Guests say
Harbour Lights is a well-received cottage in Torquay, Devon, praised for its spaciousness, high standard of decor, and stunning views. Guests appreciate its proximity to the sea and local walks, as well as the thoughtful welcome packs provided. Despite some minor feedback on facilities and steep driveway access, the property consistently delivers a comfortable and enjoyable holiday experience.
Guests consistently note the property's cleanliness, with several reviews highlighting the spotless condition upon arrival. The provision of clean towels and sheets, even during the current climate, has been positively received.
The property's location is highly praised for its impressive views and proximity to the sea, with easy access to local walks and towns. Some guests mention the steepness of the area, but this does not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the location.
Comfort is a standout feature, with guests finding the property very comfortable and well-equipped. The availability of multiple living spaces and the high standard of furnishings contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, with well-equipped kitchens and living areas. However, some guests suggest improvements such as the addition of a handrail on stairs, outdoor drying options for laundry, and more outdoor seating. The steep driveway is noted as challenging for some vehicles.
The owner's thoughtfulness is evident in the welcome surprises and informative packs provided. While these gestures are greatly appreciated, it is politely noted that such gifts are a bonus and may not be a consistent offering for every stay.
About this property
Resting in an elevated position, at the entrance of Cockington Valley, only a mile from the centre of Torquay and just over half a mile from the Centre of Cockington Village, Harbour Lights is a wonderful 1930s detached property, lovingly cared for and styled to provide accommodation for a large family or group wanting to escape to the picturesque south Devon coast. Ample off-road parking can be found at the top of the steep driveway, the property features views of Cockington Valley, Torbay and the Sea. Entering the property you are greeted by an impressive, arched hallway, boasting beautiful damask wallpaper, and a choice of two sitting rooms to relax in during the evenings. Both reception rooms offer a welcoming place to unwind into your evening, with a choice of large sofa and two armchairs to cosy up on while enjoying your favourite shows on the smart TVs, while the first sitting room benefits from a large bay window and games console and the second houses a woodburning stove within a stunning decorative fireplace and large panoramic windows with views across Torbay and the Sea. The impressive kitchen provides all the appliances you could wish for to create delicious home-cooked meals for the group, with the focal point being the large Rangemaster cooker, complete with double oven and 6-ring hob, while the American-style fridge/freezer offers ample space for storing treats. Enjoy meals together in the dining room, with the large dining table comfortably seating the whole group, while the desk in the corner is perfect for anyone needing to catch up on a bit of work or quickly scan through emails. Enjoy an early morning coffee from the comfort of the large conservatory, or head out onto the enclosed patio and lawn garden to soak up your tranquil setting. On the first floor there are three bedrooms, all of which are spacious, offer ample storage and their own TV, with a king-size double boasting a balcony and impressive sea views, a second king-size double with a bay window that overlooks the sea, and a twin room with an en-suite shower room. The family bathroom completes the layout, providing a choice between freestanding bath and walk-in shower to begin each day with. Making your way back to the ground floor, a connecting staircase leads from the main house to a self-contained apartment, which is ideal for a couple or perhaps grandparents wanting to enjoy some quiet time away from the larger group. This space offers an open-plan living room with an inviting corner sofa and wall-mounted Samsung Smart TV, as well as a dining table and well-equipped kitchen, king-size double bedroom with ample storage and a shower room with walk-in shower. Patio doors lead to an enclosed south facing patio, which is ideal for relaxing and taking a break from the rest of the group. Harbour Lights is well placed for discovering a host of amenities within walking distance, including a handful of shops for grabbing any essential items and pubs serving food, should you wish to take an evening off from cooking duties. Situated in the centre of the 'English Riviera', a stretch of spectacular coastline running through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, also known as Torbay, one of the most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers, it's unsurprising that a host of glorious sandy beaches rest well within a mile of the property. Livermead Sands is closest, as is Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay's most popular beach, while Preston Beach and its green are slightly further afield. Explore Torquay's many attractions: Cockington is a beautiful thatched village and country park, featuring the historic Cockington Court, a working forge and stables, the Rose garden, tea rooms, the Drum Inn, and a craft centre which includes glassblowing. The English Riviera is designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, one of only seven in the UK and 140 in the World, and is recognised for its outstanding beauty, unique geology and coastlines. Geoparks share the story of Earth’s history, why not explore the Geopark’s spectacular coastline with Reach Outdoors, an Award winning outdoor activity company, or paddleboard along the Jurassic cliffs and explore caves and hidden beaches. Visit Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boats, take a steam train from Paignton and cruise up the River Dart, on your journey why not stop over in Dartmouth and view the Dartmouth Naval College or enjoy one of the many Seafood Restaurants. With shopping, eating and dining and visitor attractions, the English Riviera is certain to keep you entertained, and other great things to see and do include; Paignton Pier, the English Riviera Wheel, SplashDown Quaywest Waterpark, Kents Caverns and Paignton Zoo. Alternatively,r enjoy a Cream Tea in Babbacombe, after taking a trip to the beach via the Cliff railway. If you fancy travelling further afield South Devon is full of exciting places to visit including Medieval Totnes, Dartmoor National Park and Dartmouth, Slapton & Blackpool Sands, Exeter, Plymouth and much more. Harbour Lights is the perfect base for an unforgettable escape to the South Devon coast.
