Cornwallis

As you leave the car and walk down the pedestrian-only street to Cornwallis, you’re transported to old times. Pastel-coloured cottages line the narrow, cobbled street which leads down to the stunning River Torridge estuary and onto the glorious sands of Westward Ho! Beach. Deceptively spacious and charming to the core, this lovely cottage sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms.

Walking through the door, you’re greeted with a hallway that leads to the fantastic open-plan living and dining area. The fully equipped kitchen is complemented with a large dining table and chairs, as well as a relaxed seating area with a woodburner - it’s the perfect place for relaxing and reconnecting with family and friends. Slate floors and traditional units remind you of the historic location, while French doors open onto a garden with a seating area. Fire up the Weber BBQ in the summer months to relax alfresco with fresh food and a glass of wine. Side access to the garden is great for storing bikes, boards and beach gear.

In cooler times, the kitchen is perfect for creating a family feast at all times of the day before you retreat to the cosy living room. Deep green walls, comfy sofas and plush throws are perfect for wrapping up in. Books, board games and a large TV ensure there’s entertainment for everyone.

As the night draws in, head upstairs to one of the three glorious bedrooms. The south-facing king size bedroom features floor-to-ceiling sash windows with views over the estuary, while the garden-facing twin room has two single beds that can be pushed together to form a super-king bed. The family bathroom features a shower and a large bath to soak away the stresses of the day. Head higher again to the attic to the vaulted, ensuite super-king suite. Boasting far-reaching panoramic views, through two large windows across rooftops and to the estuary, it’s the perfect bedroom to enjoy a well-deserved lie-in while listening to the sound of seagulls.

North Devon’s Atlantic coast features stunning sandy beaches that are great for surfing, dramatic hills and cliffs for exploring on foot and an endless collection of charming towns and villages to get lost in. Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe are all close by.

Independent shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs punctuate the narrow lanes, while further afield, the beautiful North Devon AONB, Exmoor National Park and Hartland Devon Heritage Coast beg to be explored. Northam Burrows, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a picturesque walk or cycle away, while Royal North Devon golf course, one of the oldest in England, is flanked by the golden sands of Westward Ho! Beach.