Bedroom details
1 Bedroom (Sleeps 2 + cot)
Set on a causeway between Radford and Hooe Lakes, in the grounds of a former country house on the outskirts of historic Plymouth, the spellbinding Radford Castle beckons for ethereal escapes. Lovingly restored to storybook splendour, this iconic two-hundred-year-old castle exudes enchantment and enjoys an unrivalled waterside position. Escape the everyday and embrace a retreat to stir the soul and captivate the imagination at this fairytale folly. Welcomed by grand castle walls and uninterrupted river views, it's easy to slip into romantic reverie. Step inside and soak up the curated, period-inspired interiors before taking the spiral staircase to the first floor where a heavenly master suite and bathroom reside. Outside, the magic continues with a lake-view decking area with a bistro set for four and a wood-fired hot tub in a striking shade of rouge. Awaken to sun rays illuminating tidal creeks, spend leisurely days following country paths and charming oceanside streets, returning for dreamy hot tub dips at dusk.
Living
Set a carefree agenda and settle into luxurious living moments at Radford Castle. Carefully restored and styled in harmony with the castle's heritage, at every turn the main living space effortlessly blends period features with contemporary comforts. A mustard yellow sofa rests beside the wood burning stove within an exposed brick fireplace, paired with a teal footstool for those cosy evenings spent fireside. For added entertainment, a hidden TV with Netflix and Sonos speakers beckons for film nights, while a vintage writing desk, once owned by Gilbert from Gilbert and Sullivan, calls for creative expression. Flagstone tiling is warmed by underfloor heating, ensuring comfort in all seasons.
Eating and dining
A short distance from the award-winning restaurants and pubs of Plymstock and Plymouth, Radford Castle is a divine destination for gourmands. The beautifully curated kitchen awaits for those crafting culinary creations in Boutique style. Step inside the light-filled space to discover bifold glass doors framing a small overhanging terrace and stunning views across Hooe Lake.
On one side of the room, sleek ash cabinetry topped with polished concrete provides space for culinary preparations and stores a Smeg oven with a double induction hob. On the other, integrated moss green cabinets with an oak counter sit within a pretty alcove and adorned wooden shelves. Complementing the off-white painted stone walls are an array of copper fittings and accoutrements, while a range of appliances assist culinary mastery. For those morning brews on the terrace is a Nespresso coffee machine, and for those dreamy dinner dates, a table and chairs for two take pride of place in the centre of the room.
Sleeping and bathing
On the first floor, the master bedroom resides for nights of blissful slumber. Light and serene with pops of colour, it features stone walls in soothing neutral hues, alcove windows overlooking the creek, and exposed wood floors. For relaxing repose and leisurely lie-ins, a king-size bed with stained-wood headrest is dressed in the finest linens and affords captivating river views. Proposing somewhere peaceful to curl up with a book, two comfortable armchairs are seated at the foot of the bed. Arranged in front of a wood burning stove and next to a glass doorway with access to a suntrap terrace, this is a truly tranquil spot to gaze over boats on the water beyond.
From the bedroom, a doorway leads to the spacious bathroom. An elevated, free-standing, roll top bath rests beside riverside views and promises a serene space for bubble-topped soaks. For further choice, a walk-in shower with rainfall shower head awaits, with herringbone tiles in a striking turquoise tone. Offering further cosiness, a heated towel rail and underfloor heating exude warmth. The room is finished with twin sinks and embellished through industrial-edged décor, with coal-coloured metalwork and metallic finishings.
Outdoor space
Stepping through the gates of Radford Castle, uncover outdoor living magic within the, enclosed courtyard. From here, a path to the right leads to a riverside decking with glass balustrades and sublime vistas over the everchanging tidal Hooe Lake. Take a seat on the deck and admire the views, either from the outdoor table and chairs or the soothing waters of the wood-fired hot tub for moments of indulgence. Adding to the dynamic array of places to reside and savour the setting are two west-facing terraces from the kitchen and bedroom, promising dreamy scenes for sunset lovers and wildlife watchers. You'll also find an outdoor shower, perfect for canine companions.
For those seeking a secret picnic spot for whiling away sun-soaked afternoons, the nearby 12-acre quarry exclusively for guests is a quaint spot for golden hour dreaming.
Dogs
Up to two dogs are welcome at Radford Castle. Please note, dogs are not permitted upstairs and there are additional fees per dog, per week or short break. An outdoor shower and two dog bowls are available.
Setting
Please note that Radford Castle resides on a public coastal path, which leads occasional walkers directly past the retreat.
Babies and children
One babe-in-arms is welcome at Radford Castle. One cot and highchair are provided upon request. Please note that the retreat has a spiral staircase.
Parking
There are two allocated car parking spaces at Radford Castle.
In the Area
For those seeking coastal serenity steeped in history, Radford Castle is perfectly placed. Less than a 15-minute-drive away, the year-round dog-friendly beaches of Bovisand, Jennycliff and Batten await, with ocean-view cafés and stunning sunsets, along with Wembury which is dog-friendly for select periods of the year. A little further afield, Mothercombe, Bantham and Bigbury each offer seaside sanctuary. Particularly memorable, a trip to The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island is a must when visiting Bigbury, having been a welcome shelter since the fourteenth century. For the best walks, the South West Coast Path promises seemingly endless miles of magnificent trail, starting from the doorstep of Radford Castle. Or, for sun-dappled inspiration, you can also walk a few paces to neighbouring Radford Park and Radford Woods from your door too.
For more grand adventures, trace the three miles alongside the river to Saltram House, nestled within a 466-acre estate. Or walk through the woods to the Mussel Inn and return via the rugged coast path. To experience an altogether wilder landscape, drive the ten miles to Dartmoor National Park and pick up worn trails through atmospheric moorland and ancient woodland valleys. To see the sights a little differently, take a scenic tour around the coast and waterways of Plymouth with world-travelled sailor, Conrad Humphries, on Bounty Boat. Or, if your preference is dry land, you can enjoy a dose of retail therapy at The Barbican in Plymouth. Ready to fuel you after your exploration, an array of eateries and bars line the waterfront here. That said, you can also stay closer to home with a selection of local restaurants and cafés, such as Olive Branch Café in Oreston, Clovelly Bay Inn in Turnchapel, and the Mussel Inn in Down Thomas. For Michelin Star dining, turn your attention to Boringdon Hall in Plymouth.
