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.
Accommodation Overview
Duck's Nest : Converted from an old stable, this cosy dwelling still retains its charming old features, and is a stone’s throw from the Playbarn. Its' stable doors open into a Shaker style kitchen and dining room boasting an old slate flag floor. From the adjacent living area, stairs lead up towards the master bedroom (King), family bathroom and second bedroom which has bunks and a single bed. A communal laundry is onsite with washing machines and dryers (no charge). Outside there is a teak dining set for alfresco dining in the Spring and Summer months.
Although there's little but tranquil rolling countryside and a family-friendly good food pub within walking distance, Flear is actually pretty well connected, as the pretty market town of Kingsbridge is within 10 minutes drive 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.
Nearest Medical services: South Hams Hospital is 20 mins drive away.
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Check-in time: 15:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 15:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Bookings made within 7 days of travelling discounted by 10%
click to view full-size image
Flear Farm is family-owned and run by us, Camilla and Barney Fawcett, and assisted by our little boy, Reuben and baby Percy. We have always loved the country and after several years chasing our tails in London, we decided that we wanted us and our children to have greater exposure to nature and a more traditional pace of life.
Keeping the cottages and the estate looking beautiful has been challenging but very rewarding, and we get a lot of our satisfaction from giving our families a super holiday and seeing them come back again the next year!
From the moment kids arrive they are enchanted by Flear Farm, most are splashing about in the indoor pool within minutes of arriving!! There is a large indoor play barn equipped with large trampoline, wooden swing set, soft play area and toys galore - perfect for a rainy day! There are acres of outdoor space for children to enjoy together with a Davis cup tennis court, picnic area and pitch and putt and a great BBQUE area which is perfect for balmy summer evening sausage sizzles following a day of building sandcastles on one of the local blue flag beaches! The resident Flear Dartmoor ponies - Yara and Abbie are always more than happy to be fed a tasty tit-bit, and our duck's love attention (and bread) down at the Duck Pond. Swimming lessons can be arranged in advance with the Flear office. A selection of childrens DVD's are also available to borrow when little legs just need some time to relax!
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1 Kingsze 1 Single in same room 1 Bunk |
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![]() | There are a range of lovely sandy beaches within 10/15 minutes drive. |
![]() | The village of East Allington is within 1.5miles walk and boasts a respected and child friendly gastro pub in the form of the Fortescue Arms. Alternatively, there's a great lunch menu at a hotel about 700m away. |
![]() | There is a large indoor swimming pool suitable for the whole family, along with a steam room and outdoor hot tub for frazzled parents. Swimming lessons can be arranged at extra cost. |
![]() | There is also an indoor play barn, with climbing frame and a children's play house ideal for if the british weather isn't behaving. |
![]() | A private chef can be arranged at extra cost. |
![]() | Babysitting can be arranged at extra cost. |
![]() | This child friendly cottage has a cot, highchair, baby bath, booster seat, toddler crockery and cutlery, and stairgate can be provided. |
![]() | Each cottage has a range of toys, board games and DVDs for the whole family to enjoy. |
![]() | Meals created by a local chef can be pre-ordered for delivery. Prices from £2.95-£5.95 per course |
![]() | There is a communal outdoor play ground for tots to enjoy with picnic tables for supervising parents. There is also a large trampoline and pitch and putt course. |
![]() | There's an onsite treatment room and massage and beauty therapy treatments can be pre-booked prior to arrival. |
![]() | Cots, highchairs and stair gates are provided. |
![]() | The cottage has its own terrace with dining furniture. |
![]() | Wifi is provided |
![]() | There's a pony paddock and ponies Abby and Yara are cuddly and friendly, and adore carrots and nose pats! There's also ducks to feed. |
![]() | There's a communal tennis court and raquets and balls can be loaned from the estate office |
![]() | Multiple cots and highchairs can be provided. |
![]() | The cottage has an open fire/log burner in the lounge (fireguard provided) with an initial supply of logs. There's a sunken hot tub outside the communal pool offering lovely rural views |
![]() | There's a sunken hot tub outside the communal pool offering lovely rural views |