Wow! We are nearly there!

There has been massive progress since my last blog. WM Construction have really excelled themselves and pulled the sub contractors together without any hiccups. It is truly a stress free build for us. Houses 1-5 are almost complete and just await the balconies and a few bits and pieces. Houses 6& 7 are on their first fix with the screeds going down on Monday. The restaurant is ready for felt and batten which will be started on Monday.Land scapeing is now well underway and my vision is becoming reality. The areas behind the restaurant are all planted out and look stunning. The old helipad is now modelled and top soil goes down on Monday followed by planting. We plan to update the website very soon with internal shots and finishes. We are really excited about showing the project off as it has gone beyond our expectations in design and build quality. Even our bank surveyor has commended Kris of WM on his skill and accuracy on producing a “Belt and braces” build. As people can now see the amazing lifestyle property they are buying into there has been a flurry of interest in the remaining houses.

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4 months ahead of programme!

We are thrilled to say that the Ocean Reach build contract with WM Construction will now be completed on the 11th September. Ourselves and WM have fulfilled all our promises of building a stunning looking development, sensitive to the beautiful environment and using all local trades and products. The site is a very happy place to be with the trades proud to display their flags in a defiance to those that said the project could not find the local skills and crafts to complete it. Our bank building monitor said I am the most chilled out developer he has ever met but as I have said before, we do not see us as developers and the reason I am sold chilled is that I have complete trust in Kris Mahon of WM construction who is delivering much more than he promised and far better quality than I ever imagined was achievable. Houses 1-5 are now sprayed internally and the kitchen are almost complete in 1&2, with the others following shortly. The balconies are now being manufactured and outside cladding almost complete. The roof goes on the restaurant next week and then we should start the landscaping which we are really excited about having been making planters for the last two weeks. Hazel is about to start building the rental part of the website as we should be able to start taking bookings for September when we anticipate the restaurant to be up and running.

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OceanReach. How special can it be?

The site Ocean Reach has always been an amazing special place for so many people for so many reasons. Having just been invited to a Golden Wedding anniversary celebration we were very moved to see that a 1 metre stainless steel embossed plaque was commissioned to display the most important places in their life. Port light (Ocean Reach) was one of the major destinations firmly in their hearts. Probably the reason so many people are drawn to this location to purchase a lifestyle experience or holiday in this unique location. Sales are really ahead of expectations with many more to follow. The online booking system for holidays will soon be on the website.

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Oozing with landscape inspiration

Building work is making tremendous progress with the project now becoming a reality, rather than our vision. My exciting part is now starting to happen with me designing and building the many planters in my workshop. Hazel and I are backwards and forwards to Ocean Reach to get a visual feel for my designs and ideas. The planters and landscaping is a very important part of our vision as there needs to be a carful balance of privacy whilst drawing your eye to the amazing views. We have found a local coastal nursery who are helping us design the gardens and planters so we add natural colour whilst keeping in mind the rugged landscape. We have taken two weeks just to decide on the paving slabs and Chippings as these are an integral part of the design. We are now surrounded by sample bags of Chippings and paving slabs. The pavers for the decks on houses 1& 2 took considerable time and eventually decide to be extravagant and have granite pavers that look stunning and have a slight grip to them, making it safe to venture out onto the amazing decks what ever the weather. We have ordered pallets of local yellow coastal gauze which will be used to define areas and provide natural all year colour. The restaurant will shortly start to take shape which will be welcome news to the many people asking when it will be open. WM construction have just posted some aerial photographs on their Face book page which showcases this unique coastal location.

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More lovely Ocean Reach purchasers

