2 Old Coastguards; own quay, jetty and boat, stunning river views and near sea
| People | 6 |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Separate WC's | 1 |
| Property type | cottage |
| Minimum Stay | 3 - 8 nights |
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Fireplace
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Barbecue
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Internet
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Parking
Overview
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Fireplace
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Barbecue
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Internet
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Parking
3 bedroom cottage on the River Yealm, Newton Ferrers. Own quay, jetty and boat. The SW coast path is on your doorstep with beaches to explore by boat or foot
People return to No 2 Old Coastguards, time and time again - one family for fifteen years! It is very special cottage for wonderful holidays and relaxing weekends. Access to the cottage is by a rowing boat which you borrow from us (at your own risk) or by ferry in the main holiday periods. I meet you on the Newton Ferrers side of the river when you arrive and help you get across to the cottage, showing you the main points of the river, the tides, the currents and the mooring points at both the Newton Ferrers side and on the cottage side. I then let you row me across to the cottage so you get the feel of the boat before you start the holiday proper. This cottage featured in the Sunday Times top 100 holiday destinations in 2010 and is now recommended in Alistair Sawday's Special Escapes. Our reviews speak for themselves! No 2 Old Coastguard Cottage is secluded on the Wembury side of the River Yealm, overlooking the pretty creekside sailing and yachting villages of Newton and Noss which boast 3 good dining pubs and a yacht club bistro a short row or walk away. The river vista is constantly changing and many people just enjoy sitting on the terrace observing it all. For the more active there is plenty to see and do. The South West Coastal Path is 100 yards from the doorstep with breathtaking views from the cliffs and opportunity to discover hidden beaches and secret coves along the way. Wembury beach has superb rock pools at low tide and good surf at high tide. Its own quay with jetty and outhaul mooring provide access to numerous boating/fishing activities or just messing about on the water. The cottage is beautifully appointed and has two log-burners, one in the dining room and one in the sitting room. During the autumn and winter snuggle up with a book in the cosy ambience and warmth of the woodburners , read one of the many books provided or watch one of the numerous DVDs. We provide you with the first log basket and kindling for each woodburner free. Thereafter we charge £5 a basket.
The most interesting thing about this cottage is the proximity to the water and the fact that access to the cottage is only by boat or foot through the surrounding National Trust land. The ability to row is important although a ferry does run throughout the spring and summer season. The cottage is also just a walk away from the wonderful South West Coastpath which means you can walk all the way to Plymouth if you so desire which takes up to 4 hours or just a 25 minute walk to the delights of Wembury Beach. On the other side of the river you can walk to Stoke Beach, or to Mothecombe, and take a shortcut back through fields to Noss Mayo and the wonderful Ship Inn.
The cottage is very special and the holiday you have there is also going to be very special. A welcome bottle of wine awaits you along with cake or scones, and fresh flowers in all the rooms.
About Diana Greene
We are both practical outdoor people who love the country but particularly feel the need to be by water. Whilst we are well travelled - Diana has lived in Vancouver and Hong Kong and Keith has seen most of the world - we love Devon and Cornwall. We now rarely leave except to ski and sail. We live just 20 miles from the cottage in the equally beautiful Tamar valley over in Cornwall and play at self sufficiency on land going down to this river. Keith has recently retired from Hospital Medicine but continues research and Diana is a Magistrate. We have spent many years lovingly restoring Old Coastguards ourselves. Everything had to come across the river. It was a project that many would have shied from, but we have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, found it most rewarding and want to share it.
Diana Greene purchased this cottage in 2002
Why Diana Greene chose Plymouth
We bought this unique cottage for relaxation. It is simply the stuff of dreams - on the water, isolated, yet accessible. Diana had been brought up in Noss Mayo with a view of Old Coastguards from her bedroom window. Keith first saw the cottages by boat shortly after he arrived in Plymouth and determined he would buy one if it became available - that happened shortly after they came together. We have since bought No2 which was in disrepair. It has been a labour of love to restore and we have the boathouse to commence. Coastguards is very special and located on an outstandingly beautiful river estuary surrounded by National Trust land with glorious coastal walks. The twin villages of Newton and Noss too are special and retain their traditional community rivalry through the annual regatta.
