East Prawle: Village (shop, good food cafe) a mile from the sea in the middle of a marvellously unspoilt peninsula (farmland ringed by cliffs, coves, beaches) between the Kingsbridge estuary and Start Bay. Mainly Nat. Trust owned coast. Stunning scenery. Superb cliff-bird-watching (gannets diving), and walks to Start Point (lighthouse), to Prawle Point (the most southerly point in Devon), via the coast path to little sandy cove beaches (nearest 1 mile), to Gara Rock Hotel (cliff-top, drinks, meals, cove swimming), 2 miles, and on. Easy 3 mile walk round the headland to the estuary mouth and East Portlemouth with its big and beautiful sandy beach, yachts, and pedestrian ferry to Salcombe. Kingsbridge, by car, 9 miles.
... Ash Park is about mile from East Prawle village. Nestled into a rocky hillside, it has 180 degree uninterrupted views over farmland and coastline to the sea (the coastguard cottages at Prawle Point the only other habitation at all near). It is the
sunniest of south-facing houses, imaginatively designed, set in the most beautiful, three-acre landscaped, originally Hillier designed, garden (with gardener happy to chat 'plants' to you as he works!); pond (unnetted, water plants), lawns, winding paths and steps, huge rocks, herbaceous borders, many semi-tropical plants and trees (including palms, phormiums, ochiums, bananas, embothrium), a kidney-shaped, outdoor heated swimming pool (unfenced, 27' x 12', 2'9-5'6 deep, available 23 May to 12 Sept), two west-facing York stone terraces (furniture) and balustrade.
Built in 1982, the house is centrally heated, has excellent standard of bathrooms and kitchen fittings - all top rate - and huge picture windows, bringing the views and garden into the house. The sweeping drive leads to 5 steps up to a verandah and front door into spacious, open hall, light streaming down over the staircase. Off the hall is the large elegant main drawing room with carved slate fireplace (gas fire) and expansive white American-shuttered picture windows with breathtaking views over the coast and sea. This room opens to sunroom with door to balcony. Next door is the dining room with mahogany dining table seating 12, big windows (views), and swing door into the excellent, exceptionally well-fitted, west-facing kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, Aga plus ceramic hob, double electric oven, tiled floor, white cupboards, granite worktop, TV, CD player, breakfast table and chairs). Glazed doors to terrace and swimming pool. Utility room with washing machine, tumble drier, bottle fridge, freezer and walk-in cupboards; boot room. Off the entrance hall is a second sitting room with large brick fireplace (gas fire), splendid mahogany bookcase (books, games, CD player), and opposite it a twin bedroom with balcony (furniture), views over garden to sea, and separate shower-room (suite) across the hall.
Elegant cantilevered stairs up to a large landing, off which three excellent bedrooms with built-in wardrobes/furniture - the east-facing master double bedroom (6’ bed) with large en suite bathroom (suite); second double bedroom (5’ bed) with separate bathroom (suite plus separate shower); large west-facing bedroom with twin bed and sofa bed and en suite shower-room (corner shower, suite).
From the kitchen and terrace by the swimming pool, steps lead down to a further bedroom - not quite as luxurious - with twin beds and en suite shower-room (suite) - best for teenagers.
Phone. No smoking. Suitable for partially disabled. NB. Difficult garden for small children. Cautionary Deposit £400. For position, interior, garden - all 'five star' - this is one of the best houses we have ever seen; delighted it is with us.
Weekend breaks available 24 October to 8 March.
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