Fido Family Friendly Places

"Devon’s best kept secret... Just inland from some of Devon’s loveliest and most natural beaches lies the village of Tuckenhay set along Bow Creek on the River Dart...."


In a setting of stunning natural beauty, Mill Bank (ref UK33902) is the latest addition to a superb choice of cottages at Tuckenhay Mill. An extremely spacious two-person cottage having a living, dining, kitchen area on the higher level with two south-facing balconies overlooking the stream towards the Mill. The master bedroom and en-suite shower room are on the lower level, together with the riverside day room. Your own footpath leads from the garden via a footbridge to the facilities at the Mill.
Tuckenhay Mill is the centrepiece of a cluster of country homes and cottages with superb leisure facilities including two indoor and one outdoor pools.
The Mill which once produced some of the finest paper in the land, nestles in the green and shady Bow Creek, a languid inlet of the River Dart where private yachts have replaced the old tall-masted ships and barges. Around the mill are all the buildings which once went to make up a small bustling village port. These listed buildings have been sympathetically restored and converted to a delightful range of holiday properties to suit larger family parties. Awards have been won for the conversion of buildings and the conservation of the area. With so much to do, many holidaymakers return year after year. There is golf nearby and a pub within 1 mile.



South Devon awaits you
Tuckenhay is only a 20-minute drive from the superb award-winning beach at Blackpool Sands and about 30 minutes from a surfing beach at Bantham, as well as some of the best natural beaches to be found anywhere in the UK.
There is also extensive access to the coastal footpath for walking and the wilderness that is Dartmoor for walking, climbing and riding.
This is a mecca for ramblers, bird-watchers, swimmers, surfers, horse riders, golfers and those interested in fishing, boating, sailing and windsurfing.
In addition, there are many historic NT houses to visit including Agatha Christies’s Greenway as well as a local vineyard.
Tuckenhay is only 5 miles inland from Dartmouth and 3 from the market town of Totnes. Village shop 3½ miles. Riverside inn and restaurant within walking distance.



A superb choice of cottages
Great care has been taken to retain the feel of the original buildings. Most have garden, terrace or patio. Many cottages have more than one bathroom and some have an en-suite bathroom to every bedroom. Kitchens are comprehensively equipped: most have dishwashers and all have microwave cookers.
Couples and honeymooners will feel snug and comfortable in the cottages: Mill Leat, Mill Stream, Mill Spring and now Mill Bank. Families can spread out in Papermaker’s or Turbine Cottages, while Mill Lodge, Edgecombe Barn and Tuckenhay Mill House will sleep larger parties in comfort. Of course, combinations of cottages can accommodate bigger gatherings of family or friends.

Nestled in a tranquil setting, this charming cottage offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step into the inviting living room, complete with an open fire that radiates warmth and cosiness. Sit back and relax in front of the TV and DVD player, creating the ideal space for leisurely evenings in. The well-equipped kitchen provides all the amenities needed to whip up delicious meals. A convenient utility room houses a washing machine and tumble dryer, ensuring a hassle-free stay.
The cottage boasts two single bedrooms, one of which features an en-suite for added convenience. Additionally, there are three spacious double bedrooms on the first floor, two of which are kingsize and one with its en-suite shower room, alongside a further separate shower room. Outside, a lush garden beckons with garden furniture, a BBQ for al fresco dining, an enclosed play area for little ones to frolic in safety, and an outdoor swimming pool for a refreshing dip on warm days. This idyllic retreat promises a memorable stay for families and friends seeking relaxation and enjoyment in a picturesque setting.
Located in the scenic East Sussex countryside, Vines Cross offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and charming attractions. Visitors can explore the picturesque countryside, perfect for leisurely walks and cycling, with routes leading through lush meadows and ancient woodlands. The area is rich in history, evidenced by the nearby medieval village of Herstmonceux, home to the impressive Herstmonceux Castle, a stunning 15th-century moated fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland trails. Just a short drive away, the Pevensey Levels National Nature Reserve offers a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, with its diverse wildlife and tranquil marshlands. For a taste of local culture, the quaint market towns of Heathfield and Hailsham are brimming with independent shops, cosy cafes, and traditional pubs. Additionally, the local vineyards, such as the award-winning Rathfinny Wine Estate, provide a unique opportunity to sample exquisite English wines while enjoying breathtaking views of the rolling hills. Vines Cross and its environs present a perfect blend of rural charm, historical intrigue, and natural splendour.