Torquay sits on the south Devon coast, in the heart of the English Riviera, famous for its sandy beaches, piers and palm trees. Torquay boasts a number of tourist attractions, including a museum, golf course and the Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, as well as a large harbour and lovely sandy beaches. Visitors can catch a boat to the nearby harbour towns of Brixham or Paignton and discover a host of attractions, water sport opportunities and fantastic beaches.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with TV and balcony, 1 x king-size double with TV, 1 ground-floor king-size double, 1 x twin with TV and en-suite shower, basin and WC.
Bathroom with freestanding bath, separate walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with TV.
Dining room.
Sitting room with woodburning stove.
Playstation 3 Console and selection of games available.
A variety of family board games to use.
Sitting room.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining and seating area.
Conservatory
Gas central heating with woodburning stove.
Range cooker with electric double oven, 6-ring gas hob and grill, microwave,American-style fridge/freezer, dishwasher, 6 x TVs, Smart TV, and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Ample off-road parking.
Side patio.
Enclosed rear lawn and patio garden.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop 0.5 miles, pub 0.8 miles, beach 0.4 miles.
Note: Property is accessed via a steep driveway
Nearby points of interest
- Torquay Museum
- Babbacombe Model Village
- House of Marbles
- Golden Hind
- Dartmouth Castle
- Powderham Castle
- Shaldon Beach
- Blackpool Sands
Reviews (16)
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Christopher
Just one small thing with the weather being hot it would of been nice to have had a couple of sun loungers in the garden.
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Karen
Itâs reasonably well equipped and has plenty of comfortable seating indoors for a large family. The beds are all very comfortable and the house was clean and tidy when we arrived. The welcome pack was the best weâve ever had in decades of renting holiday lets. What lets the place down is basic maintenance. The steep stone stairs to the lower floor are hazardous and we could not use that floor as planned for our elderly parents. The advert is not clear that use of this floor involves a descent down stone stairs with a piece of loose carpet over the top stair. That floor seems not to have been used for a long time as it smelt musty. The shower tray is extremely slippy and needs a non-slip mat. Because our disabled parents could not use this floor, we had to give them the twin en-suite so that they would at least have their own bathroom. They usually sleep together in a King size bed and so we worried all week that they would fall from the single beds. Upstairs, the main bathroom shower hose is broken and needs replacing. The most disappointing element was the gardens. They have not been maintained at all and there is no comfortable seating - a picnic bench and a rusty metal patio set are not suitable for a large family to relax. There was also no means for outdoor cooking. For those reasons, we did not use the gardens at all. The upstairs roof garden was dirty and full of soil from the gutters. Once again, this could not be used.
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Rosamond
Every room is beautifully decorated and furnished so there was no squabbling over who had the best bedroom, they are all gorgeous! Tempting as it was to remain in the house and gardens, it is a short walk to Torquay or a longer but absolutely wonderful walk, mostly along the coast path, to Paignton and a little further to Goodrington beach, where there is so much to amuse the children. We had a fabulous week.