Cartwheel

BFB's Overview

The 45-acre Flear Estate is a picture-perfect country idyll with the added benefits of a host of the region's best beaches on the doorstep, a magnificent indoor pool & Spa complex, and a giant indoor Playbarn that has mini guests grinning from ear to ear come rain or shine. An acclaimed, and child-friendly, gastro-pub within a pleasant mile or so's walk.


Flear does family rejuvenation to a tee. Whether rambling through the woods, splashing about in the pool, messing about in the Playbarn or down by the stream, or even soaking in the views from the luxurious outdoor hot tub, the hectic pace of 'normal' daily life seems to melt away within a day or two of arrival, and that's before sampling the beauty and massage therapies in The treatment Room, or taking advantage of the local chef-made meal deliveries.


Owners Barney and Camilla are a young couple who have injected fresh energy and investment into Flear and, thanks to first-hand experiences with their own young boys ‘Roo and Percy, they have real insight into what it takes to make a successful break with tots in tow, plus handy tips and advice on exploring the area with little ones.

Cartwheel Cottage is a charming, period stone cottage, which sleeps 4 + infants in 1 king and 1 twin bedroom. Cartwheel's stable doors open into a spacious living area with an inviting open fireplace. This leads on to the luxurious kitchen which contains a huge American style fridge freezer with ice-maker and a convenient and large kitchen island. Stairs lead from the sitting room to the upper floor with its master bedroom, an airy and bright room with exposed beams, a twin bedroom and family bathroom. Outside the is a private enclosed south-facing deck with dining set and views out to Oxen Wood.

Location Information

Although there's little but rolling countryside and one good food pub within walking distance, Flear is not as remote as it might seem. The pretty market town of Kingsbridge is within 10 minutes drive of Flear Cottages 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.