An elevated contemporary home. Estuary views, coastal access, village life and strong connections.

Tucked away within the village, the approach to this stunning home is calm and understated. As you arrive, the sense of elevation becomes clear, with long views opening out across the Taw Estuary towards Saunton and the Atlantic beyond. The position brings both privacy and space, while remaining closely connected to the village and surrounding landscape.

Sandpiper is arranged around a reverse level design, with the main living space set on the first floor to make the most of the light, the views and the sense of openness. At its heart is a beautifully planned kitchen with a central island, fitted with high quality appliances and positioned to connect naturally with both the dining and sitting areas. It is a space designed for modern living, whether for everyday family life, relaxed evenings with friends or larger gatherings. Two sets of bi-fold doors open directly onto the south facing wrap around balcony, so the kitchen and sitting areas spill outwards with ease and the estuary backdrop becomes part of daily life.

This upper floor works brilliantly as one connected social space, yet each area still feels well defined. The sitting area has a calm, welcoming feel, the dining space sits perfectly for entertaining, and the terrace extends the room again for outdoor dining, morning coffee or an evening drink in the sun.

Also on this level is the principal bedroom suite, with its en suite, dressing area and direct access to the terrace, giving it a private and restful feel. A second suite, again with its own dressing area and en suite shower room, adds further comfort and flexibility, ideal for guests, older children or dependent relatives.

On the entrance level are two further bedrooms, served by a generous four piece family bathroom. These rooms make the house equally well suited to smaller households or larger families, and they also offer scope for a home office, study, gym or occasional guest accommodation. A cloakroom and separate utility room complete a layout which is both practical and adaptable.

Kitchen/Living/Dining Room : 30'4 x 19'4 max

Main Bedroom : 14'9 x 12'10

Bedroom Two: 12'10 x 11'6

Bedroom Three: 15'9 x 12'10

Bedroom Four: 13'11 x 9'0

Garage: 24'3 x 12'2

Built by highly regarded Robin Bonds Building Contractors, the house combines a clean contemporary finish with a practical, long term approach to living. Air source heating, underfloor heating and solar panels are all in place, supporting efficiency as well as comfort. The specification is consistent throughout, with a finish that feels complete from the outset. The balance of an NHBC guarantee remains.

The practical side of Sandpiper is equally well considered. An integral garage provides generous space for a vehicle along with excellent storage, and the electric roller door adds real day to day ease. There is an EV point outside the garage. Arriving home is simple and secure, with an electric gate opening remotely and direct access into the garage, without needing to step outside, particularly useful in poor weather.

To the front, the paved driveway provides extensive parking with room for several vehicles, along with space for a motorhome or boat.

To the rear, the garden has been carefully landscaped to create a private and attractive outdoor setting, planned for ease of maintenance without losing colour or interest. Well stocked borders, flowering shrubs and thoughtful planting soften the space beautifully, while an electric point is already in place for a hot tub, adding another element to the lifestyle appeal.

There’s something quietly compelling about Ashford. It hasn’t chased fashion or tried to reinvent itself. It has simply remained what it has always been, a well positioned estuary village set above the River Taw, surrounded by open countryside yet only minutes from Barnstaple.

From the upper reaches, the views are remarkable. The Taw widens towards Saunton’s sweeping dunes and, on a clear day, stretches across the horizon towards Hartland Point. Light shifts constantly across the water, cooler in the morning, softer by late afternoon, giving the village a calm, natural rhythm.

At its centre stands St Peter’s Church, its tower presiding over winding lanes and traditional Devon hedgerows. There is a settled, enduring feel here, with a strong sense of community and continuity.

Daily life blends rural ease with convenience. St John’s Garden Centre greets you on the approach, a well known nursery and café overlooking the estuary. A short walk leads to Heanton Court, an estuary side pub suited to relaxed lunches or early evening drinks as the tide turns. Nearby Braunton provides a wider range of amenities and acts as the gateway to the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere coastline, while Squires Fish Restaurant remains a long established local favourite.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Tarka Trail runs close by along the estuary, linking into a wider network of coastal and countryside paths. The South West Coast Path, Saunton’s championship links golf course and the beaches of Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe are all within easy reach.

