Thatcher Avenue, Torquay

Introduction

Occupying a commanding position on one of Torquay’s most sought-after residential roads, Villa Nova is a substantial and distinctive coastal home, defined by its incredible sea views and exceptional sense of space. Arranged over three thoughtfully designed floors, the property offers five en-suite bedrooms, including a well-placed principal suite on the ground level, creating both versatility and ease of living.

From the moment you arrive, the home’s striking design and light-filled atrium entrance set the tone for what lies beyond—an interior that feels both expansive and inviting. Two generous reception rooms provide elegant spaces for entertaining and relaxation, complemented by a study, utility room and cloakroom, ensuring practicality sits effortlessly alongside style.

The connection to the outdoors is a defining feature. A large west-facing patio plus rear garden are accessed from multiple points throughout the home, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor living and making the most of the coastal setting. A balcony further enhances the experience, offering elevated views across the sea—perfect for quiet mornings or evening sunsets.

With a double garage and ample parking, the property caters effortlessly to modern family life. There are a range of excellent primary and secondary schools nearby, including the boys & girls grammar schools, which are highly regarded and sought after. The proximity to the South West Coast Path and the charming cafés, restaurants and amenities of Wellswood places lifestyle firmly at its heart. This is a home that offers not only scale and flexibility, but a rare opportunity to enjoy coastal living in one of Torquay’s most desirable enclaves.

Step inside

A generous entrance vestibule welcomes you, unfolding into a striking central atrium where light pours in and sightlines extend straight through to the private patio beyond. Framed by bi-fold doors, the immediate connection to the outdoors sets the tone, while porcelain tiled flooring and underfloor heating throughout introduce both style and comfort from the outset.

The sense of volume continues as stairs descend, complemented by a feature mirrored wall that amplifies the natural light and enhances the architectural feel of the space. For ease and accessibility, a fitted lift discreetly connects to the lower level of the home.

The kitchen is sleek and contemporary, finished with granite worktops and crisp white gloss cabinetry. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, it is equipped with two Miele ovens, a five-ring gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and second fridge. A sliding door opens onto the balcony terrace, where far-reaching views towards Thatcher Rock create an ever-changing coastal backdrop.

The adjoining dining room enjoys a seamless flow, with patio doors opening onto the balcony terrace—perfect for al fresco dining—while elegant arched pillars connect the space back to the atrium hallway, adding a subtle architectural detail.

The living room is particularly impressive in scale, with a full-width window framing panoramic views across Torbay. Doors open onto both the balcony terrace and the rear patio, allowing the room to be quite literally wrapped in outdoor space—ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the coastal setting throughout the day.

Practicality is thoughtfully integrated, with a cloakroom, a well-positioned study with direct access to the patio, and a utility room offering ample storage and laundry facilities, along with access to the garden and adjoining boiler room.

The principal bedroom suite is a standout feature—generous in proportion and designed as a private retreat. Sliding doors lead directly onto the patio, while fitted wardrobes and a spacious en-suite complete the suite. The en-suite is luxuriously appointed with a large walk-in Grohe shower, bath, dual sinks and bidet.

On the upper floor, set back from the road, three further double bedrooms are arranged within their own wing, away from the principal suite; offering privacy for family or guests. A spacious landing leads to a Juliet balcony that captures the sea views, while each bedroom benefits from its own en-suite. Two of the bedrooms also enjoy direct access to the rear garden via patio doors, further enhancing the home’s indoor-outdoor flow.

The lower ground floor offers exceptional versatility, currently arranged as a double bedroom and en-suite, which has been used as a playroom and teenager’s den. It is an ideal space for guests or independent living. This level is also accessed via the oversized garage, which features a remote-controlled door, pedestrian access into the property—conveniently bypassing the front steps—and a dedicated utility area with sink, units and manifolds for the underfloor heating system.

Step outside

Approached via electric gates, the property immediately sets a tone of privacy and presence, with a generous driveway providing ample parking alongside the double garage.

The gardens have been thoughtfully arranged across several levels, each designed to complement the home’s orientation and maximise the coastal setting. To the front, a balcony terrace connects seamlessly with the living room, kitchen and dining room—an elevated vantage point to take in the far-reaching views across Torbay, where the ever-changing seascape becomes part of daily life.

Wrapped around by the house, the main patio creates a wonderfully sheltered and private environment, accessed from multiple rooms to enhance the effortless home to garden flow. With a distinctly Mediterranean feel, this space captures the warmth of the afternoon and evening sun, making it ideal for al fresco dining and relaxed entertaining. Carefully placed planting beds and a water feature introduce both colour and gentle ambient sound during the summer months, creating a tranquil and immersive setting.

Steps, framed with trellis, lead up to the upper garden where a wide terrace runs along the rear of the house, opening onto a two-tiered lawn with attractive stone walling and bordered by mature hedging for privacy. At the top of the garden, a further seating area offers a peaceful spot to enjoy the sunshine and elevated outlook.

A large summerhouse with electricity provides excellent flexibility—perfect as a home office, studio or retreat—completing a garden that is as versatile as it is inviting, and perfectly suited to both quiet enjoyment and entertaining on a larger scale.

Sellers insight

“When we bought the house over 20 years ago, we never looked back. We knew we wanted to be close to the sea and within an established, executive road, and whilst we viewed other properties with perhaps more immediate kerb appeal, we instantly fell in love with the space and feel of Villa Nova.

It’s a home that is incredibly bright, easy to maintain, and has adapted effortlessly to every stage of our lives. The lift has provided us with ease of living and the property has been fully accessible even with a wheelchair. When the family come to stay, there is more than enough room for everyone, yet it feels equally comfortable for just two—particularly in more recent years, where being able to live predominantly on one level has been such a benefit.

One of the things we have loved most is the connection to the outside. Having access to the garden and terraces from so many rooms is a real joy—it allows you to truly live both inside and out, whether that’s enjoying a quiet morning coffee or hosting family and friends in the warmer months.

The location has been equally special. From coastal walks and nearby shops to the ease of accessing further afield, it offers the perfect balance of lifestyle and convenience.

We are moving to be closer to family, but we leave with a house full of memories and feel very fortunate to have called this our home for so many years.”