What makes this cottage unique
Old Coastguards is where you leave the cares of normal life on the other side of the river. Whilst we now have mains electricity, there is little mobile signal so families talk together as they used to and commune with nature, tides and weather. However, for those wanting to stay connected we now provide unlimited and free Wifi. We spend time here at all times of the year, messing about on boats, walking the wonderful cliffs, fishing and seashore foraging, rowing to the village, eating out in the local pubs. Canoeing to the local beach and cooking out at Cellar Bay, whilst watching the sun set behind the Mewstone. Reading by a roaring log fire. Relaxing and living a life that is unlike any other, being remote yet near a village for all the conveniences. It is a love affair, but one which we feel privileged to have and want to share.
Guestbook comments from the owner
Thank you for a wonderful holiday….we have all had such fun, Sam met his own challenge of not using the car for the week. We loved messing about on the new Kayak. Mike and I will cherish our memories of a peaceful coastal walk. (A family from Godalming, Surrey).
What a fantastic holiday we had! The boat, the peace and quiet, the cottage… it’s all been wonderful, the children are so sad to leave. It’s been a real treat staying here. We’ll be back. (A family from Croydon, Surrey).
A most unusual holiday for us, but one which lived right up to our expectations. Beautiful weather too… Very Famous Five. (A family from Kent).
Don’t make us go!! We have been hatching a plan all week working out the best place to hide. You’d never notice and we’d be really, really quiet!
(A couple from Oxford).
Facilities
Accommodation and facilities for this holiday cottage in Plymouth in Wembury
- cottage
- Self-catering
- Check-in: 16:00 / Check-out: 11:00
- Max. occupancy: 6
- pets not allowed
- non smoking only ...
- beach
- near the sea
- river
- rural
- village
- waterfront
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Romantic
- Sports & Activities
- Fireplace ...
- Hair Dryer
- Heating ...
- Internet ...
- Iron & Board
- Linens Provided ...
- Living Room ...
- Parking ...
- Telephone ...
- Towels Provided ...
- Wood Stove ...
- Coffee Maker ...
- Dishes & Utensils ...
- Dishwasher ...
- Freezer ...
- Kitchen ...
- Microwave ...
- Oven ...
- Pantry Items ...
- Refrigerator ...
- Hob ...
- Toaster ...
- Dining ...
- Dining Area
- seating for 6 people
- 2 Bathrooms,
- 1 Separate WC
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Toilet 1 -
Toilet
Shower room 1 - Shower Enclosure
Bathroom 1 - Bath (no shower) , Shower Enclosure
- Upstairs: Bathroom with heated towel rail, washbasin and bath/shower over and Separate wc room with fullsize washbasin. Downstairs: door from kitchen to drying room with Electric Shower and also separate access from outside. Outside: wc and handbasin.
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6
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Bedroom 1 -
1 Double Bed
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Beautiful views of the River Yealm and estuary beyond
Bedroom 2 - 2 Single Bed , Lovely views of the yachts in the river and estuary beyond
Bedroom 3 - 2 Single Bed , A small and quiet room at the back of the house
- Description of sleeping capacity: Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms) Notes on bedrooms: Bedroom 1 has double bed, dressing table, built in wardrobe, books and superb views over the River; Bedroom 2 has twin beds, built in wardrobe, antique chest of drawers, books and stunning river views; Bedroom 3 has twin beds and dresser. Fitted carpets.
- Books ...
- DVD Player ...
- Games ...
- Stereo ...
- Video Library ...
- Boat ...
- Terrace ...
- Golf ...
- Kayak / Canoe ...
- Barbecue ...
- Tennis ...
