A Place to Return
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
Holiday homes designed for generations on South Devon’s spectacular coastline.
Salcombe town
Positioned on the South West Coast Path above Soar Mill Cove and only five minutes from Salcombe, this collection of contemporary holiday homes presents owners with the opportunity to enjoy one of Britain’s best-loved coastal destinations before returning to a home designed for space, comfort and complete relaxation. Days can begin on the water, continue over long lunches beside the estuary and end watching the evening light stretch across open countryside from a private terrace, all without the bustle that naturally accompanies one of the region’s most popular sailing towns.
The development occupies a setting that enjoys sunshine throughout the day, making the most of its elevated position above the surrounding landscape. Protected National Trust land borders the estate, while nearby walking routes lead across Bolberry Down, through East Soar Nature Reserve and towards the dramatic cliffs that define this stretch of coastline. Soar Mill Cove lies only a short walk away, providing easy access to a beach recognised among The Times’ Top 50 UK beaches. From the front door, owners can spend the day exploring coastal paths, launching paddleboards or kayaks from Salcombe, or simply discovering the many cafés, restaurants and independent shops that have made the town one of Devon’s most desirable destinations.
The homes themselves have been designed to make full use of these surroundings. Working alongside an architect-led construction company, the developers created three individual layouts that respond to the character of the site while maintaining a consistent approach to quality and craftsmanship. Vaulted ceilings increase the sense of volume throughout the living spaces, while expansive floor-to-ceiling aluminium windows draw natural light deep into each property and frame changing views across the countryside. Timber interiors introduce warmth and texture, creating spaces that feel welcoming in every season.
Each property provides approximately 900 square feet of accommodation, with layouts tailored to different styles of ownership. The Bolberry offers three bedrooms, including a principal en-suite bedroom, family bathroom and children’s bunk room complete with a fibre optic starlight ceiling. Living accommodation occupies one end of the property, creating a clear distinction between entertaining and sleeping spaces, with French doors opening directly onto the terrace.
The Bigbury follows the same three-bedroom arrangement but places the kitchen, dining and sitting room at the centre of the home, allowing family life to revolve around a generous open living space with bedrooms positioned either side. A terrace extending the full length of the property strengthens the connection between indoors and outside, making summer dining and entertaining particularly enjoyable.
For buyers seeking a different arrangement, The Thurlestone offers two bedrooms, replacing the bunk room with an enlarged principal suite that includes a walk-in wardrobe alongside a spacious en-suite bathroom. The result is a layout well suited to couples who regularly welcome family and friends while enjoying additional comfort during longer stays.
Specification has been given equal attention. Bosch appliances, including an oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, washer-dryer and wine cooler, are fitted as standard, allowing owners to begin enjoying their property immediately. High-speed internet supports both leisure and remote working, while optional additions such as Morsø log burners, Sonos in-ceiling speakers and air conditioning enable buyers to tailor their home to suit the way they intend to use it throughout the year. Environmental performance formed part of the design from the outset.
Every property is fully electric and built using structural insulated panels to achieve high levels of thermal efficiency. Air source heat pumps provide heating and hot water, while smart learning thermostats monitor patterns of occupation and automatically optimise energy use. Durable materials have also been selected with longevity in mind. Thermowood cladding carries a 40-year warranty, and powder-coated aluminium windows have been chosen for their resistance to the effects of the coastal environment, helping maintain both appearance and performance over many years.
Ownership extends beyond the individual homes. The Bolt Club provides an exclusive space for residents, offering complimentary refreshments, comfortable lounges, dedicated work areas, a yoga studio and fitness suite equipped with Peloton machines and free weights. Outside, a landscaped courtyard with barbecue facilities creates opportunities to meet neighbours or gather with family after a day spent exploring the coast. It is an extension of the homes themselves, adding another dimension to life on the estate.
Practical considerations have also shaped the ownership experience. Buyers benefit from a 999-year lease, creating an asset that can be passed from one generation to the next. For many families, this transforms a holiday home into something with genuine long-term significance, establishing a place where memories can continue to accumulate over decades of shared holidays and celebrations.
The financial advantages are equally compelling. There is no stamp duty payable on purchase and no council tax to pay, making ownership considerably more attractive than many comparable opportunities. A concierge service is also available for owners wishing to let their property when it is not in use, providing professional management alongside the potential to generate income while retaining complete flexibility over personal use.
Salcombe itself continues to play an important role in the appeal of The Soar. Renowned for sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and beautiful estuary walks, the town offers a lively calendar of events alongside excellent restaurants, galleries and independent retailers. Boat storage close to the development makes it easier for owners to enjoy time on the water without securing a mooring within the town itself, while the short journey back to The Soar means evenings are spent surrounded by open countryside instead of traffic and crowds.
Throughout the development, careful attention has been paid to transparency. Prospective owners are guided through every aspect of the homes, from construction methods and warranties to the flexibility offered by each layout. That straightforward approach reflects the wider ambitions for the estate: creating a community of owners who value exceptional surroundings, thoughtful design and the freedom to enjoy South Devon in whatever way suits them best.
The Soar succeeds because it brings together elements that are increasingly difficult to find in a single destination. Outstanding scenery, direct access to one of England’s finest stretches of coastline, beautifully considered homes, strong environmental credentials and meaningful long-term ownership combine to create an opportunity that extends well beyond the traditional holiday home. For families who want to spend more time beside the sea, enjoy everything Salcombe has to offer and return each evening to a home designed for comfort, it is an address that promises enduring rewards.
