The South Hams in Devon is not a place where you want to drive. We went there a year or two ago — and absolutely loved it — but did start thinking in 'Devon miles', as opposed to just 'miles'. It's a landscape dotted with narrow routes, with grass growing down the middle and the brambles often tickling both sides of your car at once. Three miles can take a good half hour.
So if you were to live in this utterly delightful part of Britain, we'd thoroughly recommend either a house that's walking distance from where you need to get to, or located right on the water, meaning that you can zip around in your boat. And today's property just so happens to offer both options: the Loft is a Grade ll-listed penthouse apartment taking up the top floor of The Pottery in Dartmouth, and it's right on the water.
As well as being a gorgeous residence, it's also the perfect spot from which to watch people messing around on boats, compete in whatever regatta is taking place, or head down and get out onto the waves yourself.
The building — which dates to 1819 and is a 10-minute stroll from the town centre — has in past lives been a paper mill, bakery, brewery and, most recently, Dartmouth Pottery. Today, though, it's a five-bedroom, four-bathroom flat overlooking the River Dart.
Obviously in the summer it'll sell itself, but for the winter it's good to know that there's a fire and underfloor heating to keep you warm beneath the vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls.
And if you really must bring your car? There is private parking, as well as a basement for storing all your watersports kit.
The Loft is for sale via Marchand Petit at £2m — see more details and pictures.
Credit: Paul Massey
The Country Life guide to South Devon: Where to go, what to see, where to stay and what to eat
Mile-upon-mile of coastline, England’s largest fish market and idyllic scenery make South Devon a fantastic staycation destination. Here’s our guide
-
Barbour’s heritage jackets get a floral makeover courtesy of ErdemUtilitarian outwear has taken the fashion world by storm and now Britain's world-famous wax jackets are getting in on the act, inspired by some of our greatest countryside icons.
-
Brockfield Hall, the great Yorkshire house that's gone from Regency mansion to modern family homeBrockfield Hall in North Yorkshire is the family home of Charlie Wood and Hatta Byng, editor of House & Garden, who have transformed it since they came here in 2020, winning multiple awards in the process. John Martin Robinson reports on the restoration project that revived this compact Regency house as a modern family home. Photographs by Paul Highnam for Country Life.
-
A Georgian vicarage that blends idyllic seclusion, village life and a simple commute to the CityThe Old Rectory in Hawkhurst, Kent, is a delightful home inside and out. Penny Churchill takes a look.
-
The green Gable House: A family home in Hampshire that even we can't believe is only 15 years oldIf the house isn't quite right, don't be afraid to build something new. The Gable House in Ashford Hill is a glorious example of a new home that looks like it's always been there.
-
Best country houses for sale this weekFrom a vast Shropshire masterpiece to an idyllic West Country farmhouse, here's our pick of the best property for sale this week.
-
Ten stunning character properties for sale at under £400,000From thatched cottages near the beaches of Devon and Cornwall to a barn conversion in Kent and a wonderful getaway in Snowdonia, here's our pick of the best character cottages and character homes for sale.
-
The Brontës original family home has come up for sale with a £380,000 price tagThe Revd Patrick Brontë's former home has come on to the market, where he and his wife lived in their early years before having their children Charlotte, Emily, Anne and Branwell.
-
Six superb homes, from the picturesque to the palatial, as seen in Country LifeOur pick of some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life includes a true gem in Buckinghamshire.
-
A £21 million castle that's come up for sale for the first time in 700 yearsRipley Castle in North Yorkshire has been the family home of the Ingilbys since the early 1300s. It's steeped in history, has a list of famous visitors over the centuries that include James I and Oliver Cromwell, and is now on the open market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
A wisteria-clad former rectory in Stevenage that used to host Sir Winston ChurchillWrapped within all that greenery are some of the finest Georgian interiors we've seen.
