The Captains House

4.7★

8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
Show on map

Features

Open fire
Garden / Patio
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

47 Customer Review(s)

Pamela
September 2024

“We had a really lovely time at Captins House, the walk to the beach was a stones through away and the beach is a lovely walk with the dogs.”

The house was well equipped and well presented. The views in the front terrace are stunning and we enjoyed a BBq out there. The restaurant in downderry inn on the shore is excellent, well worth a visit! Just a couple of things that would have made our stay even better, prosecco glasses would be great and a new kettle is needed, it stopped working half way through our stay. We had a great holiday Thank you

The house was well equipped and well presented. The views in the front terrace are stunning and we enjoyed a BBq out there. The restaurant in downderry inn on the shore is excellent, well worth a visit! Just a couple of things that would have made our stay even better, prosecco glasses would be great and a new kettle is needed, it stopped working half way through our stay. We had a great holiday Thank you

- Pamela, September 2024

Thank you for your feedback. We are so glad that you had a lovely time and were able to enjoy walks on the beach with your dogs. Had we been made aware during your stay that the kettle had stopped working, we would have provided a new one for you. We are pleased that you had a lovely holiday and we do hope to maybe welcome you back again in the future. Property Owner
Jacqueline August 2024

“The Captains House provides everything we need for a wonderful beach holiday in Cornwall.”

This was our second stay and will hopefully not be the last. To be able to look out at the sea from the house and the verranda is,to me, everything I could wish for. Add to that, being able to walk to the beach and sleep in comfy beds we didn’t need anything else.

- Jacqueline, August 2024
Torvald July 2024

“We loved everything about “The Captains House”.”

The interior, the set-up, the view is stunning, the bedrooms are big, easy access to catch the bus and lovely restaurants you can eat or just for drinks. One little minor thing were the curtains (very light and the sun came through) and matrasses (very soft not thick) in the bedroom with the bunkbed. But overall a perfect and great house

- Torvald, July 2024
Suzanne June 2024

“Such a wonderful home!”

We absolutely loved staying here. Very tastefully furnished and the kitchen had everything we needed. The sea view was amazing-- eating breakfast on the little terrace and watching the waves was such a great way to start our day. We hope to return! Downderry is a splendid village and we enjoyed eating at Inn on the Shore and Summink Different.

- Suzanne, June 2024
Sara May 2024

“Our extended family aged between 30 and 88 really enjoyed our stay.”

The location is lovely, the property is right on the road but it isn't busy and we enjoyed watching the occaisional double decker buses squeezing through in front of the property! You would have to take care if you had young children though. There were some issue with cleaning and maintenance which were disappointing, but the owner communicated promptly about them. The bunks weren't not really suitable for an adult, my daughter, who isnt large, found the mattress very thin but the rest of the beds were really comfortable. As in description there are a lot of stairs, a couple of comfy chairs on the lower floor would have been good to save the oldies having to go up 3 flights to the lounge every time but the description does tell you about the stairs.The top bedroom is lovely but if you go in summer and need dark to sleep take blackout blinds as the blinds in there don't really block any light. The local pub, The Inn on the Shore, was very welcoming and served good food, if the local shop hadn't closed it would be a perfect location. Overall a great stay.

- Sara, May 2024

Thank you for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed the location and the entertainment provided by the double decker buses. We do explain to our guests that the steps do lead out onto the road and to be careful if you have pets or children. We are sorry that there were some cleaning and maintenance issues. Unfortunately, there isn't really the room downstairs to put some comfy chairs. We will look at putting blackout blinds on the velux window in the top floor bedroom. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit to the local pub and that you had a lovely stay. We hope to maybe welcome you back in the future. Property Owner
Jeanette May 2024

“Firstly, we did enjoy a lovely week, very relaxing and just love the beds and pillows…better than the pillows here at home!”

The musty, unused smell pervading the ground floor was not very welcoming, it didn’t dissipate in all the time we were there despite open windows and doors whenever possible. I also didn’t enjoy clearing the dead flies from the stairs and windowsills…it felt like a very unused property. Lastly, and hopefully helpfully, it makes such a difference to arrive to a welcome pack, doesn’t need to be much but it does make you fell welcome. A lovely property, especially my top floor bedroom…don’t book it if stairs are a problem!

- Jeanette, May 2024

Thank you for taking the time to complete your feedback. We are glad that you had a lovely relaxing stay. We aren't sure what the musty smell might have been, it may have been due to wet weather and the property had been unoccupied the previous week, nobody has mentioned a smell since. We do provide tea, coffee, sugar and milk, so that guests can make themselves a hot drink on arrival. It is also mentioned in the website description that the property is over four floors. We are glad that you enjoyed your week. Property Owner
Rachel May 2024

“We had a wonderful weekend!”

