The site is part of an area purchased by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1847 to create his house and estate. It is also a Conservation Area; therefore it has both historic and intrinsic merit. Watcombe Beach is a small cove surrounded by cliffs and wooded hillsides, whilst Babbacombe Model Village and the Cliff Railway are nearby. The secondary schools of Mayfield and Combe Pafford were both rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and there is also Watcombe Primary School in the immediate area. Torquay is approximately 2.5 miles from the plot along the coastal road. Torquay is set along 22 miles of coastline, with a palm-tree lined promenade and spectacular cliffs, coves and beaches. Torquay has an international marina and is a centre for sailing and surfing. It is also a centre for art and culture and has numerous cafes, pubs and restaurants within the town.