History
Our Stoke Gabriel holiday cottage is called 3but1. Originally an old workers cottage dating back to the 1800’s. It was our family home since the early 70’s and we’ve recently renovated the cottage. We’re not living there yet so we made the decision to rent it out and enable others to enjoy our home, Stoke Gabriel and the surrounding area.
Location
The location suits those seeking a countryside hideaway or base to explore the wonderful South Devon area. As locals, we know the best places to eat, drink, walk, drive, swim, paddle, cycle, explore…..Just ask.
The village has a lot to offer, the two local pubs are both good, the church boasts the oldest Yew tree in the UK, the apple orchard has a play area and picnic benches and a cut through to the mill pond.
The mill pond is beautiful expanse of water held back from the river dart by a dam that kids and adults enjoy crabbing from. We’ve got the buckets, nets and crab lines waiting for you at the cottage, you just need to get some bait (Bacon is good!). There’s woodland and riverside walks along with options to even rent kayaks and explore the river. Perhaps even visit Dittisham on the other side of the river or paddle up to Totnes. There’s even a local vineyard about 15 minutes walk away that offers tours, samples of wine and cheese and that all important shop to take some wine back to 3but1 !
Inside the cottage
The cottage is equipped to a high standard, we’ve approached the renovation as though it’s our home and we’re very particular about what we like.
It’s still the cottage we grew up in but just more comfortable. We’re really proud of what we’ve done and we’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay and make our home part of your future yearly plans to get away.
Just check out the details below for an idea of what our cottage is like.
Outside the cottage
Why “3but1”?
The naming of the cottage is something quite recent. All three of the school hill cottages were originally owned by the family and the numbering 1,2 and 3 was reversed when the patriach of the clan wanted to be number 1 rather than 3. This change was the cause of a number of headaches when it came to updating deeds and land registry details, as well as my mother telling everyone on numerous occasions that her house was “No.3 but it should be 1”. Sadly she is no longer with us but naming the cottage “3but1” keeps her in our mind and makes us smile.
Outside
There's a paved area just outside the kitchen diner, it's accessible from the tri-fold doors that open the kitchen up completely to the outdoors. It's great area to continue chatting and drinking whilst cooking in the kitchen, The decking area is accessible from the french doors in the back bedroom and is a sun trap in the summer evenings. Chill out with the ambient lighting and tunes on the upper deck.
Living Room
Our natural stone walled living room has a porcelain tiled floor, comfortable sofa, window seat, log burner and smart-TV with access to Amazon, Plex etc. We've got a table for 4 and some boardgames / books.
Parking
The cottage is directly on School Hill Road so you'll only use the front door to enter and leave the cottage. Parking is on the road, normally about 100 yards away. If the village is busy, there's always parking a little further away but we rarely have an issue.
Bedrooms
The main bedroom overlooks the orchard on the opposite side of the road. It's got a large airy ceiling with feature lighting, luxury metal bed. The rear bedroom has one single bed and a double sofa bed with french doors leading to the garden and decked area.
Bathroom
Originally the 2nd bedroom and the bathroom was a tin bath in front of the coal fire downstairs. We've had to move with the times and this is now our stylish tiled bathroom which may be small but has a bath, overhead shower, Wall hung basin, mirror, toilet and heated towel rail We've got a night light as well as dimmer controlled main lights when you just want to soak up some bubbles and relax.
Kitchen
Fully equipped kitchen with Induction Hob, Oven, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Toaster and Instant Boil Tap. Everything you need for a cooked breakfast to a roast dinner.
WiFi
WiFi is available thoughout the cottage and it's 30mbps+ (That's good for sleepy Devon!) and can quite easily accommodate home working + Netflix. Both TV's are Smart and have capability to access to Prime, Plex, iPlayer (You'll need to have your own paid subscriptions other than Prime and Plex). The mobile signal is weak in the cottage so it's best to rely on WhatsApp or FaceTime during your stay.
Hampers
We'll already have the basics there for you when you arrive so don't go worrying about tea & coffee. We also offer an optional local hamper with local Wine & Cheese, Apple Juice, Scones, Jam, Clotted Cream, Bread etc. Just select the option on checkout and we'll have it ready for you (We need a few days notice as we source it all fresh so if you're booking last minute, we'll try our best!)
Pets
We love pets but unfortunately we can not accept them at the cottage due to the amount of cleaning that is required after they have stayed. If you've stayed before, had a pet and left the place clean and tidy, then contact us to discuss but for anyone else, Sorry, we just can't risk it.
The post code of the cottage is TQ9 6ST, if you’ve followed the main road into Stoke Gabriel, you’ll come to a sharp left bend and three cottages on the right hand side straight afterwards. 3But1 is the first cottage. Drive past the cottage and as the road gets wider, park on the right hand side. If there’s no room (School run time is busy!), then you can park up the lane on the right hand side at the top of School Hill. There’s plenty of parking in the village, it’s just a little further to walk. We’ll show you some other locations when you arrive.