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Haytor

Haytor

4.7
out of 5
Ratings from 17 reviews
100% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.8
Comfort
4.5
Condition
4.6
Location
4.9
Value
4.5
Customer
Service
4.8


As the Gitcombe Estate appears through the dense trees that border its long drive, it’s clear you've arrived somewhere very special. The setting, in its own private valley, is both magical and instantly relaxing with beautiful rural views stretching as far as the eye can see. Recently listed in The Times' 50 Best Cottages for Summer feature, the cottages themselves are stylish, luxurious, and, despite their high level of sophistication, wonderfully child-friendly. The location is pretty special too being less than five miles from the bistros and boutiques of the yachting town of Dartmouth and roughly the same to the award-winning and beautiful bay at Blackpool Sands. The eight stylish cottages boast luxurious bathrooms and designer kitchens and share facilities that could rival a five star hotel with an elegant pool house complete with indoor heated pool, Klafs sauna and steam rooms, outdoor sundeck with hot tub, outdoor pool, tennis courts and pre-bookable beauty treatments. Gitcombe is as enchanting for kids as it is for their parents thanks to the carved wooden playground, indoor soft play room and opportunity to play spot the moo cow across the valley whilst splashing about in the outdoor hot tub!

Accommodation Overview:

Sheepstor is one of three neighbouring barns, each sleeping 6+ infant, with one double bedroom with super king size bed, one twin and one children’s bedroom, with L shaped cabin beds. All have 'upside-down' designs to maximise their stunning views. They boast light and airy vaulted ceilings, pale wood floors and underfloor heating. Their open plan living, dining areas have TV, Freeview, DVD/CD and cosy log burner. The others (linked via button on bottom of grey box, right) have French doors to enclosed roof terrace with wooden table and chairs plus charcoal BBQ and stunning views over grounds and surrounding countryside, but Maristow benefits from both a small Juliet style balcony in living area and a furnished patio opening from the ground floor twin bedroom, with open access to the grounds. All have sleek, well-equipped kitchen areas with granite work tops, stainless steel American style fridge/freezers, Miele dishwaters, Miele washer-driers, microwave and Fisher Paykel oven and hobs. Contemporary family bathrooms and an ensuite (to the twin room in Maristow) with limestone floors. Help yourself log and kindling wood store.

Short breaks of 3-4 nights are available between Sept-May annual, with shorter stays (min 2nts) and flexible arrival days accommodated Nov-Mid March. See prices tab for more details and use 'Ask the Owner a Question' under 'Owners' tab for special requests.

PLEASE NOTE: Gitcombe provides un-assembled ‘pop up’ style travel cots, so please be aware that you will need to erect the cot before bedtime.

Gorgeous family stay

Review submitted on Mon, 17 Jul 2023
4.7
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
My husband, daughter (3) and son (1) had an incredibly enjoyable week at Gitcombe and I have recommended to many friends with children since.
Haytor was lovely, the accommodation was a good size, clean and well equipped.
The facilities were amazing. Indoor and outdoor pool, soft play and lovely walks.
Dartmouth is a short drive away and lots of great activities to do with kids. The boat to the castle and dittisham proved firm favourites with the children. Rock Fish is brilliantly accommodating for kids and the food is fabulous.
We loved Hope Cove for rock pooling.
A wonderful break, thank you Gitcombe.


Louise from Barnt Green stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in July 2023


A beautiful break.

Review submitted on Tue, 09 May 2023
4.8
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We booked a last minute holiday to Gitcombe and it did not disappoint. A beautiful location, great facilities on site, you could easily stay the whole day entertaining a toddler and relaxing. The pool, hot tub, soft play and playground were a real bonus and made the stay complete. We will definetly be back. Thank you for having us Gitcombe !

Guest from Upper Basildon stayed at Haytor for 6 nights in April 2023


Truly superb cottages with outstanding facilities and a great location

Review submitted on Tue, 28 Jun 2022
5.0
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Our family of 4 (kids aged 5 & 8) enjoyed an idyllic long weekend at Gitcombe and have already recommended it to many friends and family. The estate is beautifully maintained, stylish and luxurious. The kids would have spent the whole times flitting between the indoor pool, hot tub, outdoor pool and play area if we'd let them but we did manage to lure them away a few times and enjoyed a fun-filled day at Woodlands Adventure Park (only 8mins away in the car) and a fabulous fresh seafood lunch overlooking the boats at the Anchorstone Cafe in super pretty Dittisham - An absolute MUST on a sunny day - It's quicker to drive but much more fun if you make a 'day of it' and catch the scenic ferry to/from Dartmouth. We've stayed in lots of 'Baby-Friendly Boltholes' but Gitcombe is definitely a winner! The kids are begging to go back ASAP.

