Gitcombe Estate, Near Totnes, Devon - Explore & Book

"It's not often you find yourself soaking up a vista of uninterrupted pastoral bliss in the UK, without even a distant electric daisy chain of pylons in sight. Yet there we were, set back nearly a mile from a winding country lane connecting Totnes to Dartmouth, the only sound being water tumbling down the valley side. This collection of restored, Georgian farm buildings is owned by father and son team Rodney and Peter, and it feels rather like stepping back in time (save for the slick modern elements subtly integrated into each cottage).The magic of Gitcombe lies not only in its setting. There's a cottage for everyone here: the original farmhouse with its grand dining room, traditional aga and flagstone floors; a row of stone barns converted into cosy cottages with mezzanines and quirky cabin beds for the little ones; and the new jewel in Gitcombe's crown - a stylish contemporary outpost perched near the brow of the valley, sleeping eight. Add to this two heated swimming pools, a sauna, a tennis court, an adventure playground and a hot tub for all to enjoy. If that's not enough, families and couples can hop in the car to find golden sand beaches or explore the wilds of Dartmoor silhouetted in the distance. Highs The view and the silence: rolling pastureland framed by woodland, with no passing road Well-equipped cottages with top-notch kitchen appliances and thoughtful features for babies and toddlers Kids will absolutely love it here, come rain or shine, with indoor and outdoor pools and play areas set in 14 acres Dartmoor, the waterside towns of Salcombe and Dartmouth, and some of Devon's best beaches are all within a 30-min driveCottages to suit all: families, multi-generation breaks and couples; Gitcombe House and the Retreat are ideal for 2-3 families or a special occasion Lows Bedrooms and bathrooms in the smaller cottages are being updated as part of ongoing renovationsThe wonderful deep stone window settings in the barn cottages can make some bedrooms feel a tad dark on a grey dayOn our visit we didn't spot a mirror in every bedroom near a plug socket for styling hair The topsy turvy setup (living areas upstairs, bedrooms beneath) in all cottages except Gitcombe House may not suit everyoneNo dogs permitted, although the owners have a friendly retriever" - Rosanna Spence