When we started our Ocean Reach project some 6 years ago we had this romantic idea of our purchasers being picked by us on the basis that if we could sit at a dinner table and enjoy a great evening, then they were the right purchasers to join us with our vision of Ocean Reach. All the powers that be, told us to ‘live in the real world’ as we would be property developers and would not care as long as we got a sale. Hazel and I were adamant that we would  not be property developers, but a couple who were developing a property from our hearts.  We are pleased to say that so far we have the ideal purchasers and are still developing with our hearts. We have now sold house Ocean Reach Five  to a lovely couple who want to rent it out to our loyal vast bunch of Port Light customers. This is great for owners, us and the local economy, further  re enforcing the whole ethos of our vision for Ocean Reach. The build is way ahead of schedule thanks to Kris Mahon of WM Construction and his merry band of tradesmen who have really pulled out the stops to enable stress free viewings. Kris has gone way beyond his duty as a builder by being at every sales viewing and been honest and open with the clients which re enforces the quality build  he and his team are providing. We are equally proud that he regularly posts pictures of their work on Facebook knowing that his craftsmanship is faultless. The painters start on number One next week and the first fix M &E on houses 1 – 5 is now complete. Houses 6&7 are almost up to roof plate and the garage roof goes on very soon. Andy Beer of RBS has held our hand throughout whilst sharing his years of invaluable experience, and not to forget Chris Watkins of Charles Head who has looked after our interested whilst ensuring the purchasers are comfortable with their decision and have a fair deal. There are more sales in the pipeline but I am already getting excited about marketing the accommodation side and Hazel and I will be planning the updated Ocean Reach letting side of the website. We are extremely confident that we will have a world class venue in the sleepy paradise of the South Hams.

 

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Further sales at Ocean Reach

The evenings are now drawing out and the builders are now enjoying some amazing sunsets whilst they work on to get the first five houses ready for June. We are extremely pleased to announce that number Two Ocean Reach is now under offer to another lovely family who love the panoramic views and tranquilly of Bolberry Down, whist being close to Hope Cove and Salcombe. We have further strong interest in the remaining two bedroom houses and should be able to announce more positive news very soon. The builders are flying along with the garages nearly complete and the restaurant well under way. Landscaping will start soon to catch the growing season, and the Vision will very much start to become a reality. WM Construction have adopted a ‘belt and braces’ approach to the build which gives us confidence for another 100 years! Already are vast database of customers are asking when they can start to book holidays and the regular locals are looking forward to sitting out in the fully glazed outside area to enjoy their favourite tipple. Don’t, forget to ‘like’ our Facebook page for instant updates. If purchasing one of our once in a life time opportunities please call Chris Watkins at Charles Head () and he will be only too pleased to have a chat about this unique property purchases.

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Our first sale already

We are pleased to post that One Ocean Reach is now in the hands of Solicitors. The purchasers are a lovely couple from Bristol who have the same passion for Ocean Reach and its environment as we do!

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News

Amazing quality progress

News from WM construction Facebook page and a little piece from us!

Ocean Reach is moving forward again! The dry spell is helping so much!

The restaurant is now set out, the services installed and sub structure built up to DPC (A damp-proof course /DPC is a barrier through the structure by capillary action such as through a phenomenon known as rising damp. Rising damp is the effect of water rising from the ground into the property). The sub structure has been hard cored, compacted, sand blinded, membraned and concreted and the wind posts galvanised and installed. Only the main slab to go and we will be able to start the build of the structure.

The garages have also had the over sites filled with well compacted hard core, the DPM (damp proof membrane) has been placed on a sand blinding and taped at joints. The garage slabs have been installed and laid to falls. Although garages 1&2 need the ground works completing we are going start building garage units 3-9 soon. We have a large 10000 litre water tank going in unit 1 substructure and this will need some serious attention during the install due to the complexity of the design. Stay tuned to see the install and commissioning of this unit, this is a exciting element of the project!

Units 3&4 have now had the stud work walls installed internally, unit 5 is under way and when complete it will allow the install of all the insulation and the under floor heating ready for screed on all 3 units. Soon we will be first fixing the electrics and in no time plastering.

On the largest block, units 1-5 we are starting to install the Marley Cedral cladding. Starting with the 39mm x 50mm batten’s fixed to the structure with stainless steel fixings. The preparation of the battens is vital to making the cladding look it’s best, we are really looking forward to cladding the buildings as this will be the finished product and will show us all how stunning the project will be.

Exciting as always, keep watching as we shape this place up.

Very pleased with WM progress and such a happy site to visit.

Sales are going unbelievably well with 2 houses now under offer and a third in the pipeline. Lovely purchasers, all passionate about the concept and environment. We have been choosing tiles and balconies this week which has been very exciting and we cannot wait to see them in place. Looks like the first 5 houses will be ready for occupation in June!

