Set back just 25 yards from the Budleigh Salterton's south-facing pebble beach, The Cygnet enjoys unsurpassed sea and coastline views stretching from Otterton Ledge and the reed beds and marsh at the mouth of the River Otter on one side to Straight Point and Otter Cove on the other. The house was built in 1895 and is not only one of the few remaining detached, period family houses on the seafront but also the second largest. An opportunity to purchase an unlisted house of such quality and size in Budleigh Salterton is an extremely rare occurrence and could be described as a “once in a blue moon” opportunity. It is typical of a prosperous family house of the late Victorian period and is built of rendered and painted brick under a Welsh slate roof with deep eaves.

The front of the house has twin, two storey bay windows with a first floor balcony between them and an enclosed ground floor veranda and side porch. The house has good-sized rooms with high ceilings and its south-facing position and tall windows combine to allow natural light to fill the interior. It has also retained many of its original architectural fittings. These include fireplaces, decorative glazing bars, extensive internal joinery and timber floors in many rooms including an elegant, pale coloured parquet floor in the drawing room.

The hall effectively divides the ground floor with the drawing and sitting rooms on one side and the study, dining room and kitchen on the other. The two main reception rooms overlook the beach and are connected by the enclosed veranda via French windows. The kitchen/breakfast room has a tiled floor and is fitted with range of units and built-in electric appliances and a two oven AGA.

The part-galleried landing on the first floor leads to all six bedrooms. The principal and guest bedrooms occupy pride of place above the drawing and sitting rooms below with completely unhindered views out to sea. The remaining bedrooms extend out towards the back of the house and, along with the guest bedroom, share the family bath and shower rooms between them. The house also has a very large attic with possibilities subject to consent.

Garden
The Cygnet is accessed directly from Marine Parade onto a brick-paved parking area with space for about four cars. Waist-high walls softened by hedging bound the parking area on either side.

The house itself lies behind and is partially screened by a richly planted raised border, with a flight of steps rising on one side to the side porch. Fringing the full width of the house is the front timber deck. Most of the garden is to the rear of the house.

The rear garden comprises a good-sized paved terrace that provides ample space for outside dining. Beyond it a steep slope planted with a wide variety of shrubs rises to a level area at the top of the garden that accommodates a timber summer house alongside a paved seating area and a small lawn. This serves as a superb vantage point with views looking out to sea across the rooftops of the houses along the parade.

The Cygnet is situated midway along Marine Parade in the small coastal town of Budleigh Salterton and has direct access onto the beach. The town lies within the East Devon AONB at the mouth of the River Otter, where the estuary forms a haven for migratory birds and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The town enjoys a beautiful coastal position with miles of
coastal path extending out on both sides along the World Heritage coastline. It is home to the scenic East Devon Golf Club, a cricket club and an 11 lawn croquet club.

The town has a wide range of shops and local businesses and has good access via the B3178 to Exmouth train station, which provides regular, direct services to Exeter (23 minutes). Exeter Airport offers national and international connections including a regular service to London City Airport (1 hour).

The area also has a good selection of popular schools from both the state and independent sectors including a wide choice of primary schools (all Ofsted rated 2 Good) within a three mile radius.

Exmouth Station 5 miles (Exeter Central 23 minutes), Junction 30 M5 9.8 miles, Exeter Airport 11.9 miles (London City Airport 1 hour), Exeter city centre 13.9 miles, Exeter St. David's station 14.1 miles, Colyton grammar School 16.9 miles, Tiverton 33.1 miles (All distances and times are approximate)