Plan your next holiday to the hidden gem of Totnes in Devon with a stay in one of these spectacular holiday cottages.
The market town of Totnes is often an overlooked part of Devon.
Yet, being set within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it boasts some of South Devon’s most remarkable scenery and walking trails. Pair that with nearby seaside towns such as Paignton, Torquay and Brixham, and you’ll find the historical market town is an ideal place for families, friends, couples, sailing fans, beach-seekers, outdoor lovers and foodies to spend quality time in a holiday cottage.
Holiday cottages in Totnes come in many different forms. You could stay in a wonderful terraced cottage in the town centre or in a welcoming converted barn in the countryside immediately surrounding the town. If you want to hole down halfway between the sea and Totnes, you might want to opt for a log cabin on the shores of the River Dart, a quirky holiday home sitting on a clifftop or a first-floor apartment located above Brixham’s sailing boats. With markets, Totnes Castle and a historic port bridge located in Totnes, as well as a selection of attractions, including Dartmoor National Park, the River Dart estuary, beaches and the South West Coast Path only a short drive away, cottages in Totnes are some of the most attractive cottages in Devon.
The Top 10 Holiday Cottages near Totnes:
1. The Old Mill, Old Mill Cottages (Paignton, Devon)
2. 3 Goodrington Lodge (Paignton, Devon)
3. Blackthorn (Totnes, Devon)
4. Family Tides (Brixham, Devon)
5. The Bathing House (Ashprington, Devon)
6. Tree Tops (Kingswear, Devon)
7. Apartment 3, The Manor House (Dartmouth, Devon)
8. Merry Bank (Stoke Gabriel, Devon)
9. Rest A Shore (Brixham, Devon)
10. Cliff Cottage (Brixham, Devon)
The Old Mill, Old Mill Cottages
Location: Paignton, Devon
Best for: A stone cottage in the countryside south of Totnes
Charming might be the first word that springs to mind when you step foot into The Old Mill, Old Mill Cottages. As a stone cottage, exposed beams stretch across the living spaces and bedrooms. The main reminders that this is, in fact, one of many luxury self-catering holiday cottages near Totnes and not a cottage from a century bygone, is that there’s a private garden with a furnished barbecue area, a woodburning stove and ample ensuite bedrooms for the ultimate level of comfort and convenience.
Location-wise, The Old Mill certainly does not lose its charms. The holiday cottage is located in the countryside just north of Torquay and Paignton, approximately 20 minutes’ drive away from Totnes, making it equally as suited to holidays in the market town as on the English Riviera. Spend a day in the South Devon countryside or sailing along the River Dart estuary. Along the coast, beaches and things to see include Fairy Cove, Paignton Pier, Preston Sands, Torquay Beach, Meadfoot Beach, Kent’s Cavern Prehistoric Caves and Torre Abbey.
Facilities: The Old Mill is a spacious five-bedroom Totnes holiday cottage with plenty of character, from country-themed décor to an old-style woodburning stove and a contemporary range cooker. Three of the five bedrooms are ensuites, and to add to the convenience, there’s a central island in the kitchen where everyone can gather around to play board games or share a hearty supper. A games room equipped with table football and a smart TV makes entertainment easy, no matter the age of the guests. With two pets permitted too, this is an excellent option for those who are searching for pet-friendly holiday cottages in Totnes and the surrounding area.
3 Goodrington Lodge
Location: Paignton, Devon
Best for: A Paignton apartment with a shared outdoor swimming pool
With a shared outdoor swimming pool and views over Goodrington Boating Lake, 3 Goodrington Lodge is no stranger to the water. Whether you start your day off with a dip in the swimming pool or a spin on the boating lake, the cottage is an excellent introduction to the South Devon coast. There are several options for catching the sunset too, whether it’s watching the nightly colour show with drinks on the balcony or wandering down the sandy beach in Goodrington and watching golden hour over the beach huts and waves. Since they are within walking distance, you can visit any time of day for your fix of sand and sea.
