Testimonials

Denise Larkin

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU for all your hard work and attention to detail that has made my home exactly what I have always dreamed of.
Your willingness to get it right for me has been beyond the call of duty.  I know that I have rather exasperatingly made changes along the way but you have always accommodated these without a fuss which is much appreciated by me.
I had never expected that a development company could be so personable, kind and friendly.  What a great team you are!   (that includes Molly)

My home is a very important part of my life and I look forward to many happy years ahead at No 4 Harbourne Mill!

With best wishes to you all.

Ian & Sharon Yerman

It is with absolute thanks and joy that I write this mail.  We are so happy to be part of ‘Shell Cove’ and are so impressed with the remarkable quality of workmanship.  Truly a professional development completed to the highest standard.

We put our entire trust in yourselves as a team and were unable to view the house during the building stage.  Everything is above expectations.

Truly a wonderful place to retire.  The bonus of course is the view, which is stunning.

We cannot thank you enough for all the time, effort and care which must have gone into the construction of our home to such exacting standards.

It is apparent that this must have been a true team effort.

Les & Sandra Satchell

I just wanted to pass on my thanks and appreciation for the stunning work your guys have delivered in completing our new home. The place is fabulous and finished to the highest quality. A real testament to their skills and workmanship.

Eveyone we’ve met couldn’t have been more helpful and we’ve been made to feel really welcome.

Thanks again to you and the team. We are looking forward to Devon living

James & Yasmin Holland

We would just like to say a big thank you to you and your team, you’ve really built a stunning home that we love. You’ve always made us feel we can come to you with any problem big or small. The finishes in the house and the development are to the highest standard. All the team are really respectable, always cleaning up after themselves and never making too much noise on site. Thanks again Simon and the team.

Stella and Tina

I just wanted to send you a note to say how delighted we are with our beautiful new home at Shell Cove.  It’s the first time that Tina and I have bought a new build house and we were a little unsure about everything, however we didn’t need to be concerned.

From the very start it was clear that the team at Poppy Developments had our best interests at heart. We loved the plans for the house, but we were also keen to make some changes to make it more personal to us. I remember the first time that I spoke to you about this and straight away I was welcomed with a real ‘can do’ response, even though it meant completely changing the layout /configuration of the whole top floor of the house…! Tina and I came up with some pretty rough sketches that somehow you managed to turn into a truly bespoke design that absolutely delivered against what we were trying to achieve.

At various stages of the build we visited the site and it was so noticeable just how committed every one of your builders, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, roofers etc etc were to achieving the very best possible finish. I remember having a long conversation with a man (and I’m sorry I can’t remember his name) who was telling me all about the specification of the roof on the garage, I hadn’t really got much of an idea what he was talking about but what I did realise was how proud he was of what he had done, which gave me absolute certainty that it was a very good job..!

It’s been such a difficult two years and I’m sure like most businesses, you have had many challenges to deal with. At the end of the day it’s the people that make the difference and it’s those people that get things done when times are tough. That said, it’s one thing getting things done but it’s quite another thing getting it done brilliantly well with an absolute attention to detail and with a genuine pride in the end result. That’s how it’s felt working with you guys.

If you can let your team know how pleased we are and we look forward to seeing you all again in a couple of weeks when we pick the keys up.

Many thanks

Sally Gaden

We have just had our first night in our speculator new home, and it is everything we dreamed it would be.  We put a deposit down on our house early last year, and we have really enjoyed being part of the whole process form the hole in the ground to what we have now!

Simon and his team have been fantastic throughout, he has kept us informed at every stage and always welcomed us on site to see the progress.  I cannot say how much I have appreciated the easy going relationship we have had with Simon, nothing has been too much trouble.

The finished product is just amazing, attention to detail and the quality of fixtures and fittings is second to none.  I would recommend Poppy Developments and Simon to anyone, we have certainly ended up with our dream home.

Thank you very much!

Peter & Jan Casey

Poppy Developments have been a pleasure to work with on the construction of our property.  They have been flexible adapting to a few changes in design. We have appreciated the professional friendly atmosphere on site and wish to thank Simon Stone and his team for delivering an outstanding quality built house.  Everybody on site has been so co-operative and given their time without question making the process a pleasurable relaxed experience.

Thank you to Simon for the personal approach and to each company/trade associated to the site for such quality workmanship and finishes to the property. We would have no hesitation in recommending Poppy Developments and the associated companies used by them to any prospective purchaser on this or another future development.

