The top holiday cottages near Salcombe for families, dogs, and anyone looking to unwind, sail and explore South Devon.
Salcombe, a sailing hub on the South West Coast Path, has the formula for a sweet seaside Devon getaway.
With golden beaches, a scenic harbour and access to the wild South Devon Coast, it’s no wonder that Salcombe has become a popular destination with couples, families and friends. Part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s within a short drive of the rolling countryside and other stunning South Devon destinations such as Hope Cove, Challaborough, Blackpool Sands, Slapton, Dartmouth and Thurlestone.
Salcombe itself has plenty of attractions to its name. Dabble in watersports such as sailing, kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding on the Salcombe Estuary. Take some downtime beside the azure waters of its two beaches, North and South Sands. The South West Coast Path runs past the town, leading onto more beautiful beaches in Bantham and Bigbury on Sea. When you’re not watching the action over the harbour, Salcombe town centre has a local museum, boutique shops, seafood dinners and snazzy bars. Salcombe holiday cottages are, by no doubt, some of the best cottages in Devon.
The Top 8 Cottages Near Salcombe:
1. 22 The Salcombe (Salcombe, Devon)
2. Beam Ends (Beesands, Devon)
3. Dory Cottage (Salcombe, Devon)
4. 1 Beachdown (Challaborough, Devon)
5. Home (Salcombe, Devon)
6. Bumble Cottage (Torcross, Devon
7. Golden Meadow (Torcross, Devon)
8. Startline House (Salcombe, Devon)
22 The Salcombe
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Best for: A six-person apartment with stunning estuary views
At 22 The Salcombe, there’s no need to leave your holiday home to track down the ocean. The South Devon apartment is based in a waterside location with stunning views over Salcombe Harbour, East Portlemouth and South Pool Creek. Sleeping seven people, the first-floor apartment has a balcony with cosy wicker furniture and maritime decorations such as a telescope in the open-plan living space. Part of a communal apartment block, the cottage has access to a shared, seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool and private gardens.
When you’re not unwinding on your balcony or taking a swim, North Sands and South Sands are under half an hour’s walk away from the apartment. In keeping with the theme of the flat, The Salcombe Maritime Museum is just down the road too. Since the apartment has an allocated private parking space for one car and mooring for boats of a certain size, you’re also able to approach and depart by boat or car.
Facilities: The maritime paintings and décor at 22 The Salcombe will make sure that you don’t forget your location next to the Salcombe Estuary. The sleeping quarters are ideal for a family and include four bedrooms, a kingsize ensuite, a bunk bedroom and a single bedroom. If you tire of watching the boats bob to and from the Salcombe estuary, which is highly unlikely, there’s also a Smart TV with a Netflix connection, Wi-Fi or the communal pool to entertain yourself with. It’s easy to make everyone their post-beach brew, or a filling dinner too, since the kitchen has an electric hob and oven, a dishwasher and a fridge-freezer.
Beam Ends
Location: Beesands, Devon
Best for: A sophisticated, modern beach house on the South West Coast Path
When it comes to holiday cottages on the South Devon coast, Beam Ends couldn’t be more convenient. With a paved pathway leading to the promenade in front of the sea, the South Devon cottage is directly on the South West Coast Path and has fabulous views of the big blue. There’s a charming pub with a waterside location a few minutes’ walk away, but Beam Ends is also self-catering and has a roomy waterfront patio with a table and chairs, complete with a lantern-style candle and sea views.
A 35-minute drive from the heart of Salcombe, the South Devon cottage is in a peaceful spot, immersed in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There may not be boutique shops or a bustling quay a short walk away, but it’s right in front of the beautiful Beesands Beach and within walking distance of the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, Strete Gate Beach and Lannacombe Beach.
Facilities: Beam Ends may sound like an old-fashioned name, but the cottage is highly modern and sophisticated. From the outside, the front terrace, patio doors and upper-floor decking look almost like a beach house. Inside, there’s a unique combination of modern, glossy furnishings and old-world décor such as a woodburning stove, a brick fireplace, hanging chandeliers and window-side armchairs. Yet, with a cosy, soundproofed cinema room equipped with Sonos speakers, a sofa bed and its own ensuite, as well as a kitchen with NEFF appliances and a chic breakfast bar, there seems to be no end to the high-end furnishings. That’s true of the back garden too, which is equipped with a barbecue.
