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Beach Retreat

(Ref. 992431)

Instow, Devon Show on map

4.7

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Open fire
  • Highchair available
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (20)
  • lovely (14)
  • beach (11)
  • holiday (10)
  • parking (10)
  • location (9)

27 Customer Reviews

  • "Gorgeous cottage, great location, instow fabulous."

    The owners had thought of everything and we wanted to stay forever!

    Reviewed by Nicola13.3Mar 2024

  • "What a beautiful cottage!"

    Lovely welcome pack which was much appreciated! Everything you need was there and more. Such a prime position in the village with less than 2 minutes walk to a fabulous doggy beach, pubs and restaurants. Cottage was clean and very comfortable including the bed and the wonderfully squishy pillows! We had a fantastic time. I’ve taken one star off because the parking is a big problem, but that’s the only negative in an otherwise perfect holiday cottage!

    Reviewed by Tracey12.5Feb 2024

  • "Beautiful cottage."

    Front door lock needs looking at, quite difficult to open, which does worry you initially. Other than that perfect.

    Reviewed by David13.3Nov 2023

  • "We had a lovely stay at Beach Retreat and everything was great."

    We were impressed with how well equipped it is. It is very cosy and extremely comfortable especially the bed. The welcome pack and local information provided was really thoughtful. Thank you. We are booking to come again. The location is fantastic and having the parking permit really helped. The only slightly negative which is really about housekeeping is the towels smelt funny when wet!

    Thank-you so much for your lovely feedback. Our gorgeous home from home means a lot to us, so we love it when our guests have a wonderful time there. Thank-you too for your note regarding the towels - we’ll look into that. We look forward to welcoming you back! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Carole13.3Sep 2023

  • "In a great location however the parking issue needs to be a bit clearer I feel."

    When you are staying there are you not considered a resident? I also think that maybe the cottage should supply a parking permit as there was times when finding any parking this week was nearly impossible. It states on the website that you will have to pay in the other car Park which adds up if you did it every day, and the other Park along the beach is only for an hour. Apart from that and there being nowhere to actually dry your clothes (we are travelling) so can’t take them home and do it, the cottage had everything needed, and it’s location is great plus we had the best beach weather.

    Hello, we are so pleased you had a lovely holiday and enjoyed the fantastic location and amazing weather. Because of our location so close to the beach ( we often walk down with our cups of tea in the mornings) parking for all the holiday properties is at a premium. We do offer a parking permit to allow our guests to park at the local cricket club which is a short distance away, but unfortunately out previous guests before you arrived took the permit home with them and we have only just received it back. We do provide a clothes airer at the cottage which all of our guests have found more than adequate. Apologies that this was an inconvenience and very much hope you'll stay again. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Cathi10.0Sep 2023

  • "Very clean and well appointed, but spiral staircase might be difficult for some to manage."

    Front door needs to be pulled hard towards you for opening. Anyone under 5'2" would not be able to reach and read the key safe, which is high up and difficult to read the numbers without a torch even in daylight.

    Reviewed by Undine12.5Mar 2023

  • "A beautiful cosy little haven right close to the beach."

    The cottage is very well equipped and finished to a high-quality level. With three pubs less than 60 seconds away it's an ideal retreat, plus you have the fantastic John's deli and cafe for a naughty treat. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

    Reviewed by Shaun13.3Feb 2023

  • "Good holiday."

    Shame about the new parking restrictions.

    Thank-you for your feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed your holiday, and even more so that you have chosen our lovely cottage for your holiday in previous years. Our cottage is very close to the beautiful beach in Instow and you are able to park freely outside the cottage from early evening until the morning every day of the week all year round. During the day there is parking available just 100 yards away on the sea front, and also in two car parks close by. We very much look forward to you welcoming you back again. Property Owner

    Reviewed by David11.7Oct 2022

  • "A lovely cottage, nicely furnished, comfortable and warm."

    Great location, minute to the beach & pubs. We really enjoyed our stay but parking was a bit of a problem. This isn’t the owners fault but a visitor pass would be useful. We parked at the Quay car park which is the cheapest & walked back up the beach. Great pub across the road, very friendly. Good to explore the surrounding area. The spiral staircase could be a problem for some people & so is something to be aware of.

