Here to help

A love of Devon and the sea lured this dynamic couple to swap the South East for the South West, relocating and starting their own business. KATE WILLIAMS learns how they are managing to live the dream

- KATE WILLIAMS

Upping sticks and moving to start a new life in the country is a pipe dream for many but husband-and-wife team Mark and Jolly Oldfield made it a reality, pitching up in the South Hams and creating a bespoke business.

Recently relocated from Buckinghamshire, leaving behind their home, friends, and family - as well as their corporate jobs - the pair are pursuing their dream of living and working in Devon as they launch Coastal Concierge, a business covering Kingsbridge, Salcombe, and surrounding areas, supporting clients with second properties.

Coastal Concierge looks after the property whilst the clients are away and supports them whilst they are staying at their holiday home as well, booking restaurants, managing days out, and providing a chalet host experience so clients don’t have to lift a finger.

“I first fell in love with living by the sea when I was at university in Portsmouth,” says Jolly. “You can’t beat being walking distance to a beach and I went there everyday, walking, running or an excuse to get an ice cream and go on the arcades. Mark has been holidaying in South Devon since he was little and has always loved the landscape, countryside and the sea.”