Lamper Head

High on a hilltop above the beautiful Dart estuary in Devon, Lamper Head has some of the finest views in southern England. The panorama takes in moors, rolling countryside and the serried ranks of beaches and headlands, marching off across the horizon. The house itself is no less eye-catching, mixing bold contemporary architecture with a traditional oak frame structure. The result is a perfect combination of style and rural seclusion – although some of this seclusion is due to the baffling country roads around the property and the fact that in-car navigation systems seem to want to direct motorists up a nearby bridle path.

Originally designed as a family home, Lamper Head still feels ideally suited to family groups. The network of interlocking rooms includes luxury bathrooms, treatment rooms and secret children’s dens, so everyone is more than adequately catered for. The six bedrooms, including the serene and appropriately named Zen Master, maintain a studied balance of minimalism and warmth. Meditation classes are one of the many activities that can be arranged at Lamper Head, but with these views and such a harmonious house you might not find them necessary.

Large panoramic windows let light flood into the modern interiors. While the barn-sized, timber-framed living area creates a wonderful sense of space, it is undoubtedly the indoor pool that provides the house’s principal ‘wow’ factor. Large French doors allow you to open up the whole area onto the gardens, but even in winter you can splash around in the pool and enjoy views over to Chisel Beach in Dorset, 40 miles away.

The kitchen is fully equipped and includes an Aga, fridge-freezer and dishwasher; there’s also a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. The dining table can easily seat all house guests, but as Lamper Head is surrounded by several terraces, patios and courtyard gardens with barbecues, it's difficult to resist the temptation to eat out in the garden if the weather is fine. A chef can be arranged to prepare meals for you using local organic produce; meanwhile you can get wholly into the spirit of the house and enjoy Tai Chi classes or a massage in the treatment room.

Beyond the house’s five acres of gardens and orchards, there’s the estuary and the beautiful South Devon coastline to explore. Some of the region’s most impressive beaches are only a short distance away at Slapton Sands, Blackpool Sands and Bantham; complete picnic sets are provided but there are excellent seafood restaurants in the Dartmouth area and some informal but fantastic seafood stalls and cafés, too. There’s sailing and kayaking year-round on the Dart, but nothing quite beats the magic of a moonlit paddle downstream on a summer night, followed by a barbecue on the riverbanks.

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