A four-bedroom home overlooking Salcombe where you can dream of summers to come
Inside the unassuming exteriors of Rectory Barn in East Portlemouth is a modern home that demands to entertain your friends and family.


It’s January and with all the rain I haven’t seen the sun in 4 days. Years ago, when I was less wise and deemed myself far more invincible, I would suffer in silence during these long dark months. But I am wiser now. I look after my brain to keep the SAD at bay. I take vitamin D supplements. I exercise regularly. The boring things that stop you from succumbing.
I also daydream. Daydream of a spring and summer to come and of sun to be soaked. One of the perks of this job, and there are many, is that I get to look at nice houses, overlooking bodies of water, often photographed in the summertime. This allows me to picture the light at the end of the tunnel. To contextualise dreams of a summer that inches ever closer.
Today’s daydream is this astounding semi-coastal property called Rectory Barn, which is in East Portlemouth in Devon. The owners, through their intermediaries Strutt & Parker, are seeking offers in excess of £4.5 million.
Designed by the Harrison Sutton Partnership, the property offers almost 6,400sq ft of living space in what is helpfully described as an ‘upside down’ configuration. What this means is that the property is set over two floors, but the bedrooms, of which there are four, are on the bottom floor.
An odd thing to do in the middle of Suffolk, perhaps, but in Devon, when you have views of the Salcombe estuary to take advantage of, very very sensible indeed. And take advantage the owners have. Within this unassuming stone shell, you will find that most precious of things: light. Windows abound, floor to ceiling French doors everywhere you look, and so on.
The interiors are a modern delight, and scream ‘please host lots of fun parties in me’. The open-plan kitchen is vast and welcoming, as is the library/living room that occupies the first floor. The hydro pool & gym, just separate from the house, is also a light-filled space of elegance.
The ground floor is mostly given over to the bedrooms, and a media room. All the bedrooms are en-suite, with the principal bedroom boasting a vast bathroom and his-and-hers dressing rooms.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Outside, the property boasts just over 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens and ground that are run through with places to sit and enjoy the sun and the glorious view.
The days are getting longer, slowly but surely. Soon someone, sadly not me, can enjoy the long summer days here. I am already jealous.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
Credit: Michael Graham
5 country homes for sale, from £1.575 million to £12 million, as seen in Country Life
Here are five of the best homes to come up for sale via Country Life over the holiday period.
'People love land': The top estate sales of 2024, from the Duke of Northumberland to first-time farmers
Some estate sales were trickier in 2024, yet overall most eventually found buyers. We look at some of the top
Credit: Fine & Country
A bohemian paradise is up for sale with pool, stables and endless country charm
Swapping town for country has rarely looked so easily tempting.

James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
The life that thrives among the dead: How wildlife finds a home in the graveyards and churchyards of Britain
Home to a veritable ‘Noah’s Ark of species’, thanks to never being ploughed, sprayed or fertilised, our churchyards offer a sacred haven for flora and fauna, says Laura Parker.
By Laura Parker Published
-
‘What a shame when a dinosaur disappears into the mansion of an oligarch rather than being displayed for all to enjoy’: The ethics of the dinosaur auction
Fancy a stegosaurus in your living room? You can buy one at auction. But the latest luxury good is a paleontologist's worst nightmare.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Last updated
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
The new property hotspots where you can have it all: Beautiful houses, great schools and idyllic lifestyle
Across the country people are selling up and heading to the towns where there's no compromise on dream homes, outstanding schooling and the good life, according to analysis from two of Britain's top estate agents. Anna White explains.
By Anna White Published
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villas
Matthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
By Matthew Dennison Last updated
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the market
The Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in Fulham
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
By Toby Keel Published
-
18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country Life
Our look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spots
The Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
By Toby Keel Published