    Reviewed by Cheryl11.7Sep 2022

  • "Excellent place, perfectly situated for us to explore surrounding places."

    Lots of walking and relaxing. Lovely cottage

    Thank-you for your feedback. The scenery inland and the view at the bottom of the lane across to Appledore is beautiful, and we are so pleased you found the cottage they perfect place to return to after exploring the surroundings. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sandra12.5Jul 2022

  • "Just a bit of carefulness needed on the stairs but cottage had everything even coolness in the heat wonderful."

    ............

    Thank-you for your feedback. The beauty of the old cottages like ours is their lovely thick stone walls which does keep you cool in the heat. We are so pleased you loved the house and you enjoyed your time in Instow. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Alison13.3Jun 2022

  • "Lovely clean and comfortable cottage in an idyllic lication"

    Thank-you for your lovely feedback. The location is truly stunning and we are delighted you enjoyed your stay. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ian13.3Feb 2022

  • "Loved the cottage."

    It was warm and had most facilities. The only thing that was lacking (we arrived after 5 pm )was toilet rolls and bin bags! It was stipulated for all laundry at the end of our stay to be put in a black bag so we felt this needed to be provided. All in all , though , it was very convenient with a dog so close to a dog friendly beach . Thank you

    Reviewed by Annette12.5Jan 2022

  • "We were extremely plleased with our choice fo get away."

    Well stocked and clean:

    Reviewed by Tanja13.3Dec 2021

  • "Decor/paintwork tired & needed a freshen up."

    Bedroom smelt of damp. Notice left to put bedding & towels etc in 'these' but no bag provided. Less than a quarter of a toilet roll on arrival. Only 1 bath towel provided. Lid of bathroom bin thick with dust. Cobweb including a dead spider on side of wardrobe.

    Hello, we are so very sorry that your experience wasn't a good one at our lovely cottage. We never have any negative comments regarding the cleanliness, so are very surprised. The guests who stayed the week before you arrived mentioned how spotless the house was.Our cleaner takes photos of the clean in each room after she has cleaned it and we have looked at the images and the interior looked very clean. There was a miscommunication regarding the number of towels required, for which we very much apologise. We provide our contact details and we are available at any time to help if there is anything not entirely correct for you stay, so we are surprised you did not get in touch and we could have provided as many towels as you needed immediately. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Lynda4.2Sep 2021

  • "Fabulous cottage, very clean and comfortable and welcome pack was appreciated."

    Lovely location. Only very minor point whilst we had no problems with parking outside the cottage as we travelled outside peak season we expect it would be difficult to park during busy times.

    Reviewed by Sharon5.8Sep 2021

  • "Parking on a bank holiday weekend was disappointing other than that it was lovely"

    Reviewed by Garry5.8Aug 2021

  • "A really lovely well kept cottage."

    The spiral stairs were a little quirky, but fine for us. Parking was fine although we had to make sure that we didn’t leave the car too long in the local parking bays during the day.

    Reviewed by Thomas5.8Aug 2021

  • "Beautiful cottage a stones throw from the beach."

    Instow and Appledore are wonderful and our family of 4 plus dog had a brilliant holiday in this lovely comfortable cottage. Thank you!

    Reviewed by Tamsin6.7Aug 2021

  • "This is a lovely cottage just a stone’s throw from the beach."

    The cottage itself is beautifully done, with all the amenities you need. Instow is beautiful and was much quieter than we expected for half term, which was great! We had a wonderful holiday!

    Reviewed by Wendy6.3May 2021

  • "The only issue we had was parking we couldnt always park outside the cottage and had to park on the main road"

    Reviewed by Karen14.0Sep 2019

  • "Really enjoyed the cottage and excellent location, description of facilities was accurate and we all had a great holiday - despite the weather being showery in the later part of the week."

    The welcome pack was a nice touch and cottage booklet really helped get the most out of the week

    Reviewed by Stuart16.0Sep 2019

  • "The cottage was well appointed, really lovely and a home from home."

    We absolutely loved the location, as the dog friendly beach is at the end of the road, much to the delight of our little dog Charlie, who loved it. The two pubs also at the end of the road are dog friendly, and a joy to finish a walk in, also do really nice meals. Instow is really nice as is Appledore opposite, where we had lunch in The Coffee Cabin, highly recommended! All in all a lovely holiday.

