About 3but1
A family cottage, shared with care
3but1 has been in the same family since the early 1970s. Here's its story, and everything you'll find inside.
History
How it began
3but1 began life as a workers' cottage, built sometime in the 1800s. It became our family home in the early 1970s, and we grew up here. We've recently renovated it — carefully, and only in ways that make it more comfortable, never less itself.
We're not living here ourselves at the moment, so rather than let it sit empty, we've decided to share it: with Stoke Gabriel, the surrounding Devon countryside, and — we hope — you.
Why "3but1"?
The name is a more recent addition than the cottage itself. All three School Hill cottages originally belonged to the family, numbered 1, 2 and 3 — until the numbering was reversed, because the patriarch of the family wanted to be No. 1 rather than No. 3.
That single decision caused years of headaches with deeds and Land Registry paperwork, and gave my mother a favourite line, repeated to anyone who'd listen: "It's No. 3 — but it should be 1."She's no longer with us. The name keeps her close, and still makes us smile.
Inside the cottage
Room by room
We've approached every part of the renovation as though it were still our own home — because it is. Here's what to expect.
Living Room
Natural stone walls, a porcelain-tiled floor, a comfortable sofa and a window seat, plus a wood burner and smart TV. There's a table for four, and a shelf of board games and books for rainy days.
Bedrooms
The main bedroom overlooks the orchard across the road, with a high, airy ceiling and a luxury metal bed. The back bedroom has a single bed and a double sofa bed, with French doors onto the decking.
Bathroom
Once the second bedroom — and before that, a tin bath by the coal fire downstairs. Now a small, stylish tiled bathroom with a bath, overhead shower and heated towel rail, with dimmable lighting for long soaks.
Kitchen
Fully equipped with an induction hob, oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, toaster and instant-boil tap — everything from a cooked breakfast to a full roast dinner.
Outside
A paved area beside the kitchen opens up completely through tri-fold doors. The rear decking, reached from the back bedroom, is a sun trap in summer, with ambient lighting for evenings on the upper deck.
Parking
The cottage sits directly on School Hill Road, so the front door is the only way in and out. Parking is on the road, usually about 100 yards away — we rarely have trouble finding a spot.
Wi-Fi
Available throughout at 30mbps+ — good for sleepy Devon, and enough for home working or Netflix. Mobile signal is weak indoors, so WhatsApp or FaceTime work best.
Hampers
Tea and coffee basics are left ready for your arrival. Add a local hamper at checkout — wine, cheese, apple juice, scones, jam and bread — with a few days' notice where possible.
Pets
We love pets, but can't accept them at the cottage — the cleaning required afterwards is more than we can manage between stays. Stayed before with a pet and left it spotless? Get in touch to discuss.
Getting here
Finding 3but1
Follow the main road into Stoke Gabriel, and after a sharp left-hand bend you'll find three cottages on the right — 3but1 is the first. As the road widens just past the cottage, park on the right-hand side; if there's no room (school run times get busy), there's a further spot up the lane at the top of School Hill, or plenty of parking a short walk away in the village. We'll happily point you in the right direction when you arrive.
Ready when you are
Book your stay at 3but1
Full pricing shown as soon as you check dates — no surprise fees, whichever way you book.