Martingale

Martingale is a 19th-century terraced cottage in Torquay, with views of the far-reaching sea from the driveway before you reach the private patio. The property sleeps 4 across two bedrooms and one bathroom, with the town centre a short stroll from the door.

An open-tread staircase with a support rail leads up to the first floor, where a king-size and a twin bedroom share a shower room with a double walk-in shower, basin and WC. Downstairs, the open-plan living space has a breakfast bar and a sitting area with two sofas around an electric log-effect fire, under low ceilings with exposed beams.

The kitchen has an electric oven, ceramic hob, fridge, freezer, microwave and washing machine, and the sitting area has a TV with a sound bar and WiFi. Outside, the private patio has seating for warm-weather evenings, and off-road parking is provided for two cars.

Martingale requires a minimum stay of 3 nights, preferably starting on a Friday. Because of the design of the stairs, it isn't suitable for children under 4: there's no space for a cot and stairgates aren't provided. No pets are allowed, and the property is strictly no smoking. The shop is half a mile away and the pub 0.4 miles.