Sian from stayed at Haytor for 3 nights in June 2022


Our stay

Review submitted on Tue, 21 Jun 2022
4.7
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Gitcombe is beautiful and has so much to offer in terms of location and facilities. The indoor and outdoor pools were particularly appealing for our 3 and 1 year old. And the fact that the properties are totally kitted out for babies is fantastic. Stair gates, high chairs the lot. We got upgraded and it just made our holiday that we had so much extra space. The only thing we noted that was a drawback was that there was no internet TV - sad to say this on holiday ha, but it was too cold to sit outside and we had to be in for the kids every night. So a bit of Netflix would have been good! Also there is a DVD player but no DVDs.

Emily from Hassocks stayed at Haytor for 6 nights in June 2022


Very relaxing break in the country

Review submitted on Fri, 25 Mar 2022
5.0
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Lovely location and set up. Great to have the indoor pool and hot tub to use. Dartmouth and lots of activities only 5mins away.
All in all perfect for a uk break


Helen from Staines stayed at Haytor for 5 nights in March 2022


Just brilliant!

Review submitted on Sun, 05 Sep 2021
5.0
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Stylish and comfortable accommodation in a beautiful location, with great on-site facilities. We had a fantastic time with our extended family, booking three of the houses between us.

Friendly and helpful service from Peter and Emma, with everything from advice on local walks/restaurants to swift fixing of the TV, was first class. We were very sad to have to leave!

Pricey but you definitely get what you pay for. We can't recommend it enough.


Richard from Southwell stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in August 2021


Our lovely stay at Haytor

Review submitted on Mon, 16 Aug 2021
5.0
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Beautiful cottage in beautiful surroundings.Excellent facilities always spotlessly clean.Friendly owners.Wilson was a big hit with our granddaughter

Lee from Hatfiled Heath stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in August 2021


A wonderful family get away

Review submitted on Wed, 23 Jun 2021
4.7
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
My family and I had the most wonderful stay at Gitcombe.

We stayed in Haytor which was perfect for our family of 5 (kids aged 10, 9 and 6). The house was immaculate, the beds super comfy and the kitchen so well stocked with every appliance you can think of. The third room with the little bunk bed was the highlight for our youngest (though the beds in that room might be a bit of a squeeze for big kids).

The balcony was a joy, particularly as we were blessed with gorgeous sunshine, and because it looks out over the tennis court and the play area so we could keen an eye on our kids at all times.

The grounds are beautiful and so well looked after and the facilities were such a treat. The indoor pool was heavenly, and most mornings I had it to myself for a glorious peaceful swim. And the outdoor pool, tennis and playground were amazing for our kids.

The Gitcombe team were very friendly and welcoming and we received a lovely goodie box (full of thoughtful kiddy-friendly bits) on arrival.

This is a genuinely family friendly place where we could all thoroughly unwind. Every little detail had been thought about and was much appreciated.

The area is beautiful and lots to do close by for all ages - the info guide was so useful.

Thanks for a wonderful stay. We'd love to come back!


Katie from Saffron Walden stayed at Haytor for 3 nights in June 2021


Haytor in Covid August

Review submitted on Wed, 02 Sep 2020
4.2
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Gitcombe has adapted to Covid extremely well. The cottage was very well appointed, quiet, clean and comfortable. If only the weather has been better.

Mark from Nassington Road, stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in August 2020


Absolutely amazing family escape

Review submitted on Sun, 16 Aug 2020
5.0
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Gitcombe is my favourite place I've ever stayed! We (me, husband and kids aged 6, 4 and 2) stayed for a week and had such a brilliant time. The pools were fantastic - absolutely the best we've ever swum in. The play area is spectacular. Peter and his dad are the most gracious, unobtrusive but incredibly helpful and kind hosts. The accommodation was beautifully appointed and clean. Everything was really special and very relaxing. Nothing to improve. We'll be back.

Ruth from Welwyn stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in August 2020


A Fantastic Holiday.

Review submitted on Sun, 09 Aug 2020
5.0
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Haytor enjoys balcony views over the tennis courts, play area and outdoor pool. We could let the children aged 10, 8 and 6 roam around and still keep an eye on them.

The property was immaculate and evening fires and barbecues made it a real 'home from home'.

The outdoor pool was warm and the indoor pool and hot tub provide an escape when the weather is inclement. You are a short drive from Vineyards, great pubs, clean beaches and wonderful (clean and covid aware) restaurants....what's not to love ?

Peter, Rodney and Emma are the most gracious hosts and nothing is too much trouble.

We will be back as soon as we can.


Peter from Ascot stayed at Haytor for 14 nights in July 2020


Gitcombe

Review submitted on Mon, 13 Jul 2020
3.7
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Great location and facilities and helpful owner. Haytor is suitable for 4 adults and 2 small children.

Mark from Ilkley stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in July 2020


The perfect New Year family get away.

