The 1843 Cottage

BFB's Overview.

Rain or shine, the idyllic 45-acre Flear Estate has both grown-up and mini guests grinning from ear to ear day after day. Whether starting the day with fresh eggs from the honesty shop, a swimming lesson in the pool, or a fun-filled afternoon in the huge play barn, playing pitch and putt on the green or coming 'home' from sightseeing to grab an ice cream and enjoy it whilst wildlife spotting in the stream, lazing by the hot tub or before indulging with a relaxing massage in the treatment room, there's always something fabulous to do!

If you can tear yourselves away, there's an acclaimed, and child-friendly, gastro-pub a pleasant mile or so's walk away, not to mention some of Devon's finest beaches, crabbing spots and wildlife parks. Flear really does do family rejuvenation to a tee. It even makes self catering easy with a freezer full of delicious chef-made meals in the honesty shop and convenient organic local grocery deliveries from Riverford, for those who fancy cooking up a storm inthe well equipped cotatge kitchens or scenically set barbecue deck.


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 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:

The 1843 Cottage: taking its name from the date stone in the end wall of the cottage, 1843 is compact and full of charm. It is ideally suited to smaller families of 2 adults and a baby or 2 adults and 1 child. The ground floor contains an open-plan kitchen and a living area with log burner, comfortable sofas and a small dining table. On the first floor there is a single bedroom and the family bathroom. The master bedroom is on the top floor. There is a little enclosed front garden with a table and chairs to catch the evening sun.

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.