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
-
'True waterfront homes are finite... miss one and it could be years before you see another like it again': Why the best waterfront property always hits the spotThere’s no denying the appeal of waterfront property, which now sells for some 51% more than its inland equivalent, finds Knight Frank. Annabel Dixon explores the shore.
-
Beyond Royal Portrush: Castles, country houses and ancient towers in the other dimension of golf in IrelandRory McIlroy's history-making exploits and The Open arriving at Royal Portrush have made 2025 a banner year for Irish golf — but there's far more to golf on the island of Ireland than those headline-grabbers, as Toby Keel finds out.
-
'True waterfront homes are finite... miss one and it could be years before you see another like it again': Why the best waterfront property always hits the spot
There’s no denying the appeal of waterfront property, which now sells for some 51% more than its inland equivalent, finds Knight Frank. Annabel Dixon explores the shore.
-
19 charming homes for sale, from picture-perfect cottages to beachside retreats, as seen in Country LifeThis week's selection of some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week.
-
Tim Burton is selling the house he shared with Helena Bonham-Carter, a sublime home on the Thames that comes with three private islandsMill House in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, might just be the perfect English country home.
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family homeHadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every windowPenny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
-
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 ownerIn the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countrysideHartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in CornwallThe Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
