Shoestring Cottage

This character cottage dating from the 1700s sits directly on the water's edge in Lympstone, reached via a short footpath rather than a driveway. Guests unload belongings while briefly parked on the road, then carry them the roughly 50-yard walk in; the estuary runs along the garden wall outside the windows. The ground floor has a polished concrete floor with underfloor heating throughout.

The kitchen has a professional range cooker with two electric ovens and a five-ring gas hob, a microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and a Tassimo coffee machine, with estuary views from the windows. A snug/dining room and a separate lounge both share a dual-sided wood burner (first basket of logs included), and the lounge has a Smart TV with Firestick, Netflix and Amazon Echo. A utility room off the lounge holds the washing machine, and there is a shower room with a walk-in double shower and WC on the ground floor.

Two separate staircases, both steep and cottage-style, lead to the first floor. One climbs from the lounge to a dual-aspect double bedroom and a twin bedroom, plus a separate WC. The other rises from the snug to the Cabin Master Suite, a double room with a vaulted ceiling, a freestanding double-ended bath with handheld shower, and its own en-suite WC and private balcony over the water.

Outside, an enclosed terrace has seating and a charcoal barbecue, and a further outdoor seating passage looks out over the estuary. Public parking is around 200 yards away at a pay-and-display car park, with free street parking sometimes available nearby. Two dogs are welcome (additional charges may apply), and a travel cot, stairgate and highchair can be requested in advance. Wifi is provided, and Exmouth Beach, around 3.5 miles away, allows dogs on part of the beach year-round and on the main beach from October to April.