Dory Cottage
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Best for: A cute pet-friendly cottage in the heart of Salcombe
Dory Cottage is packed with Salcombe character. Painted light pink and based on Island Street, a short walk from the quayside and Salcombe shops and eateries, it’s a vision from the outside. Stroll past the huge wooden dining table and barbecue out front and then climb the stairs to a second front terrace with another furniture set. There’s an outdoor shower and an outdoor storage area if you need a place to stow any sandy beach gear or bodyboards, or rinse off the outer layer of sand you might have gathered on the local beaches. The indoors of the cottage is just as characterful, with three bedrooms, an open-plan living space and seaside-inspired decoration.
Island Street is a short walk from South Sands and North Sands, Salcombe’s two beaches. As one of just a few pet-friendly Salcombe holiday cottages, you’ll also be able to introduce your canine to the pleasures of hikes along the South Devon Coast or treat them to a puppuccino in a local café.
Facilities: There are three floors of comfort at Dory Cottage. Take refuge in the attic den, which has a smart TV and sofa bed, or treat yourself to a long, hot shower in one of two bathrooms equipped with a thermostatic shower. The kitchen, coloured-in duck blue, has a full set of appliances. It’s part of an open-plan living area, which gives off a traditional cottage vibe too. The classic oak dining table matches the dresser, which is lined with ceramics and mugs. That’s cosy enough already, without taking into consideration the two outdoor spaces, which are ideal for a late-night game of cards or a barbecue in the fresh South Devon air.
1 Beachdown
Location: Challaborough, Devon
Best for: A modern cottage on the South Devon Coast with two terraces
Located a short walk from the horseshoe-shaped cove of Challaborough, 1 Beachdown is no stranger to beautiful beaches and stunning views. Only half an hour’s drive from Salcombe, you truly get the best of both worlds: a beach location with easy access to the sailing hub and South Sands. This South Devon cottage is situated alongside a large holiday park, which has a surf shop should you want to try out the South Devon surf at any point during your stay. It also has an indoor swimming pool, available for a fee, and a diner, bar and small convenience shop.
With the main terrace at the front of the property and a second rooftop terrace, guests at 1 Beachdown are spoilt for choice should they want to soak in the sun’s rays and watch the tide slide on and off of the sand. There are green hills surrounding the South Devon holiday home, but the private parking for two cars also opens up the rest of the South Hams for exploration, whether you want to track down more coves, fishing towns or the countryside.
Facilities: First things first, pick up a book for your beach days from the selection in the entrance hall. Then, put on the kettle in the fully-equipped kitchen and assess the many devices at your disposal: a kettle, cafetiere, dishwasher, Neff induction hob and cooker, washing machine, toaster, fridge, freezer and breakfast bar. The living room doesn’t disappoint when it comes to entertainment, as it has a 58-inch Smart TV and a Bluetooth surround system. The whole home is bright, modern and receives plenty of natural light from the patio doors. The outside looks more like a high-end hotel than a cottage; a slab, wooden front with a staircase leading to a roof patio and sunloungers are just what you need to soak in the views.
Home
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Best for: A homely cottage within walking distance of North and South Sands
If the name Home isn’t already a giveaway, Home is a cosy – and thoroughly homely – South Devon cottage. Based in the heart of Salcombe, a short walk from South Sands and the town centre, it’s incredibly warm and welcome. In fact, if it isn’t for its location in the lively South Devon sailing haven of Salcombe, you might feel so settled that you forget you’re on holiday. At least, that’s until you venture onto the outdoor patio and note that the stone terrace has cosy wicker furniture and a table and chairs covered by a parasol for shade.
Whether you gather there to reflect on the day’s adventures over the South Hams or to share a meal with your loved ones, you should have plenty of time to connect and unwind. There are four bedrooms across the property, so a total of eight people can get their Salcombe fix. The house is surrounded by Salcombe seafood eateries and a short walk from the quay and town museum, whether you’d like a day of eating, history or watersports.
Facilities: With a large staircase and palm tree-style plants leading the way to the entrance, the excitement might build as you approach Home for the first time. The interior is warm and minimalistic, with potted greenery scattered around the rooms, oak furniture, and a decorative woodburning stove. The kitchen has a full set of appliances, so pour yourself a glass of Salcombe gin, and set about grilling something for the family dinner. There’s a desk station if anyone needs to check their emails or get some tasks done while they’re away, and a dedicated laundry room to treat any sandy clothes. Of course, you might not have time for all that, with the set of wicker furniture and dining table outside, which has views over Salcombe’s sloping suburbs.
