Think of a trip to Devon and you might dream of thatched cottages on winding lanes, picturesque coves and little villages with tea shops that time forgot. While these can all still be found in abundance, and doubtless make up the unique picture that is one of the UK’s most scenic counties, there’s a new wave of design aficionados moving in, making their mark to offer visitors something brand new.
Chalet Saunton, overlooking the wide expansive beach that is Saunton Sands, is one of North Devon’s latest and sharpest developments. Opening in time for the summer season this year, it is a slick apartment-living offering that brings a new dimension to ‘coastal cool’.
Designed by owner Tim Fleming, a London-based property developer, the self-catering apartments are a minimalist’s dream with none of the clutter you frequently find in self-catering accommodation. With roots to the area, Fleming, in fact, grew up on the plot that the building stands on, originally the site of his home, which had been in the family since 1946. Nowadays, underfloor heating, wine fridges and glorious marble bathrooms are just some of the top-end details which add a level of luxury and stand these apartments apart from anything else that has the ‘self-catering’ label.
Best of all are the views, and all the apartments (there are six in total plus a Penthouse) make the most of the oceanic vistas. Walls are white or cream to reflect the light that bounces in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors. Shared terraces and balconies mean that you can spend as much time as you want outdoors, soaking it all up. The beach – which is renowned as one of the UK’s best surfing spots – is so close that it feels just fingertip-distance away.
The apartments are expansive and stylish – with cool artworks, modern kitchens and statement lighting straight out of Architectural Digest. Wooden floors, contemporary modular sofas and flat-screen TVs give a sense of urban living. As you’d expect, the two-bedroom Penthouse is the star of the show, and comes complete with a king-size master suite, nickel roll-top bath, vast lounge, an original turntable with vinyl, for those essential retro moments, and a wood burning stove.
The location of course is the main draw: built into the hillside, Chalet Saunton looks out over the spectacular Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With direct beach access, here it is all about long days on the sand, and in the evening, watching the Atlantic waves crash under a blazing sunset.
For those wanting to explore further, the South West Coast Path is on the doorstep, perfect for roaming around the idyllic countryside. Incidentally, nearby Ilfracombe, a quaint harbour town, is also making its mark on the area, with its foodie scene giving out-of-towners and locals alike a surprising array of standout culinary spots. Michelin-starred The Olive Room, for instance, is renowned for its seafood and is one of the most well-regarded restaurants of the area. Chef-patron Thomas Carr, who trained under Nathan Outlaw, is soon due to open his second restaurant, Thomas Carr Seafood and Grill, also in the town. You read it here first: it’s the seaside, but not as you know it!
