Imagine waking up to the tranquil sounds of water flowing past your home every morning. Upon opening the curtains, you gaze out on to one of the most sought-after waterside views in the south-west: the river Yealm – a symphony of vivid blues and greens, studded with white yachts and colourful boats. This is the idyllic scene that greets Vince and Sue Ashe, who are two of the first residents to move into The Yealm, the newly developed scheme of luxury riverside homes in the village of Newton Ferrers, south Devon. The couple purchased one of the ground-floor apartments in Yealm Wood – a contemporary space comprising four homes made of zinc, wood and glass, curved and articulated to make the most of the wonderful views out over the estuary. We caught up with them to see how they are enjoying their new home and to find out what drew them to The Yealm in the first place.
Waterside family holidays
“We live in Ashtead, Surrey, and have dreamed about having a bolthole on the river ever since we stayed in a waterside property on holiday in Bali in 2019. We saw The Yealm advertised in The Telegraph so thought we’d take a look at the development. We realised it would be the perfect year-round holiday destination to spend time with our two grown-up children. We also have our first grandchild on the way, so we’re keen to have a base for fun, relaxing family holidays. We’d like to get a boat to potter around in, as well as paddle boards to explore the river – not to mention going fishing! We’re keen to be on the water as well as in the water.”
Perfect, secluded location
“Given what’s happened recently with the COVID-19 pandemic, buying in the UK has been a good move as we feel travelling abroad will change going forward. It’s been good timing for us. But we knew nothing about Newton Ferrers – in fact, we hadn’t ever heard of the place! We were pleasantly surprised when we came to visit – we were immediately attracted to the village’s strong community spirit, which was so nice and welcoming. Newton isn’t as developed as somewhere like, say, Salcombe. It has all the essentials – pubs, a post office and church – but no high street or boutiques, and it’s not on the main route to get somewhere. This was really attractive as it’s somewhere we want to come to get away from it all. We also just loved the ever-changing estuary view. It’s not like a sea view, where there’s just the beach and ocean – we’re able to look out over the hills and countryside as well as the water.”
Homes designed for living
“It’s lovely that the old Yealm hotel has been revitalised. It’s been very sensitively restored and many of the original features have been retained. They’ve just been brought into the 21st century! We feel that Yealm Wood is an extension of this. It’s not just a square block – a lot of thought has been put into the architecture, and the homes really fit into the landscape. And they’ve made the most of the stunning views! We’re impressed with the communal areas, too. The grounds have been really thought through – a lot of time and effort has gone into the plot and layout. The woodland walks will be beautiful, and touches like the fire pit and stone seating area will be well used.”
Rooms with a view
“Right now, we are just enjoying the views. The water always changes, and there is so much to look out for and watch – from wildlife to the boats coming and going. We still pinch ourselves when we stand on the terrace – it’s the length of the entire apartment, and we can’t wait to share and enjoy this with friends and family.”
Exploring the local area
“We are looking forward to making the most out of the area – buying a small boat and exploring the river, visiting the local pubs, and then going further afield. Newton Ferrers is a great base for making day trips down to Cornwall and south Devon.”
Smooth purchasing process
“Because it was a new development and we were buying off-plan, acquiring our apartment was smooth and speedy, particularly as it was a second home purchase. From deposit to exchange took approximately a month. Simon Friend, Red Earth owner and The Yealm developer was very cooperative and helpful with sorting things out. And from a decor perspective, we are very satisfied with the colours, wooden flooring and carpets. We’re truly delighted with our apartment.”
If you would like to join the Ashes at one of the south-west’s most beautiful waterside locations, come and see for yourself what living at The Yealm would really be like. The development and show apartment are open and ready for viewings by appointment with Marchand Petit. A tour of this light and airy home on the top floor of the Main House, formerly the grand Victorian River Yealm hotel, will enable you to gaze out at those stunning views in person. You’ll also get a real feel for how you would enjoy the space – from that first morning coffee out on your own private balcony to curling up on the sofa with a good book in the evening.
If you are unable to visit in person, we have an interactive walkthrough of the show apartment on our website, so you can tour the property independently, on your own time and at your own pace. Simply visit www.theyealm.co.uk/show-apartment and step inside. You’ll really be able to imagine yourself living there. Visit each room, zeroing on details such as light fixtures and bathroom tiles – all from the comfort of your own laptop.
Start your river life today and book a viewing of the show apartment and the development with Marchand Petit on 01752 873311 or email theyealm@marchandpetit.co.uk.
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