Rising above the ordinary
- Jan 15
- 5 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
Situated in one of the country’s most appealing locations, The Soar, offers a peaceful bolt hole.
As a private collection of holiday homes it already exhibits aspirational intent. Couple this with the Scandinavian inspired design and attention to detail, each property, in this gated estate, beckons to those who desire a home from home, where relaxation and the chance to unwind are compulsory. It is quite literally a haven on the South Devon coast.
From the outset the vision was clear. By partnering with an architect-led construction company in Northamptonshire, the goal was to design three distinct layouts that would make the most of the location’s natural advantages. With the estate benefiting from all-day sunlight, the designs were focused on maximizing light and space. This led to the inclusion of vaulted roofs and expansive floor-to-ceiling aluminium wrap-around windows, which not only frame stunning views of the surrounding countryside but also flood the interiors with natural brightness. Throughout the properties, the timber interiors enhance the warm, inviting atmosphere.
Having decided upon the general form it was the particularities that then came under the designers’ scrutiny. Each of the three property layouts – The Bolberry, The Bigbury and The Thurlestone – offer 900 sq. ft. of interior space.
The Bolberry has three bedrooms, including a master en suite, a further family bathroom and two cosy bunk beds designed for children, with a fibre optic starlight display above. The kitchen, living room and dining space is positioned at the end of the property, creating a separation between the reception and accommodation zones. French doors lead from the dining area to the terrace, providing a versatile entertaining space.
The Bigbury also boasts three bedrooms, including a master en suite, a further family bathroom and two inviting bunk beds designed for children, with a fibre optic starlight display above. The kitchen, living room and dining area is positioned within the centre of the property, with bedrooms and bathrooms either side. A terrace runs the full length of the property.
The Bigbury and Bolberry offer buyers the flexibility to choose an internal layout that best suits their lifestyle. Those who prefer a more open-plan design can opt for the Bigbury layout, while those who value a clearer distinction between the reception and accommodation spaces may prefer the Bolberry.
The Thurlestone offers two bedrooms, including a more generously sized master en suite with additional walk-in wardrobe space. The property does not feature the bunk bedroom seen with the Bolberry and Bigbury layouts, which has enabled the creation of the larger master en suite. Like the Bolberry, the kitchen, dining and living space is contained at the end of the property with a terrace creating a versatile outdoor space.
Integrated Bosch appliances, including a wine cooler, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and washer-dryer come as standard while Morsø log burners, Sonos in-ceiling speaker systems and air conditioning can be installed as an optional extra – perfect for staying in your holiday home throughout the seasons. All properties benefit from high-speed internet enabling connectivity when staying at your holiday home.
Sustainability was also high on the list of considerations when construction began. Each property at The Soar is fully electric, constructed with SIPS panels for superior insulation, and equipped with air source heat pumps to help reduce carbon emissions. Smart learning thermostats are installed in every home, adapting to owners’ routines to optimise energy use and deliver automatic savings. With no reliance on fossil fuels, the properties are designed to minimise environmental impact. The development uses high-quality, durable materials, including Thermowood exterior cladding, which comes with a 40-year warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance thus reducing the need for regular replacement, unlike cheaper, lower-grade alternatives. And due to the site’s close proximity to the sea, powder-coated aluminium windows were chosen, which have a high resistance to corrosion, ensuring that they remain in situ longer than budget alternatives.
TOP & MIDDLE Bolberry
ABOVE Bigbury
The location above the stunning coastline is clearly significant. Only a five-minute walk from Soar Mill Cove, rated a Top 50 UK beach by The Times, the site is firmly connected to its surrounding location. The architectural elements of each home, in particular the floor-to-ceiling aluminium wrap-around windows, frame wonderful views of the local area and the outdoor terraces allow you to sit and enjoy the peaceful estate which borders protected National Trust land. There are plenty of walking routes from the estate, leading along the dramatic coastline and through Bolberry Down and East Soar Nature Reserve, which is perfect for dog walking. Only a short drive from Salcombe, owners can readily enjoy the water sports, dining and retail outlets the town has to offer. Boat storage nearby also enables owners to easily partake in Salcombe’s water-based activities without having to resort to a mooring in the town.
One of the most appealing incentives of owning a property at The Soar is the 999-year lease, allowing properties to be passed down through generations and creating a lasting legacy. The development encourages long-term ownership, fostering the idea that these properties will remain in families for years to come.
For an additional cost a concierge service is available whereby owners have the option to sublet their properties when not in use, creating a potential income stream. It is anticipated that many owners will take advantage of this opportunity, offering an attractive way to generate revenue while enjoying the flexibility of inhabiting their property when it suits.
TOP Bigbury
ABOVE & MIDDLE Thurlestone
The on-site Bolt Club is a private clubhouse on the estate exclusively for the use of owners. It offers a pantry with complimentary tea and coffee, a sitting room space to relax and catch up with fellow owners, a study to take calls and work remotely, plus a yoga studio and fitness suite with free weights and Peloton equipment. Additionally, the clubhouse’s courtyard garden offers a barbecue area for hosting lunches and dinners, facilitating a social element to ownership.
Unlike some sites, transparency with owners was a consideration that was and remains paramount. Aligned with the attractive 999-leasehold element The Soar clearly communicates the home’s warranties to buyers, providing them with peace of mind before purchasing. The team guides prospective buyers on all viewings and demonstrates the homes’ versatility as family destinations or the perfect bolthole for couples to host friends and family.
Casting an eye toward the future The Soar seems set to mature into something that will be enhanced by the passage of time. With no council tax or stamp duty payable, they see newly launched properties becoming a popular option for holiday home ownership in this appealing area. As the plots sell, they are looking forward to building a community of like-minded people, who have the commonality of ownership combined with a mutual love of water sports, Salcombe and the stunning South Devon countryside. It is also likely that people will purchase holiday homes at The Soar and let them out when not in use, allowing them to enjoy their property while also enabling others to discover the local area too.
