There is far more to 23 Windmill Gardens than first meets the eye.

From the front, the property appears to be a relatively understated bungalow, but step inside and that first impression changes completely. Behind the modest façade is a substantial, light-filled home arranged over three floors, with wonderfully flexible accommodation, a self-contained annexe and, above all, some truly exceptional views across Tor Bay.

The sense of space is immediate. A generous entrance hall is large enough to become a room in its own right - perhaps a quiet reading area, somewhere to listen to music, or simply a comfortable place to sit. Natural wood flooring runs through the entrance hall and inner hall and continues into the principal living space, creating a lovely sense of flow.

The drawing room/dining room is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the house. A wonderfully proportioned room, its vaulted ceiling and exposed timber trusses give it real character and drama, while the abundance of glass fills the space with natural light. Your eye is immediately drawn towards the far wall, which is almost entirely glazed from floor to ceiling, with wide sliding doors opening onto the balcony.

And then there is the view...sea views stretching out across Tor Bay, with woodland in the foreground and very little built development interrupting the outlook, it feels surprisingly private. There are no houses immediately looking back at you; instead, the house enjoys an open, elevated panorama that gives this room an extraordinary sense of extreme space, calm and escape.

Also on this upper level is the kitchen/dining room, another bright and welcoming space with wonderful views to enjoy from the kitchen sink. Finished in a neutral palette with a ceramic tiled floor, it is very much a cook’s kitchen, with a generous range of fitted wall and floor cabinetry, a Rangemaster cooker and practical touches including built-in vegetable baskets. There is plenty of room for everyday dining. A separate utility room provides a laundry space, WC, sink and additional storage. The garage can also be accessed internally from this level.

Stairs lead down to the middle floor, where the principal bedroom suite is particularly generous, with its own en-suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and additional fitted storage.

A second bedroom on this floor also benefits from its own en-suite facilities and walk-in wardrobe.

This level is also home to the self-contained annexe - a hugely useful addition to the property and one that considerably broadens its appeal. Currently let on an assured shorthold tenancy, the annexe could equally work as holiday accommodation, independent space for extended family, or perhaps somewhere for older children or guests.

It has its own separate external entrance and can be completely closed off from the main house, while an internal connecting door means it can just as easily become part of the principal accommodation when required.

The annexe includes its own sitting room/bedroom with sliding doors opening onto a private patio, together with a fitted kitchen and shower room. It is a genuine self-contained space rather than simply an additional bedroom, making it a particularly valuable asset.

From the main house, a further staircase descends to the lower floor, where there are three further bedrooms, each with its own en-suite, together with a study and separate cloakroom.

With accommodation arranged over three levels, five bedrooms within the principal house, the additional annexe and numerous reception and ancillary spaces, the layout is exceptionally flexible. It is a house that could adapt easily to a large family, multigenerational living, working from home, guest accommodation or income generation and combinations of all of these.

What makes it particularly special, though, is the juxtaposition between that relatively modest first impression and the sheer scale, light and openness revealed once you step inside.

The understated frontage gives very little indication of the scale of the house behind it. From Windmill Gardens, you principally see the garage and entrance porch, but viewed from the rear, the impressive proportions of the property become much more apparent as it steps down over its three levels.

There is off-road parking to the front for several cars.

A pathway and steps lead down alongside the house to the annexe, which has its own independent entrance. Continuing down, further steps reach the lower level of the property, where a useful covered external storage area runs along the width of the house - almost like a sheltered passageway, providing excellent practical storage. More steps descend into the main garden, which is fully enclosed and has been designed to be private and easy to enjoy.

Predominantly laid to lawn, the garden incorporates a paved seating area, a raised hot tub and a separate barbecue area, with decorative screening adding further privacy and creating several distinct places to sit outside.

It feels wonderfully tucked away and secluded, particularly considering the property’s position within Paignton, and provides a secure outside space for children, pets, entertaining or simply relaxing at home.