It’s a short 15-minute drive to Totnes and the top of the River Dart from 3 Goodrington Lodge, but if you’re mainly in the area to visit the famed English Riviera, Goodrington Beach is a smaller, less-busy version of its neighbour Paignton. There’s a steam train that travels over the top of the beach for a historic trip by the sea. Rummage through the rockpools on the safe, sandy beach, or try out waterskiing further out to sea. The steam train travels to Paignton and onto Dartmouth should you want to reach new horizons too.
Facilities: 3 Goodrington Lodge is somewhere where you can really take it easy, whether that’s with mornings spent in the shared seasonal outdoor swimming pool, easy breakfasts on the balcony furniture or relaxing in the cosy living room, which is set around a wall-mounted television. The communal gardens aren’t just for swimming either. There’s a communal barbecue where guests can grill all of their family-favourite barbecue foods. The two bedrooms consist of twin beds and a kingsize master bedroom with an ensuite shower room.
Blackthorn
Location: Totnes, Devon
Best for: A one-bedroom apartment with a balcony on the outskirts of Totnes
The balcony at Blackthorn will quickly introduce you to the splendour of the South Devon countryside. Located on the outskirts of Totnes, Blackthorn has the best of both worlds; as well as being within walking distance of Totnes Castle and the town’s many independent shops, it’s surrounded by rural walking trails. It’s a romantic setting for two to unwind in too, with far-reaching views over the bumpy countryside and Totnes.
Exploring South Devon is easy from Blackthorn, with it being just a short walk from Totnes’ quaint centre and an easy drive to the beginning of the River Dart, where you can go sailing or hiking. In Paignton, a 15-minute drive away, take a little wander around the beach, traditional pier and promenade. You could catch a steam train to Dartmouth, or visit Brixham and Broadsands Beach. In the other direction, you’ll find Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and northwards, you can head into the Dartmoor National Park for outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding and mountain biking.
Facilities: Don’t for one-second think that Blackthorn is cramped as an apartment. Surprisingly spacious, the living area has a leather sofa, TV, huge green plant pot and a dining table lit by colourful hanging lanterns. A simple, functional kitchen is provided with a Nespresso coffee machine for your morning caffeine dose, and there’s also an ice box in the fridge should you want to keep your drinks chilled. There’s an off-road parking space provided too, so don’t worry about getting around Totnes and the surrounding area.
Family Tides
Location: Brixham, Devon
Best for: A family-friendly holiday cottage in
Poke your head outside Family Tides and peer down a narrow cobbled alleyway, lined with houses painted pink, blue, white and cream. The colourful harbour town is best known for its fish market and having one of the biggest fishing fleets in all of the United Kingdom, so it should be no surprise that it’s such a popular location for fishing trips and watersports. Bring back a fresh catch to grill in the kitchen, as Family Tides is one of many fully self-catering holiday cottages in the Totnes and South Devon area.
What sets apart Family Tides from the other gorgeous holiday cottages in Totnes and Brixham? Firstly, it’s packed with traditional character, with an original fireplace and a woodburner provided as the centrepiece of a tartan-themed living room with wood trusses. Upstairs, a wooden rooftop captures the picturesque location. Gaze out over the bell tower and slopes lined with multi-coloured terraced houses. By the end of the stay, you should feel like Brixham is a second home or a bosom friend.
Facilities: Just as the name implies, Family Tides is designed for a family getaway. Convene for the daily sunset or breakfast on the decked terrace located just off the landing on the first floor, where there’s festoon lighting and a parasol provided so that guests can take in the stunning scenery of Temperance Place no matter the weather or time of evening. Two bedrooms provide cosy places to sleep, with an original fireplace and a dressing table in the master and two singles in the children’s room. The kitchen and sitting room are located next door to each other, allowing easy access to get snacks ready for movie nights in front of the woodburning stove. There’s a Smart TV, Bluetooth Speaker, streaming device and a DVD player too.
The Bathing House
Location: Ashprington, Devon
Best for: A peaceful Georgian manor house on the banks of the River Dart
It doesn’t get much more peaceful than The Bathing House, an elegant Georgian manor house sitting on the banks of the River Dart. With the gently-running water and birds flitting between the trees on either shore, the Grade II-listed home is a unique getaway and a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Totnes cottages. The Sharpham Estate was designed by Capability Brown, a historic landscape architect and gardener, so this cottage also has a claim to fame.
