Ducks Nest

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.


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.

Location Information

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.