Clifftop in Bigbury-on-Sea | Owner case study

The story of transformation, family, and eco-conscious design

Having holidayed in South Devon for years, Will and Rebecca fell in love with the idea of building their own home there. When they stumbled upon Clifftop, perched on the edge of Bigbury-on-Sea, they immediately saw its huge potential. Though the property needed significant work, its incredible views and unbeatable location made it the perfect project.

With a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and creating a space for family holidays for generations to come, Clifftop soon became the striking holiday home we’re proud to represent today – a retreat so special it was loved by Ruth Crilly and her family in 2024.

We caught up with Will and Rebecca to learn more about their journey to renting with Perfect Stays. Plus their top recommendations for property owners embarking on similar renovations and the trusted local suppliers who helped bring their vision to life.
 

What initially drew you to Bigbury-on-Sea, and what made Clifftop the perfect home for you?

Rebecca: I’ve always loved the contrast of Devon’s rolling hills meeting the rugged coastline. There’s something special about the combination of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and endless ocean views. 

Will: For me, it was the mix of watersports opportunities – from surfing and bodyboarding in big waves to the calmer conditions perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking around Burgh Island.

We’d always holidayed in Bantham, and after years of spending time in South Devon, we knew this was where we wanted to split our time. The area is also surprisingly accessible from London, with great train links to nearby Totnes and Ivybridge, meaning we could easily escape to the coast whenever we wanted.

Clifftop itself was all about the view and location. Although it required a lot of work and redesign, we fell in love with it – and the fact the South West Coast Path runs right past the doorstep was just perfect.
 

Can you share some details about Clifftop’s design? Who were the architects and what elements were most important to you?

When we first saw Clifftop, it was clear that a major transformation was needed inside and out, but from the start, we knew we needed to prioritise the view.

We approached the project in two phases: making it habitable and elevating it to a luxury level. The roof was leaking, the outside area was inaccessible, and the layout needed to be reconfigured. We began working with VESP Architects to draw up the new designs and handle the building regulations before MMA Construction started the rebuild.

Rebecca: It was important to us to use local suppliers and tradespeople as much as possible. Throughout the property, several items have been sourced locally, which not only supports nearby businesses but also ensures the materials and craftsmanship suit the coastal environment. 

Will: Given its exposed location, everything had to be built to withstand the coastal elements. The windows were chosen for their resilience to high wind speeds, while Devon Stainless provided the external weather-resistant balustrades.

It was also really important to us to make it as accessible as possible. When we brought Clifftop, we were unable to use the outside space due to its steep gradient, but we’ve since been able to create a new terrace and install a hot tub and sauna, thanks to the help of MMA Construction. The top floor is ideal for grandparents, with its own kitchenette, living space, and easy access from the road - we wanted to ensure it was suitable for multi-generational stays. Overlooking the beach, it means they can watch as the younger family members play below.

Above all, we wanted Clifftop to be a place where our family could gather for years to come. With five children, we designed it with sustainability and the future in mind – a home where they could one day bring their own families and continue making memories.
 

You mentioned sustainability in Clifftop’s transformation. What eco features did you incorporate? 

Yes definitely. We wanted Clifftop to be as energy efficient as possible while reducing our environmental impact. We researched this a lot and we’re proud to say we now have a high B energy rating thanks to extensive insulation, a ground source heat pump, solar panels, and underfloor heating throughout. 

Even the hot tub is powered by solar, and we installed an electric car charger too.

Can you tell us more about the interior design?

Rebecca: I knew I wanted to move away from traditional coastal colours and give each room a distinctive feel. I still wanted pops of colours, but rather than the usual blues and whites, I took inspiration from the landscape itself - the rich greens of the rolling countryside, the deep oranges of a dramatic sunset, and the ever-changing hues of the incoming tides.

Because Clifftop was extended and renovated rather than rebuilt from scratch, we worked hard to ensure the new floor blended seamlessly with the existing structure. Maintaining colour and material consistency was key to making the transition between old and new feel effortless.

For the kitchen and woodwork throughout the house, we worked with Totnes-based Maitland Roberts, who were absolutely brilliant. I showed them a photo from a magazine, and they brought my vision to life with incredible craftsmanship. Their work has made such a difference to the feel of the space, from the bespoke kitchen cabinetry to the beautifully designed woodwork across every floor. 
 

Do you have a favourite room in Clifftop? What makes it special?

Will: Without a doubt, it’s the top floor. Sitting in the rocking chair with a 180-degree sea view is simply spectacular. With views stretching over Burgh Island and Challaborough Bay, I love whiling away the hours here – especially when the fire's lit. Whether it’s watching surfers in the summer or storms rolling in during winter, it’s always an incredible sight.

Rebecca: The wet room was a game-changer. With an outdoor shower and direct access, it keeps bodyboards, wetsuits, and beach gear separate from the house - practical and essential for maintaining a "no-sand zone"!
 

What’s your favourite time of year to spend at Clifftop, and why?

We wanted Clifftop to be a year-round escape, and each season brings something different. 

Spring and summer are, of course, brilliant. The longer days give way to beach games, evening barbeques, and watching the sunset from the terrace. It’s a tradition of ours to get fish and chips from Fryer Tucks after days spent exploring.  

Meanwhile, the autumn and winter months are really special. We love wrapping up for a coastal walk and then heading straight for the hot tub and sauna. Come New Year’s Eve, Burgh Island puts on a spectacular fireworks display, and everyone gathers on Bigbury Beach to countdown to midnight – with glasses of fizz at the ready!

What do you love most about South Devon and what makes it such a fantastic holiday destination?

It’s impossible to pick just one thing – it’s the beaches, the watersports, the community events, the walking routes, and the incredible sunsets – South Devon is best seen to be believed.   
 

How has your experience been renting with Perfect Stays? What made you choose us to represent Clifftop? 

The service we’ve received from Perfect Stays has been excellent since the very start. 

Your personalised approach was exactly what we wanted, and why we ultimately chose you to represent Clifftop in those early stages. We love that we can pick up the phone and speak to someone who knows us and our home inside and out. 

The marketing is exceptional – we feel like you showcase Clifftop in the best possible way and your team have our best interests at heart. And most importantly, we feel confident that our property is in safe hands and that guests will have an amazing experience when they visit.

Are you thinking of joining our portfolio?

Our friendly Portfolio team are here to guide you through the process, offering expert advice on preparing your home for the luxury rental market. Whether you’ve just purchased, are mid-renovation, or are planning your next investment, we’re happy to help. You can read more owner testimonials here or reach out to our team on owners@perfectstays.co.uk and 01208 895 750.

Image credits: All images are our own.