A 1920s house with sea views in Devon that was built as an homage to a property in South Africa
Sea views, meters from the local beach and buckets of accommodation makes this unique property in Budleigh Salterton a pretty enticing prospect

The Dutch House has grown considerably over the years as it kept up with the previous owners' expanding family. Built in the 1920's by a then-retired colonel, the house was built to reflect a home he once occupied in South Africa — but with plenty of Devon charm thrown in.
Today, the unique 4,000 sq ft home is on the market with Knight Frank at a guide price of £2 million, and sits in a pretty enviable location overlooking the sea near Budleigh Salterton.
Originally called 'Torwood', the house featured in an edition of The Architects Journal on November 9th, 1927 and finds itself, almost 94 years later, featured with us for it's striking facade made up of a soft blend of curves, decorative shutters and juxtaposing roof tiles.
The Dutch House was last on the market in 1999, and since then, the owners have carried out extensive work in both 2001 and 2011 to create the five bedroom, four reception roomed home that it is today.
The downstairs space centres around the kitchen/breakfast room which has large French doors that open onto the south facing garden. Elsewhere is a dining room, a study/office, living room with gas fire and snug with a wood burning stove.
The first floor can be accessed via stairs or a lift —making the home accessible for any generation — and is where the bedrooms can be found (three of which are ensuite); including the principal bedroom, which has an en suite and a curved bay window overlooking the gardens.
There is also the option to create a self-contained bedroom and bathroom, with one of the bedrooms located on the ground floor that has a shower room and its own private access.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Perfect for guests, teenagers, or somewhere to spill into when you return from the beach.
The Dutch House is a wonderfully accessible family home in a charming Devon seaside town with enough style and charm to suit any needs.
The Dutch House is currently on the market via Knight Frank at a guide price of £2 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Budleigh Salterton: What you need to know
Location: Budleigh Salterton is a small town located on the Jurassic east coast of Devon. Exeter is 15 miles away, where rail services run from Exeter St Davids to Penzance and London Paddington.
Atmosphere: The area is part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy its two mile stretch of pebble beach, clear swimming water, independent shops and relaxed, coastal charm.
Things to do: The beach is home to three cafes and has access to the south west coast path — making it the perfect place to either start or finish one of the many walks on offer in the area. In the town there are a number of pubs, a museum, cafes and shops to explore. The East Devon Golf Club is also situated close by.
Schools: St Peter's C of E Primary School is the local primary, and more options for secondary can be found closer to Exeter, including Exeter School and The Maynard School.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 pictures
Plus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
By James Fisher Published
-
Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courts
From Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
-
Five palatial mansions for sale, including one with its own private swimming lake, as seen in Country Life
Sometimes bigger really is better.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Gaze over Cap Ferrat in this four-bedroom French villa
Ignore the wind and the rain. Imagine yourself in this hillside home with some of the best views the Mediterranean can offer.
By James Fisher Published
-
Classical style meets fun and flair in a seven-bedroom manor in Cornwall
At Polstrong Manor, the current owners have combined period charm and elegant modern interiors to create a flamboyant country home 10-minutes from the beach.
By James Fisher Published
-
Two halves make a sublime four-bedroom home in Kent's North Downs
A contemporary extension to a traditional clapboard house brings light and life to Lavington House.
By James Fisher Published
-
The week in property statistics: Service charges reach record high
Plus, how first-time buyers prop up the mortgage market, why you need to move north if you want to live by yourself, and house-price growth slows
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A seven-bedroom oast house for sale in East Sussex, where your dreams can run riot
Unlisted, yet full of character, this property in the High Weald National Landscape is an eccentrically furnished family home that screams fun.
By James Fisher Published
-
Character, history and comfort combine in a four-bedroom farmhouse in Norfolk
Willow Farm near Southburgh is that rarest of things — a perfect combination of period charm and modern elegance in some of England's best countryside.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse that's part of the fabric of Bath's history
With 5,500sq ft set over six floors in the centre of Britain's most architecturally rich city, there is much to love here.
By James Fisher Published