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
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 millionMoving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country LifeOur regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul GettyChestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in BritainBressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interviewAfter many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
