Notes from the host
The Cottage
Nestled between the stunning coastal towns of Teignmouth and Dawlish and surrounded by lush Devon countryside is the pretty village of Holcombe, where you will find The Cottage - a recently refurbished, Grade II-listed family home with period features, a brand-new hot tub, games room and plenty of outside space for entertaining. Stylish and contemporary with a warm, homely charm. Pets are welcome. No stag or hen parties.
Recently refurbished to a very high standard, the Cottage manages to be spacious while retaining a cosy and comforting atmosphere. A grandfather clock welcomes guests into the entrance hall, which flows to the right into the large sitting room with a wood burner at its heart, surrounded by three luxurious sofas – plenty of room for everyone to relax. Double doors lead to an ample terrace which is equipped with a barbecue, dining table and chairs.
Separated from the lounge by charming wooden beams is the dining area, where a large table comfortably seats eight – a great space for big family suppers. This leads into a spacious, light, and airy kitchen, decorated in a modern country style, which boasts a double oven and island bar for social breakfasts. Store all your coats, walking boots, dog leads and beach gear in the utility room next door – and if you forget your four-legged friend’s food bowls, there are plenty of spares in the cupboard.
Every child’s dream is situated in the conservatory next door: the games room is equipped with a pool table, table skittles, Xbox One and PS4 consoles and an array of board games and puzzles to keep everyone busy while the adults relax outside or in the lounge.
For those who might need to check in on work during their stay, there is a desk, chair, and free Wi-Fi in the hall. Turn left to find an elegant family bathroom with a skylight, shower cubicle and rolltop bath, decorated in uplifting greens and whites – perfectly placed to wash off the beach as soon as you come home.
A delightful single bedroom, sumptuously decorated in muted purples and golds, has a built-in wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside table with lamp.
The light and airy master bedroom is also downstairs, boasting a super-kingsize bed, built-in wardrobes, and freestanding chest of drawers with two bedside tables and lamps and a contemporary en-suite wet room with shower, sink, and toilet.
Upstairs are two further beautifully decorated, stylish bedrooms: one with a king-size bed, fitted wardrobe and chest of drawers, bedside tables, and lamps; the other with zip-linked beds, which can be used as two single beds or a super-king-size bed upon request, a freestanding wardrobe with drawers, bedside tables with lamps and a smart TV on the wall. There is also another toilet with a sink.
The property is accessed by a private road leading to a private drive. Guests have access to the entire house except for the garage.
The Cottage is professionally managed by Fresh Escapes. A Devon based privately owned Vacation Rental and Management company who are here to ensure your stay runs as smoothly as possible.
Turn up the private drive to find the perfect hideaway for a large family or group of friends to relax and enjoy each other’s company while exploring South Devon’s attractions. The four-bedroom Cottage oozes coastal comfort. Decorated in sea-blues and sand-golds, punctuated by an eclectic mix of art and furniture, the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining area and living room provide the ideal space to chill out and relax after sightseeing. Or why not get cosy around the woodburner after your evening meal to chew over the day’s activities – this homestay is great in the cooler winter months, too. Double doors lead from the living room on to the terrace – perfect for al fresco dining and summer barbecues. Kids need to let off steam before dinner? Let them relax in their own games room.
When you are ready to escape the coastal charm of the Cottage, you will be spoilt for choice with breathtaking scenery to explore. Wander around Holcombe, soaking up the historic atmosphere, and taking in the pretty church and pub. Stroll down to Holcombe Beach, just a few minutes’ walk down the quaintly named Smugglers Lane. For a longer walk, take the coastal path that runs beside the railway line into Teignmouth – a vibrant coastal town with a beautiful long promenade, pier and beach, where you can sit and watch the world go by. Or just a short journey away in the other direction is the sandy beach of Dawlish Warren, where you can laze in the sun and take a refreshing dip in the ocean – weather permitting! Whether you decide to stay in Holcombe or venture further afield, the Cottage is the perfect base to explore South Devon.
The Cottage is perfectly situated for a coastal and countryside holiday and is ideal for families and groups of friends with pets. There is so much to do close by that you probably won’t need to venture far. The tranquil village of Holcombe is just an amble away. At its heart is the local pub, the Castle Inn, which serves local ales and traditional pub grub. Dogs are welcome in the covered outside area. If you’re hankering after Sunday lunch, then the Smugglers Inn is a must for fresh produce and stunning panoramic sea views – all just 10 minutes from the Cottage. Head down Smugglers Lane, just off Holcombe Drive, where you’ll find Holcombe beach and the coastal path to Teignmouth. At the bottom of the lane is the Salty Dog Kiosk, which opens from February to November, serving drinks, light lunches and snacks.
Teignmouth is great for families, with its Victorian pier, lido, play park, crazy golf, skate park and beaches. The beautiful, trendy art quarter is well worth a visit and is a treasure trove of independent shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Head to the charming Teignmouth Back Beach, located on the estuary side of the town, for spectacular views looking towards Dartmoor, particularly at sunrise and sunset. From here, take the small ferry across to Teignmouth’s hidden gem – Shaldon Beach. Refuel at the stunning Ness pub, which used to be the summer villa of the Clifford family, who built the famous smugglers tunnel to the beach.
Stunning sea views, beach barbecues and live music can be found at the Ship Inn on Queen Street, and foodies mustn’t miss the locally sourced and sustainably caught catch of the day at the Crab Shack on the Beach.
To the north-east is Dawlish, famous for its golden sands and black swans. Enjoy paddling in the sea before exploring the town’s selection of charming cafes and local shops. Walk along the South West Coast Path and come to Dawlish Warren nature reserve. Hire bikes here to continue adventuring along the coast.
If a day at the beach isn’t your style, the English Riviera boasts endless activities such as Paignton Zoo, the Dartmouth Steam Railway, the picturesque fishing harbour of Brixham and the rugged Dartmoor National Park.
There is on-site parking for four to five cars. Holcombe village, Holcombe beach and the South West Coast Path are 10 minutes’ walk from the property. Take the Teignmouth Road to reach traditional Dawlish to the north-east and the bustling seaside town of Teignmouth to the south-west.
Parking is available for 3 medium-sized cars on the driveway. Any additional cars can park at the bottom of the lane which is free and unrestricted, although we ask you to park mindfully of residents. Pets are very welcome at The Cottage but we do ask that you keep them off beds wherever possible. Additional cleaning from pets may be charged to you. If wheelchairs are used there are a couple of steps up to the level of the home from the car parking area, one up through the front entrance, one down to the living area and one down to the ground floor bedroom and bathroom so additional support will be required for the guest stay to lift the wheelchair when required.