A thought on financing your lifetime opportunity:

Finding the capital to build such a project when you are just a couple with an amazing Vision, but very little large property development knowledge was going to be testing to say the least! Fortunately we were advised to talk to Richard Bateman who operates locally within the South West but has global clients. We could go and sit it front of a real person and be very open about our vision. We were impressed with how many financial contacts he could draw on, and within days had put us in touch with RBS bank who are our financial partners, funding the build.

If you need a little help in funding your unique home, perhaps a starting point would be to talk to Richard and his team. They are obviously very familiar with our amazing concept and are well worth having a chat with.

www.bateman-financial.co.uk

info@bateman-financial .co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

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News

The Ocean Reach story

What’s Happening to Port Light on Bolberry Down
South Hams most visited hostelry, Port Light Hotel & Restaurant on Bolberry Down near Salcombe has finally been closed down for redevelopment to make way for the exciting Ocean Reach project. Sean Hassall purchased Port Light from the bank in 1991 as a failing run down business. Since then, Sean’s wife Hazel joined him in making the venue an unbelievable success along with winning major awards for its dog friendly approach. The stunning views and breathtaking scenery helped Sean & Hazel firmly put Port Light on the tourists and locals favourites list with many celebrities visiting over the years, along with major TV companies using the helipad as a stop over for lunch. The 1909 building originated from a Golf Course Club house then known as Cliff House and Country Club. The name was changed to Port Light when the RAF left the site after the second War. Over the following  years it was extended to form Port Light Hotel with a substantial owners house and staff accommodation. Sadly, the building was ‘past its sell by date’ so Sean & Hazel embarked on a new vision of creating the amazing 2 & 3 bedroom holiday homes to sell on the open market and then using the massive Port Light data base they can let the houses out for the owners should they desire an excellent income stream. A small separate restaurant has been designed to service the houses and the many locals and tourists who make the venue their first port of call when in the area. The design of the restaurant is sympathetic to the home owners. There is a glass screen wall which contains the chinking of glass and jovial conversation whilst diners still enjoying an amazing view over Bolberry Down and out to sea towards France. Demolition was carried out during the summer with 85% of the building being recycled by Sean and his son Josh. This process was a therapy closure for Sean from one life to an exciting opening of another adventure. Building work started in October 2016 with the first houses being available mid summer. Owning a property at Ocean Reach is not just a house purchase but a gateway to enjoying the relaxed life style of Hazel & Sean’s Ocean Reach community. Charles Head who are the marketing the properties are proud to be appointed agents for this unique 360 o sea view coastal properties just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Salcombe town and the tranquillity of the fishing village of Hope Cove nearby.
WM Construction SW Ltd were awarded the build contract as this supports the Ocean Reach Ethos of all the construction money being ploughed back into the local economy. They have used all local sub contractors making this truly a local project. Sean & Hazel worked alongside South Hams District Council and National Trust to ensure the development was sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Very soon Bolberry Down will come alive again and is further enhanced by National Trust and their partners investing considerable finance into the Downs making access for everyone a reality.
This unique area will soon become the ‘jewel in the Crown’ of the South Hams.
Further information and up to date build pictures can be found on the blog on oceanreach.eu or like the Facebook page or WM constructions FB page.
Ocean Reach “Our Vision, your dream”

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Amazing progress

The Ocean Reach development is really taking shape and is 5 weeks ahead of schedule. Our skilled builders WM construction SW ltd have been busy helping us refine the quality and construction as the houses are being built. Houses 1&2 now have a roof and the windows are being fitted during this week. We are please that all our trades. And suppliers are local, further fuelling the local economy. The restaurant will be started very soon and we are currently planning the kitchen, along with the very latest state of the art extraction and ventilation system. The restaurant has been specially designed to maximise the views but not to let any tinkling of glasses disturb the residents.

I still have to pinch myself when I admire the amazing views as I cannot believe we have managed to achieve a sea view from every window!

We still have a vast data base of Port Light customers all waiting to holiday back on Bolberry Down. Please be patient, it will be well worth the wait!

Kris Mahon, Director of WM constriction is a whizz with his media publicity and posts weekly updates on their Facebook page. If you “like” their FB page you can watch the build progress.

Charles Head Estate agents are marketing the houses but please feel free to contact myself or Hazel if you have any questions or just want to talk about our exciting world class project in the best location in the World! Bolberry Down in Devon.

 

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