The house was really well equipped and the beds were very comfortable. Luckily the weather was mostly decent so a lot of time was spent on the veranda looking out to sea or walking down to the beach with the dog. We would definitely like to return one day.

- Rachel, May 2024
Caroline February 2024

“Lovely clean house, nice view out to sea.”

Nice local dog friendly pubs with nice food which also had food on menu for the dog. Good long stretch of beach to walk on when the tides out.

- Caroline, February 2024
Trisha December 2023

“We had an amazing stay at the Captains house.”

The weather was atrocious but that didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves, walking on the beach, playing games, and enjoying the hospitality of the local pub. The only thing I would recommend is that the local information sheet in the house file be updated as a lot of little things have changed.

- Trisha, December 2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. So pleased you enjoyed your stay at the Captains House. We have taken you comments onboard and hope to welcome you back. Property Owner
Julie December 2023

“A great house we thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas stay very comfortable and spacious great views thank you”

- Julie, December 2023
Andrew October 2023

“Fabulous old house in a beautiful location.”

This is a spacious and very stylish period property that is furnished to a high standard and pleasantly decorated. The views are fantastic and the car parking is free. It is just a few minutes walk to the lovely beach, pub/restraunt and Tapas restraunt. Both highly recommended. The only slight issue was that the towns general store had closed down but hopefully this is only a temporary issue. However, there is a great farm shop about 10 minutes drive away. We all had a fantastic stay including the dogs and hope to return next year.

- Andrew, October 2023
Jacqueline August 2023

“The Captains House was just perfect for our stay in Downderry.”

It’s an amazing house which we all felt very comfortable staying in. None of us wanted to leave and took with us the amazing views of the sea from the each window and door at the front of the house. The weather was lovely so we were able to make full use of the terrace all day and into the night. I do hope the neighbours weren’t disturbed too much by our large family and our granddaughter playing the piano. Will be back if you’ll have us???

- Jacqueline, August 2023
Ann July 2023

“We absolutely loved it!”

An amazing house. Well suited for our extended family trip. The second kitchen was a godsend and huge for keeping coats, boots the dog and beach stuff in, so the rest of the house was kept tidy and clean. Lovely sitting room with sea views. The bed on 3rd floor was so comfy I slept like a log. Only thing to comment on was that the road was very busy that the house sits on and this is not obvious from pic on site, that said we tied the gate shut to keep the dog in. It's an amazing house and would def recommend and rebook. Owner Gary was super friendly and helpful. As a tip before we arrived I tried to book a home food delivery service for the house and could only find Waitrose to come there, but whilst on holiday, saw Sainsbury's, Tesco and ASDA all delivering on that road. So I am sure with work you could get them to deliver and be much cheaper. Thank you for a wonderful holiday.

- Ann, July 2023
Nicola May 2023

“Superb location, couldn't be better.”

Loved the house and its spaciousness. Will definitely recommend it and look forward to returning.

- Nicola, May 2023
Sara May 2023

“Fantastic place,so relaxing, perfect holiday, the house is so big and the view ...”

Fantastic place,so relaxing, perfect holiday, the house is so big and the view stunning our fourth stay and planning to return ❤️

- Sara, May 2023
Emma March 2023

“Beautiful house, stunning location, would highly recommend”

- Emma, March 2023
Nicola March 2023

“This is the 2nd time we have stayed at The Captains House in 6 months.”

It is very spacious but homely. It is very clean and has everything needed for a holiday stay. Fires were well stocked with wood and very welcome after cold & wet days. Great location for exploring Cornwall and Devon borders. Local pubs sell delicious food and enticing after walks along the beach. We will be returning again as we use it a base when visiting daughter at uni.

- Nicola, March 2023
Anna December 2022

“Truly a magnificent house!”

Kitchen was very well kitted out with all the essentials you need. Beds soooo comfy. Loved sitting in the living room with the fire and the sound of the waves. The views from downstairs to upstairs was lovely. Beach within a five min walk which our dogs loved and easy coastal walk to Loos. Local pub served great food and dogs made to feel very welcome. Over all a wonderful Christmas week for a large group of people. Plenty of room for us and nobody felt on top of each other. Would highly recommend!

- Anna, December 2022
Nicola October 2022

“A lovely home from home feel to The Captains House.”

There was plenty of space for everyone to have their own space and to not feel on top of one another. Fantastic views from the living room which I will sorely miss. A few things need to be replaced like the water dispenser for the coffee machine was missing and no corkscrew

- Nicola, October 2022

Thank you for your feedback which we always welcome. Since your visit we have purchased a corkscrew for the property which future guests will be able to use. We have checked the water dispenser for the coffee machine and this is working fine. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your stay at The Captains House and hope you will come and stay again. Property Owner
Philip September 2022

“We absolutely loved the property.”