Sling your fishing rod over one shoulder and stroll to the shore of the estuary to see if you can reel in the bass from the river. Binoculars will come in handy for the birds and other wildlife that frequent the estuary. If it’s warm enough outside, you might want to take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. The estate is also stunning to explore, whether you’re dressed in your woollies or summer wear. To get to Totnes, it’s a three-mile walk, and to reach Dartmouth, it’s possible to travel all the way down the estuary by boat.
Facilities: The Bathing House is more than just a charming cottage. Located on a historical estate, the Georgian manor has a country-style kitchen containing a microwave, fridge, freezer and washer-dryer. A woodburning stove is located in the second-floor sitting room, along with a spare double sofa bed for additional guests. Spread across three levels, there are beautiful sections to keep discovering around the property, especially the middle-floor balcony overlooking the river. The outdoor swimming pool, which is unheated, is also located on the grounds. With the house being located at the end of a half-mile-long country track, there’s always ample parking.
Tree Tops
Location: Kingswear, Devon
Best for: A four-bedroom home with a view on the South Devon coast
If you’re looking for a cottage with a view, Tree Tops is set to impress. The three-bedroom home is located in historic Kingswear, but it also has views of the River Dart and Dartmouth. In fact, the water blends into green hills, which are dotted with pinprick buildings and trees. Artists might feel inspired to paint the scenery, while others might want to kick back with a glass of wine and a few nibbles on the rattan balcony furniture.
When you’re happy enough to tear yourself away from the view, Kingswear and Dartmouth are both at your fingertips. Start by strolling into Kingswear, where there’s a castle by the sea and a stunning river walk. The ferry transports vehicles and passengers across the river to Dartmouth, so it’s just as easy to visit the 14th-century fortress as it is to relax on Blackpool Sands Beach nearby.
Facilities: Tree Tops has everything you need for barbecues over the River Dart, board game nights in a cosy living room or movie nights in front of the 50-inch flatscreen TV. Arranged atypically, the kitchen is on the first floor and the lounge and dining room are located on the ground floor. There are four bedrooms with names such as Pink, Anchors and Turquoise, with ensuite bathrooms dedicated to each room. The show-stealer, however, is the balcony, which has footstools, a table and rattan chairs. On the floor below, an enclosed sunny patio adds additional outdoor space with optimal views of the passing sailing boats and a gas barbecue.
Apartment 3, The Manor House
Location: Dartmouth, Devon
Best for: An apartment in a Grade II-listed house in Dartmouth
Living out your Georgian fantasy is easy in Apartment 3, The Manor House. The duplex apartment is located in a Grade II-listed Georgian house in Dartmouth, meaning that people have been indulging their seaside dreams for several centuries in this delightful home. If you’ve been searching for cottages in Totnes, Dartmouth is a great alternative. Only a 25-minute drive from the market town, Dartmouth has a castle, lively harbour, museum and cruises over the River Dart departing daily.
As well as getting you acquainted with the South Devon speciality of fish and chips, Dartmouth’s steam train can transport you further along the coast. Guests who’d rather take it all in by foot can set out on the South West Coast Path too. Over the estuary, a short ferry ride is all it takes to reach the quaint fishing town of Kingswear, where there are several historic properties, including Kingswear Castle, the National Trust’s Coleton Fishacre and The Dragon’s Tail.
Facilities: Floor-to-ceiling windows shower the living room in light, adding to the breezy feel of the white colour scheme. The bay windows introduce a splash of blue too, as just outside are the harbour and sailing boats. Stick some logs on the woodburning stove and make yourself cosy, and once the light disappears for the day, there’s a Bluetooth speaker available to put on some lighthearted tunes. In the kitchen, there’s plenty of worktop space for chopping up fruit, veg, cheese, meat or whatever you’re craving. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms in the holiday home, giving guests the choice of a bath or a walk-in shower when they want to freshen up.