Bumble Cottage
Location: Torcross, Devon
Best for: A peaceful, family-oriented cottage in Torcross
Tucked away in Torcross, a village at the southern end of Slapton Sands with a peaceful sandy stretch, Bumble Cottage is a family-oriented South Devon escape. Ideally situated with views over the Ley, which is what locals call the freshwater stretch, it’s the perfect spot for kids to explore. Afterwards, the whole family can get cosy beside the woodburning stove in the living room or make their way to the cosy, round table outdoors. With four bedrooms, a family bathroom and an additional bathroom, large family get-togethers are catered to.
There’s plenty of scope for making memories in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Slapton Ley Nature Reserve is within walking distance of the cottage, as is the coastal path and independent shops selling fresh, local produce.
Facilities: The daytime already has plenty of surprises in store, but evenings at Bumble Cottage should be just as eventful. That’s because this is another of the best Salcombe holiday cottages with a furnished garden area. The rattan furniture is arranged around a firepit, which has a grill set up. Whether you prepare flame-grilled skewers or arrange a spread using the gas barbecue, there’s everything you need for an alfresco dinner. With exposed beams in the master bedroom, ley views from many of the windows, and a utility area, study, living room and fully-equipped kitchen, it’s unlikely that you’ll find anything missing, whether you’re staying with family or friends.
Golden Meadow
Location: Torcross, Devon
Best for: A luxury eight-room cottage with views over Torcross
If you’ve been searching for a high-end South Devon cottage for a special occasion, Golden Meadow is a fitting choice. The grand cottage is situated in sloping farm fields with views of the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve. The tiered garden, kitted out with rattan sofas, looks like something out of a castle rather than a cottage. With a large entrance hall, workshop living room, farmhouse-style kitchen and six bathrooms between seven rooms, there’s no doubt that the Salcombe holiday home is ideal for those attending special events, celebrating a special occasion, or looking for a luxurious getaway.
When you’re ready to visit gorgeous Salcombe itself, it’s only half an hour’s drive away from the holiday cottage. Even closer is Torcross, a 10 minutes’ walk away, where there’s a café, pub and boathouse fish and chips takeaway sandwiched between the Slapton Ley and the sea. With Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth and the Dart Estuary to the north, the cottage doesn’t just meet expectations in terms of comfort. It’s also well-situated for those wanting to explore South Devon’s coves and castles.
Facilities: There’s little doubt that you’ll gravitate towards Golden Meadow’s flagstone terrace. With views over Torcross and a tiered layout, it’s enough to make anyone feel like royalty. With rattan suites, lanterns and other outdoor lighting, the set-up is just as atmospheric in the evening, with Torcross’ lights glinting in the distance. If you’re wondering what else is special about the country home, you only have to set foot into the grand entrance hall and look at the views of the coast and countryside on either side. The living room and many of the bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the scenery, but there’s also the option of feasting your eyes on a movie in the cinema room, which has Netflix, Sky and Bluetooth. From the farmhouse-style kitchen and granite breakfast bar to the dining table fit for a feast, Golden Meadow is set to exceed expectations.
Startline House
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Best for: A Salcombe holiday home overlooking the Salcombe estuary
With views over azure water and swaying sailing boats, Startline House is the beginning of a Salcombe holiday that you won’t soon forget. Framed by palm trees, the house sits above the Salcombe Estuary and has views over white-sand coves, wooded slopes and sailing boats. Even better, the four-bedroom cottage has a wooden patio with deckchairs and a covered table, set up specifically to take in the scenery.
Whether you’re in Salcombe to set sail, try out windsurfing for the first time or unwind on the fine sand, Startline House fits the bill. Store your watersports or beach equipment on the porch, because it’s only a short walk to South Sands and North Sands. If you’re not too preoccupied watching the boats glide over the estuary from your Salcombe holiday home, it’s also easy to visit Salcombe’s many seafood eateries, takeaways and shops, because they are all within walking distance of the cottage.
Facilities: As a detached cottage, Startline House’s first attractive feature is that it’s very peaceful. It’s also roomy, with four generously-sized bedrooms, a family bathroom, a separate shower room and a fourth-floor lounge with exposed beams and a woodburning stove. The kingsize bedroom has its own balcony, as does the lounge, but it’s the roomy decking area on the ground floor where you’ll probably spend most of your quality time. An alternative to the fully-equipped kitchen, there’s a barbecue on the decking where you can dine on alfresco eats while watching the activities of the estuary play out below.
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Some of the images in this blog post have been provided by Sykes Cottages.