Plympton Barn
Welcome to Plympton Barn
A beautiful Holiday Let in a quiet location very close to Salcombe and less than a mile to beaches
T he beautifully renovated Barn is a Holiday Let situated just a short walk away down a picturesque valley to the pretty beach of South Sands, which lies at the mouth of the Salcombe Estuary. The headland is surrounded by the sea on three sides.
The Salcombe Estuary offers a wealth of activities for young and old; beaches, sailing, fishing, shopping, restaurants and bars are all nearby. Most of the coastline belongs to the National Trust and offers spectacular walks.
The Farm itself is situated in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is close to many public footpaths. The Barn is on the property of a working Farm where sheep and a variety of other animals are kept.
Booking enquiries:
For a general enquiry please use the “General Enquiry” button on this page.
In order to request a booking, please use the “Book Now” button and complete the form. If you feel more comfortable booking through other booking platforms, please be aware that these charge significant commissions to clients (as well as to us). Booking direct with us avoids these charges.
We accept payment by BACS or online via Credit Cards or PayPal. (using Paypal’s secure merchant portal)
The Barn contains two bedrooms: One with a kingsize bed and another with two singles. The downstairs timberclad and travertine-floored hallway leads to the two bedrooms as well as a small utility space, a separate WC and the Bathroom. The Bathroom has a large walk-in shower and a separate Bath and underfloor heating. Upstairs is a large open-plan living space.
Folding doors on the south-facing side of the building open up to a decked balcony. This open space consists of a kitchen/dining area, a seating area centered around a wood burner and finally one end with a sofa and comfortable chair for those who like to enjoy some peace and quiet or read a book.
The property is not suitable for very small children, please enquire first.
We regret that we cannot allow dogs or other pets in this property. Smoking is not permitted.
The top floor is open plan opening out to a Balcony with views over the unspoiled valley.
It contains a kitchen with oven, hob, microwave fridge-freezer, crockery and cutlery etc.
The dining area has views over the valley. There is also a comfortable seating area with a wood burner, television and DVD-player.
For those with very small children, please note that the stair case cannot be blocked off so please take care.
Location
Salcombe is a small picturesque town in the South Hams district of Devon, South-West England. The town is close to the mouth of the Estuary and lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The town’s extensive waterfront and the naturally sheltered harbour formed by the estuary gave rise to its success as a boat- and shipbuilding and sailing port and, in modern times, tourism especially in the form of pleasure sailing and yachting. Apart from tourism, crab fishing still plays an important role.
Recommended Outings:
The Cliffs, for the most part, belong to the National Trust and provide spectacular shelter for plants and animals alike. The sea views are breathtaking. Especially the public footpath along the top of the cliff from Sharpitor Museum towards Bolt Head early in the morning when the sun rises over the estuary with masts popping out over a thin layer of fog. Sunsets are especially beautiful when viewed from Bolberry or Hope Cove.
The Coastal Footpath has many interesting stretches, both on the Salcombe side (starting at South Sands) and on the East-Portlemouth side. Highlights include Bolt Head and Soar Mill Cove. Both of these are close to the farm and many Public Footpaths join the coastal path to South Sands valley. It sounds further than it is; but the sea is never much more that 1 km away whether go you East, West or South. Along this stretch of Coastal Footpath you may even see deer along the more remote parts of the path early in the morning or at dawn.
The Sharpitor Museum is definitely worth a visit with its sub-tropical gardens. There are numerous other National Trust properties nearby to vist: Historic Homes, Gardens, Coast- and Countryside. Please check their webside for details.
East-Portlemouth lies on the western side of the estuary and can be reached by ferry from Salcombe. It is home to some great beaches, a pleasant beach-cafe (Venus Cafe). You should also try the walk to the sea from here along the coastal footpath to Prawl Point. Along the way you will pass some secluded beaches, which, if you are lucky, you may have to yourself.
The Estuary is best seen from a boat and there are several options open to you. Either you take the Estuary Trip with the Salcombe to Kingsbridge Ferry (High Tide only) or you rent a boat either at Whitestrand or along Island Street.
Highly recommended is a trip by boat to the pub at South Pool (only possible at High Tide)
There are many things to see without travelling to far. However if you have the time there are many other destinations worth visiting.
Only a short distance away is Burgh Island near Bigbury with its famous Hotel; inspirational to Agatha Christie and many other famous visitors. This is also a good spot to learn to surf.
Go and have some lunch at the Gastrobus at stunning Bantham Beach!
To the other side of Kingsbridge is Torcross and Slapton Sands; a huge shingle beach where preparations for the D-Day landings took place.
Slapton Village itself is home to the excellent Tower Inn. Parking is difficult but the food is worth it. Not far from here is the small village of Beesands and the ruins of Hallsands; a village that was swept away in a storm.
Other places to visit are Totnes; lots of cafes, bookshops and extremely laid back. From here a steam train runs to Buckfastleigh along the river Dart. Whilst you are there, go and see the Abbey. From Totnes it is also only a short distance to Dartmouth, home to the Royal Naval Academy and a very attractive little town, from here you can head back along the coastal road to Kingsbridge and Salcome.
The Dartmoor National Park lies just the other side of the A38 (ie. near Buckfastleigh) , see the wild ponies and climb a Tor or two! On the way back, try to visit Ashburton.
Things to do
There are many Galleries in around Salcombe, many located on or just off Island Street and some more in Forestreet.
