A strong maritime history may not be a reason to purchase a family home, but it certainly does make a good story, especially in the case of a property and beautiful and quirky as this one.
A south Devon landmark currently on the market with Knight Frank at a guide price of £3m, Grade II-listed Wixels at Topsham sits on the bank of the River Exe, surrounded on three sides by the water, with far-reaching views down the estuary towards Exmouth.
'Their love of the sea is reflected in quirky corners of the house'
According to its listing, the house, the name of which means ‘nails’ – reflecting its historic links with Topsham’s shipbuilding past – dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was a sail loft or similar building.
Converted to a dwelling in 1920, it is notable for the quality of its building work, in particular its Dutch gabling, wrought ironwork and decorative stonework along the walls of the old quay.
'The heart of the house provides direct access to the south-facing terrace and the water'
Wixels was bought in the 1990s as a retirement home by its current owner and her husband, an architect, both keen sailors whose love of the sea is reflected in quirky corners of the house, such as the Cabin, an occasional fifth bedroom, which boasts a clinker-built boat suspended from the ceiling.
Magical sunsets can be enjoyed from the River Room, which has outstanding views down the Exe towards the Haldon Hills, and the kitchen/breakfast room, the heart of the house, provides direct access to the south-facing terrace and the water.
Wixels's garden is exotic and mature, offering privacy while framing the beautiful views over the Exe.
Credit: www.bellamont.us
16 truly magnificent homes around the world from under £750,000, as seen in Country Life
We round up the finest overseas homes to have graced the pages of Country Life in the past few weeks.
Five dream homes, from castles to townhouses, as seen in Country Life
We take our regular look at the finest homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past
Credit: Knight Frank
An idyllic waterfront spot on Restronguet Point, one of the most sought-after locations in the West Country
One of the most sought-after waterfront spots in England has come to the market. Penny Churchill reports.
-
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.
-
Downtown Abbey is about to finish forever, and you're about to get a chance to see — and to buy — the costumes from the showDownton Abbey's exquisite costumes and props are going on show at a free exhibition ahead of a sale being held by Bonhams later this summer.
-
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.
-
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.
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its historyIn 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.
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston MartinA new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
-
The Mediterranean Magic of MaltaWith historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country LifeIf Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
