A house named 'The Ark', fittingly perfect for hiding safely away, come up for sale in one of Devon's finest spots
A bright, striking modern house has come to the market near the glorious Devon town of Dartmouth.


If you've never made it to Dartmouth, our advice is simple: go. This really is one of the pleasantest spots in the country, with the staggeringly scenic, steep-sided river estuary leading in from the sea to a town of incredible, unspoilt charm.
Obviously the best way to arrive in the town is via steam train followed by ferry, but if you can't wangle that then you'll have to bring the car. And that's fine too, for this entire area is well worth exploring — in particular the coastline to the south of Dartmouth itself, which is where we find today's featured property.
With far-reaching views of the Start Bay coastline, The Ark — for sale at £1.3 million — basks in glorious gardens in the small Devon village of Strete.
With four bedrooms and five bathrooms, there’s plenty of space for friends and family.
The contemporary home is light-filled and spacious — the double-height entrance hall is a particular highlight — and is a mere stone’s throw from Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands, a shingle bar that stretches some three miles to Torcross.
The Ark has a swimming pool in its landscaped grounds, which fade away towards the shore, providing views that begin at Start Point and finish at the Dart Estuary.
The grounds offer a vegetable garden and greenhouse; outbuildings include a boathouse, summer house and pool house.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The village itself sounds rather lovely, with a post office/stores, restaurant and a church, while the coastal footpath runs nearby, giving access to the beautiful beaches at Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands.
There is also Slapton Ley, a large freshwater lake and National Nature Reserve, which runs parallel to the beach.
For sale at £1.3m via Marchand Petit — see more details and pictures.
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

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.
-
No strings attached: A brief history of swimwear, from heavy skirts of linen linked to women's drownings, to the skimpy two-piece named after a nuclear weapons site
From knee-length numbers to a scandalous suit denounced by the Pope, the colourful history of swimwear has been brought to life by a glamorous London exhibition.
By Deborah Nicholls-Lee Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new owner
In the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countryside
Hartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its history
In the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston Martin
A new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
By James Fisher Published
-
The Mediterranean Magic of Malta
With historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
By Holly Kirkwood Published
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country Life
If Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
By Annunciata Elwes Published