Embark on an enchanting riverside staycation in the heart of the South Hams, where our heavenly homestay for eight nestled in the darling Devonshire village of Dittisham resides for the seekers of unrivalled waterside scenes and luxurious interiors. Seamlessly blending the contemporary and historic through its stunning architecture and interiors, Laburnum promises a spellbinding array of thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces, curated to make the most of its unique riverside position - from the cosy cottage-style living room with a wood burning stove, to the beautifully modern open-plan kitchen and dining space complete with magnificent floor-to ceiling windows. The perfect getaway for families and friends alike, uncover three gorgeous bedrooms in the main house, whilst the Garden House is an unrivalled romantic setting for couples or those seeking a dose of solitude beneath the stars. Boasting an elevated, tiered garden overlooking the glistening tides of the River Dart and the verdant countryside beyond, you'll find endless alfresco spaces for magical moments together, from the balmy cedar hot tub, to the firepit hidden beneath tangled tree canopies. Set in the stunning South Hams district in Dittisham a stones' throw from Dartmouth, Laburnum is perfectly placed for discovering the coastal delights of Devon, with Dartmouth and Totnes just a short drive away.
Living and eating
Nestled under charming beams in the historic part of the cottage awaits the living room, where you'll find an elegantly rustic interior style and a blend of neutral shades evoking endless calm and a soothing space to reset. A sanctuary to while away the hours, there is plenty of seating to gather together, including a scenic window seat, two cream-toned sofas and a complementing armchair - all centred around a beautiful olive-green ottoman coffee table and the handsome wood burning stove, set in a striking, stone hearth. For your staycation entertainment, discover a selection of board games in the cupboard, whilst a Smart TV is a wonderful addition for those seeking cosy evenings settled in front of a film.
Reminiscent of an offshore, contemporary Mediterranean villa with beautiful, floor-sliding glass doors and windows, the jaw-dropping modern, open-plan kitchen dining space is a magical space to entertain in all seasons.
The spacious, air-conditioned kitchen, promising quartz countertops and a kitchen island set under a skylight, with contemporary Perspex breakfast stools and statement pendant lighting - a stunning setting for savouring your preferred blend at sunrise.
For crafting culinary masterpieces, you'll find everything you should need, including an induction hob, four Miele ovens (two conventional ovens, a steam oven and a microwave oven), two warming drawers, a Quooker tap, a fridge-freezer, a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer and a Sage coffee machine. There is Rangemaster wine cooler, John Lewis food mixer and Magimix food processor.
Adorned in soft, grey hues and framing the stunning tiered garden and River Dart, you'll find a dreaming dining space, complete with a large dining and ten natural wood wishbone chairs, ensuring a heavenly space for feasting.
An additional, small seating area with a Smart TV and Sky Sports can be found next to the dining table, complete with a comfy grey corner sofa and chaise.
Adjoining the indoor and outdoor spaces with glass sliding doors, the exquisite Mediterranean-esque outdoor kitchen with a navy dining table for eight rests under a pergola, with steps leading up to the tiered, private garden. Perfect for the summer months, you'll find a pizza oven and barbeque to accompany alfresco meals.
In the Garden House, you'll find a sumptuous pair of grey Ligne Rosset sofas, perfectly positioned to admire the far-reaching riverside scenery. There is also a large Smart TV, whilst exercise enthusiasts can find a treadmill, a bike trainer and a rowing machine.
Sleeping & Bathing
Uncover the sumptuous master bedroom, endlessly captivating with beautiful, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and a stone feature wall. The sweetest of slumbers reside in the king-sized bed, whilst the striking nickel rolltop bathtub is the perfect addition for those seeking self-care moments. You'll also find a dressing table and a free-standing mirror, whilst bedside tables, a fitted wardrobe and a chest of drawers provide plenty of storage. An en suite bathroom lies adjacent, where there is a toilet.
Adorned in neutrals and soft blush tones, the second air-conditioned bedroom with a super-king is equally cosy, complete with a dressing table, chest of drawers, and a separate dressing area with storage in wardrobe and drawers. Hidden behind a sliding door is the gorgeous en suite bathroom, with a shower and a heated rail.
Soothing blues reign in the third bedroom, where a king-sized bed with a fluted headboard awaits for lingering lie-ins. Along with blissful garden views, you'll find two bedside tables and a separate wardrobe area with drawers just across the corridor.
Next door is the pretty family bathroom, an opulent space with a contemporary free-standing bathtub, a spacious walk-in shower and a heated rail.
Take the floating wooden staircase in the Garden House to discover the beautiful mezzanine bedroom, where a heavenly skylight promises the perfect opportunity to admire the cosmos from the comfort of the luxurious king-sized bed. The space is finished with two bedside tables and a chest of drawers. There is also a shower and a heated rail. Additional storage can be found in the wardrobe downstairs.
There is another WC on the ground floor of the Garden House.
Outdoor space
Home to the spellbinding riverside scenes of gently swaying sailboats and glistening waters, Laburnum's magical outdoor setting is simply a dream. A beautifully landscaped, tiered garden with several levels, you'll find an endless number of spaces for alfresco pursuits and places to admire the River Dart, from the swing seat set beside the oak tree to the luxe outdoor sofa and armchairs with table for twilight soirées gathered around the firepit.
There is a lawned terrace with equipment for both croquet and badminton - perfect for games against the backdrop of the Dart valley and beyond.
Set on the highest tier is the Garden House, complete with a stunning decked terrace with a bistro table, along with the cedar wood hot tub - a heavenly addition to indulge in balmy dips at dusk with a glass in hand. There are outdoor beanbags for use on sun-soaked days, and a boules pitch adjacent to the Garden House.
Please note, that all tiers to the garden are accessed via steep, stone steps.
Dogs
One well behaved dog is most welcome at Laburnum. Please note, there is an additional fee per dog, per week or short break. The garden at Laburnum is not an enclosed area so we kindly ask for your dog to be kept under supervision.
Babies and children
Children over the age of 4 are most welcome at Laburnum.
Parking
There is private parking for up to two cars at Laburnum. There is also an electric charging point onsite. Further parking can be found in Dittisham's pay and display car parks.
In the Area
Nestled in the charming village of Dittisham, discover an endless array of dining adventures in this dreamy corner of the world. Just a short walk from the retreat awaits The Ferry Boat Inn, a vibrant waterside pub with seasonal fare and breath-taking views. For daytime delights, The Anchorstone Café promises equally magical vistas with seafood as their speciality. Further afield in the in the historic and characterful town of Dartmouth, you'll find a wealth of independent boutiques and eateries, from the modern European inspired Andria where you'll find Parisian and Italian influences, to elegantly crafted tasting menus at The Angel, a luxurious restaurant also featured in The Michelin guide.
For those in pursuit of days spent on the water, discover a range of motor and sailboats at Dittisham Boat hire, where you'll be able to experience ever-changing scenes of the South Devon coastline, whilst Greenway Ferry Cruises promises glimpses of Agatha Christie's former home, now a National Trust site with a magical book collection. Walkers will adore venturing along the Dart Valley trail running between Totnes and Devon - the perfect opportunity for picturesque woodland picnics and moments admiring riverside landscapes. Blissful beach days await at Paignton and Bantham, whilst Sharpham Vineyard is the dreamiest setting for an afternoon spent wine tasting.