Some suggestions:
“Shapes of Nature” Sculptures by Michele Meyer – Visit at Plympton Cottage (next to the property) also see her website. Her works can be seen at several Galleries but a visit to her Studio is highly recommended!
Harbour House on the Quay in Kingsbridge – ever changing exhibitions – well worth a visit!
Coves Quay Gallery – Thorning Street, just off Island Street, Salcombe
Mayne Gallery – Forestreet, Kingsbridge – lots of local Art
Gallery5 – in Island Street, Salcombe. A Studio selling original Artwork and Photographs
Schools, Hire & Trips:
Kayak hire at South Sands.
The Island Cruising Club used operate a large sailing school from the Egremont, an old Mersey ferry moored in the Bag. The vessel has now been removed but they still offer RYA crusing courses and more.
Salcombe Dingy sailing also offers RYA courses.
The Salcombe Powerboat School offers RYA powerboat training but also run the excellent Salcombe Shooting School near Bolberry offering Clay Trap shooting as well as an airrifle range which is partially covered offering fun even when the weather is not cooperating.
(Most providers of water based servcies are based in Island Street but Ashbey’s on the main road between Malborough and Salcombe provides a large selection at fair prices. Fishing Trips and Boat Hire can booked on Whitestrand or in Island Street
Salcombe: The Salcombe Meat Comampany Excellent Butcher and Farm Shop specialising in local produce at the entrance to Salcombe at the top of the hill.
Lots of Clothing and Cranches Sweetshop.
Kingsbridge: Morrisons and Tesco
Lots of smaller shops in Forestreet
Beesands: by fish from “The shack” (or eat there)
Totnes: Bookshops and “alternative”shops. Lots of great cafes.
Dartmouth, lots of little shops and a very pretty place to visit
Plymouth and Exeter: the usual high street shops. (Exeter worth a trip)
The Old Bakery – Kingsbridge. Tapas , cosy. one of our favourates
The Oyster Shack between Averton Giffort and bigbury – again a faivourate! booking essential as very popular.
South Milton Sands (Thurlestone Beach) – The Beachhouse – great location on the beach and nice for drink and sunset!
Salcombe: a range of bars and Restaurants. Recommended: The Victoria Inn and the Island Street Barn & Grill
Malborough: The Old Inn and the Royal Oak
In recent years there are an increasing number of food trucks but tracking them on the website is hard. we recommend a google search for these as soime are real gems!
Hallsands: The Britannia@The Beach
Slapton: The Tower Inn: parking a little tricky, but excellent food and great atmosphere.
South Sands Beachside Hotel and Restaurant
Lastly a good source with ideas on what’s hot (and what’s not) see TripAdvisor.
South Sands Beach: Beautiful sandy beach. a 10-15 minutes walk down of the valley. Has a ferry service to Salcombe. Watersports, Swimming, Food and Drinks. Short distance to cliffwalks with views of Salcombe, the Bar and the Sea.
North Sands Beach: 5-10 minute walk from South Sands in the direction of Salcombe. Beautiful Sandy Beach (small at high tide). Snacks at the Winking Prawn.
Other excellent beaches on the East Portlemouth side of the Estuary are reached by small ferry. (leave from Salcombe near the “Ferry Inn”. Great Snacks from the Venus Café near the ferry steps in East Portlemouth
Bantham: THE surfing beach and amazing lunches at the Gastrovan!
There are a great number of recommended Walks in the area. Several maps are available at the local bookshop in Salcombe or at the Tourist Information Office.
Around Snapes Point – excellent views up and down the Estuary. Start from Batson.
Around Bolt Head – Start from South Sands and head South following the signs for Sharpitor. Follow the Public Footpath from there along the Clifftop. Cross the valley at the end to Bolt Head (and find the old Coastguard lookout) and the return via the lower path past Starehole Bay. A good map can be found here: https://footpathmaps.com/ Another good resource is: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/
There are also some nice walks here and here and I recommend you visit the small (free) Salcombe Maritime Museum.
The local AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) also has a good list of walks: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/
as have CitiZAN. Finally, I would recommend OpenStreetMaps (OSMAND app on mobile devices).
Facilities
Kitchen
- Fully equipped with:
- Hob, Oven, Dishwasher and Microwave
- Fridge with small freezer compartment
- Knives, Forks, Glasses, Cups and Crockery
- Teapot, Kettle and Toaster etc.
Bedrooms
- One bedroom with two single beds
- One bedroom with a kingsize bed
- Linen, duvets and pillows provided
Bathroom
- Bath
- Large walk-in shower
- underfloor heating
- Towels (not for beach) are provided
- Hot water and heating included
Entertainment & Communications
- Flat screen Satellite Television (FreeSat) and DVD player
- WiFi – given the remote location, slow and sometimes unreliable so we cannot guarantee.
- Please note there is only limited Mobile coverage in the valley
Other indoor facilities
- Separate WC
- Washing maschine
- Outside retractable clothesline
- Hairdryer
Outside Facilities
- Decked seating area with table and chairs
- Parking for one car, more possible with prior agreement
Prices quoted are per week. (Change-over days are Saturdays.) We may allow partial weeks outside of the June – September period upon request
For prices outside the range displayed, please use the dropdown menu in the calendar or contact us.
IMPORTANT: Please note arrivals can only be AFTER 16:00 and Departures must before 10:00 to allow a sufficient gap for our cleaning services provider.
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