Beautiful luxury family home in Bantham, South Devon, a short walk to the beach

"Rated No.9 in The Times UK's Best Beach Houses" ******************************************************* You would have to look incredibly hard to find a lovelier property situated in a more beautiful location. This beautiful four bedroom home sits right in the heart of Bantham Village. Dating back to the late 18th century, Bantham House absolutely oozes charm and character. With views over the river, the sea and lush rolling valleys, there’s a picture perfect photo opportunity from every window in the house. Bantham House is so much more than a holiday property. This is a much loved family home, steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition. This wonderful house can be found gracing the pages of local history books, detailing it’s colourful past. Rumour has it that it may have been one of the many storage places in the parish for smuggled goods in the 18th and 19th century! Decorated to an extremely high standard, with tasteful furnishings and light and airy rooms, it has a laid back elegance all of its own. With two patio areas and a balcony there’s no shortage of space to watch the sun go down. House Description ******************** The main entrance A few steps lead up to the front door, which opens into an entrance hall with cloakroom off it. The large fully equipped kitchen is fitted with units to three walls and an island in the centre of the room. An American style fridge freezer, built in dishwasher, wine fridge, an electric induction hob and microwave. There is also an Aga ( Please note: Advance notice must be given if guests require the use of the Aga, as arrangements will need to be made for the caretaker to light it) Enjoy your breakfast from the large dining table and plan the day ahead. The lounge has an open fire place, wide comfortable sofas, occasional tables and a writing desk. A flat screen TV with Sky Plus and Netflix, DVD player, iPod dock, fabulous art work and an extensive collection of contemporary and classic literature, makes this room the perfect place to relax and while away a few hours. Bi-folding doors at one end of the room lead onto a south facing patio with a large circular entertaining area. Downstairs there is also a cloakroom/utility room with butlers sink, a washing machine and tumble dryer, a large bath with shower over and a WC. The side patio has an outside shower, ideal for rinsing sandy toes before you make your way into the house. A wooden staircase take you to the first floor with a stunning Master Bedroom. This room is an absolute haven of tranquility and calm, with the most wonderful views towards Burgh Island, Bantham Beach and Bigbury Bay. It boasts a king size oak bed, a good sized wardrobe, drawers, a dressing table, two relaxing tub chairs and the piece de resistance… A beautiful, roll top bath with folding modesty screen. A separate en-suite WC with hand basin completes this magnificent room On the same floor there’s a Second Bedroom with creamy wrought iron double bed, chest of drawers, dressing table and wash basin all decorated in a pretty traditional country style. Next door is a shipshape Bunk Bedroom with two sets of single bunk beds (Sleeps 4 in total) under-bed storage drawers and a large cupboard with a collection of games, toys and dressing up clothes. With its tremendous coastal views, this is the perfect room for children. (Up to 14 years old) A door leads onto a balcony from this floor with views over the South Hams Valley. (Please note: The wall surrounding this area is low and is not suitable for young children. Extreme care must be taken by anyone using this balcony.) A staircase leads from the first floor up to the Third Double Bedroom, light, large and airy with a double bed, and an en suite with shower, basin and WC. Parking ******** There is a dedicated parking space for one car opposite the front door. Additional cars may be parked along the main road between 1st October to 30th April. Or a weekly parking permit may be obtained from the beach gatehouse if required. A word from our owners *************************** Bantham House Owner Jackie spoke fondly of her memories of the house, which was originally part of the cottage next door. It’s variety of occupants have modified it and left their own stamp over the years. Jackie and her family have been visiting Bantham House for nearly 30 years and her children and grandchildren have grown up in this beautiful property. Jackie loves the safety of Bantham, particularly for children and that it still manages to retain its unspoilt beauty and tranquility. The river, the beach and the quay have provided an idyllic backdrop for their family holidays. Things to do ************* Beautiful Bantham beach is lovingly described as a tiny jewel along this stretch of stunning coastline. The sapphire blue sea and golden sands make this an unforgettable holiday destination. The waves attract surfers from all around the world but if you prefer a more relaxing stint on the water, Bantham Surf Academy will helpfully provide you with paddleboards, kayaks, wetsuits and all the information you need. Instructors are available to take you out in groups or one-one sessions if you fancy some extra tuition. Just minutes from here is the pretty harbour, where you can while away the hours crabbing, sailing, or just watching the boats go by. The Gastrobuses are a regular summer feature on the beach. Gourmet burgers, Devon ice-cream and amazing sandwiches are readily available all through the summer. Throw in some regular pizza nights with some live music and you’ve got yourself the perfect evening. If walking is more your thing, The South West Coast Path runs right past Bantham - A ferry is available to take you across the River Avon (Not available all year round) and nature lovers may just glimpse Kingfishers, Housemartins and Guillemots in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Look towards the shoreline and occasionally they’ll be a shy seal among the rocks or even a playful dolphin. The village itself is host to a fantastic pub/restaurant - The Sloop Inn. Here you can find delicious freshly cooked meals, an ever changing selection of creative daily specials using some of the freshest fish, meat and game and the finest local produce Devon has to offer. Head up to the village shop which stocks a great range of groceries, newspapers, freshly baked bread and pastries, as well as all your holiday essential including wetsuits, bodyboards and buckets & spades. Its beautiful terrace cafe produces a spectacular Devon Cream Tea which you can sample whilst overlooking the estuary and debating the age old question; Jam or Cream first? Out and About **************** If you want to venture further afield, Kingsbridge and Salcombe are only a few miles away and the historic Tudor town of Totnes just slightly further. Woodlands Adventure Theme Park, South Devon Chilli Farm, Living Coasts and Kents Cavern are all nearby days out, particularly good for little ones. If you fancy a change from the coast, you can head inland to stunning Dartmoor National Park, with it’s magnificent Tors and wild ponies, it’s just a short drive away. A note about internet speed in Bantham *********************************************** Please be aware that internet speeds in the village can be slower at times of high usage and during adverse weather conditions. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. PARKING INFORMATION **************************** Although the property does have one dedicated parking space, if you do bring more than one car there is additional parking available in the Bantham Estate car park (please visit the Bantham Estate website for full parking cost details). Between Oct 1st to Apr 30th on street parking is also available, please also check for any on street parking info signage that may be displayed in case of any temporary restrictions.