Set on the beautiful Pentire Headland in Newquay, Headland View is an elegant property with sea views and plenty of space for that group escape. The house was built on duchy land under the supervision of Prince Charles and the Duchy of Cornwall, reflecting the theme of a Cornish fishing village.
Inside, the property features solid oak flooring throughout, and has been tastefully designed and finished using high quality furnishings to reflect the colours of the sea whilst retaining the charm of a fisherman’s cottage. The bedrooms have been dressed with Egyptian cotton bedding for another touch of luxury. The stunning conservatory/dining room is a wonderful space for use in all weathers, and has bi-folding doors leading to the patio, hot tub and swim spa.
Outside, the spacious, enclosed gardens and sun deck surround the cottage, offering space to sunbathe and dine al fresco, making use of the Jamie Oliver swing barbecue, or unwind in the luxury elevated hot tub, with sea views. From the gardens you can take in the relaxing sounds of the sea lapping against the exposed coastline, and enjoy views over the sea.
If you’re in need of a little indulgence, the luxury hot tub will be a welcome sight when you step outside.
With the legendary Fistral Beach just 500 metres away, you’ll be from the front door to the sand within minutes, so you’ll be able to carry your surfboards, picnics or whatever you need for that day on the beach without needing to take the car. The Harbour Beach is just 1.3km away.
Whilst you’re in the area, why not enjoy a round at one of the finest links courses in the south west, Newquay Golf Course. For a special foodie treat, head to one of the exclusive restaurants in the area and indulge in some of the finest decadent delights the south west must offer.
This holiday home has a private pool, a garden and free private parking. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.2km from Crantock Beach. Newquay Train Station is 2.4km away, while Truro Cathedral is 22km. The nearest airport is Newquay Cornwall Airport, 9km from Headland Views. Ideal for families, walkers or just relaxing.

Taking some time out that’s just for you and those you love is important, and where better to do so than at Una Stannum 49? This contemporary 4-bedroom eco-lodge has a private terrace and is packed with features to ensure you enjoy every moment of your stay.

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind at on-site Spa, where you can indulge in a pampering massage or facial, or soothe tired muscles in the sauna and steam room. Our therapists will be following government guidance coupled with industry best practice and recommended systems of procedures from Elemis and we are committed to offering the very best pamper experience to residents and locals, within those guidelines. The indoor swimming pool is the perfect place to enjoy some ‘me’ time with a leisurely dip.

Foodies will delight at the resort’s restaurant where you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a menu packed with regional specialities. Our award-winning restaurant is open, offering informal dining inspired by Mediterranean influences and our woodfired oven. Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch, dinner or take time out for a relaxing coffee or cocktail! There are plenty of options for vegetarians on offer too. The focus here is on making the most of the freshest local produce, and you’re sure to find plenty to tempt your taste buds. You could even hire a private chef to really spoil yourselves with a gourmet dinner on the terrace as the sun goes down.

After all that indulgence, you’ll find a fitness suite on-site where you can stay in tip-top shape, or enjoy a leisurely 15-minute stroll to watch the sunset on the golden sandy shores of Carbis Bay.

Every member of the family has been considered at The Beech House. With its own outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub and cinema there’s no reason to leave, but with a stunning beach less than half a mile away, you’ll need to peel yourself away to explore this superb area. This large detached property has spacious reception rooms for larger parties. The living room has comfortable seating for everyone to sit, relax and reminisce with a glass of wine. Patio doors open out on to the large enclosed garden where you will find the fenced outdoor pool and hot tub to relax in. The local area is packed with things to see and do including Pleasurewood Hills theme park just a 10-minute walk away, the southern entrance to the Norfolk Broads at Oulton Broad, 3 miles, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, 10 miles, and Somerleyton Hall with surrounding Fritton Woods, 4 miles. Beach 350 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 350 yards.

Chestnut Lodge is located on the Lower Mill Estate in Somerford Keynes, a development of stunning, contemporary homes situated in a private, 450-acre nature reserve. The gated and managed estate comprises of woodland and meadows crossed by three rivers and surrounded by serene lakes. Nature lovers can walk through woodland and meadows enjoying the sight of migrating wildfowl, rare wild orchids and the observation of beavers from carefully located hides. Guests have access to all the facilities within the estate, including an on-site restaurant/bar, a spa (free of charge) with swimming pools, gym, sauna, steam room and spa treatments (extra charge). There are also tennis courts, football nets, children’s play areas, a 5km jogging trail, cycle tracks and a number of lakes where canoeing and paddle boarding can be enjoyed during the summer season. Fishing is permitted on-site (licence required).

