Higher Contour Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth, Devon

Kaywana Hall is situated on the edge of Kingswear close to the River Dart and Waterhead Creek, in the South Devon National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

The property is a “butterfly wing” house designed by celebrated architect Mervyn Seal and was designed to nestle into its natural and wooded setting. The layout is designed to elevate the principal living spaces to enjoy views through extensive glazing. Originally constructed in 1962, the house underwent an exacting reconstruction in 2009, being careful to preserve Seal’s design. Further enhancements included additional buildings and an impressive contemporary Pool House which was completed by 2021. Spectacularly located on the fringe of the riverside village of Kingswear, Kaywana Hall demonstrates Mervyn Seal’s pioneering architectural style. Its dramatic butterfly profile roofline, extensive glazing and timber clad interior detailing are signatures of the small collection of Seal houses found across South Devon.

Approached via a long sweeping drive, the property opens to a generous parking forecourt with a cantilevered carport below the main structure. The entrance hall leads through to a utility room with shower room and stairs rise to the principal living accommodation.

The elevated first floor includes the main reception spaces with an impressive sitting room with a couple of steps to the dining room and a separate kitchen beyond.

A single flight of open tread stairs leads to the principal bedroom suite, featuring a timber clad ceiling, en suite bathroom and dressing room. The home’s position allows for wonderfully open views across the beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland.

One of the fascinating features is the additional bedroom accommodation. These are separate ‘pods’ which provide four detached bedroom suites, each offering private living and sleeping spaces with their own entrances and external decks or terraces. En suite bathrooms are generously appointed with both bath and shower facilities, ensuring comfort and privacy for guests or extended family. A link could be constructed, if required, to connect the main house to one of the bedroom suites. The house stands in approximately 11.36 acres of woodland, with gardens
designed by multiple RHS award winning designer Tom Simpson, offering beautifully defined spaces for entertaining, relaxation, and outdoor dining.

A natural stone terrace, paired with coastal planting and boulders sourced from Dartmoor, creates a contemporary look that remains rooted in the local landscape. Structural planting includes rosemary and low pines, while a glade of silver birch helps frame the Pool House and soften its presence within the woodland.

Completed in 2021 and set discreetly into the hillside, the Pool House provides additional accommodation, including a superb living area which is open to a fully fitted kitchen and utility room beyond. There is a cloakroom and separate shower room.

Halfway up the drive is a building which houses the solid wood fired boiler and behind are log stores and a useful open fronted outbuilding. In all the property is about 11.35 acres.