Lower Coombe Royal-Garden Rooms

It may be only a few minutes’ walk from the pretty market town of Kingsbridge and just five miles from some of South Devon's best beaches, but the fabulous Lower Coombe Royal Estate and its four luxuriously appointed cottages has the feel of a truly rural idyll.

Nature-lovers and gardening enthusiasts will be in heaven amongst the estate’s eight acres of woodland and gardens, whilst mini guests will be enchanted by magic of discovering the hidden tree houses, nature trails, hammocks, play areas and ponds (safe distance from cottages). The formal and informal gardens, with their 100+ varieties of Camellias and rare Rhododendrons, were acclaimed even as far back as 1846 when featured in the Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardening. These days they form an important part of the environmental sensibilities that recently earned the owners Gold standard in the Green Tourism Awards, and are reflected in the locally made aromatherapy products provided for both adults and children, and the organic fruit and vegetables grown on site, which sometimes magically appear on cottage doorsteps for guests to enjoy during their stay.

It’s not just the green standards that are high but the quality of interiors too and the attention to detail in guest comforts too. Families are supplied with a long list of useful nursery kit plus good quality ,age appropriate toys and details of a police-checked and first-aid qualified babysitter. The welcome pack includes organic essentials, including full fat milk, and extra groceries can be ordered and put away prior to arrival. A gourmet ready meals and aromatherapy massage service can also be arranged. All of which is designed to ensure parents and their offspring get the most from their stay.

The Garden Rooms is a spacious apartment for two plus a baby beneath the grand main house at Lower Coombe Royal. It has a private spacious terrace and a private entrance via a few stone steps from the Italianate gardens. The interior is set all on one level, making things easy with a baby or toddler and has a bright sunny feel thanks to the large patio doors that open out on to the terrace, which itself faces south west and is a lovely spot for dining alfresco or sitting and playing with a baby. The double doors open onto the lounge diner which has beautiful solid oak floors, a comfortable Bergere sofa, romantic woodburner, 23' flat screen television with Freesat Sky, a DVD and Hi-Fi. The large kitchen is very well equipped with Bosch, Neff and Franke appliances, granite work surfaces and a separate boot room with washing machine and microwave. A set of double doors lead past a separate toilet and bathroom offering both a bath and a shower, with luxurious under floor heating. The bedroom has family size bed (200 x 220cm) made from sustainable wood and plenty of room for a cot.

Please note: The raised terrace is not suitable for less than cautious toddlers, as it has a section with an open 2-metre drop.

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The pretty market town of Kingsbridge is within 10 minutes walk of Lower Coombe Royal and has a great range of pubs, shops and bistros. Highly recommended are the Old Bakery for its rustic chic, family friendly interiors excellent brunch and fabulous Paella nights (Weds) with fine dining on Fri and Sat. Also, the Treehouse for pizza. For a baby-sitting worthy night out try the art deco glamour of the Burgh Island hotel, the Oyster Shack in Salcombe, the Whitehouse in Chillington, Mitch Tonks' (of Fishworks fame) Seahorse or Michelin-star winner John Burton-Race's New Angel in Dartmouth. For chic cocktails and contemporary bistro-fayre try the waterside Wildfire Bistro at Dart Marina, or try its neighbour the Floating Bridge Pub for, reportedly, the best beer-battered fish and chips in Devon!

Kingsbridge is centrally located for exploring South Devon and ideal for those watching their carbon footprint since there's an excellent bus service and a ferry from the quay to the bustling yachting town of Salcombe which, along with some good restaurants (Captain Flint's is recommended for families) and boutiques, has a good beach.

For a spot of true indulgence try a half-day spa session at the small but very luxurious Dart Marina Spa and don't miss Pennywell Farm Park or Paignton Zoological Park, both of which appear to be very well run and have dedicated play areas for pre-schoolers. Blackpool Sands, Conde Nast Traveller readers’ top rated UK family beach, is also nearby and boasts a toddler sandpit area and a quality licensed beach cafe serving healthy organic kids meals, along with local wines and snacks for adults.

Guests at Lower Coombe Royal can take advantage of membership at the nearby Dartmouth Golf Club, which has a leisure club and pool.

Gold - Green Awards 5-Stars - Visit Britain

It is set in beautiful, secluded gardens and there is the stunning South Devon c...

It is set in beautiful, secluded gardens and there is the stunning South Devon coastline nearby. We arrived to an extremely generous welcome hamper with organic goodies for us and our baby. The accomodation has 2 rooms and a large terrace which was a suntrap, even in April! It really was a home from home, with everything we needed for our 8 month old and plenty to keep us entertained in the evening when she'd gone to bed. Susi and her staff were really welcoming and helpful. This really is a find!

That fact we struggled to think of any improvements, says it all. Simply excelle...

That fact we struggled to think of any improvements, says it all. Simply excellent

All the facilities you would need for travelling with a small baby. The toys wer...

All the facilities you would need for travelling with a small baby. The toys were fantastic, Isla loved the baby gym so much that I had to buy one when I got home. The cottage was airy and bright and a pleasure to stay in, all the equipment was top notch. The location is beautiful particularly if you get good weather blackpool sands is amazing. Susi was extremely helpful and went that extra mile to make sure we were happy, excellent customer service, from a self catering business which is unusual and stood out for me. I would love to take Isla back next year when she is that little bit older (1 year 3 months) so she can enjoy the beautiful grounds. All round excellent quality self catering which truly lives up to its 5 star status.

Owner Profile

Lower Coombe Royal is a country house set within eight and half acres of historic gardens. The house was built in the early 1900’s by a member of the Luscombe family, who owned Combe Royal, north of Lower Coombe Royal. The gardens are the original taken form Combe Royal, first formally planted in the 1840’s. Susi and Paul purchased the house in 2005 from an elderly lady and transformed it into the business it is now. Lower Coombe Royal was an opportunity for changing their quality of life and moving away from city life. An adventure for their two children to explore the forgotten gardens of Kingsbridge! There are 4 properties now at Lower Coombe Royal all private, set within wonderful surroundings. It can accommodate a couple to a large group of several generations within a family. We see families expanding and growing up selecting a larger property each year!

Lower Coombe Royal is set within relative tranquility in eight and half acres of historic gardens yet is within ten minutes walking distance of the market town of Kingsbridge and a ferry ride to the renowned resort of Salcombe. Beautiful sandy Blue flag beaches are ten to fifteen minutes away by car along with exceptional coastal walks. The gardens offer a range of the rarist, oldest or largest plants and trees to be viewed. Alternatively, you can just sit and enjoy the views and the various calls of resident wildlife. It has been described by many as a ‘haven’ away from the bustle of busier lives. Internally the properties have a high standard of interior design and have been fitted and furnished providing a ‘home from home’ experience – Susi and Paul wish to provide families the best quality just as they have sought for their family in past years!

Children seem to come alive at Lower Coombe Royal. Not only is each property full of toys and games, yet the gardens are too. An adventure playground for all ages…..a tailor-made wooden climbing frame with a lookout tower, great for sundowners! The Wendy house and sand pits keep many a small child amused – happy children mean happy parents here! Venture into the gardens and you will find rope ladders, a tyre swing and hammocks. A nature trail is provided to encourage the families to explore the natural habitat. Inside, each property is complimented with a range of appropriately aged toys for your children. The Royal House even has its own playroom! We also offer a range of useful baby and toddler equipment. Then, only ten minutes walk away in the push chair, is Kingsbridge market town and sandy beaches only ten minutes drive away…what more could a kid ask for!