In a county of cosy B&Bs and cream teas, these luxuriously minimalist self-catering apartments are a new and ambitious departure. Designed and built by owner Tim Fleming - a visionary London-based developer who grew up on this very plot of land - they are the epitome of a sleek, less-is-more aesthetic. What you get more of is top-spec appliances (including underfloor heating and temperature-controlled wine fridges), super-comfy beds, soul-cleansing marbled bathrooms, a smattering of impeccably chosen artworks and, above all, space. Each measures 1400 sq ft - more than most holiday cottages - with 2-3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an open-plan living area that you could hold a ballroom dance in. What you get less of is clutter - no shelves of dog-eared paperbacks or dated DVDs (but there's Sonos and Netflix-connected TVs), and definitely not a doily in sight.
Perched in prime position above one of Devon's (and England's) most awe-inspiring beaches - 3 miles of sand backed by endless dunes and Unesco-listed burrows - you'll also get more of (but never enough of) mesmeric sea views. Waters morph from silver to sunset gold, pinprick surfers play on Atlantic rollers, artful clouds scud by. It may not be the Maldives, but for painterly beauty inside and out, this spot can compete with anywhere in the world.
Highs
- Every apartment has a wraparound sea-facing balcony or terrace and huge picture windows to pull in the panorama
- Furnishings and fittings could not be higher spec: think Brume chandeliers, limited edition prints (we loved Tim Hall's Sky I), top-notch kitchens, Le Corbusier sofas in the penthouse
- Pocket-sprung mattresses and down duvets are blissful, and the soundproofing bombproof: we slept like babies
- It's just 5 mins' walk down a sandy path to the beach
- With boogie boards to borrow, brilliant surf lessons, golf a short walk away, horse-riding at nearby Croyde, and lung-clearing coastal hikes all around, you won't get bored
Lows
- As you will have gathered, this is not a place for those who like stacks of homely bric-a-brac
- Be aware the set-up is self-catering: apart from a thorough meet-and-greet, you may not see any staff during your stay
- If you want to dine out in reasonable style, you'll have to drive to Braunton (5 mins) or further
- This level of quality and space does not come cheap
- A strict cancellation policy
Best time to go
The apartments are open year-round and, with such indulgent living spaces and underfloor heating (plus woodburner in the Penthouse), you needn't worry about the weather. We visited in February and were captivated by the ever-changing winter skies and slanting sunbeams.
Summer is, of course, high season: roads can get crowded, as can the beach (but there's always plenty of space at the further reaches). Fixed year-round pricing makes it, effectively, better value in summer.
Summer is, of course, high season: roads can get crowded, as can the beach (but there's always plenty of space at the further reaches). Fixed year-round pricing makes it, effectively, better value in summer.
Our top tips
There are no set changeover days - another breakthrough for Devon - so arrive and leave whenever you want (so long as you fulfil the 2-3 night minimum).
We loved ground-floor (and pet-friendly) Apartment 1 for its direct garden access and southwesterly aspect; while Tim's favourite is second-floor Apartment 5, for its more elevated sea views and natural pebbly palette.
Try and catch the magical moment when encroaching evening tides cover the beach in a reflective film of water, creating an infinitely Instagrammable mirror sunset.
We loved ground-floor (and pet-friendly) Apartment 1 for its direct garden access and southwesterly aspect; while Tim's favourite is second-floor Apartment 5, for its more elevated sea views and natural pebbly palette.
Try and catch the magical moment when encroaching evening tides cover the beach in a reflective film of water, creating an infinitely Instagrammable mirror sunset.
Location
The Chalet Saunton is located above the beach of Saunton Sands, near Barnstaple in Devon, UK.
By Air:
Fly into Exeter (100km / 1 hr 15), Bristol (155km / 2 hrs) or - for a wider range of flights, London Heathrow (340km / 3 hrs 40).
By Train:
To Barnstaple (4-5 hrs from London Paddington) and then taxi (14km / 20 mins).
By Car:
Good access via the M5 and A361. Free off-road parking (one car per booking - additional spaces can be allocated, but only on request). Electric car charging is possible via 240v sockets.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- Exeter 100.0 km EXE
- Bristol 155.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km