Salcombe, Devon

Step through the wooden gate and walk up the path to Smalls Cottage and you can’t help but experience an instant Swallows-and-Amazons tingle. The house occupies a secluded vantage point nestled in a tree-dotted garden and looking out across the Kingsbridge Estuary towards Salcombe. Exploration starts on your doorstep – it’s a short stroll to the shoreline, where you can sit back and relax on your own private area of beach, paddle in the lapping water and wave lazily to passing sailboats. Devon’s South Hams region – where a patchwork of fields runs down to meet the sea – unfolds all around you. Thanks to sweeping bays, bustling harbours and welcoming towns packed with galleries and boutiques, it’s no wonder this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a popular destination for family holidays and romantic escapes.

Smalls Cottage has been fully and sympathetically refurbished to make the most of its innate charm while ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible. Expect colour schemes that echo the seaside location. The views are second to none and the rooms are flooded with natural light that pours through generous windows. Enjoy a feeling of relaxed refinement, with wooden floors, squishy sofas and plenty of nooks where you can unwind, fill your lungs with sea air and doze off to the sound of gulls swooping across the estuary. 

The main kitchen with its roomy dining table is the ideal spot for genial gatherings, celebratory meals and catching up on tales of the day’s adventures. In the cooler months, chilly fingers and toes can be warmed by the traditional AGA. A boot room, located downstairs, is very spacious and ensures there’s plenty of space for sandy shoes. When it’s time to settle down for the evening, head to the sitting room to cosy up by the log burner or throw open the patio doors to enjoy sea-salty breezes blowing in.

Enviable – that’s the word to describe the situation of Smalls Cottage. It’s set in a quiet valley and offers seclusion along with commanding views. Five acres of garden and a private area of beach offering direct access to the waterfront mean there’s space for everyone to spread out. Wandering through the wooded grounds, you’ll find plenty of spots to sit quietly with a book, soak up the sun and listen to the busy hum of insects.  

In the morning, head to one of the wooden decks for your first cup of coffee and a relaxed breakfast. Come evening, it’s time to spark up the barbecue, light the fire pit and toast some marshmallows. When the stars come out, sink back into the hot tub and maybe enjoy a glass of something chilled.

The location of Smalls Cottage on the opposite shore from Salcombe means you can enjoy the quiet of the garden or the bustle of the town, as the mood takes you. Regular ferries and water taxis run across the estuary from the nearby Portlemouth Landing and getting across takes a matter of minutes. In Salcombe, a network of winding streets heads inland from the water. You’ll find all the essentials you need, as well as tempting restaurants and cafés, galleries, boutiques and independent shops. Exploring at your own pace feels all the better when you have a locally made ice cream in your hand.

To experience the beauty of the estuary and spot an abundance of wildlife, take a river excursion from Salcombe Harbour. Local companies offer kayak, paddle board and boat hire, if you prefer to get around under your own steam. Around the headland, there are plenty of sandy beaches and bays to discover, including Hope Cove, Bantham Beach and Blackpool Sands near Stoke Fleming.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can strike out on foot and explore the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Turning inland towards the market town of Kingsbridge takes you through the county’s lush farmland, while heading to the coast for an invigorating walk puts you on the South West Coast Path. The South Hams area is known for its pretty villages – seek out a traditional pub to sample a local brew as you stop to rest your feet.

The towns of Dartmouth, Brixham and Totnes are all within easy driving distance, as is historic Plymouth. Stop off here to promenade around the Barbican, see where the Mayflower set off from or wow the kids with a visit to the National Marine Aquarium.

Sleeps up to 9 guests in four bedrooms: 

· One with super king-size bed (ground floor) 

· One with bunk beds and a pull-out trundle (ground floor) 

· One with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom (first floor) 

· One with king-size bed and adjoining shower room (first floor)

A large family bathroom on the ground floor, spacious kitchen, boot room, private beach area, large gardens with hot tub, fire pit, gas barbecue and two terraces.

Are very welcome. A cot and highchair are available by prior request.

(up to a maximum of 2) are charged at £60 per full or part week.

Ample parking is available for several cars on the driveway.

Main kitchen has a fridge-freezer, electric AGA, electric oven, induction hob, microwave and Sage coffee machine.

The boot room is equipped with a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Large garden with access to open water – children and pets must be supervised.

On Friday or Monday from 4 pm onwards

Before 10 am

From £3500 per week, £2300 per short break