Mango House II, Torquay, Devon

This marvellous modernist house was built in the early 1930s and was designed in part by the son of Sir Edwin Lutyens. It sits in a sought-after part of Torquay and spans some 2,700 sq ft, with three storeys and four serene bedrooms, one with its own separate entrance from the side of the home. Panoramic views sweep out across Torbay from balconies and a wonderful roof terrace, while the red sands, quiet coves and high sandstone cliffs of Devon's inimitable coastline are a short stroll away.



The Tour



Approached via a quiet residential road, Mango House occupies an elevated position, with external steps, flanked by a tiered walled garden, leading up to the primary entrance. An integral garage and private driveway provide off-street parking and storage. Tropical plants, including sculptural palms, thrive in the temperate coastal climate.



The house has been recently rewired, replumbed and repainted, and a new kitchen was added. What was previously a conservatory has been transformed into an insulated garden room, a space thoroughly integrated with the landscaped greenery beyond.



The entrance hallway is bright and welcoming, with timber flooring running underfoot. An expansive open-plan kitchen and dining room is set out across the heart of the plan, a beautifully light space with views to the sea from the kitchen window.



Powder-coated aluminium glass doors allow light to flood into the dining/sitting area, opening the space onto the terrace and rear garden during warmer months. Honey-toned maple floorboards run underfoot, and simple off-white walls provide a crisp backdrop for hanging art.



A well-proportioned office or study is positioned adjacent, with tall glazing framing views to the garden. On the opposite side of the ground floor, there is a lounge and adjoining garden room; a light-filled space, ideal for summer lunches or morning coffee. There is also a convenient utility room, which leads from the kitchen to the garage.



Three of the four double bedrooms are positioned on the first floor, as well as a well-equipped separate bathroom. The largest is around 30 feet long and has a smart en suite and French doors to an elevated terrace with steps down to the side of the house, making it a separate nook for multi-generational living or for guests seeking solitude. Another bedroom at the front of the house has doors to a sea-facing balcony.



A door opens from the first floor to a brilliant dressing room, where stairs ascend to the fantastic top-floor principal bedroom. This is a breathtaking space, with views that are nothing short of spectacular: triple-glazed doors open to a decked roof terrace that faces out to sea. A kitchenette adjoins, and there is an en suite wet room. Its flexible and slightly separate nature would also make this room an excellent guest suite, or a studio for the professional or hobbyist artist.



Outdoor Space



At the rear is an enchanting and secluded garden, carefully landscaped by the current owners. It has vegetable beds and a tall maple tree that provides privacy. A heated Scandinavian summer house is positioned in one corner of the garden; with power and heating, it is currently used as a gym. There is also a separate garden store.



The house has a rear first-floor deck, a front balcony, and a spectacular rooftop terrace. Those at the front have mesmerising sea views, and all have space to sit outside in the fresh coastal air.



The Area



Mango House is in a remarkable coastal spot on the ‘English Riviera’. Seemingly boundless walks extend nearby, with Hollicombe Beach around 10 minutes’ walk from the house, with Preston Sands and Paignton an additional 10-minute walk away. There are over 20 more beaches in the bay to explore, along with the expansive South West Coastal Path.



The centre of Torquay has a good selection of supermarkets, independent shops and cafes. There are also many good dining venues nearby, including the Michelin-starred The Elephant. Totnes is around 15 minutes’ drive away and has a brilliant independent scene. The town is also renowned for its charming Friday and Saturday market, which sells local produce, vintage clothing and antiques, and its small live music venues.



The bustling harbour fishing town of Brixham is just over 20 minutes by car, and picturesque Dartmouth, home of the Royal Naval College, is around a 30-minute drive away. The wonderful Dartmoor National Park - an area characterised by its majestic uplands and tors, dramatic moors and secret wooded valleys - can be reached in around 30 minutes.



The house is close to several highly regarded state and independent schools, including Abbey School and Torquay Girls' Grammar School. Torquay rail station is around a mile and a half from the house and provides mainline services between Cornwall and London. A direct service to London Paddington runs regularly from Torquay, with a journey time of around three hours.



Council Tax Band: F