Property of the Week: Falconers, Salcombe, Devon

Salcombe has long been one of the English coastline’s most coveted destinations, with families flocking to Airbnb each summer in the hope of securing a spot in this picturesque seaside town. But there is a way to bypass the seasonal scramble entirely by putting down permanent roots on the Devonshire coast. Falconers is a beautifully crafted Grade II listed manor house set within seven acres of landscaped grounds, just a stone’s throw from Salcombe’s famed beaches.

The quintessential British home, Falconers exudes timeless charm. Constructed in 1925 using handcrafted English oak, it was originally built as a showpiece for the British Empire Exhibition before being carefully dismantled and reassembled on its current elevated plot above Salcombe, chosen for its commanding views and peaceful seclusion. This remarkable provenance resonates throughout the home.

Unlike newer builds along the seafront, Falconers sits quietly within its surroundings, complementing the lush greenery and standing as a testament to the enduring beauty of British architecture. Character is abundant, with the traditional Kentish Wealden vernacular expressed through oak beams, stained glass windows and grand fireplaces. Each room carries a sense of romance, inviting you to imagine life in another era.

At the heart of the property lies the exceptional full-height great hall, flooded with natural light and framed by a dramatic timber truss. This striking space is overlooked by a galleried landing, complete with a central chandelier, creating a setting perfectly suited to both entertaining and quiet admiration.

Beyond the great hall, there are six reception rooms across the ground floor, offering spaces for everything from relaxed reading to more formal entertaining. The elegant drawing room, oak room, sitting room and study each bring their own character, while the kitchen, complete with a breakfast area, blends traditional charm with modern convenience to form the true heart of the home. Upstairs, eight bedrooms provide ample accommodation for family and guests alike, with the principal suite benefiting from a private balcony overlooking the gardens and surrounding countryside.

As impressive as the interiors are, the grounds are equally captivating. Set within approximately seven acres, the gardens are approached via a sweeping lime tree-lined driveway and are rumoured to reflect the influence of Gertrude Jekyll. Naturalistic planting, herbaceous borders and year-round colour define the landscape, while a wide south-facing terrace extends from the drawing room, overlooking formal lawns and a central water feature. Mature woodland and yew hedging offer privacy and shelter, and a wisteria-covered rear façade adds seasonal charm.

The grounds continue to unfold with espaliered fruit trees lining historic brick walls, connecting a series of lawned areas through gravel paths and rose-covered arbours. A secluded former kitchen garden, now laid to grass, sits beyond, framed by woodland at the estate’s edges. The property also benefits from a discreetly positioned helipad within a four-acre paddock, offering seamless access for those looking to escape the city.

It is a garden to get lost in and a home that quietly captivates, combining playful charm with timeless elegance, all set on the doorstep of the British seaside.

Hamish Humfrey, Head of National Waterfront, Knight Frank comments: “Falconers is a home that charms from the moment you arrive. Originally built in 1925 as a showpiece for the British Empire Exhibition and later reassembled above Salcombe, it blends extraordinary craftsmanship with a wonderfully liveable feel. The show‑stopping great hall sets the tone, with reception rooms that flow beautifully and eight bedrooms offering significant flexibility. Its seven acres of gardens are just as special, with Jekyll‑inspired borders, sweeping lawns, woodland edges and a much coveted wisteria adorned façade. A discreet helipad and proximity to Salcombe’s beaches further add to the property’s appeal, making Falconers a highly accessible yet supremely private property.”