At the top of Salcombe, this property is a classic 1930s house, to which the owner was downsizing and using as their permanent residence. In need of a different set of functional requirements to a holiday home, while they might have been moving to a smaller property, their passion for cooking remained as strong as ever, and as such it was a high priority for them to not only renovate the kitchen, but to create a space that had plenty of storage, and to extend that functional mindset throughout the home.

Form and function

The emphasis on this project was optimising the budget and making it work hard to achieve a contemporary look and feel that worked within proportions of the space. Together, we decided on an open plan kitchen and dining area, to create a sense of conviviality and airiness, while maximising the use of the walls with plenty of cabinetry.

The L-shaped configuration included a peninsular and breakfast bar, and reflecting the pragmatism of the owner, and his passion for functionality, we included an integrated induction hob, quartz countertops, and handleless doors in a classic taupe grey finish for a seamless look and feel. A focal point was the addition of a wood burner which could be used to heat the coffee pot - it is one of two logburners added to the house, with the other in the living room.

The final flourish in the kitchen was the bifolding doors, which created a sense of continuity from the inside out, completed by having extended the patio for indoor/outdoor living and dining.

Putting space to good use

We then set about optimising the use of the rest of the home. We repurposed unused space on a lower level, and turned it into a utility room combined with a shower, adding a third bathroom to the property overall and perfect for an active life by the sea, with space to wash sandy feet and wetsuits. 

By reconfiguring the space upstairs and removing a chimney, we were also able to add an additional bedroom and bathroom, making it four bedrooms and three bathrooms in total. Then, we turned the front garden into a driveway - after all, parking is at a premium in the South Hams.

The end result is a home that's made for enjoying Devon life to the full.