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
-
‘It had the air of an ex-rental, and that’s putting it politely’: How an antique dealer transformed a run-down Georgian house in Chatham Dockyards
An antique dealer with an eye for colour has rescued an 18th-century house from years of neglect with the help of the team at Mylands.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive street
Winnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated
-
Damon Hill's former home in Marbella is the perfect place to slow down
The glorious Andalusian-style villa is found within the Lomas de Marbella Club and just a short walk from the beach.
By James Fisher Published
-
A 327-acre estate in the heart of 'England’s Côte d’Or', with a 26,000sq ft Georgian style home at its heart
Stokes Hall in the Crouch Valley is an inspiring property looking for a new owner.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Schreiber House, 'the most significant London townhouse of the second half of the 20th century', is up for sale
The five-bedroom Modernist masterpiece sits on the edge of Hampstead Heath.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
Is the 'race for space' officially over?
During the lockdowns, many thought the countryside was the place to be. It seems many are now changing their minds.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
What's a 'wellness village' and will it tempt you back into the office?
The team behind London's first mixed-use ‘wellness village’ says it has the magic formula for tempting workers back into offices.
By Annunciata Elwes Published