Coast & Country Cottages know the importance of careful consideration and planning, when buying, owning and letting a holiday home in Dartmouth. To guide you along your journey, we draw on the intrinsic knowledge and expertise of our New Property Consultant, Rachel Farley. Living in the area, and having worked for Coast & Country Cottages’ Dartmouth office for over seven years, Rachel is on hand to offer support and give you insight into what to know when buying a holiday home in Dartmouth.
Use the quick links below for specific details on what to know when buying a holiday home in Dartmouth, or continue reading for our complete guide:
- Why buy a holiday home in Dartmouth?
- Where to buy a holiday home in Dartmouth
- Dartmouth estate agents
- Local expertise in Dartmouth holiday letting
Why buy a holiday home in Dartmouth?
Dartmouth is a lively historic naval town, enveloped in South Devon’s enchanting countryside. With views of boats swaying on the gentle tide of the River Dart, and of the picturesque town of Kingswear just across the water, it’s difficult to imagine a more enticing holiday destination. The allure of the town’s scenery is complemented by a fantastic calendar of events, a multitude of activities and a vast array of eateries and pubs that draw visitors year after year.
Owning a holiday cottage in Dartmouth can provide you and your loved ones with a wonderful retreat to escape to, and you could offset the costs by renting it out to others.
In addition to the more obvious allures draws of this South West coastal town, we’ve chosen to highlight a few unique key factors as to why that make Dartmouth is an ideal place to invest.
Rise of the staycation
In the absence of travelling abroad, more people are choosing to book a ‘staycation’, particularly in Dartmouth. In fact, the latest Sykes Staycation Index, which paints a picture of the UK’s self-catering travel and tourism trends, has not only revealed that Dartmouth is one of the top 10 fastest growing holiday locations in 2021, but also one of the top 10 most popular locations for the school summer holidays!
The view
Dartmouth’s spectacular views of the countryside, the River Dart and the numerous historic landmarks form one of the main reasons that the town has such high demand for holiday homes.
Properties that capitalise on the gradient of the hill, with an unspoilt outlook over the horizon, naturally add that immediate wow factor. Similarly, homes situated in the heart of the town with an aspect across the River Dart and over Kingswear are also well-sought after and popular among guests.
Location
Dartmouth is in an ideal geographical spot, perfectly located to access the rest of South Devon. There is an array of fantastic family-friendly attractions on Dartmouth’s doorstep – theme parks, animal farms, pristine beaches, National Trust houses and watersport activities just a stone’s throw away.
Things to do in Dartmouth
Dartmouth has a vibrant events scene, giving it all-year-round appeal as a holiday destination. Crowds flock year after year to enjoy the numerous music and food festivals, art and culture events and seasonal celebrations! For those looking to let their holiday home, properties in Dartmouth enjoy a longer letting season, thus increasing the likelihood of you receiving a significant return on your investment.
One of the town’s main events is the annual Dartmouth Regatta which brings a flurry of bookings at the end of August. Find out more about all the events and attractions in our blog on 10 brilliant things to do in Dartmouth.
Four-legged family members
Dartmouth has an unusual claim to fame when it comes to four-legged friends, which makes sense considering how dog-friendly the town is. Dartmouth born Reverend John Russell is recorded to be the one who bred the first Jack Russell Terrier in the 1800s!
We understand that canine companions are an important member of the family. Dog-friendly properties are amongst the most popular choices with Coast & Country Cottages. Having pet-friendly accommodation broadens the scope of guests who will book your property.
Restaurants, pubs and cafés in Dartmouth
Offering a vast array of pubs, restaurants and cafés, foodies flock to the area at all times of the year to experience the cuisine. Whether your prefer dining out on the holiday favourite of fish and chips, or finer cuisine in the form of Michelin star fare, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
For insider tips on all the best ‘foodie’ locations, read our blogs on the best restaurants and cafés in Dartmouth.
Where to buy a holiday home in Dartmouth
From one-bed bolt holes tucked away in the heart of the town, to large family homes with space to roam, Dartmouth has a property for every requisite and budget.
Holiday homes in central Dartmouth
Properties located centrally and within a short distance of the river are always considered prime real estate, whether buying or letting. Generally, you will find smaller properties in the middle of town which prove to be an attractive enticement for couples, foodies, culture vultures or outdoor enthusiasts. If you are thinking of buying a holiday home in central Dartmouth, here are a few factors you should consider.
Features to consider when buying a holiday home in the heart of Dartmouth
Views
- Finding a holiday home in Dartmouth with an uninterrupted view can often come with a significant price tag, and it can be difficult to find amongst the town’s winding streets, but just a glimpse of the river can help boost bookings. For those with a higher budget, some of our most popular properties are those situated right on the waterfront and receive great booking figures, as guests enjoy spotting the iconic Dartmouth steam train, boats and wildlife.
Outdoor space
- Properties in the heart of Dartmouth are less likely to offer large outdoor spaces, compared to those situated slightly further away, so a holiday home in the heart of Dartmouth with a balcony, garden or courtyard will always be popular amongst holiday makers.
