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 www.oceanreach.eu or like the Facebook page or WM constructions FB page.
Ocean Reach “Our Vision, your dream”