Guests say
Hearthstone East Cottage in Brixham, Devon, is a characterful property with a rich history and a beautiful garden. Guests have praised its spaciousness, comfort, and the thoughtful touches provided by the owners. While some guests noted issues with cleanliness and maintenance, the cottage's charm, location, and amenities like a well-equipped kitchen and secure parking generally contributed to enjoyable stays.
Cleanliness received mixed reviews. While some guests found the cottage to be clean and well-maintained, others reported issues with dust, cobwebs, and dirty floors. The owners appear responsive to feedback and have taken steps to address these concerns.
The location is highly praised for its proximity to Brixham harbour and local attractions. The cottage is within walking distance to amenities and offers a peaceful setting, making it an ideal base for exploring South Devon.
Most guests found the cottage comfortable, with special mentions of comfy beds and a homely atmosphere. However, some noted that the quirky layout and steep stairs might not suit those with mobility issues.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, with a well-equipped kitchen and ample garden space. Maintenance issues were raised concerning garden upkeep and some interior aspects, but the owners have shown a commitment to improvements.
While many reviews mention the owners' helpfulness and the cottage's historical charm, there is insufficient information regarding specific thoughtful gestures such as gifts. Therefore, a score cannot be provided for this category.
About this property
A real gem of a chocolate box cottage, Hearthstone East Cottage has every traditional feature that you could think of. As you approach this beautiful thatched cottage in the quaint Devon harbour town of Brixham, you will know that you have chosen wisely. Once a Devon longhouse, the cottage dates back to the 16th century and is a superb holiday home for anyone wishing to discover this historic part of Devon. On the ground floor are a well-equipped kitchen and a comfortable sitting room with traditional beams and a stone inglenook fireplace with a roaring open fire. Head up the stairs where you will find four bedrooms set on slightly different levels along with a family bathroom.
The beautiful rear garden has a patio area and steps leading up to a lawned garden where you can sit in peace after a day spent exploring the Devon coast. The historic harbour town of Brixham is just a mile away where you can see the fishing boats unloading their catch. Close by is Breakwater Beach, one of the cleanest Blue Flag beaches on the English Riviera, which has been recommended by the Good Beach Guide. Take the ferry to Dartmouth or Torquay, which both have a good reputation for fashionable restaurants and interesting boutiques, or you can take a boat trip and cruise up the River Dart to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s former holiday home.
Hearthstone East Cottage was once home to American authoress Honore Morrow, who was resident in the town at the same time as Agatha Christie, and whose books can be found in the cottage. A truly wonderful holiday home that will leave you yearning to return as soon as possible.
Brixham is a working fishing harbour located on the southern side of Torbay, the area known as The English Riviera. The prettiest part of Brixham has small cottages in hilly narrow winding lanes leading to the harbour Home to Britain’s largest fishing fleet which regularly lands their catch in the harbour, Brixham fish market sells to major restaurants in the UK. Brixham is the ideal destination for a traditional holiday with many family attractions.
EPC Rating: Band AAccommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x double bedroom with en-suite shower only, 1 x ground double floor bedroom, 2 x twin.
2 Bathrooms one with bath and shower also one with a large shower, 2 further separate showers in the twin room and utility room on ground level, basin and WC.
Ground floor basin and WC.
Kitchen with breakfast table.
Utility with shower.
Sitting room with dining area and open fire.
Central heating with open fire.
AGA cooker and electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, Blu-ray DVD, WiFi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for fire included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Two travel cots and highchair.
Off road parking for 1 cars approx 50 yards from property.
Garden with patio leading up to lawned area with furniture.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 5 mins walk.
Harbour 1.2 miles.
Note: Due to the age and style of the property, there are many internal steps between rooms, may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Note: Access from the parking to the cottage is through the rear garden along a paved pathway and down 14 cobbled steps to the back door, with access to the front door from the roadside with 6 steps.
Access without any steps can be made to the back kitchen door from a side gate.
Note: Due to the property having a thatched roof, BBQ's are not permitted
Nearby points of interest
- Golden Hind
- Dartmouth Castle
- Torquay Museum
- Babbacombe Model Village
- Blackpool Sands
- Shaldon Beach
Reviews (45)
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Andrew
Cannot fault anything. Highly recommended.
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Lynn
The cottage is beautiful in and out and has all the facilities necessary for a wonderful holiday. We loved the thatch and the overall character of this 15th Century house. It was in an excellent location with easy walks to the cliff paths, short drives to National Trust Properties of Greenway, Coleton Fishacre, Compton Castle and the English Heritage Castle of Berry Pomeroy . Thank you Jo and Jim for letting us stay in your beautiful cottage. ....an d we were very impressed with the summer house that Jim has built down the bottom of the garden ...great for the lovely summer evenings....and it provided us great evening darts battles! We hope to be back, Lynn, John, Tobias and Gabriel - along with Reuben and Bertie the dogs
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Philip
There were 6 of us for the bank holiday weekend so 1 bedroom was left unused (the bedroom with the shower in). On arrival a quick call to the owner and the access code gave us access to the keys. All rooms were well prepared and furnished to a good spec and in sympathy with a 600 year old cottage. There was plenty of crockery and cutlery for us all though some cutlery needed a quick rinse before using. It is a labyrinth inside and so we spent some time finding our way from room to room but because the bedrooms were all so nice there was nobody having to compromise on their accommodation. The location is ideal for access to Brixham and Torquay, though a car is required. The 2 car spaces at the rear were really only suitable for 1 large SUV (we had 3) but immediately behind the property there was plenty of parking space on the road, though be ready for a steep climb uphill; -) We had a mix of weather so weren't able to use the garden very much but it looked very pleasant. It's worth noting the flagstone stairs down from the garden at the rear are as steep as the access instructions state. So parking on the road by the side entrance gate is the way to go for taking suitcases in and out. Would highly recommend for a family or group of friends without mobility issues. Thank you for letting us stay at your historic cottage.