    Reviewed by Roger16.0Aug 2019

  • "Excellent accomodation very well appointed and comfortable."

    We look forward to returning for another holiday.

    Reviewed by Simon16.0Jun 2019

  • "We had a lovely holiday at Beach Retreat in Instow."

    Beautiful cottage, clean, comfortable and homely. The beach and good eateries just a few minutes walk. The welcome pack was greatly appreciated - especially the cookies! Thank you!

    Reviewed by Susan16.0May 2019

  • "Lovely cottage, great location, Great beach and great pubs and restaurants serving lovely food and drink."

    All this equals a great holiday. Wish we could have stayed longer.

    Reviewed by Terry16.0May 2019

  • "Lovely well maintained cottage, beautiful furniture& well equiped."

    Great location & the recomendations were very helpful. parking was a small niggle but as on a small lane totally understandable. Would definitely stay again .

    Reviewed by Catherine16.0Mar 2019

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Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
  • Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Living/dining room with woodburning stove.
  • Gas central heating with woodburning stove
  • Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, Freeview TV, DVD, Radio/CD, WiFi, welcome pack
  • There is a car park 100 yards from the property, and parking at the bottom of the lane at the beach front
  • Logs available at the local store
  • Nespresso coffee machine, with a selection off complimentary coffee pods.Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Highchair available
  • One well-behaved dog welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Pub and restaurant 5 mins walk, shop 10 mins walk
  • Note: The beach is 100 yards away from property
  • NOTE: This property only excepts Friday & Monday Check Ins

The property

Beach Retreat is the Gold winner of Best Cottage in South West England in Sykes Gems 2023 and it is located just a stone's throw away from the beautiful, dog-friendly sandy beach at Instow, with access to the colourful village of Appledore and cobbled streets of Clovelly.

Furnished to a wonderful standard of quality throughout, bursting with character, this semi-detached holiday let is perfect for that much needed break away-from-it-all.

There is a warm feel within the living room, elevated by the woodburning stove and beamed ceiling.

Relax and unwind in the plush armchairs after a day out exploring the famous Tarka Trail.

This room also plays host to a bright and sunny dining area, at which to enjoy your meals in the company of your loved ones.

The kitchen is well-appointed, with sleek wooden units and quality fittings getting you through your stay.

A spiral staircase leads you up to a double bedroom and a twin, both enjoying a crisp finish with tasteful colour schemes.

An all-white shower room serves the two.

Instow has a variety of award-winning shops and restaurants nearby, where you can taste the local seafood.

The area has a wide range of water sports, fishing and sailing, ideal for those seeking a more energetic holiday.

Walking and cycling can also be enjoyed, as well as horse riding, golf and cricket, available locally.

The Cottage is also within reach of a wide selection of family attractions, including Exmoor, the North Cornwall/Devon coastline and beautiful Lynton and Lynmouth with their breathtaking scenery.

Enjoy cosy fireside pubs, taste local food and explore a wealth of rare wildlife.

Exmoor National Park is home to some of the darkest skies, perfect for gazing up at the stars and rediscovering your sense of wonder.

The Cottage will have you coming back time and time again!

View on map

About the location

INSTOW

Bideford 3.5 miles; Appledore 5.5 miles

Instow offers a tidal, sandy beach and extensive views with the sails of catamarans and windsurfers. An abundance of cafes and pub/restaurants all enjoy these glorious views, and just across the mouth of the River Torridge, at Appledore, you will find more gift shops, delis selling local produce and arts and crafts stores. Take the ferry across on foot or bicycle and enjoy pleasant walks along the south-facing quay. A 15-minute drive can also get you there for an afternoon of delights. Try fresh, locally caught seafood in one of the restaurants and sample a taste of Hocking's Ice Cream; a family-run business selling vanilla ice cream from their own vans found only in North Devon. The market town of Bideford is close by along with the cobbled streets of Clovelly. North Devon boasts some beautiful beaches, all within easy driving distance including Westward Ho!, Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. A wonderful base to choose for your next trip.

Note: Property only accepts Friday or Monday Check-in

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute