Summary
Key Features
Location
Reviews
Things To Do
Kessel House is a large, central Dartmouth family townhouse which has been beautifully restored for hosting the perfect holiday for families and couples alike. Modern touches complement the pristine 1920s time-capsule theme. Three large bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living rooms, a grassy garden and off-street parking. Just a few minutes’ walk to Dartmouth’s riverside and tree-lined embankment – with its diverse cafés and restaurants, independent shops, and snug, age-old inns.
Accommodation:
The front door of this very traditional-looking town house opens to the first-floor hallway which sets the tone for the property - a modern space with solid wood floors and fun film memorabilia.
Off the main hall is the first of the two living rooms, playfully known as the 'Cocktail Room' (in a Gatsby-esque 1920s style) with two comfortable sofas, an easy chair and a tall cocktail cabinet. It's the perfect spot for evening drinks. There is also a cleverly-hidden TV in one of the cabinets.
The master bedroom on the first floor has a kingsize bed and includes a TV and DVD player. The second bedroom has twin beds.
The first bathroom is just off the first-floor landing - a shower room with heated towel rail.
Upstairs to the second floor where there's the third bedroom featuring a kingsize bed. There's also the family bathroom with a bath and a separate shower cubicle and electric towel rail.
The ground-floor kitchen diner is a light and airy room that looks out over the back garden, with a serving hatch through to the second living room. It’s a great social space where the whole family can get together, relax, prepare food and eat together.
The kitchen itself is very well equipped with a dishwasher, fridge-freezer as well as a modern gas range. The combination of old and new runs through the shaker-style design, with wooden worktops playing against the feature butler sink with traditional carved wooden housing.
A small utility cupboard by the back door is where you'll find the washer-dryer. A stable door gives access to the grassy garden and the parking bay.
Through the kitchen is the second living room which continues the light and airy feel with a large serving hatch between the two spaces - furnished with a comfortable leather sofa and armchair, coffee table, TV, and log-effect electric fire.
Outside:
To the rear of the property is an enclosed garden with a large flat lawn area. Outdoor garden furniture makes it the ideal spot for al fresco dining or an evening glass of fizz
Please note that there are a couple of stone steps down from the back door which might pose a fall hazard for small children.
Parking:
There is parking allocated at the rear of the property for one car and an additional limited on-street parking nearby.
Key Features
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Flexible Changeover
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Onsite Parking
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Town Centre
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Garden
Key Contents
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Freezer
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Hob
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Linen and Towels Provided
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Pots and Pans
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Washing Machine
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Cutlery and Crockery
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Fridge
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Iron & Ironing Board
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Microwave
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Toaster
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Coffee Machine
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Dishwasher
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Hair Dryer
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Kettle
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Oven
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Tumble Dryer
Dartmouth is a town steeped in maritime history, from the castle at the mouth of the river that has stood for over 600 years to the cobbled quayside at Bayards Cove where the Mayflower was made ship-shape before its voyage from Plymouth to America in the 1600s, up to the imposing Britannia Royal Naval College overlooking the town, defending the nation's seas since the early 1900s.
Dartmouth's renowned variety of shops and restaurants are on your doorstep, including breakfast and brunch hotspot Café Alf Resco - a hit with locals and visitors alike. At Bayards Cove, see where final repairs were made to the Mayflower before she set sail from Plymouth and onto America. On the riverside, you're spoilt for choice for seafood dining and drinks while you watch the boats drift along the river. There are also fast, frequent ferries, leisurely boat rides, and not forgetting the steam train from Kingswear and its romantic route along the valley shoreline and onto Totnes and Torbay.
Dining Out
Vibrant cafés and delis, cosy inns, and sublime seafood - all within walking distance - including TV chef Mitch Tonks' go-to restaurants, ‘The Seahorse’ and ‘Rockfish’. Local favourites include Kendrick’s and Taylor's in the town centre, as well as hearty pub meals at The Floating Bridge and historic The Dartmouth Arms. The Sportsman’s Arms, as you head out of town, is a favourite for a Sunday carvery. The surrounding villages also have culinary gems, such as the Laughing Monk in Strete, and Radius 7 in Stoke Fleming.
Shopping
Individual and independent; quaint meets quality - browsing Dartmouth’s locally run stores is a treat. From bespoke jewellery to designer fashion, eye-catching artworks and stylish boutiques. Venture into Foss Street and lose yourself in its variety - you’re bound to come away with a memento of your stay.
Towns to explore
The eclectic market town of Totnes is 14 miles from Dartmouth. Reach it by road or river to enjoy its broad mix of shops and restaurants (especially for some tasty, inventive, vegetarian and vegan cuisine). From Totnes, the English Riviera is easily accessible (including the steam train to Paignton). Torbay offers golden beaches, exhilarating sea sports, and quaint fishing port tranquillity. Head inland to Buckfastleigh to get hands-on learning about the animals at Pennywell Farm. Cute and colourful, Buckfast Butterflies and otter sanctuary is a must-see. And there’s another picturesque steam railway.
Further afield, the picturesque resort town of Salcombe is 20 miles away - its golden beaches and clear waters make for perfect lazy days, and are superb for sailing.
Local places of interest
The striking Dartmouth Castle sits at the mouth of the river. Learn how Dartmouth's first coastal line of defence kept the port safe from enemy ships and pirates.
The grand former holiday estate of the world's greatest crime writer - Agatha Christie - is open during the summer months. Explore the resplendent gardens and the magnificent house. Reach it by ferry or steam train from Dartmouth.
Tours and tastings of the award-winning Sharpham Wines and cheeses make for a mouth-watering excursion - now newly relocated to their Sandridge Barton vineyard - but be sure to book in advance.
The Woodlands Family Theme Park, just outside Dartmouth, is Devon's largest theme park, with rides, slides, as well as indoor and outdoor play. It's a year-round family favourite.
If you're tempted to learn sailing, Marshalls Sailing School in Dittisham offers sailing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons to people of all levels in a quiet part of the river just upstream from Dartmouth.
Beaches and Walks
There are superb beaches close to hand. Blackpool Sands is a 10-minute drive from Dartmouth. This Blue Flag award-winning sand and shingle beach is great for swimming. There's also a café, shop, as well as canoe and paddleboard hire. Slapton Sands (5 miles from Dartmouth) stretches out across three miles of shoreline, helpfully laid out with three car parks and WC facilities. Behind Slapton Sands, you can also take a tranquil walk through Slapton Ley.
For a more-adventurous ramble, the Dart Valley Trail is a 10-mile circular walk up and down the Dart, with crossings at Dittisham and Dartmouth. And one of the world’s longest and most-popular trails - the South West Coast Path - can be picked up by Dartmouth Castle with a choice of wonderful walks along this great stretch of coastline.
Lovely stay at Kessel House,walk down the hill worked up an appetite and a bus is available if you don't fancy the walk back. Loads to do and see in Dartmouth,and again,good bus services if you don't want to drive.Bill October 2024
lovely comfortable beds,good instructions for the two televisions,found car parking to be difficult but soon got used to it. Peter September 2024
We had a fantastic 4 days at Kessel House. We felt right at home and enjoyed the space. Heidi July 2024
"A great house just a short walk from the centre of Dartmouth. Good family kitchen/living room space. Car parking space a bonus." - Victoria - March 2023
"A large house high up on a hill with a very good bus service right outside the door. We had a few house niggles which we reported to DVC and a lovely Handyman arrived next morning to sort out. Comfortable beds, everything works. Big TV we used every day (we were there just after death of HM Queen.) . All round very comfortable and would recommend. DV staff very helpful." - Heather - September 2022
"We had a lovely stay in Kessel House, which comfortably accommodated our group of four. Very nicely decorated and furnished house with everything we needed. Short walk to the front in Dartmouth so very convenient and great to have a parking space which seems very rare in Dartmouth. Great communication from Dart Valley Cottages too." - Martin - August 2022
"Don't be afraid of the parking, it's easier than it looks and the space is bigger than you think. We unloaded and packed at the front door - but you may get interrupted by cars wanting to pass ;0)" - Wendy - June 2022
"Very pleasant stay, great size for a family and a short walk to the river front." - Morgan - May 2022
"Home from home. Clean and easy. 10 mins to Dartmouth centre by foot. Highly recommended." Stuart - April 2022
"Kessel House is well positioned for the town with the benefit of parking. Any regular visitor to Dartmouth will know just how important having your own parking spot is. Stylish and comfortable the house had everything we could possibly need during our stay. Fresh and clean decor, a well equipped kitchen and lots of different places to sit and relax meant there was space for everyone. Kessel House achieves a grest balance of being both stylish and interesting and homely and comfortable. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again." - M D T Bath - October 2021
"Had a good week at Kessel house. The beds were clean and comfortable, good bathrooms, comfortable sitting rooms with great tv. Had all the kitchen implements and equipment that we needed. Well furnished everywhere. Guest- Sept 2021
"The house was really spacious for our family of 4 and we loved the location, just 10 mins walk from Dartmouth" - Lisa - August 2021
"This is a comfortable, stylish and well appointed house for a family holiday. We were a group of six adults and had plenty of space to move around and hang out. Two bathrooms are useful when there's six of you, the bedrooms are spacious and the beds comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped and we found ourselves spending most of our time in the kitchen/snug as it was so comfortable and had a massive TV for watching the Euros. There is parking for one car as described, but if you are bringing other vehicles, there is very little other parking locally. However, we dropped our things off outside and parked elsewhere. We didn't need to use the second car much as there is plenty to do locally that doesn't require driving. Be aware the house is half way up a long hill out of Dartmouth, so although it only takes 10 mins to get to town it will take you longer to get back! Well worth the hike though as the house is lovely and it kept us fit for the week! All in all we had a great stay and would definitely recommend this house to friends and family." - Julie - 2021
"Lovely house, situated at the top of a hill, walkable but with shopping bags jumped on bus, drop off write outside house. Parking outside . Loved the kitchen / lounge layout, open plan so husband could still chat while cooking . Lovely bedrooms. Bathrooms great. Kitchen plenty of equipment for cooking, . Good workout as we were up and down the stairs forgetting things" - Ditey - June 2021
"It was a good stay and walkable distance to town. Good space for a family. Downstairs hub with the open kitchen and lounge is a good addition to the holiday let." - Simanti - May 2021
"Our week at Kessel house was a very comfortable one. V. Nicely appointed, and well thought out, it was beautifully clean with comfy beds. Well located about a 10 min walk down to the lovely harbour - which means uphill on way back but was easily manageable! Nice size garden, was lovely and sunny to sit in, and we wouldn’t hesitate to go back." Julie - September 2020
"Excellent location, short wander down the hill into town and all it has to offer (lovely local shops and food, crabbing, castle, boat rides - the list is endless!), short drives to nearby Blackpool Sands and other beautiful spots. The house itself was far more spacious than it looked in the pictures! We had plenty of space, the kids felt very much at home, the garden was great for them to have a run about it in whilst we were settling in/packing up (we were otherwise out for most of the days). If you're not used the to the roads, it might feel a little tight, but everyone is very patient with each others manoeuvres! Useful things- huge Sainsbury's/Lidl few minutes drive away. Playground just down the hill. Very clear communication on what was required at checkout to allow for enough extra cleaning time in light of Covid" Sabrina - September 2020
"A spacious, comfortable, well equipped home in a great location. Rebecca - September 2020
"Lovely house, some interesting furniture and pictures. Very comfortable and clean. Good location" Beverly - August 2020
Dartmouth is a town steeped in maritime history, from the castle at the mouth of the river that has stood for over 600 years to the cobbled quayside at Bayards Cove where the Mayflower was made ship-shape before its voyage from Plymouth to America in the 1600s, up to the imposing Britannia Royal Naval College overlooking the town, defending the nation's seas since the early 1900s.
Dartmouth's renowned variety of shops and restaurants are on your doorstep, including breakfast and brunch hotspot Café Alf Resco - a hit with locals and visitors alike. At Bayards Cove, see where final repairs were made to the Mayflower before she set sail from Plymouth and onto America. On the riverside, you're spoilt for choice for seafood dining and drinks while you watch the boats drift along the river. There are also fast, frequent ferries, leisurely boat rides, and not forgetting the steam train from Kingswear and its romantic route along the valley shoreline and onto Totnes and Torbay.
Dining Out
Vibrant cafés and delis, cosy inns, and sublime seafood - all within walking distance - including TV chef Mitch Tonks' go-to restaurants, ‘The Seahorse’ and ‘Rockfish’. Local favourites include Kendrick’s and Taylor's in the town centre, as well as hearty pub meals at The Floating Bridge and historic The Dartmouth Arms. The Sportsman’s Arms, as you head out of town, is a favourite for a Sunday carvery. The surrounding villages also have culinary gems, such as the Laughing Monk in Strete, and Radius 7 in Stoke Fleming.
Shopping
Individual and independent; quaint meets quality - browsing Dartmouth’s locally run stores is a treat. From bespoke jewellery to designer fashion, eye-catching artworks and stylish boutiques. Venture into Foss Street and lose yourself in its variety - you’re bound to come away with a memento of your stay.
Towns to explore
The eclectic market town of Totnes is 14 miles from Dartmouth. Reach it by road or river to enjoy its broad mix of shops and restaurants (especially for some tasty, inventive, vegetarian and vegan cuisine). From Totnes, the English Riviera is easily accessible (including the steam train to Paignton). Torbay offers golden beaches, exhilarating sea sports, and quaint fishing port tranquillity. Head inland to Buckfastleigh to get hands-on learning about the animals at Pennywell Farm. Cute and colourful, Buckfast Butterflies and otter sanctuary is a must-see. And there’s another picturesque steam railway.
Further afield, the picturesque resort town of Salcombe is 20 miles away - its golden beaches and clear waters make for perfect lazy days, and are superb for sailing.
Local places of interest
The striking Dartmouth Castle sits at the mouth of the river. Learn how Dartmouth's first coastal line of defence kept the port safe from enemy ships and pirates.
The grand former holiday estate of the world's greatest crime writer - Agatha Christie - is open during the summer months. Explore the resplendent gardens and the magnificent house. Reach it by ferry or steam train from Dartmouth.
Tours and tastings of the award-winning Sharpham Wines and cheeses make for a mouth-watering excursion - now newly relocated to their Sandridge Barton vineyard - but be sure to book in advance.
The Woodlands Family Theme Park, just outside Dartmouth, is Devon's largest theme park, with rides, slides, as well as indoor and outdoor play. It's a year-round family favourite.
If you're tempted to learn sailing, Marshalls Sailing School in Dittisham offers sailing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons to people of all levels in a quiet part of the river just upstream from Dartmouth.
Beaches and Walks
There are superb beaches close to hand. Blackpool Sands is a 10-minute drive from Dartmouth. This Blue Flag award-winning sand and shingle beach is great for swimming. There's also a café, shop, as well as canoe and paddleboard hire. Slapton Sands (5 miles from Dartmouth) stretches out across three miles of shoreline, helpfully laid out with three car parks and WC facilities. Behind Slapton Sands, you can also take a tranquil walk through Slapton Ley.
For a more-adventurous ramble, the Dart Valley Trail is a 10-mile circular walk up and down the Dart, with crossings at Dittisham and Dartmouth. And one of the world’s longest and most-popular trails - the South West Coast Path - can be picked up by Dartmouth Castle with a choice of wonderful walks along this great stretch of coastline.
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