Red Earth and the team at the Yealm have had a very productive spring and have certainly been making the most of the better weather. The last two months have seen the Topping Out ceremony take place, the dragons being measured up for a return to the roof top of the main house, a preview of the interiors of the apartments released, and the announcement of the development pricing. We have also received our first reservations for off plan sales.

Please do read on to find out more about the recent progress made at The Yealm.

 

April 2019 – The Yealm Topping Out Ceremony 

The end of April saw us reach a key milestone at The Yealm – our Topping out ceremony. In building construction terms, Topping Out is a builders’ rite traditionally held when the structure has reached its maximum height. Witnessed by the team from Marchand Petit, Devon Contractors placed the last roof joists beams in place on the highest part of the former hotel building. The five repaired beautiful ornate dragons will also soon be replaced with one being measured up for size as part of the ceremony.

Simon Friend commented: “To commemorate the Topping Out Ceremony we measured up one of the stunning roof top dragons ready for when all five will be reinstated. The repairs have been made by local historical monuments and buildings restoration specialist Guy Marsh, from Chumleigh. The dragons are earthenware terracotta and likely date from 1898 when the hotel was first built.”

Simon continues: “We are taking great care to retain or replicate as many original features as we can, for instance the ornate zinc cornicing and of course the dragons – which should now be good for another 100 years of looking out across this illustrious harbour. I am delighted with the work of the main contractor Devon Contractors and all the consultants have really taken on board the sensitive restoration works to the old hotel as well as being fully at ease with the construction of the demanding designs of the new build elements.”

Devon Contractors have really advanced the three new builds of this project over recent weeks, and refurbishment of the former hotel is progressing well with internal fitout works now commencing on some of the floors.

To see the rest of the photos from the topping out ceremony, please view our gallery

 

May 2019 – The Yealm’s stunning interiors revealed

We are thrilled to reveal new computer-generated images of the stunning interiors of The Yealm’s apartments, which have all beenthoughtfully brought to life in keeping with their riverside location and surroundings by interior designer Debbie Hudson.

First up is the contemporary Apartment 3 from the newbuild scheme and woodland hide, Yealm Wood which boasts three bedrooms and has been designed with acoastal, beachy feel. The second-floor master bedroom suite affords the most incredible views onto the estuary which you can enjoy from your bath – imagine sinking back into some bubbles with a glass of champagne gazing out on to the tranquil harbour!

From the former Yealm Hotel building is Apartment 4. Here, Debbie’s designs work with the building’s existing Victorian features to create a traditional shaker style with a contemporary twist. We are reliably informed that this room, with its bay window and wonderful 360-degree south-facing view over the natural harbour, was the most popular in the hotel! The door from the kitchen leads onto a roof terrace and all flats within the entire development have their own outside space either in the form of gardens, terraces or balconies.

Read more about The Yealm development and the apartments.

 

May 2019 – Yealm website enhancements

As work onsite at The Yealm has continued, the marketing team have also been hard at work behind-the-scenes making sure information about The Yealm is released at the right time. Additional content has been added to our website this month including:

• Pricing– the development pricing has been released. Apartments can now be reserved off plan
• An FAQ section– read our responses to questions we are frequently asked about the development
• Updated floor plans– see the latest floor plan designs which have been recently updated

 

May 2019 – The Yealm in the Community

Being involved and celebrating the local community has been a priority for Red Earth owner and developer of The Yealm, Simon Friend, ever since 2016 when he first saw a wonderful opportunity to breathe new life into a delightful old building.

As well as publishing a 56-page magazine, River Life, to celebrate the life, work and people of Newton Ferrers and Noss, The Yealm has also sponsored a number of local community events and activities. Alongside the River Yealm Regatta, The Yealm has:

• Donated towards the publication costs of the History of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo
• Sponsored the village defibrillator’s
• Made a donation to the Newton & Noss Community Post Office & Shop
• Supported the RNLI race night
• Sponsored the Newton Ferrers Primary School Spring Ball & Fireworks Party
• Sponsored the ‘Life on the Yealm’ marine bio blitz weekend
• Sponsored the NNATS Pantomime
• Provided raffles prizes for the Holy Cross Church Christmas Fayre
• Made a donation towards a new gig for the Yealm Gig Rowing Club
• Provided a donation to Holberton Primary School

(Simon Friend and Richard Page following the new sponsorship of the defibrillators in Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.)

 

So, what’s next? What does the summer hold?

Working with a historic building such as the former River Yealm hotel has been a constant source of delight as beautiful period features are revealed and preserved, old attic mementoes are found, and stunning views are rediscovered. As with many heritage conversion projects, the opening up of an old building can also throw up unexpected surprises! Red Earth and team were hoping to launch the show apartment and formal sales in the spring but unforeseen additional works at the Victorian property means we are slightly delayed. Our priority is to complete the work properly and not rush it, maintaining the integrity of this historic site. The show apartment will now be ready in the late summer, and the development is due for completion at the end of 2019.

If you would like to be kept up to date with all the latest news from The Yealm, please register for our regular email newsletters. Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about when sales will start, call Claire Northmore from Marchand Petit (Newton Ferrers office) on 01752 873311 or email Claire.