There are very few places we’ve stayed, and then returned to, in fact the only one I can think of is Gitcombe! It’s a favourite place for our family holidays, so much so we’ve actually just booked our 4th visit next year! A few weeks ago we were very kindly invited to enjoy a week at Gitcombe. Because of school we couldn’t stay for the full week but my goodness we were grateful to still be able to go for a long weekend. We had the best of times.
Gitcombe is an increasingly special place for us. As the photos below show, since Bertie was 2 we’ve been making memories here, he talks fondly of Devon and always wants to go back. It’s hard to beat Gitcombe if you are looking for more space than in a hotel, as luxury self catering, with the sort of facilities you’d expect from a family hotel, and glorious peace and quiet in a beautiful place!
For our stay we were hosted in Yennadon which is a charming end of terrace cottage that sleeps 4. I was nervous to return this year because last year we’d rented The Retreat which is their swanky new grand design. But I had nothing to worry about. All the accommodation at Gitcombe is comfortable and elegant and it is clear to see that there is a constant process of update and renovation. It is all unmistakably Gitcombe.
We walked into a welcome bottle of champagne and the smorgers board we’d ordered from Dartmouth Fine Foods was waiting for us in the fridge! The roof terrace was the perfect place to relax and enjoy them both.
Yennadon is an upside down living cottage, as in fact are all the cottages on this terrace and most of the accommodation on site too. Upstairs is open plan living with a high vaulted ceiling giving plenty of light and air. It’s compact, but well thought out and there are windows on both sides so even in the early summer heat there was a nice draft to keep cool. Plenty of soft seating, a dining table, a kitchen that is small but practical and has everything you need (including kids plates and cutlery, and cold water from the fridge) and a washing machine hidden in a cupboard!
Because the weather was so good we spent most of our time on the roof terrace which is sheltered from the wind. It has wonderful views over the grounds as well as into the rolling hills. Yennadon in particular has sunshine pretty much all day, and right through until sunset, and isn’t overlooked even from next door.
Downstairs there are two big bedrooms, one with an ensuite. As well as a separate bathroom with a bath. The beds are comfortable – Hypnos – and the quality of the bed linen and the curtains is high. I was really pleased just how dark the twin room was – no need for me to stick a black out blind onto the window! The double bed is a standard size double, if you want a larger bed then it would be easy to slide the twins together. There is plenty of storage in both bedrooms, and under the stairs you will find a clothes airer, a cot, a potty, a high chair and toilet steps – you’ll want for nothing if you’re travelling with a small person.
Perfect as the cottages are at Gitcombe, I think it is actually the grounds and facilities that keep us coming back. I’ve consulted google many a time to try and find other places that might compare, but I’d be looking for a unicorn. Gitcombe is the place!
There are two pools. All year round there is the indoor pool which we have many happy memories of as it was one of the first places Bertie swum in again after the Covid-era. He loves going back and is very fond of sitting in the ‘harbour’ which is actually the steps into the water! Come June, the outdoor pool opens – and I think we must have spent half our stay in here! I took Bertie’s wetsuit with us thinking it would be chilly. In fact it was as warm as a bath – quite wonderful! It sits in a corner of the grounds and gets the sun all day, just perfect. The indoor pool works on a white board booking system, for use of 2 families at a time – but in all our stays we’ve never had to share, guests enjoy their privacy and there is plenty of time in the day for everyone.
As well as the pools there is a hot tub, sauna and steam room. There’s also a soft-play area with table tennis, although I must admit we’ve never been inside as the weather has been fine on our visits! Outside you’ll find the tennis court (newly surfaced) as well as an extravagant climbing frame along with swings and a hammock. Don’t worry about taking tennis kit – there is a shed full of rackets and balls as well as beach gear (crabbing, buckets, body boards etc) and basketballs too.
Then there is the south Devon location, which is another big win. Thankfully it is only a couple of miles of driving from the main roads which when you drive a big car definitely makes the navigation less stressful than other bits of the county! Despite being just a few miles off the beaten track, it feels like it is truly in the middle of nowhere, and sounds like it too – no car noise, no light pollution, just the noise of the birds and the bees! A few miles down the road is Dittisham which is a favourite, and you can hop on the ferry to Dartmouth from here. If it is beaches you’re after then you are spoilt for choice – there are so many wonderful beaches less than half an hour away! And pubs, well there are plenty nearby and some you can walk to quite easily.
Bookings for next year are already filling up. If you love space, luxury and peace and are impressed with the facilities, then I can’t recommend it enough. I’ve booked again
Website: Gitcombe Estate