Access
- Convenience and ease of access to the town are often what entices guests to book a property in central Dartmouth. Properties located in and around Newcomen road, Smith Street, North and South Embankment are prime real estate which offer this unique selling point.
Parking
- While the benefit of being centrally located and having everything on your doorstep creates a distinct advantage to some holidaymakers, it is important to factor in the consideration of parking.
- Not knowing where you are going to park or how far you are going to have to walk with luggage or beach equipment may be a deal breaker for guests. So, it is vital to understand that properties in the centre of Dartmouth very rarely offer parking. Also, it is worth being aware that properties that do benefit from a park space or garage, sometimes don’t have that space directly outside their property… it might be located a short distance away.
- Providing the amenity of a parking permit or permits to use the park and ride service are a definite asset. Annual roaming business permits can be purchased from the South Hams council for around £1350 per year (subject to change).
Additional extras:
- Whilst centrally located properties are always in high demand, features like outdoor space, parking or views may not always be available. Adding additional extras such as a spa pass can add extra appeal and encourage low season bookings, particularly for
6 of the best roads to buy a holiday home in central Dartmouth
- Newcomen Road
- South Town
- Above Town
- Sandquay Road
- Clarence Hill (lower)
- Crowthers Hill
Properties on the outskirts of Dartmouth
While a central location may be an essential for some, others may prefer the benefits of venturing a bit further out of town. Properties away from the heart of Dartmouth can be more spacious and boast further-stretching views over the River Dart and out to sea. Here are some key points to consider when looking for a property to purchase:
Features to consider when buying a holiday home outside of central Dartmouth
View
- Properties further out of town that make the most of the unspoilt panoramic view over the valley, doubtlessly carry a significant appeal. The gradient of the hill results in fewer obstacles intruding on the view over the River Dart, across to Kingswear and out to sea.
Outdoor space
- Having a garden or outdoor space is often an important factor when securing bookings. In fact, according to the Sykes Staycation Index, one of the top three things that influence a Brit’s choice of holiday location is a garden or outdoor space. Homes further out of the centre of Dartmouth tend to boast more space, particularly outdoors. This may be particularly popular with families, those with pets, or groups simply looking to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Read our blog on how to optimise your holiday homes outdoor living space for more tips and inspiration.
Pet-friendly
- Research by Sykes Cottages showed that in 2021 bookings for staycations with pets rose by a staggering 40%. For those investing in an out-of-town property, we would strongly suggest going pet-friendly. Dartmouth has access to some fantastic walking routes and beaches that accept dogs all-year-round!
Luxury holiday home facilities
- Large properties, and those with expansive outdoor spaces, come with the opportunity to offer additional features. If you have the space, and if budget allows, consider adding a hot tub or swimming pool. In fact, Sykes Holiday Cottages reported in their latest Staycation Index that holiday cottages with a hot tub are likely to earn almost 54% more than other properties in the same region, making a hot tub certainly worthy of consideration! To find out more on whether a hot tub is a good investment for your property, head over to our hot tub guide for holiday lets.
Access to communal facilities
- Outside of Dartmouth are some fantastic estates and developments that include facilities for holiday guests to use, adding something extra to your property. For example, Coast & Country Cottages market several properties at Hillfield Village, where guests can enjoy shared leisure facilities, including an on-site shared tennis court and members rates at the nearby Dartmouth Golf, Hotel and Spa; a definite draw for some!
6 of the best places to buy a holiday home outside of central Dartmouth
- Fairview Road
- Mount Boone
- Clarence Hill (upper)
- Warfleet Creek
- Hillfield Village
- Properties on-site and surrounding Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa
Properties outside of Dartmouth
Connected via the stunning River Dart and beautiful coastal driving routes, you don’t have to invest in a property in Dartmouth itself to capitalise on the town’s benefits. There are a number of picturesque villages and hamlets within quick and easy reach of the town, either by boat, foot or car, that are also popular with guests. A few fantastic areas to consider are:
Dartmouth estate agents
Local expertise in Dartmouth holiday letting
Working closely with estate agents, and with ample experience of the area and holiday let requirements, Rachel Farley can guide you through finding your perfect holiday home.
If the thought of running a holiday let feels daunting, you don’t have to do it all yourself. Coast & Country Cottages offers different levels of service, dependent on how hands on you want to be with your holiday home. From advertising and marketing your property, to managing guest changeovers and any property maintenance that may be required, there is an option to suit everyone. The locally-based in team in Dartmouth will get to know you and your property, and support you throughout the letting process. To find out more, read our blog on choosing the right service for your cottage.
At Coast & Country Cottages, we market and manage over 450 holiday homes in South Devon. With over 20 years’ experience, our locally based teams in Salcombe and Dartmouth are here to offer expert knowledge, advice and support to our owners, or to those thinking of investing in a second home in the region. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of blogs to help answer any of your queries and take the hassle our of holiday letting:
The cost of running a holiday let
Your guide to Furnished Holiday Let tax
Whether it’s a home in Dartmouth, Salcombe or anywhere in the beautiful South Hams, Coast & Country Cottages are the experts in holiday letting. For more information and guidance, contact Rachel Farley on 01803 227990 or pop into the Dartmouth office at the Sail Loft, conveniently located in the middle of town.
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