3 bedroom terraced house for sale

On the estuary of the River Plym, this three-bedroom, Grade II-listed cottage spanning nearly 2,000 sq ft, lies within the Turnchapel Conservation Area in Plymouth, Devon. It was converted from the former Shipwrights Arms pub, which is thought to date to the early 19th century. Revived and extended over the years, all newer finishes and fittings complement its retained period charm and preserved original details. There is also a south-facing garden at its rear - an enchanting space to relax and absorb the crisp sea air.

Setting The Scene

A shipyard has been present in Turnchapel since the 17th century. In 1903 it was acquired by the Admiralty and used as a naval oil fuel depot until it was badly damaged by aerial bombing in 1940. The slipway was used as an embarkation point by troops of the US 29th Division for the Normandy landings in June 1944. The site then became a Royal Marines base from 1993 till 2013.

Shipwrights is believed to date from the early 1800s, serving the workers, troops and locale until the 1970s. Converted soon after, Shipwrights remains at the heart of Turnchapel, which today stands as a coastal village with a rainbow of painted façades and a vibrant local community.

The Grand Tour

Set within the house's bold, orange-painted front façade, an imposing black timber-panelled front door with a pilastered doorcase and fanlight provides entry  to the ground-floor reception hall.

Neutral tones, simple geometric tiles and accented radiators instil an immediate sense of calm on arrival. From here, a painted timber staircase leads up to the main living accommodation on the first floor.

The living room, situated at the front of the plan, is awash with natural light from an expansive timber mullioned sliding sash window that also frames impressive views out to sea. A fireplace - complete with an intricately carved timber surround, wood-burning stove and granite hearth - provides an alluring focal point. Timber floorboards run underfoot, providing a warm contrast to the soft, muted palette otherwise adopted.

Towards the rear of the first floor is the dining room/snug, which is home to a striking art nouveau tiled cast-iron fireplace. A window seat adorns the sliding sash window here.

Beyond lies the kitchen and breakfast room, housed in an impressive extension created by the current owner. Blending in with the local vernacular while maintaining a contemporary edge, the light-filled space is framed by vaulted ceiling with heritage roof lights and timber-framed double doors with sidelights. The kitchen is well-appointed with an array of wooden units, double Belfast sink, range cooker, Smeg appliances and a wide central island that doubles as a breakfast bar.

In the centre of the first floor is a double bedroom with beautiful period features including a decorative cast-iron fireplace, alcove storage and a sliding sash window with views of the garden and cliffs beyond.

The main bedroom is on the second floor, with breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. A sublimely finished bathroom lies adjacent and has a freestanding roll-top bath. Along the second-floor landing is a shower room and separate WC.

An additional shower room and a third bedroom, currently used as a study, are situated on the ground floor. A utility room is located off the entrance hallway and provides internal access to the garage.

The Great Outdoors

The south-facing walled rear garden is accessed via the French doors from the kitchen and is paved with several raised beds. It has plenty of space for entertaining and has wonderful views across the surrounding landscape.

Out and About

Turnchapel is a delightful coastal community to the east of the city of Plymouth. There is direct access to the water and a local harbour, making it a prime destination for sea faring activities such as sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding. It is also the perfect location to observe the annual British Fireworks Championship.

There are a selection of pubs and eateries within a short walk, including the popular Clovelly Bay Inn, locals' haunt the Boringdon Arms, and popular breakfast spot, The Guard Room café.

The coastline has countless walks and hikes with excellent views, while Dartmoor National Park is a 25-minute drive away. The moorlands and national park are over 368 sq miles, with the highest peak at High Willhays reached in around two hours.

Well positioned to explore the wider area, Turnchapel is on the edge of the South Hams, with the pretty village of Noss Mayo just 20 minutes by car, and the popular estuary towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe both reached in about an hour.

Plymouth is a vibrant city with an identity tied to its maritime roots. Tinside Lido is a spectacular 1930s art deco lido in a unique circular structure, overlooking the Plymouth Sound with Plymouth Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower raised above. Further local attractions including Theatre Royal Plymouth, the National Trust house Saltram and the golden sands of Bovisand Beach.

Transport links to the surrounding areas and beyond include a direct train to London Paddington from Plymouth train station. Exeter is about an hour by car along the A38, which continues via the M5 to Bristol and Bath.

Council Tax Band: D