Cath
28 December 2024
There’s nothing like booking a holiday to help beat those January blues, and with over 2,000 holiday cottages throughout Devon in our collection, we have something to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking for a stylish apartment in Croyde for a seaside getaway or a rural retreat on Dartmoor, we have a great selection of accommodation for your next holiday in Devon.
Devon is a truly wonderful holiday destination with two spectacular coastlines to choose from as well as two rolling moorlands, what more could you want? In this guide, we’ve highlighted our ten most-viewed holiday cottages on our website throughout 2024.
With a number of romantic retreats on our list, as well as dog-friendly cottages and some cottages with hot tubs, you’re sure to find one that catches your eye.
Whimbrels – Ilfracombe | sleeps 12
The coastal town of Ilfracombe plays host to our most-viewed property of 2024, and it’s no surprise this luxurious property is the perfect place for both families and friends. Set in a secluded location, with wonderful views across the rolling countryside and sea beyond, this stunning property is incredibly spacious and furnished to a high standard throughout with everything you could possibly need for a memorable break away.
Cottage profile
- Relish the panoramic sea views
- Enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool
- Soak in the indulgent deluxe Jacuzzi spa bath
Why guests love it: “This place is amazing. The views, the location and the facilities. It’s so close to everything you’d need yet just far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet. Can’t wait to go back.” – Zoe, October 2024
16 Ocean Point – Saunton Sands | sleeps 4
16 Ocean Point is a superb beachside apartment which is perfect for couples, a small family or a small group of friends. Located very close to the seafront, is it ideal for spending days at the beach, surfing, swimming and paddleboarding. Walkers can also pick up the South West Coast Path from the apartment and golfing enthusiasts will love the Saunton Golf Club with its 36-hole championship course.
Cottage profile
- Incredible oceanside apartment with a high-end finish throughout
- Amazing views overlooking Saunton Sands
- Just a short drive from several beaches including Croyde and Woolacombe
Why guests love it: “This apartment was outstanding. The location is superb, the quality of the apartment excellent, high-quality fixtures and fittings, well equipped and spotlessly clean. Highly recommended.” – Graham, June 2024
The Gun House – Shaldon | sleeps 2
Previously featured on George Clarke’s TV show, Amazing Spaces, The Gun House provides a breathtaking retreat for couples; it was once a former guard tower which provided soldiers shelter when watching over the Shaldon coastal defences. Set in a spectacular waterside location on the banks of the River Teign, enjoy the ever-changing coastal views. And although small in appearance, don’t be fooled as the interior has been perfectly designed to ensure you’re equipped with everything you need.
Cottage profile
- Unique, redesigned, one-of-a-kind World War II guard tower
- Unrivalled panoramic sea views
- Perfect romantic hideaway, all year round
Why guests love it: “The Gun House is now our favourite place to stay in England. Its uniqueness and location won us over. It’s a superb choice for a relaxing break… We adore this house and will definitely be returning in the future for a longer visit.” – Julia, October 2024
High View Farmhouse – Ilfracombe | sleeps 12 + 6 dogs
High View Farmhouse is a gorgeous property which combines contemporary elegance with historic charm. The property is laid out across three floors and really does offer something for everyone – from the indoor, heated infinity pool, large games room, outdoor hot tub and reading room. Surrounded by farmland and alpacas grazing in the fields, it is still only 2.5 miles from Woolacombe Beach.
Cottage profile
- Impressive farmhouse with large grounds to explore
- Wonderful heated indoor swimming pool
- Soak in the outdoor hot tub and enjoy the surrounding countryside
Why guests love it: “Just WOW! We had a fantastic holiday which catered for the whole family… The alpacas were beautiful, and the owners of the property were both welcoming, informative and helpful. It really was a beautiful family home. We are planning to visit again in the near future.” – Tracey, July 2024
Dock Cottage – Appledore | sleeps 6 + 3 dogs
Dock Cottage is a fabulous Grade II-listed property with one of the best views in Appledore. The cosy yet modern kitchen retains its original ceilings and beautiful beams, whilst the lovely lounge has a warming wood burner, a Smart TV and views over the water. Outside is a real highlight, with a fenced patio area directly looking out across the estuary, offering unrivalled al fresco dining from sunrise to sunset.
