Cliff Cottage is an idyllic hideaway with spectacular views of Dartmouth and the River Dart. Situated in the historic centre of the picturesque and peaceful village of Kingswear, it is ideally placed for walks on the South West Coast Path, sea and river activities, and the steam train station. The elevated position of this property above the village provides a perfect setting to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the activities on the river.
Kingswear has two excellent pubs, an Italian wine bar, two cafes, a village shop and a post office, a thriving marina, a yacht club, an historic church and a village hall for community events, while Dartmouth with all its history and its multitude of charming pubs, cafes, restaurants, galleries, shops and boutiques, market, museum, and arts centre is readily accessed by a short and scenic ferry ride.
We have fully renovated Cliff Cottage to a high standard. With 8ft ceilings and good size windows, it is a bright and cheerful place. It has everything you might want from a holiday cottage - spectacular views from upstairs and downstairs front rooms, historic features such as sash windows, stripped wooden floors and doors, and painted wood panelling, but with a spacious modern kitchen and modern upstairs bathroom. There are two bedrooms, a master bedroom with double bed and views of the River Dart and beyond, and a cosy second bedroom with built-in bunk beds set at right angles to each other. These bunks are large enough for adults. Each bedroom has heating, bedside lighting, clothes hanging space and power sockets. The master bedroom has a desk and chair where it is possible to work with views over Dartmouth! The upstairs bathroom has a modern white suite and walk-in shower. Downstairs, the living room has a wood burning stove, a large modern sofa, two Dartington easy chairs, a card table, a TV and DVD player. The house has internet but also a good collection of DVDs and board games should you prefer more traditional entertainment. The modern kitchen has a table large enough to seat 6, a double Belfast sink, modern electric cooker, microwave, toaster, and fridge with freezing compartment. There is also a washing machine and even a breadmaker should you feel inspired! There are modern but interesting lights on dimmer switches in both downstairs rooms to create a nice ambiance after sunset as well as electric heating.
Outside: At the front there are two seating areas; a patio close to the house which is conveniently shaded during the hottest part of the day, and a lower decked area for sun worshiping. Both are quite sheltered, private and ideal for alfresco dining. There is a small but pretty garden between the two. From teatime through to sunset the whole of the front of the house is getting the sun (assuming it's out!). At the rear there is a private courtyard, which is sunny through the middle part of the day, bordered by a small cliff with many interesting plants and ferns growing out of it. Within the courtyard there is an outside tap, a clothes line, and an additional WC.
There are approximately 80 steps up from the street to reach this oasis of beauty and tranquillity. Some of the steps are steep. While dogs and small children are allowed, please be aware that small children or indeed small dogs may find the steps a challenge. The steps are well worth the effort when you get to the top, but any guests would require a level of fitness and mobility.
Parking: There is some free on-street parking available in Kingswear several minutes walk from the bottom of the steps, or conveniently a pay and display carpark at the Darthaven Marina only 2-3mins walk away. Alternatively there are good public transport links from Paignton arriving within a few minutes walk of the cottage, including the steam train!
The South West Coast Path passes through Kingswear. There are several lovely beaches that can be accessed by foot in both directions. Slightly further afield, by car, there is Blackpool Beach, Slapton Sands, & Beesands on the Dartmouth side as well as the beaches of Brixham and Paignton on the Kingswear side, Salcombe, Hope Cove & Dartmoor are easily accessible for day trips. Local houses to visit include NT properties Coleton Fishacre and Agatha Christie's Greenway. Both have lovely gardens. Boat trips can be taken to Totnes, Dartmouth Castle, Dittisham and Greenway. Also available in Dartmouth is paddle boarding, canoeing or motor boat hire. Smaller kids love crabbing from the harbour wall. There really is so much to do in this beautiful area but just sitting outside the house and taking in the views by day or night is a special experience in its own right!