It is a short walk from the estate to the local village pub serving real ale and good food. The estates ’Activity Hub’ provides equipment hire (water pursuits, cycling and tennis) and a source of knowledge on how best to enjoy the estate and local area. Outside the estate the wider area of the Cotswolds Water Park offers further opportunities to observe wildlife and to participate in activities including wakeboarding, water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paintballing, cycling, horse riding and rally driving. The wonderful countryside of the Cotswolds surrounds the water park, and Bath, Oxford, Cirencester and Cheltenham are all within easy reach. Chestnut Lodge is a mid-terrace property over three floors. It has the space and facilities for up to 8 adults and a baby. A lovely feature of the property is the uninterrupted view of the adjacent lake and the setting sun from the lounge and patio areas. The patio area is enclosed and provides an outside dining space for 8 people with a charcoal barbecue for al fresco cooking. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

"Outstanding variety... situated in beautiful rolling Devon countryside and offering easy access to the many beaches of South and East Devon and the untamed beauty of Dartmoor. With a heated indoor swimming pool and quality recreational facilities, Newhouse Barton has it all"


Whether seeking an active family holiday or a relaxing weekend to recharge the batteries, Newhouse Barton is the perfect location from which to explore the South Hams, the Dart Estuary and Dartmoor. Located midway between Totnes and Newton Abbott, this collection of sympathetically and carefully restored barns and farm cottages enjoy a superb range of on-site facilities including a Roman-style heated indoor swimming pool (no additional charge), a traffic-free and child-friendly setting with young children’s play area and a furnished games room with pool table, table tennis, table football and toys for younger guests.

Nearby there is a range of quality restaurants and pubs serving an excellent range of food to suit all tastes and budgets. The surrounding area offers a beguiling mix of attractions to suit all tastes and ages. The seaside towns and villages from chic Salcombe to Torquay on the ‘English Riviera’, with its palm trees and sub-tropical plants, emanate a Mediterranean feel. Totnes is a 10-minute drive away, with a medieval castle and a thriving arts and crafts scene. Teignmouth is a traditional Victorian seaside resort with a nature reserve at Dawlish Warren, a hotspot for bird watching. Exeter has a world famous cathedral, quays and a shopping centre. For the more active, there’s surfing at Bigbury or visit Haldon Forest, with its cycle and nature trails and Go Ape! For the children, Torbay is easily reached, with Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts.

The wild beauty of Dartmoor is 20 minutes away with its abundance of wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Numerous National Trust properties are close by including Agatha Christie’s Greenway. Steam trains travel from Kingswear to Paignton and Totnes to Buckfastleigh. Visit historic Dartmouth with bustling boat harbour, castle, contemporary art galleries and boutiques. Salcombe with its beaches, sailing and watersports is also easily accessible, as well as Blackpool Sands, Slapton and picturesque Dittisham with its annual crab catching competition. Slightly further afield, East Cornwall and the Eden Project are within an hour’s drive, and the East Devon coast is easily accessible with its unique fishing port at Beer and beaches at Sidmouth and Branscombe. Local shops 1½ miles.

Cuckoo’s Nest is an impressive four-bedroom terraced property directly on Clearwater Lake, within the award-winning Lower Mill Estate nature reserve in Somerford Keynes, perfect for a luxury holiday with family and friends. This contemporary waterside residence offers stunning lake views and is ideally located within proximity to the amenities of Lower Mill, such as a spa with heated indoor and outdoor pools, sports facilities, and a restaurant.
Cuckoo’s Nest is beautifully appointed throughout and well equipped to accommodate up to eight adults. The property is spread generously over three floors, with a large open plan and glass fronted living space and kitchen, with a balcony on the first floor to take advantage of the waterfront views. Each bedroom suite boasts quality linens and comfy beds for the perfect night’s slumber. The open plan living, kitchen and dining space makes for the ultimate social hub, perfect for wining, dining and gaming, be it board or electronic. With two terraces overlooking the lake, step out onto the ground floor terrace and enjoy the view. The upper terrace provides a great spot for dining alfresco with an aperitif or two. As the evening draws in, there is a feature wood burner for a toasty retreat inside.
Located on a private 450-acre natural reserve, the gated and managed estate comprises of woodland and meadows crossed by three rivers and surrounded by serene lakes. Several lakes can be used for water activities including kayaking and paddle boarding. The Activity Hub, which is located less than 10 minutes from the property, will hire equipment for water sports and bikes.
The ArtSpa is less than a 5 minutes’ walk from the property and offers an indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool, eco-pool, sauna, steam room and gym, as well as shower and changing facilities. Spa treatments are bookable via the spa.