Salcombe, South Devon, Tempting Buyers

James Matthew visits the yachting haven of Salcombe in South Devon where the exclusive residential community of Estura is tempting buyers to take the plunge

It’s hard to beat the nautical attractions of Salcombe with its glorious golden sands, quaint fishermans’ cottages and leisure boats plying their way up and down the estuary. Homely but bustling, low-key yet sophisticated, the town is steeped in a long history of seafaring, yet the area also boasts one of the sunniest climates in the UK – warm enough to enjoy the numerous outdoor leisure pursuits on offer including golf, horse riding, surfing and walking; the surrounding coastline defined by the national heritage coastal path which threads its way along the scenic South West peninsula.

Rubbing shoulders with ‘royal’ Rock in Cornwall, the town is also now considered to be one of the UK’s most sought-after locations for a second-home as Jane Summers of agents Marchand Petit explains: “Salcombe has a very loyal following, with many homeowners who holidayed here when they were young now returning with their own families. People like the fact that it still feels like a little village with a local butcher, fishmonger and tradesmen in quaint shops along the main street.”

Purchasers, she adds, also feel comfortable with the notion that the town is geared up for second-homeowners. “Locals are used to yachties and beachcombers visiting during holiday periods, which is reassuring for DTL’s (down from London) who have certain expectations on service levels.”

It’s from this aspirational standpoint that the landmark development of Estura has evolved. Comprising ten luxury villas, two elegant apartments and a converted beach house and penthouse, each one of the contemporary design homes in this exclusive residential community benefits from the stunning position on the Salcombe estuary. Glass frontages to the principal rooms of most of the villas and apartments provide spectacular views overlooking East Portlemouth’s beaches, spanning southwest towards the sea and northwards looking into the tidal estuary itself. Most properties have waterside balconies.

Property interiors meanwhile are both hi-spec and high-tech, sporting German designer kitchens, Dornbracht accessorised bathrooms and solid oak flooring, together with surround sound, mood lighting, and under-floor heating.

An additional and attractive perk of ownership – buyers enjoy a two year complimentary membership of the Harbour Spa, the deluxe facilities of the adjacent Salcombe Harbour Hotel, with its 52 square metre swimming pool, hydro pool, sauna, steam room and a fully equipped gymnasium. The hotel’s other facilities live up to its 4-star plus status, including a relaxing lounge bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy al fresco meals on the sweeping terrace, with fabulous views.

For those in a nautical home-from-home frame of mind - villas, marketed by independent agents Marchand Petit are priced at £1.95m. For more information visit: www.marchandpetit.co.uk and www.estura.co.uk