Kate and her mother Jackie have just moved into a Baker Estates barngalow at The View in Malborough, near Salcombe and are looking forward to an idyllic Devon lifestyle.
Boasting magnificent views of rolling countryside, the four-bedroom contemporary home is a nod to a barn conversion with the very best of bungalow modern living.
It was Kate’s career that brought her back to the UK from Europe, just as the country went into its first lockdown. This was the cue for Plymouth born Kate to decide that she and her mother, Jackie 72, should buy a new home in their beloved Devon.
Kate already knew the site and lie of the land at The View because friends have lived in the village for a number of years. She was therefore familiar with Baker Estates, the local award winning south west housebuilder.
Kate, 42, said: “I had been set on remaining in the SE of England for work, but then realised that with increased flexible working and good transport connections, a move to Devon was perfectly feasible. Mum and I both have family and plenty of friends living in Devon so we were keen to move closer to them.”
When the first lockdown rules eased, Kate and Mum, Jackie took the opportunity to look around the development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom traditional homes and barn-style ‘bungalows’. There was no looking back!
In December 2020, Jackie and Kate, moved into the four-bedroom detached property.
Kate explained: “I never expected to find a property with such kerb appeal and views that make me as happy as the view of the mountains I had in France. Our new home is south facing and has views over the glorious countryside across the South Hams Area of Outstanding Beauty.
As well as gorgeous countryside, we’re surrounded by six sandy beaches all connected by the idyllic South West Coastal Path.”
“The layout of this property works so well. The downstairs is open-plan and really light, bright and airy with a kitchen, dining, living area and garden room, plus a fourth bedroom and a cloakroom. One of my favourite aspects is the bi-fold doors leading from the kitchen into the garden, which is south facing. It just allows us to feel connected with the landscape even inside on a grey windy day,” added Kate.
Jackie is ‘delighted with the ‘spacious master bedroom and en suite’ and both she and daughter, Kate, feel the flow of accommodation in their new ‘barngalow’. One of the three upstairs bedrooms has made the perfect home office for Kate, allowing her to have the balance of home and work life.
The specification offered by Baker Estates really impressed Kate. “I knew I wanted a neutral palette, but I was amazed at the selection of neutral tiles, worktop styles, units and flooring choices Baker Estates offered me. I plumped for glossy, sleek, handle-less kitchen units with quartz worktops and white walls and integrated white goods – it looks even better than I could have imagined.”
The outside space is as considered as the inside when it comes to design, offering privacy, security and making the most of the open countryside beyond. The garage with a pitched roof offers roomy storage and the driveway has more than enough parking space.
Although lockdown has meant that cafes, pubs and restaurants have been closed for much of the time, Kate and Jackie are looking forward to exploring the local area when things begin to re-open.
Kate said: “The village of Malborough has a thriving community and is a good location for families, professionals and all generations with a village shop and post office, garage, primary school and two popular pubs, The Old Inn and The Royal Oak, which both do great food. The location couldn’t be better, we’re surrounded by great places to visit and have some of Britain’s most stunning coastline and countryside on our doorstep.”
To find out more, please visit www.bakersestatesltd.co.uk