- Water Sports Gear ...
- wheelchair inaccessible
- bay
- churches
- marina
- playground
- restaurants
- beachcombing
- bird watching
- horse riding
- paddle boating
- walking
- ATM/bank
- groceries
- deepsea fishing
- equestrian events
- fishing
- golf
- hiking
- pier fishing
- sailing
- diving
- snorkelling
- bay fishing
- surfing
- swimming
- tennis
- water skiing
- wind-surfing
Reviews
Exceptional!
5/5 -
(11 traveller reviews)
Beautiful cottage, amazing position, great hosts.
If, like us, you look for a holiday experience that's just a little bit different from the average holiday cottage, than you will LOVE this place! This was our fourth time at No.2 Coastguards, and the children (10,12 and 14) have already begged us to book for next year. Its ideal for active outdoorsy kids - we go well prepared with kayaks, mountain bikes and wetsuits, spend our days walking the beautiful coast paths, exploring the Yealm estuary, mountain biking on Dartmoor, or surfing on nearby Wembury beach. The Ship Inn in Noss Mayo is a favourite haunt in the evenings, and if the tide is right you can row up and back, great now the children row and we can enjoy a few beers!
Don't be put off by the fact that the easiest way to access the cottage is by boat - it just adds to the charm and Diana, the owner, will give you a comprehensive briefing when you arrive (as well as leaving you with fresh flowers in the cottage and a beautiful cream tea). The cottage is beautifully furnished and very welcoming - I initially thought I might miss our underfloor heating, but the thick walls and woodburners make it really cosy, even at the end of October!
I would absolutely recommend this cottage - its a gem!
Another fantastic holiday
We have been coming here every year since 2004 so need I say more?
We are always made very welcome by Diana and Keith and the cottage is immaculately clean and well furnished and equipped.
There is lots to see and do and we continue to find new places as well as exploring our old favourites.
Good weather always helps but there are plenty of books, DVDs and games for those times when the weather is really too bad.
Picture Postcard Beautiful!
So it was that the six of us set off for Old Coastguards Cottage. Surrounded by lush greenery. Sitting on the mouth of the river it has its own private terrace with stunning views. Inside it's a home from home. Lovely cosy lounge, spacious dining room and well equipped kitchen. Upstairs, three beautiful bedrooms. Really! ... what's not to like? Also....Coastguard Cottage is something a bit different! You have to access it by rowing boat. None of us natural sailors bar one. Diana was patience personified as she took us through our paces. By the end of our stay we were getting the hang of things. Remote yes but close enough for a quick row across for 'supplies' in Newton Ferrers. If you're looking for seclusion, picture postcard beautiful, all creature comforts and something a bit Famous Five...look no further. Fabulous!
Amazing Stay!
We had a fantastic weekend at Old Coastguard Cottage - loved every minute of it, from rowing across the river, walking along the beautiful coastal paths, swimming just in front of the cottage to warming up by the fire in the beautiful cottage and enjoying some great family time. Diana was so helpful - welcoming us and showing us everything we would need for our weekend. We were only able to stay for a short time, but will definitely be back for longer in the future. Thank you for some very happy memories!
Tranquil and other worldy
We stayed here for four nights. Beautiful setting and you can lose hours, just staring at the water. The cottage had everything you need and fabulous views. Diana is utterly charming and teaches you to row!
Fabulous Cottage!
Our family of 5 stayed at Old Coastguards for a week in August. I wasn't sure how it would work out with rowing across the river, but it was one of the highlights of our trip, especially rowing across to get our croissants in the morning and going to the pub in the evening. The cottage itself is comfortable and beautifully decorated, we were lucky with fabulous weather so spent most of our time on the terrace, glass of wine and bbq watching the amazing view of the estuary. The owners, Diana and Keith are particularly helpful and welcoming, with loads of local information.