Review submitted on Sat, 04 Jan 2020
5.0
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Gitcombe is a beautiful haven in the middle of stunning Devon countryside.
The estate is maintained impeccably and the facilities are ideal for families/ couples/ groups looking to escape from everyday life and feed the soul.
We loved exploring the grounds, getting cosy in our house (Haytor) with our fire. The kids loved swimming everyday and the outdoor hot tub with views of the hills was just incredible. Even in late December we played tennis & explored the many beautiful, local towns close by.
Our favourite day was the coastal walk towards GaraRock hotel where we had a great lunch. We also loved crabbing at Dittisham (sadly the Anchorstone cafe was closed for refurbishment but it was highly recommended as a must visit) and walking on North Sands beach (after rock pooling at Hope Cove) with a tasty pit stop at the Winking Prawn.
We felt like we really got to know this corner of Devon in the 7 days and I’d thoroughly recommend staying at Gitcombe to anyone. Thank you so much to Peter for making us feel very welcome!


Rory from London stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in December 2019


Great setup for kids

Review submitted on Mon, 09 Sep 2019
4.2
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
5.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We stayed in Haytor, Burrator and Gitcombe Retreat. Reviews separately on the other property sites.

The overall setup for a relaxing time away is great-so long as you don't have to be permanently contactable. There is an excellent tennis court and 2 decent pools, see comments later.
The accommodation is well appointed and (for the main couple) comfortable but there is not much space and the wifi and mobile reception were poor.

The property Haytor is kitchen/diner/sitting area on the upper floor and 3 bedrooms downstairs. It is compact and rather tight for 6 (sleeps 2 adults in a double, 2 tinys in short beds (11yrs or less) and 2 others in a twin room). The double bed is extremely comfortable and the room is pleasant. It has an ensuite shower room that is small. The shower is disappointingly feeble like an old fashioned electric shower.
The kids room with the tiny beds is fine. However, note that the setup of the beds, 1 partially above the other at right angles, means you can't get a cot in this room and still use the bed(s).
The twin room beds were not popular with the adults who used them. They were described as hard and uncomfortable. All adults resorted to a duvet on top of the mattress to soften it up. The twin room is definitely not an equal experience to the double room which may cause friction if you have 2 adult couples sharing the property.

The shared bathroom had a bath with shower over. The shower over was a feeble effort. There is no shower screen so the floor gets a little wet. This is worth noting because the property generally has a slightly damp feel to it such that nothing dries if hung up indoors. There is a washer/drier so for clothes that can be dried this isn't a disaster.

The living quarters are nicely appointed with modern appliances of a high standard. There is a pleasant roof terrace off the living area where you can barbecue or sit at a pub style wooden table/bench. Cooking facilities are good so self catering is not a chore here. If you have toddlers here, you will want to immediately remove all the sharp implements from the drawer at knee height.

Mobile reception varies. There is no meaningful Vodafone reception anywhere at Gitcombe that I could find. o2 was better elsewhere in Gitcombe but not in Haytor. Unfortunately the WiFi in Haytor is also poor. For example we were able to stream Peppa Pig on the laptop without many pauses but the ipad and phone did not pick up sufficient WiFi to manage this for more than a few seconds.

The outdoor pool is smallish but beautifully warm and in a lovely location. For perfection it could have a warm shower or changing room associated.

The indoor pool is great for children new to swimming. It is just 1m deep in all places and has a steps entry which young ones can manage. There is a keycode entry so smaller people can't get in unaccompanied. Like many indoor pools it has terrible acoustics (obviously the kids don't care) so use the outdoor pool whenever you can! There is also a soft play area attached which was popular with the kids but less so with the adults as it is quite cold. There are excellent showers and changing facilities here. There is a hot tub just outside the indoor pool building which looks over the valley and is a great place to lounge if your small ones can look after themselves.

There is also a small playground of attractive wooden structures.

Gitcombe is miles from any traffic so we felt very safe letting the little ones tootle about with minimal observation.

Staying as groups of families in various properties worked well except for the disparity in the quality of the accommodation (The Retreat is top notch). The location is great for trips for crabbing or to calm beaches. We are considering returning largely because for our party of 17 adults and 8 children the combination of accommodation and location worked well.



Richard from London stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in August 2019


A beautiful, relaxing place to spend time

Review submitted on Sat, 20 Jul 2019
4.7
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Gitcombe. The views of the Devonshire countryside, proximity to beaches and local towns and the relaxed atmosphere of the place, which has not been spoilt with signs, instructions and rules, ensured a stress free holiday. The staff were very helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. We did have an issue with promised equipment missing but this was dealt with quickly and courteously. Both pools and the hot tub with its spectacular views, were a real treat.
We had a memorable time.


Sue from stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in July 2019


lovely return

Review submitted on Sun, 06 Jan 2019
4.3
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
this is our 5th visit so fair to say we love the location and the children always meet friends (many also returners) to have fun with. Our first time in Haytor, the bedrooms were good but the living room was a bit cramped and the heating in the en-suit didn't work so was rather chilly. Otherwise nothing to fault, we love it!

Alison Joy from Twickenham stayed at Haytor for 7 nights in December 2018


simply the best

Review submitted on Sat, 27 Oct 2018
5.0
out of 5

Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Gitcombe is beautiful - we love it.
It's a perfect holiday - our second stay - we and our family will return again and again


Malcolm from Dorking stayed at Haytor for 5 nights in October 2018