An outstanding coastal property with some of the finest views in South Devon
Murrawingi has superb views over the Salcombe estuary.


Proof that the appeal of the South Hams in general, and Salcombe in particular, extends way beyond English shores, comes with the sale of the remarkable Murrawingi on exclusive Moult Road, Salcombe, through Strutt & Parker, Exeter, at a guide price of £2 million.
Having moved to the UK in the 1950s, Australians Geoff Chapman, a keen sailor, and his wife, Sue, were living in Wimbledon when, in the early 1970s, they discovered Salcombe and the distinctive beach-style house with its large decked balcony, which looks out across the Bar at the mouth of the Salcombe estuary and due south towards Prawle Point and the English Channel.
Originally named Pickwell, it was built in the 1960s by well-known local builder David Murch, as a home in their retirement for gardener Lesley Weedon and his wife who, sadly, died not long after they moved in.
The Chapmans bought the house in 1974 and re-named it Murrawingi (Aboriginal for ‘happy home’), since when it has been the focal point of happy outdoor living for three generations of the sea-loving Chapman family.
Now that she is no longer able to make the journey from Salcombe to Wimbledon on a regular basis, Mrs Chapman has reluctantly decided to sell, although she retains her links with the town through her son, who also owns a house there.
Murrawingi, with a gently curving design that takes full advantage of its dramatic panoramic views of estuary, sea, cliffs and fields, has changed little during the Chapman family’s tenure, but is now, compared with its neighbours, somewhat outdated.
With its wide frontage and easy access to private Moult Road, from where a footpath leads to South Sands beach, owner and agents suggest that an outstanding con-temporary home could be built on the site. Alternatively, local architects and planning consultants have identified the potential to build two separate houses, subject to the necessary planning consents.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
-
West London's spent the last two decades as the laughing stock of the style set — here's how it got its groove back
The style set is returning to the very West London neighbourhoods it once made a habit of spurning, finds Will Hosie.
By Will Hosie 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
-
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
-
A 600-year-old National Trust property that you can call home
This blooming property in Kent showcases the original garden of England. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A wisteria-clad delight with lawns running down to the Thames is the prettiest riverside home for sale in London today
Deodar Road, near Putney High Street, offers unrivalled views of the Thames and is characterful in excess.
By James Fisher Published