Inhale the salty air and discover true relaxation in this grand coastal haven. With 360-degree views across Torbay and Dartmoor, a six-person hot tub, private gardens, an alfresco dining area and a sea-facing terrace, Vane Tower is no ordinary homestay.
Recently renovated by award-winning Californian interior designer Bita De Laurentiis, this six-bedroom sanctuary pays homage to the tower’s Italian heritage and is ideal for a large family or group of friends yearning for effortless luxury.
THE SPACE
Inside
Inspired by a villa on Lake Lugano, Italy, Vane Tower has stood as a unique landmark at the top of Vane Hill in the seaside town of Torquay since 1872. Its fascinating history is intertwined with the town’s development from a small fishing hamlet to a fashionable resort.
Commissioned by the Palk family, which played a significant role in Torquay’s growth, it was originally built as two semi-detached villas and inspired by Lawrence Palk’s Grand Tour of Europe. He brought back architectural ideas from Italy, which he incorporated into his villa designs. The property changed hands several times until World War II when the Home Guard used the tower as a lookout post for approaching enemy aircraft. Later, the government requisitioned the building and made it into a convalescent home for injured soldiers.
Today, award-winning Californian interior designer Bita Babaei has transformed this alluring property into a refined self-catering homestay, oozing Italian style and relaxed elegance. With its flexible layout of two connected apartments, Vane Tower will delight large families or groups seeking both privacy and togetherness.
Each room in this luxurious house boasts its own unique design and character, adorned with exquisite furniture from high-end Italian brands such as Gallotti & Radice and Kartell, adorned with wallpapers from renowned British brand Designers Guild.
From the elegantly appointed dining room and cosy chef’s kitchen to the inviting living room complete with a king-size sofa bed and a 55” TV screen for family movie nights, every space is designed for both luxury and comfort.
Opulence permeates every corner, from sumptuous throws to Christian Lacroix accent pillows, and premium French brands such as Ligne Roset and Roche Bobois for rugs and furniture. All the light fixtures have been carefully selected to enhance the interior design of each room.
As you enter the property, you’ll be wowed by the showstopper dining room with its striking interiors, setting the stage for lively dinner parties. A vast glass table beckons you to gather loved ones and soak in the ambience.
Throughout the house, an array of original artworks by local artists from Torquay and Cornwall adorn the walls, carefully curated to showcase the region’s diverse talents. The main hallway serves as a gallery, offering a glimpse into the wealth of artistic creativity in the south-west of the UK.
Down the hallway is a bright and welcoming main kitchen and breakfast room, where foodies will enjoy whipping up a feast on the gas-fired Aga. The classic British kitchen features a cosmopolitan twist with its welcoming French dining table that dates back to World War II.
The large living room, which leads out into the sea-facing conservatory, is where you’ll unwind with a good book or a glass of bubbles. Sink into the squishy sofas, drink in the unforgettable seascapes and find calm within this dreamy, light-filled space.
On the upper floors, each of the five luxury bedrooms is its own sanctuary, with crisp white sheets, king or super-king beds and views of the sea or surrounding hills. The “penthouse” master bedroom, nestled in the tower itself, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows framing the English Riviera.
Also upstairs is the self-contained apartment with a kitchenette and breakfast bar, a cosy living space and an intimate dining area with seating for four, framed by a floral feature wall.
With one bathroom on the ground floor, two bathrooms, including a blissful retreat featuring a rolltop bath, on the first floor, and two further bathrooms in the tower, this home offers luxurious comfort for the whole family.
Seamlessly blending history, nature, comfort and opulence into one unforgettable experience, Vane Tower makes for an unforgettable stay.
Outside
Outside, panoramic vistas of Torbay and the rolling Dartmoor hills unfold before you, creating a breathtaking backdrop to your own private oasis. Whether you enjoy a morning cup of tea on the sundrenched terrace or a restorative soak in the six-person hot tub, Vane Tower’s thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces will put a smile on your face.
Stroll through the manicured gardens, inhaling the invigorating salty breeze, or while away an afternoon in the sea-facing conservatory. As the sun dips below the horizon, it’s time to enjoy a leisurely meal under the stars in the alfresco dining area. You won’t want to go home.
STAYING RULES
The owners of this luxury self-catering property look forward to welcoming you to their beautiful home and politely request that you look after it.
Please:
● Remove shoes when entering the home
● No smoking is allowed at any time inside the property or on the grounds
● No stag or hen parties
GUEST ACCESS
Fresh Escapes will provide access details to the property exactly 48 hours before your check-in time.
Guests are provided with full private access to the grounds
INTERACTION
Vane Tower is professionally managed by Fresh Escapes – a Devon-based, privately owned holiday letting and management company with years of experience in marketing, managing and owning holiday homes in and around Devon. We’re proud of our family roots and aim to give our guests the same home-from-home feel.
We know many of you come on holiday to escape the world, so we won’t disturb you too much during your stay. We’ll check in with you after you’ve arrived, and we’ll be on hand if you need anything during your visit, but the house is yours to enjoy. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
There is private, secure off-road parking for three cars at the front of the property. Additional free parking is available on nearby streets.
GETTING AROUND
Excellent public transport links include a direct rail service to London Paddington with inter-city connections at Newton Abbot. The South Devon Highway gives good access to the vibrant cities of Exeter and Plymouth and the international airport at Exeter provides a gateway to destinations further afield.
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Vane Tower is an imposing presence above the harbourside and falls within the Torquay Harbour Conservation area, linked to the harbour and town by a series of steps and pathways that crisscross the hillside. Within an easy walk is the limestone plateau at Daddyhole Plain, where the award-winning South West Coast Path leads to the Blue Flag beach at Meadfoot.
It is also conveniently located near local amenities, including the nearby village community of Wellswood with its church, school, pub, restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Torquay retains the feel of a traditional seaside town with its stunning coastline, iconic palm trees, sandy beaches, and historic pier, all enhanced by the international marina and a delightful array of shops, galleries and cafes. Many bars and restaurants are dotted along the waterfront, offering the opportunity to eat and drink alfresco and sample some of the finest seafood from nearby Brixham, the heart of the seafood coast.
The area has many beaches with an array of water sports and fishing also available. Torquay also hosts world-class sailing events, and boats can regularly be seen competing in the bay. Sporting opportunities such as golf, tennis, rugby, football, and cricket are available close by.
The historic riverside towns of Dartmouth and Totnes are within easy reach, along with the popular sailing resort of Salcombe. Dartmoor National Park and both English Heritage and National Trust properties are nearby, including Agatha Christie’s holiday estate at Greenway.
