Watermill Cottages

Nestled in an unusually gorgeous spot in the strikingly beautiful South Hams AONB, there's a fair chance that once you've stayed at Watermill Cottages you'll want to come back again and again. Not only are these three country cottages situated in a convenient and picturesque part of South Devon, just ten minutes or so from the coast at Slapton Sands or Dartmouth, the location itself is very special, in a deep, green valley next to a gently running stream, close to ancient woodlands and stunning country walks. The site is spread across six acres, and each cottage has a private garden, leading to waterside lawns, orchards and meadows – the perfect spot for a proper West Country break.

At the centre of this rather idyllic set-up, owners Gill and Iain's smallholding is situated in, yes, a former watermill, with ducks and chickens, the odd lamb, calf or pig and lots of homegrown fruit and veg. Their 3 rental cottages are conversions of the granary, barns and the workers' cottages for the mill.  They're well spaced out but also close enough to rent out as one property, with space for up to 19 people, so together are a good option for a gathering of friends or family.

The largest of the three cottages, Crownwheel Cottage, right next to the stream, is a spacious barn that can accommodate a minimum of 6–8 people in two downstairs bedrooms – a double and a large bunk room – and an upstairs twin with an en-suite bathroom; they can also add extra beds for young children. The second largest property, Mill Cottage is a bright and sunny beamed former granary (also next to the stream) that has been updated in a contemporary style. It too has bedrooms on the ground floor, where you can listen to the water flowing by your window, while from the upstairs living space you can enjoy views of the garden, valley and old stone  bridge.  Like Crownwheel Cottage, it has a courtyard garden with a barbecue for sheltered al fresco suppers. Finally there's the more conventional Barleycorn Cottage, which sleeps 4 people in a double and twin bedroom. It has thick walls, high ceilings and oak beams throughout. The open-plan living space incorporates the grindstone from the mill and has a wood-burning stove to keep things nice and cosy. Outside, there's a garden with a table and chairs on the lawn, with views along the stream and up to the fields and orchard.

Deliberately, none of the cottages have wifi, making it an ideal place for a digital detox and a proper countryside break – indeed, whichever cottage you stay at, it's so beautiful and peaceful here that you may find it difficult to leave, with lots of walks on your doorstep, including a mini jaunt over the bridge and through the woods full of wildflowers to a ruined weir and waterfall, where you might even see an otter or two. Tempting as it may be, however, staying home would be a mistake. The South Hams has so much to offer, and so much of it is within easy reach - the beaches at Slapton and Blackpool Sands, the nature reserve at nearby Slapton Ley, or the historic port of Dartmouth, just 10 minutes away by car. Strete village is a pleasant 40-minute walk away and home to the dog-friendly King’s Arms pub, which has a garden, sea views and a kids’ play area.  Gill and Iain also work with local suppliers to lay on all manner of activities to keep you busy, from bushcraft to paddleboarding, boat trips and dolphin safaris, so you will just have to come back and do more!