient.
Staying in Salcombe, Marchand Petit (01548 844473) are selling Underbecks at South Sands. Currently a second home that derives a significant letting income it would make a fabulous home with a terrace clutching the rocks on the edge of the beach. To save cooking the South Sands Hotel is just 100 yards down the road!
A somewhat quieter spot can be found at The Round House, Stoke Gabriel. A converted threshing barn with 12 acres of gardens, pasture and woodland running along 700 metres of the River Dart and Mill Pool foreshore, with a running mooring. Jackson Stops (01392 214222) are the selling agents.
The dream of many is to build a new home -contemporary or traditional, eco -friendly and sustainable. To add a water view can be perfection. Savills (01392 800462) and Charles Head in Kingsbridge (01548 852352) have the answer. They are the joint selling agents for Onnalea in Bantham. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a house in need of updating or most likely rebuilding with amazing views over the River Avon estuary, Bigbury Bay and the infamous Burgh Island - the perfect setting for an Enid Blyton “Famous Five” story or Agatha Christie’s Poirot.
There is a magic to waterside living anywhere in the world but for those wishing to remain firmly on British soil the South Devon coastline is hard to beat. Add the house of your choice and “It’s all about coming home”.