Guests say
Dray Cottage is a spacious, well-equipped and beautifully located property, ideal for families and groups seeking a peaceful countryside retreat. Guests consistently praise its homely feel, comfortable beds, and excellent base for exploring local beaches and towns. The grounds, tennis court, and thoughtful touches such as welcome packs are appreciated. While some mention minor cleanliness and maintenance issues, and note that the property is more dog-tolerant than dog-friendly, the overall experience is highly positive, with many guests keen to return.
Most guests found the cottage clean and tidy, with several describing it as spotlessly clean. However, a few reviews mention areas that felt a little tired or in need of a deeper clean, such as bathrooms and linens. These comments were outweighed by positive feedback, but some attention to detail could further improve the experience.
The location is frequently praised for its tranquillity, beautiful surroundings, and convenience for exploring South Devon, beaches, and local towns. Some guests noted the rural setting and the need for a car, but overall, the setting is a major highlight.
Guests generally found the cottage spacious, cosy, and comfortable, with ample room for families and groups. Beds and living areas are often described as comfy, though a few guests found some beds less comfortable. The peaceful atmosphere and quality linens are appreciated.
The cottage is very well equipped, with a well-stocked kitchen, games, laundry facilities, and access to tennis courts and a fire pit. Some minor maintenance issues were noted, such as shower drainage and outdoor seating, but these did not detract significantly from the overall experience.
Many guests mention thoughtful touches such as welcome packs, wine, and biscuits, as well as clear instructions and helpful information. Please note that such gifts are not guaranteed for every stay. The property manager is described as helpful and responsive.
About this property
This lavish property sleeps 8 guests, and is set within an idyllic three acres of land including a tennis court..
Ground Floor:
Living/dining room: TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Electric Woodburner
Kitchen: Electric Cooker, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer, French Doors Leading To Garden
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV
Bedroom 2: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bedroom 3: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 4: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet.
Night storage heaters, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair. Welcome pack. Membership at Thurlestone Tennis Club (2 passes). Free use of Dartmouth Golf and Country Club Health Club facilities, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa and gym. Enclosed garden with patio, sitting-out area, BBQ and garden furniture. 3-acre grounds (shared). Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: Couples and family bookings only, sorry no stag or hen parties. There is a pond within the grounds.. Set in the heart of rural countryside, this spacious and lavishly furnished barn conversion shares 3 acres of grounds and shared use of an all weather on-site tennis court, as well as free access to superb leisure facilities at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club, making it an ideal holiday home for families of all ages all year round. Whether for a holiday in the height of summer, enjoying the many attractions and beaches in the area, or for a family gathering in off peak season for a celebration, Dray Cottage is a superb choice. Dartmouth Golf and Country Club is a 10-minute drive away, and features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa and gym. Golfers receive a discount on the green fees during your stay. The owner can provide two free adult memberships to Thurlestone Tennis Club, which is located next to the beach.
Dray Cottage is set in the small hamlet of Fallapit, just outside the village of East Allington midway between the towns of Kingsbridge, Totnes and Dartmouth. This Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty has many sandy beaches and stunning coastline very close by, including Blue Flag beaches Slapton Sands, Beesands, East Portlemouth, Bantham, Bigbury and Thurlestone. The town of Dartmouth is nestled on the River Dart and offers boat trips, exclusive shops, galleries, many pubs and some famous restaurants. Totnes, 5 miles up the river, is a town steeped in history, enjoying a colourful and exuberant atmosphere, while Salcombe is another pretty riverside town, boasting a busy estuary with many yachts sailing by and a myriad of interesting shops and pubs in its winding streets. There are several National Trust properties in the area to explore and some delightful open gardens. With the South Hams coastal path stretching over 60 miles there is great walking and time can be spent exploring the rugged moorland.
A little further afield and well worth a visit is the Eden Project in Cornwall. Riding, sailing, sea and coarse fishing are available locally, as well as a good variety of shopping. Shops 3 miles, pubs ½ mile.
Free WiFi
2 Adult Memberships of Thurlestone Beach Tennis Club and Health Club membership of Dartmouth Golf and Country Club, with access to the spa and swimming pool and reduced costs for golf
Families or couples only.
Only dogs allowed at the property.
There is open water in the property grounds.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Nearby points of interest
- Blackpool Sands
- Bantham Beach
- South Sands Beach
- Dartmouth Castle
- Burgh Island
- Dartmoor Zoological Park
- Torquay Museum
- Babbacombe Model Village
Reviews (27)
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Susan Richards
We had a wonderful time at dray cottage We had a great time the place was roomy clean and well equipped Having a shower room downstairs was a bonus as well as having bathroom upstairs There was lots of places to visit and not far away Would highly recommend this for family get together
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Julie Ruse
Great accommodation with everything you need in a kitchen to cook nice meals. Beds were comfy and showers were good. There’s a few games. We had two dogs and the fences were quite low and holes in the gate so we couldn’t let them off in the garden (as one is an escape artist). We found a great Safe Field 20 minutes away, Dog and Dash. The river trip from Totnes-Dartmouth is definitely worth it, make sure you can hear the tour information as it’s hilarious and informative too. Kingsbridge is a lovely little town and nice sourdough from Mange Tout. We went to Strete beach (nudist) because there was hardly anyone there so it was good for dog walking and wide enough to avoid the nudists. Ivybridge woodland walk along the river was also stunning and we found loads of penny bun ceps which was a bonus, if you’re into mushroom picking? Follow the A381 to the cottage not the satnav otherwise it takes you through loads of unnecessary tiny lanes. Bantham beach is lovely but only ok for dogs after 30th September and you can see Burgh island from there and my son said the coffee was good at Bigbury Sands (he ran there from Aveton Gifford). If you do the walk along Aveton Gifford watch out for the tide, we got cut off and had to do an extra hour loop up in the woods (the dogs didn’t mind). Lots of birdlife along there. Overall we had a lovely holiday.
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Tracey Lucas
A lovely house, well laid out with spacious rooms in a pretty area. Kitchen is well appointed with plenty of everything needed for 8 people. Unfortunately there is no recycling, everything, even food waste has to go in landfill which feels very wrong and unnecessary as the neighbouring properties appear to have recycling facilities. The house is very comfortable but I certainly wouldn’t describe it as lavishly furnished. The decor and furniture is actually quite worn and tired and there were some cleanliness issues with dirty paintwork and clogged bath and shower. The shower room has a great, high pressure shower but is urgent need of attention. It didn’t drain so filled with water in minutes and left a soapy residue, especially after a few days of use by 7 people! The tiles and grout have become quite black also. The bench outside was unusable as had a dangerous nail sticking out on the seat. It was reported but nothing was done. You can walk in the lanes around the house but dogs have to be kept on a lead and do not wander off the permissive path in Fallapit Manor to look at the lake as you will be told off by the local residents!!Despite the above we had a lovely stay and Sarah Jane, the manager was very helpful and went the extra mile helping to sort an issue that could have happened to anyone at any time.