Andy & Sharon Lucas

Having met Simon from Poppy Developments for the first time he installed all the confidence in us and we decided to purchase one of his properties off plan.  This development at Shell Cove, Dawlish has definitely got the wow factor, the location is superb.  We did view one of Simon’s completed houses which was finished to a very high standard.  Being developers ourselves we appreciate the eye for detail in a build, Simon has ticked all the boxes, high quality craftmanship and high end finishes, we are absolutely delighted with our new home.

Mike & Cherie Buchanan

We just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you to you and the team for making moving in so much more enjoyable. The guys here have gone out of the way to be helpful and friendly. Nothing has been too much trouble and we are eternally grateful!

Please thank them for everything; we will be providing some beers at some stage!

Russell & Heidi Bridges

Just a short note to thank you and your workmen for the amazing work you and they have done to get us in to 5 Shell Cove today. The team have been really pleasant and helpful and we really appreciate the extra work, above and beyond the expected that was needed to meet our deadline.  Heidi is really delighted with the house and fittings and especially the finishing touches.

We hope you will pass on our sincere gratitude to all those guys who have contributed to making today such a special one.

Carl Parnell

I just wanted to thank Simon and his incredible team for their part in allowing my partner and I the ability to move into our dream home. The entire process, which was really daunting as a first time buyer was made really easy and straight forward thanks to everyone at Poppy Developments.

Getting to see the build from framework through to walking through that front door on our move in day made the journey that much more special.

We are thrilled with our new home in what is arguably one of the most special parts of Devon and we get to enjoy the house knowing that it was crafted with care and detail by incredibly professional local builders only using the highest spec materials they are proud to stamp their name on.

The entire team has made us feel welcome and no question or task is too small for them, always done with a friendly Devon smile! If I had to do it all over again, I’d be first in line to see what Simon and his team were working on next.

Faye and Harriett

We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the excellent work you and the team have carried out, building phase 1 of the development. We have been delighted with the quality of the work and with the reliability of your team. You have all done an excellent job, completing the build.

On site, your team work extremely hard; they arrived first thing every morning, work hard all day and clear up at the end. We are impressed with the thoroughness of their work – they do an excellent job and are always so friendly.

Inevitably, with every build project, a few unforeseen issues arise yet, these are dealt with promptly and professionally and it is reassuring that your team are always available to answer questions and help with snagging and any issues. We appreciated the good advice given to us on a couple of decisions that we needed to make.

We would be happy to recommend your staff as a reliable, professional individuals and look forward to working with and getting to know more of everyone as the development continues.

Big thanks to you all.

Chris Harris

So Simon as I embark on furnishing the lovely Cottage here I feel compelled to record my appreciation of everything you and your excellent team have achieved.  Clearly the Site is spectacular but what you all have created is equally stunning.  The very high specification and quality of the workmanship is outstanding in every way.

In my past working life I regarded the most important skill as being able to surround myself with quality people.  You have certainly done so there with the ‘Trades’ involved.

Not only are they very skilled but also thoroughly nice always ready to offer advice and just chat.

Thank you so much and well done everyone.  Please do share this with your team.

Carolyn Hartley

I should be grateful If you could pass on my thanks and appreciation to the hard working members of your team including Jake and Ben.

As soon as I stepped into 6 Shell Cove I could tell that care and attention to detail had been taken to the fixtures and fittings and also of course to the construction of the house.

My furniture arrived on the 15th June and if I required any help or had any questions they were quickly dealt with.  Nothing was too much trouble.

I feel very happy and privileged to be here and had great confidence in purchasing the property.  I hope I can enjoy being here for a few years to come.

Last but not least I would like to thank you for your help during the purchase of Shell Cove and  Poppy Development itself.

Sarah Tremethick

Poppy Developments are extremely unique and special in every way – they create a truly magical building experience!

Simon Stone is such an extraordinary individual – engaging, authentic, creative and an absolute perfectionist. It’s a joy sharing in his passion for design. I’ve appreciated every conversation with him throughout the project.

The team work together perfectly. They don’t simply build to an original concept – they’re constantly inspiring each other and debating new ideas. There’s a level of pride in their end result which is very much deserved.

My property has exceeded my expectations. I wouldn’t contemplate a future project without this team at my side – that’s how brilliant they are – one of a kind!

THANK YOU for your dedication to bringing my dream to life!!

Teresa & Keith Hayes

Simon this is a sincere thank you for completing our beautiful home on time, in the most magnificent quality.  The process has been a joy for my husband and I, we now own a most magnificent home in a unique setting in South Devon that will bring us much happiness.

Every detail has been meticulously engineered with flair and precision.