Ashford works because it balances life properly. Estuary outlook, open countryside, coast close at hand and town within minutes. It feels grounded and enduring.

North Devon is a landscape defined by contrast. Wide Atlantic beaches meet rolling farmland and open moorland, while working harbours sit alongside traditional market towns. Life here follows the rhythm of light, tide and season.

The coastline is among the most dramatic in the country, with expansive sandy beaches such as Woolacombe and Saunton framed by dunes and rugged headlands. Inland, Exmoor offers open space, dark skies and a strong sense of freedom. To the south, Dartmoor provides a different landscape again, with tors, rivers and long moorland walks, while the coast road westwards leads into Cornwall’s fishing villages and cliff scenery.

It is a region that draws you outside and suits those who value space, community and a slower, more considered pace of life.

Despite its rural setting, Ashford is well connected. Barnstaple railway station provides regular services to Exeter St Davids in around an hour, with onward direct connections to London Paddington taking approximately two hours. Tiverton Parkway offers an alternative mainline option and is easily reached by road.

The A361 North Devon Link Road connects efficiently to the M5 at Junction 27, providing access to the wider motorway network, while the Atlantic Highway and coast road open up routes west towards Cornwall.

For air travel, Exeter Airport lies just over an hour away, with a range of UK and European flights, while Bristol Airport offers a wider selection of international destinations within around two hours’ drive.

Education is well served locally, with respected primary schools nearby and established secondary provision in Barnstaple and Braunton. Independent education is available at West Buckland School, offering schooling from early years through to sixth form.

Taken together, Sandpiper offers something increasingly hard to find. A beautiful home in a genuine village setting with estuary views, immediate access to coast and countryside, strong schooling and clear connections to the wider country. It is not remote, yet it feels removed.

By Design Homes North Devon & Exmoor is part of the wider By Design Homes network – a collective of experienced, premium estate agents delivering bespoke one-to-one service across the UK and internationally. Based here in the heart of North Devon, I combine local knowledge and personal attention with the strength and reach of a national brand. For discreet, expert advice, please feel free to contact me directly.

Particulars: These details are provided as a general outline for intending purchasers and do not constitute, nor form part of, any offer or contract. Descriptions: All descriptions, dimensions, references to condition, necessary permissions, and other details are given in good faith and believed to be correct. Purchasers must not rely on them as statements of fact and should verify accuracy by inspection or otherwise. Warranty: No person employed by By Design North Devon & Exmoor has authority to make or give any representation or warranty in relation to this property. Measurements: All measurements are approximate. Wayleaves and easements. The property is sold subject to any wayleaves or easements, whether or not they are referred to within these particulars. Floor plans are for illustrative identification only and may not be to scale. Photography: Photographs are provided for general information only and should not be assumed to include any items shown. Images are not materially altered but may be enhanced for marketing purposes (e.g. skies, twilight effects, digital staging). Services: Services, systems, and appliances have not been tested and no guarantee of condition or functionality is given. Purchasers should satisfy themselves as to suitability and working order. Due Diligence: Buyers are responsible for verifying matters such as flood risk, private drainage compliance, planning consents, covenants, and all other property-related details before viewing or incurring expense. Availability: Properties may be withdrawn or sold at any time. Buyers should confirm availability and up-to-date information prior to viewing. Money Laundering Regulations: In compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as amended), all purchasers must provide proof of identity, address, source, and proof of funds before any sale can be agreed. By Design North Devon & Exmoor use Credas, an FCA-regulated provider, to complete these checks. A fee of £50 plus VAT per buyer applies. A secure link will be issued. The property status cannot be changed to Sold Subject to Contract or a Memorandum of Sale produced until all checks are satisfactorily completed.