Big Cottages & Group Accommodation in South Hams District

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Shirley - Verified booking

  We enjoyed our stay at Springfield.

  The owners were very helpful. A nice big garden with 2 ponds. We saw a fox, a Heron and a bird of prey The grass was cut whilst we were there (Some if it is left uncut to grow wild plants for most of the year - to attract the birds and insects so it is only cut once a year). There is a large patio which gets a lot of sun. It was exceptionally hot when we were there. We think a parasol would have been handy, it would have been well used. We have mentioned this to the owners. One thing I would upgrade if I owned it: The patio is raised and has nothing at the edge. Perhaps a few planters around the edges and additional railings alongside the steps would make it safer and easier for some guests to go down into the garden? My elderly dad had to be helped down the steps. Inside the property the decor is a mixture of old and new. Quite eclectic but it works! We found most things that we needed.The beds and the lounge seating were very comfortable and we didn't have any major problems. Minor problems with the main tv but the owners say they are going to upgrade their package. No problems with wifi. There are some very modern touches like the hob that drops down, the grid that sucks in the swept up debris from the floor, the changing coloured lights and the jacuzzi nozzles in the master en suite shower. Some of the artwork was created by the owner who lived in the property before renting it out. There is a large utility room where you can dry your washing on a big clothes airer. Very handy. We had very high temperatures so took some fans and spare flat sheets for the beds. The property is very quiet apart from the sound of an occasional vehicle. It can be found on a country lane. Blink and you can miss it. There is a small sign at the top of the drive and there are 2 grey gates. Look out for the traffic cone as you approach the property. Beware that some of the local roads are single file with passing places but after a couple of days you get to know which routes have 2 way traffic, better wider roads so you can use the narrow roads as little as possible. If you want to get away from it all for some peace, quiet and space this property is ideal. You aren't far from Moreleigh or Totnes for various amenities. Asda found us easily to deliver some shopping the day we arrived. As stated by the owner, not suitable for under 5s. Ideal for people with older children or just adults.

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• Lisa - Verified booking

  No frills cottage in a great location.

  We were concerned about previous reviews and as is clear in the photos, Highdown is an older cottage which still feels more like a residential than a rental property. The owner had worked hard to make the place clean and fresh for our arrival, even down to a new coat of paint in the utility room. Good points - the house was generally comfortable (although the mattress in the master bedroom should be replaced), the kitchen was well equipped (though no pantry provisions except salt and pepper) - it was not at all spacious, as stated in the description but certainly adequate, there is a large fridge freezer in the utility which is useful, the wifi and TV were excellent, the conservatory when sunny was delightful, the fire was cozy and the garden a nice size (although not completely dog-proof - a tenacious terrier would squeeze through the front gate in a second). The driveway was tight, but we managed to get our Landrover 4x4 in with a bit of skilful manoeuvring (on my part). Less positively, we arrived in a wet and windy Easter week and storage heaters hadn't been turned up so the house was very chilly. On colder days I think the heaters struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the day and into the evening. The bathroom needs some storage (shelves, a bathroom cabinet?) as there was nothing to accommodate the smellies of 6 people and the provision of towels were a disappointment. Not sure why they state they are provided when all you get is one thin medium sized towel to last a week and no hand towels. I suggest you take your own. The owner however was responsive and did provide an extra electric radiator and a couple of hand towels on request. All in all we had a nice stay as Bigbury on Sea is a heavenly location for kids of all ages and dogs - The Journeys End pub has superb food. I wouldn't rent this cottage again as I think its rather basic and overpriced, but if you have realistic expectations it is a nice base from which to explore the area.

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• Tracey - Verified booking

  Wow...

  Bigbury-on-Sea is beautiful. Highdown is situated at the top of a very steep hill. Beautiful views to Burgh Island, which is worth a walk over, even just to have a drink at the Pilchard Inn. Little cafe/takeaway down on the beach car park which is pretty basic but lovely food. There is a food store within walking distance on a caravan park along with Fryer Tucks fish and chips (also very nice) but it is along quite a narrow cliff path. WiFi was very hit and miss but kind of expected that to be honest. Make sure you visit Pickwick Inn (pub) which is so lovely. Great food, lovely atmosphere and very dog friendly. Beware of the narrow lanes in the area, cars go pretty fast round them and although there are pull in places it does get a bit scary at times. Highview itself is a lovely bungalow. Pretty dated but we quite liked that. Could have been a bit cleaner but very cosy and warm. Loved sitting in the little dining area looking out to the sea even when it was raining. The garden is lovely too, wraps around the whole bungalow and is very safe for dogs. On two occasions we did have a chap come right through the garden to the shed at the back apparently to collect laundry? If he’d of knocked and said he was about then we would have been happier but to suddenly see a man walking around outside was a bit unnerving. The patio area again is lovely but not for small children. There’s quite a drop down a grass bank at the front of it. All in all we went away as a family of four (2 grown up children) after having an illness for most of the year to have some quality time together and a well earned rest and that’s exactly what we did. Would we go back there again? Yes definitely

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• Jane - Verified booking

  We had a pleasant stay at this unusual property, on the whole very comfortable and a mix of old and modern which worked well.

  It’s in a lovely position with views across to Dartmoor. To me first impressions and attention to detail are very important. After a journey of several hours we wanted, as most people do, a cup of tea. No fresh milk. I did find some sachets of UHT which we don’t like. We’ve stayed in places where there is very little left in the way of a welcome pack but most places have provided a pint of milk. I must say that a property we stayed in last year left us a hamper with which we could have easily made a meal, milk, eggs, bread, cheese, local produce, not to mention a beautiful vase of flowers. A few minor things. No oven gloves, I could have contacted the owner but forgot about it until I needed to use them. Second, the salt and pepper mills were almost empty. Not a problem for us as we don’t use much but a friend of ours would have emptied them in one meal.I did have to wash one or two things before using ie. the milk jug looked like it had been used for gravy and the baking tray nods binning. The biggest problem was the shower next to the twin room.There was a note stuck on it warning that the water doesn’t drain quickly and not to have the water on too fast. I just about managed to wash my hair and shower very quickly before the tray was full. There was no way anyone else could shower immediately after. I don’t know how long it took for the water to drain as we were out but certainly I think more than an hour. Sorry if I sound like a Moaning Minnie, but these things are small and easily rectified, although I don’t know about the shower. Lastly, no Visitor’s book, not that we could find and I do enjoy reading about others experiences!

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• Lesley - Verified booking

  The cottage was great although a bit cobwebby!

  I placed a bag on top of the wardrobe to make space and when I took it down it was literally covered in dust and fluff. I realise it is an old cottage and accept cobwebs but a quick dust on top of wardrobes not difficult. The bedding was all very nice and fresh feeling. The downside of the kitchen was the cooker I would say. It was quite annoying that it had to be switched on 30 minutes before you could start to cook anything which is no good if you have young children who want to eat soon after you arrive home. Also, because I have arthritis in my hand, I found the doors almost impossible to open. Something to be aware of I think. Lovely view from the cottage windows, the children enjoyed watching the cows moving from field to field. Finally I would like to say I didn’t need so many emails from C &C giving me instructions on how the cottage was to be left, it was quite irritating, remove all bedding, put towels in black bags, make sure dishwasher is emptied, remove all rubbish etc etc. Personally I would always do that but when you are paying a not inconsiderable amount for a weeks stay you do not expect to be told to do the job of the cleaners for them.

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