Location
Coast/Beach:
The beach of Wembury is 25 minutes walk from the cottage along the stunning South West Coastpath. This beach is great for rockpools at low tide and bodyboarding when the surf is up. There is a cafe in an old tidal mill selling great coffee and ice creams. Cellar Bay Beach is 25 minutes row up the estuary and the sand bar is exposed on the lowest tides. Mothecombe beach is 15 minutes car drive away and is especially good at low tide with large expanses of sand and you can pick your own mussles!
Travel:
Travel to the cottage is either by car, or by rail to Plymouth Station, 10 miles away. If coming by train a bus or taxi would take half an hour. A pick-up by us is possible by arrangement. The nearest airport is Exeter, which is one hour away by car.
Distances:
The beautiful creekside villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo are just a short row/walk away. In summer there is intense competition between them in the Annual Regatta. At high tide you can row all the way to the village (10-15 minutes) for a butchers, a community shop which sells everything from hot croissants to crabbing lines, a pharmacy, a co-op and three pubs as well as a yacht club.
Further Details:
Local shops sell everything you need and cash withdrawal can be made at the village Co-op. Further afield (4 miles and 15-20 mins by car) there is Riverford Farm Shop selling organic produce and in season there is also a Pick-your-own. Whilst there are the usual international supermarkets all about half an hour away, we encourage as much local shopping as possible.
Plymouth with much history and all the features of a maritime city with a wonderful deep water harbour, which recently hosted the America's Cup, is 10 miles and 30 minutes away by car or bus or an interesting 3-4 hour walk away along the coastal path to Mountbatten, an old flying boat station. A short passenger ferry then takes you into the heart of the old Barbican area and Hoe from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to America and ships set sail with the settlers of Australia and New Zealand. And from where Francis Drake spied the Spanish Armada. It is also home of the National Marine Aquarium - a useful family outing on a really rainy day instead of Monopoly. National Trust Houses of Saltram (4miles), Buckland Abbey (16 miles)Cotehele (18 miles) and St Anthony (18 miles). The attractive South Hams market towns of Modbury (6 miles) and Kingsbridge (10 miles) are within reach as is the estuary town Salcombe (13 miles) with boutique shops. The cottage is so unique that the people who probably enjoy it most are people who prefer to leave their car, turn off their phones, forget e-mails and spend as much time messing about on the river, boating, fishing, swimming, and walking the wonderful cliffs. This is a holiday for people who have their own boats and canoes/kayaks too. A cottage where mobile phones can be turned off,and relaxation starts. A holiday with a difference. A holiday like it used to be.
Photos
Prices & Availability
Additional pricing information
| Fees | No additional mandatory fees |
| Refundable Damage Deposit | £150 |
Booking Notes:
Please note: As access is by rowing boat an ability to row is important - and we only rent the cottage to NON-smokers.
Booking a holiday is easy, just telephone me, 01579 351631 or e-mail and I will provisionally hold the date. A deposit is required immediately to confirm the booking and is a third of the total price.
The balance is requested 6 weeks before the holday. A returnable damages deposit of £150.00 is also required at that time.
Changeover Day:
Friday changeover for weekly bookings. Short breaks outside peak season by arrangement.
Notes on prices:
10% off prices for a full week booking outside school holidays for use by one couple.
Please be aware that the Owners Direct computer computes a figure for a 3 or 4 night break which are not correct so far as my actual rates are concerned. Generally my three day break is between £450 and £495 depending on the time of year and whether we have included logs in the final figure. A three day break is never lower than £450 for full occupancy.
Short breaks available by arrangement outside the school holidays. 3 day break 30% off marked price, 4 day 20% off, 5 day 10% off.
Prices are inclusive of use of the rowing boat, bed linen, towels and utility services. A basket of logs for each woodburner is included thereafter £5 a basket.
Owner's Cancellation Policy
- 50% refund for cancellations more than 7 days before check-in date.
- 100% refund for cancellations more than 14 days before check-in date.
- Service Fee fully refunded on cancellations that qualify for 100% refund.
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