Waterside Salcombe

Waterside is a characterful property that sits on the banks of the estuary between Salcombe and Kingsbridge in Devon. On a steep hillside, the property’s gardens fall sharply towards the waterline, with extraordinary views out across the river to the north-west.

The proposals for the partial refurbishment of this property are for two extensions. The single storey extension will house an open kitchen/dining room with views to the river. This will replace an existing lean-to. A two storey extension will create a welcoming entrance and additional first floor bedroom.

Volume, form and locally sourced materials (natural stone and slate roof) have been carefully chosen to enhance and sit comfortably with the rest of the house.

The site is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and next to Kingsbridge Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is important for its very rich and diverse intertidal and subtidal flora and invertebrate fauna in the estuary. From the beginning, we have worked closely with the planning department to ensure the design and workings of the property are in keeping with, and respectful of, the environment and prominent location.

The topography and somewhat remote location of the site present many challenges, from drainage design and landscape form to access. Mill Bay is a single lane road and the only route to the site and the project will require careful management and logistics during construction.

Waterside, like most of the surrounding properties, is currently off-grid and heated with an oil boiler. A package treatment plant in the garden discharges into the river. Our proposal replaces the oil tank with an LPG-based system to provide heating and hot water and recommends a new drainage system and pump station that will facilitate connection to the nearby public sewer. This will stop any discharge into the estuary, protecting flora and fauna.

There is a lawn in the rear garden and beyond this the land rises steeply and is rarely used. To take advantage of this, a landscape design to enhance its biodiversity has been developed, along with plans to reduce light pollution to minimise the impact on wildlife.