Cottage profile
- Unrivalled riverfront location with uninterrupted estuary views
- Located just a short walk from the heart of Appledore
- Enjoy evenings in the private, enclosed patio with gorgeous views
Why guests love it: “You could not ask for a better position, directly by the waterside with stunning views; cottage was perfect in every way.” – Andrew, August 2024
Spinnaker – Instow | sleeps 4
Spinnaker is a first-floor apartment that overlooks the confluence of the rivers Torridge and Taw. The apartment enjoys a spacious open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, a private balcony with estuary views, and a bistro table and chairs. The apartment is within walking distance of Instow Beach and the Tarka Trail is right on the doorstep. In the summer, a ferry runs from Instow across the river to the waterside village of Appledore too.
Cottage profile
- Contemporary apartment with stylish lounge
- Enjoy evenings spent on the balcony watching the sunset across the estuary
- Ideal for a family getaway to North Devon
Why guests love it: “Lovely apartment in a great location with a wonderful view of the estuary. The Tarka Trail is just a minute away and perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. Lovely beach and great food at The Boathouse and at Johns Cafe.” – Kathryn, October 2024
Mariners – Lynmouth | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Mariners is a delightful family cottage with a cosy living room which features a roaring wood burner, a spacious kitchen/diner and two enclosed pretty patios with garden furniture, ideal for dining al fresco and spending time outdoors in the warmer months. The cottage is within walking distance of the harbour village of Lynmouth with great walks on Exmoor and the glorious coastline on the doorstep too.
Cottage profile
- Charming cottage on the banks of the East Lyn River
- Perfectly located for river walks and afternoons at the beach
- Wonderful sunny patio with countryside and river views
Why guests love it: “A beautiful cottage with a wonderful loving, historic atmosphere. The views of the river and hills are stunning… Breakfast on the terrace, watching the water caressing the rocks and the rising sun lighting up the hills was utterly idyllic…The location is perfect for exploring the beauty of Exmoor and the roads are breathtaking. I truly hope to return one day. A little piece of my heart has been left there.” – Paul, October 2024
Bamboo – Croyde | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Bamboo is a cosy, cottage-style home with plenty of space in a wonderful location in Croyde. The open-plan living area is beautifully furnished with a well-equipped kitchen and dining area with doors that open out onto the garden. Outside is an enclosed garden and patio as well as a useful outside shower for rinsing off sandy beachgoers and dogs.
Cottage profile
- Within walking distance of Croyde Beach
- Perfect for small families or groups of friends
- Large, enclosed rear garden and suntrap patio
Why guests love it: “We loved our stay at Bamboo, it was immaculate, clean and tidy. The equipment provided was fantastic and it was a lovely place to return to after a day exploring lovely North Devon. We would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a pet-friendly property which was quiet but in a short stroll to the amazing local pub.” – Sarah, July 2024
Valley View – Colyton | sleeps 6
Valley View is a stylish house with a large kitchen/diner and a spacious lounge with a wood burner for those colder nights. Fear not, in the warmer months, you can throw open the patio doors to the back garden. Outside is a charming enclosed rear garden with outdoor furniture, perfect for dining alfresco. There are superb riverside walks, a children’s playground and tennis courts within a very short walk and Colyton town itself is less than half a mile away.
Cottage profile
- Set in a peaceful area on the outskirts of Colyton
- Attractive, large living spaces with a cosy wood burner in the lounge
- Ideal for families
Why guests love it: “We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here at Valley View. The location, the space and the equipment within the property were very good. The beds, the sofas and the excellent wood burner were all fantastic. We would happily return and also recommend the property to family and friends.” - James, January 2024
The Stables – Lynton | sleeps 8 + 3 dogs
Unwind with a group of friends or family at this elegantly converted stable, which is full of many unique features. The Stables enjoys a comfortable and spacious lounge with an impressive inglenook fireplace with a crackling wood burner. The kitchen/ diner is very spacious and well equipped with a separate utility room which is sure to come in handy. During the daytime, discover the charming town of Lynton and enjoy long dog walks along the coast, before coming back here, putting your feet up and relaxing.
Cottage profile
- Located in the heart of Lynton village on Exmoor
- Excellent facilities including a wheelchair lift to the first floor
- Gorgeous, stone-built former stable
Why guests love it: “Cannot fault this property, we would definitely return and recommend to anyone – the property had everything you would expect and more” – Pauline, September 2024
Self-catering cottages in Devon 2025
We hope that this round-up of our most-viewed cottages in 2024 has inspired you to explore more of Devon in 2025. From romantic retreats for two to our best party houses, there's something for you and your group in our hand-picked portfolio. Click the button below to find even more great self-catering holiday accommodation in Devon.
For more inspiration, read our guide on the top places to stay in Devon too!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.