Merry Bank
Location: Stoke Gabriel, Devon
Best for: A wooden bungalow in a small South Devon village near Totnes
A wooden lodge sitting in the chocolate box village of Stoke Gabriel, Merry Bank is a getaway that you won’t forget soon. Crafted from wood, the lovely bungalow has wide patio doors with views of greenery and a gravel patio. The dining room looks like you’ve stepped into a bougie café with its arrangement of plants, blue and yellow floor tiles, and a bunch of traditional worktops. With an open plan living space too, up to seven guests are bound to feel very cosy in the home.
Set alongside the River Dart, Stoke Gabriel is a peaceful village with a small brewery and a quay where the kids can give crabbing a go. Go fishing for salmon by the 800-year-old yew tree, or launch a kayak or paddleboard on the River Dart. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might want to take a walk or a bike ride into the surrounding countryside. Totnes is a 10-minute drive or half an hour’s bike ride from Merry Bank in Stoke Gabriel.
Facilities: Merry Bank has three bedrooms, which accommodate seven people and two dogs. Everything is arranged over one ground floor, and no expenses have been spared when it comes to kitting it out with funky furnishings and plants. Many of the furnishings have been handcrafted, and the rest are thoughtfully arranged. Some of the accommodation is located in a garden cabin in the form of a studio with a kitchen and dining space. Whichever side you’re on, you might want to set aside time to gather in the garden for fizzy or alcoholic drinks surrounded by wildflowers. A Mediterranean shower awaits in the ground-floor shower room too.
Rest A Shore
Location: Brixham, Devon
Best for: A hip holiday home in Brixham
Rest assured that you’ll have a holiday to remember at Rest A Shore. Based in Brixham and with views of the harbour, the cottage is within walking distance of the River Dart and crabbing or fishing spots. Whether you spend a day pottering around the local countryside trails or taking the short drive into Totnes, there’s plenty for everyone to get stuck into.
Rest A Shore is also the ideal place from which to explore Dartmoor National Park or the South Devon coast, with the edge of the national park being only 20 minutes’ drive away and Paignton being 15 minutes’ drive away. Get your seaside fix at nearby Broadsands Beach or Preston Sands, visiting Tore Abbey and Occombe Farm on your way to Torquay.
Facilities: Rest A Shore has simple and stylish décor that won’t let you forget the area’s sailing heritage and the beautiful sandy beaches nearby. In the utility room, there’s space for beach gear to be stored, as well as table football. A selection of books, DVDs and games will make sure that guests never have a dull moment. This is all accompanied by a coal-effect fire, Freeview TV, DVD player, radio and a Bluetooth speaker. The garden has a patio and furniture should you want to take the festivities outside, and there’s a small lawn leading to a second patio.
Cliff Cottage
Location: Brixham, Devon
Best for: A hilltop cottage with views of Brixham harbour
You can bet that you’ll have a soft spot for Brixham after staying at the beautiful Cliff Cottage. The detached cottage is perched on a small hilltop overlooking the bobbing sailing boats of Brixham, with the harbour, breakwater and Berry Head National Nature Reserve all located within walking distance. You might want to check out the old boats at the Brixham Heritage Museum and Golden Hind Museum or get stuck into some watersports.
Cliff Cottage is in a very central position for exploring South Devon. You could head up to Broadsands Beach, or further onto Paignton, where there’s a zoo and a Victorian pier. Kingswear is only a short drive away too, and from there, it’s a short ferry journey to darling Dartmouth. Northwards, Totnes adds to the list of places to explore, and Dartmouth National Park is a 35-minute drive away in total.
Facilities: Cliff Cottage’s balcony is dream worthy, with views over the ocean and lines of boats docked in the harbour. An open-plan living space makes for a sociable setting. Whether you’re stirring pasta in the kitchen or lounging on one of the two sofas and catching up on the TV, you can chat back and forth. A four-person dining table, two bedrooms, a family bathroom and a small bathroom complete the interior space, which has a predominantly blue and white colour scheme and a charming woodburning stove.
Explore All Your Options with Breakfree Holidays
If you’re still searching for the perfect match, Breakfree Holidays has a huge selection of cottages in Devon, including options across the English Riviera, national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Please note that some of the images in this blog post have been provided by Sykes Cottages.