We are absolutely delighted with Poppy Development’s management team and their fabulous team of construction workers nothing was too much trouble for any of them.

Gary & Pat Keen

We are delighted to have moved into Poppy Development’s latest project “The Mill” at Harbertonford an indisputable 2018 RICS award winning development which comprises of 7 bespoke homes each with unique interiors.  Simon Stone’s team of specialised craftsman have captured and restored some of the original historic features of this circa 1769 building to create quintessentially 7 luxurious family homes. The craftsmanship is outstanding.

We had been searching for a home which incorporated some historical, distinctive and modern features, the Mill ticked all of the boxes.  Simon Stone’s integrity as a property developer is something that other property developers should aspire too.  He is a true professional who lives up to his word and who we have found continues to be available to answer and resolve any concerns we may have.

Frances & Ash Pigott

Thanks to Poppy Developments and Simon Stone for helping the move to The Mill to go so smoothly.  Our new home is lovely, really well built and an excellent design.  It’s a wonderful contemporary construction that has stayed true to this old building, so we get the best of both worlds.  A perfect holiday home for our family.

Mr & Mrs Spencer

House viewing can be a disappointing experience with many properties failing to live up to the expectations created by the particulars.  Viewing The Mill, Harbertonford, bucked the trend as the properties there actually exceeded our expectations.  The conversion of what was a dilapidated mill feels to be a true labour of love with a refreshingly generous use of space and quality fixtures and fittings.  We’re looking forward to living there.

Lula Rendall

We moved into 2, The Mill on Tuesday 4th April.  We were immediately greeted by a representative of Poppy Developments and were made very welcome.  Time was taken to show us around, have an opportunity for questions and test the appliances.  A card and a bottle of local wine was waiting for us in the fridge which was much appreciated.  The central heating was on and the house was spotless.

The actual move-in with our furniture company was immensely helped by the site manager who showed the removal men the easiest route in and was on hand to help with any difficulties.  A senior workman also spent a considerable amount of time sorting out our television point.  In addition he was able to help with storage in the loft space.  Nothing was too much to ask of the company team.

The following week we were visited by the site manager again to see if there were any problems or further guidance that we needed.  My husband and I are extremely gratified by the warm and positive rapport that the company has extended to us.  We would certainly recommend this company to others.

John & Marian Smith

….”Poppy Developments offered us a unique opportunity to tailor a unit into a bespoke home within an existing development.  Working closely with Simon Stone, we planned the floor layouts to our own needs and requirements.  Whilst remaining largely within the basic specification of materials and fittings, we introduced our own sophisticated lighting scheme and designed the garden to suit our need.

Simon has surrounded himself with a sound team of labourers and dedicated sub-contractors who, without exception, have all contributed to creating our new home.  I would like to think the whole experience for both Poppy Developments and us has been a most rewarding relationship.”….

Ian & Sandie Curtis

We first became aware of Simon’s work in early 2015 when we viewed his development at Hernaford Barns.  We loved the way that he introduced contemporary fittings and a modern finish to an old building whilst still retaining its original integrity and beauty.  We were not able to proceed at that time – but when we viewed his development at The Mill we again fell in love with the building and knew that this was where we wanted to spend our retirement.  We have been so impressed by the standard of finish and the quality of the workmanship.  Although we have been in the property for just a week it already feels like home – a home that we love.  It has been a pleasure to deal with Simon and also with all his workmen who have always been courteous and accommodating whatever our requests.

Such was our confidence and trust in Simon that we were happy to invest in a property which was still in the early stages of conversion – and that trust and confidence has been totally repaid by the standard of finish.  I would not hesitate to recommend Simon to anyone who wants to buy a property which tastefully blends contemporary fittings within a heritage building.  His passion and enthusiasm for the project has shone through at all times and is reflected in the building we are proud to call our home.

Brian & Barbara Gardiner

We were the first occupants at the Mill, moving in during October 2015, while building works were in full swing on the six other phase one properties.  We were so pleased with the quality of the build, fittings and finish of the house which is way above most new developments.  A unique blend of historic features and modern styling.

Living on a building site at such an early stage could have been a real problem, but not so.  Simon and his crew welcomed us and helped us settle in, quickly sorting out any snags and have continued to be very courteous and helpful.

Mike & Sue De Meyer

We have been really pleased with our new home at Hernaford Barns which has been beautifully created by Poppy Developments.  The conversion has achieved a good balance between the historic property exterior and the modern interior.  The quality of the build is of a very high standard and there are a lot of very nice details within the barn that make it very easy to move into and live in.  The grounds surrounding the barns complement them perfectly and make great use of the available space and light.

Dealing with Poppy Developments on all issues of the purchase has been straightforward and simple, they have been very quick to respond on every point we raised and we are very happy with our new house and would have no hesitation to recommend them to anyone.

Peter and Carole Larratt

Simon Stone and his dedicated team of craftsmen have delivered a truly stunning development of 7 barn conversions, each one individual, each one exceptional.  The attention to detail is second to none, and we love the contemporary, open plan feel of the interior of our new home, whilst the outside retains all the features of a barn this age with so many years of history.

Throughout the buying process, Simon was always accessible to answer our questions and gave us all the time and information we needed and was more than willing to accommodate special requests we had for our new home.  Simon likes to say that “every problem has a solution” and we have found that he puts this into practice all the time.  Equally importantly, Simon has remained just as accessible after our purchase was completed.  We are truly delighted with our beautiful barn conversion and would recommend Poppy Developments without hesitation.

Mr & Mrs Thorn

Poppy Developments’ work on Hernaford Barns has demonstrated that Simon Stone and his team have a real flair for retaining the original feel of the property but yet have delivered homes that are both individual and complimentary.  Simon’s choice of colour and materials has blended together to produce homes that are both pleasing to the eye and practical.  The build quality has been of a high order, with individual craftsmen being conscientious and maintaining exacting standards.

The whole team on site have been cheerful, friendly and obliging.  Happy to assist or advise, the individual tradesmen have been prepared to discuss their work and advise on future maintenance issues; to adapt to change and work to a high standard, as required by Simon Stone.  Whilst minor snagging issues are inevitable in a build such as Hernaford Barns, these have been addressed in a timely and sensible manner.  Conscious of the need to maintain the properties, the tradesmen have been fastidious in working cleanly and tidying up; they have been a credit to their trade and to Poppy Developments.

Teresa A Golden

I purchased my beautiful home near Harbertonford in the spring of 2015.  It is a barn, converted to a house, using the highest specifications. Windows are hand made at Dartington, I have solid oak floors, top of the range kitchen appliances and granite worktops.  With the luxury of underfloor heating in every room, a gorgeously designed bathroom and ensuite and the sweetest garden space, I am in clover!

Simon Stone and his team of dedicated craftsmen provided extras designed to meet my personal requirements.  These included a bespoke glass shelf in my bedroom alcove, a made to measure wardrobe and a perfect space for recycling and household waste.  I really am in Heaven!

Garth and Gaye Allen

We moved into our new Poppy Developments Barn in the Spring of 2015.  We had been searching for our ideal barn conversion in the South Hams for two years when we were advised by the Estate Agent to view Poppy Development’s latest barn development project at Hernaford Barns.  The near derelict detached barn needed total reconstruction inside and major renovation outside.

We were able to liaise with Simon Stone of Poppy Developments from the very beginning of the build.  It was a delight to work with Simon and his team and nothing was too much trouble.  Simon’s team responded positively to all our questions, niggles and site visits!  We have moved many times during a long married life but this property has been a true labour of love for both Simon and ourselves.  He has spent a professional lifetime working on barn conversions but we always felt that building our barn was a project close to his heart.  He was as excited about the process and the outcome as we were.  Our experience of Poppy Developments is that they can be trusted to work to the highest standards and in a manner totally responsive to the client’s wishes.

S.Wrigley

I bought my gorgeous home near Slapton in early 2013.  It is fabulous, thoughtfully constructed, very spacious, comfortable and modern while preserving the charm and original character of a converted farm building.  Simon Stone is a pleasure to deal with – nice touches like a welcome card and bottle of fizz when we moved in.  They are always on the end of the phone, responsive and helpful (even out of hours) with any queries I might have. Definitely get a gold star from me!

N.Bailey

I purchased a barn conversion developed and constructed by Poppy Developments in November 2014.  The property and overall development is a delight, well thought out and constructed to a high Standard.  Mr Stone and his staff are courteous, helpful and willing, and all my dealings have been most satisfactory.

Stephen Woods

I am so very pleased to report that Simon has delivered everything he promised and I feel very much at one in my new surroundings. I really cannot imagine a more creative, a more helpful, or a more well-disposed group of builders.  During my moments of despair, when I first moved in, Simon calmly told me that he had never had an unhappy client and he has proved to be a man of his word.

A Poppy Developments home is a bespoke, handmade home and all the craftsmen who work with Simon really care about the quality of their work.  The result is not a factory product and the hand of the craftsman is very much in evidence.