Beautiful period features and so warm. View was gorgeous. Coming from the south east we were a little concerned about how easy it would be to break in but maybe that is unlikely in the area. I really would like to live in your house all the time !

- Philip, September 2022
Gill August 2022

“We occupied the top room.”

Can't understand why the venetian blinds have not been re-newed given I had a constant battle each day to get the left one to stay up. The taps over the sink are also loose. Other than that had a great stay. The views from the front elevation are to die for. Loved the outside table and chairs. Not sure about the piano. A sofa in it's place would go down well. Loved Downderry and all it provided. Would thoroughly recommend this accommodation.

- Gill, August 2022
Lorraine July 2022

“We have had the most fabulous week at Downderry staying in The captains house.”

An amazing quirky house full of character. Stunning views with great walks to the beach and restaurant (the conch) and pub (inn on the shore) and the shop. An ideal location. Dog friendly ( and a stair gate available) to stop them going upstairs! A utility room big enough to let them sleep in here. Particularly loved the master suite with the views and listening to the waves at night if windows open. We have made great memories here. My son over from Oz and was the perfect place to bring him after his flight (with the rest of our family. ) Thank you to the owners for allowing us share your beautiful second home

- Lorraine, July 2022
Peter June 2022

“We loved this beautiful house.”

Everything we needed was right there. We would enjoy a peaceful sleep, breakfast on the terrace, spend the day at leisure and in the evening a quiet drink and chat with friends. A perfect retreat. Downderry was very quiet but the road is very busy so care must be taken when leaving the Captains House. We should have bought some groceries before we arrived because all the shops and local pubs were closed for food (they close really early). This was the only down side and perhaps this should be mentioned to the incoming party, or the offer of a welcome pack, would be great.

- Peter, June 2022
Sara May 2022

“Superb property,so relaxing as soon as you get there, plenty of space and the ...”

Superb property,so relaxing as soon as you get there, plenty of space and the view of the sea is fantastic, already booked for next year can't wait to go back

- Sara, May 2022
Terry May 2022

“A fantastic house.”

Everything you need. Close to the beach and pub. WiFi can be a bit hit and miss on the terrace so could do with a booster hub.

- Terry, May 2022
Leanne April 2022

“Lovely property, well maintained and presented.”

Great location. Fully equipped with everything you might need, instructions/ guest book informative and accurate. One point- you should tell guests there is a Lavazza coffee machine, we were thrilled to find it but then couldn’t buy the pods locally.

- Leanne, April 2022
Robert April 2022

“Had a great holiday.”

The Captains House was perfect . Loved the views !

- Robert, April 2022
Michael October 2021

“Disappointed, Would Not Return, Will Not Recommend.”

We are seasoned holiday home renters going back over 30 years. This is the first negative feedback I have had to write. The Captains House is in a lovely location, however upon arrival we found the kitchen, dining room and stairways to be very tired. The cleaning in the bedrooms, bathroom and the kitchen was patchy, (pots and pans sticky with grease and dust, surfaces not clean, toothpaste rings) There were lights not working in a bedroom and kitchen ceiling and main kitchen light over the kitchen island had no bulb (on a pullcord so you don’t know if it is live or not) . The kitchen has no direct daylight and is already a dark room, so we had to use a lamp from a bedroom placed on top of the kitchen cupboard to provide light. There was a hole in the floor between the dining room and kitchen which we covered with a mat to avoid little paws going down. We also put to one side a dining room chair that was unstable. The wooden patio furniture from the house details has been replaced but has been left behind the house rotting. On the Saturday night the door to the top bedroom en-suite would not open, the lock would not disengage from the door frame. After speaking to the owner he said I could open the door using something? which I did with a knife. The owner said there was nothing he could do on the Sunday and I said I would wait for him to get back with a solution. Unfortunately on the Sunday I went into the en-suite opened the Velux window and the door closed behind me. As this is 4 floors up I had to wait until somebody realised I was missing and arrived with a knife. From then on the door was wedged open for the rest of the stay and with the bed facing it became an unusable en-suite. On Tuesday we arrived back in the dark from a day out only for all the downstairs lights not to be working. I rang the owner again and he told me where the fuse box was, up by the high ceiling in the laundry room but I would need to climb up. I reset the fuses. In the visitors book a number had commented on the amount of building work going on in this block of 6 properties. When we arrived there was scaffolding next door going up to the roof with a platform just outside our bedroom window; in addition to other works in the block. Whilst this is beyond the owner and Sykes control, previous visitors also said it should be noted in the booking details. During my conversation with the owner I told him of my disappointment that he hadn’t returned my call from Sunday and at the state of the house. He said he couldn’t do anything about it as he lives over a 200 mile journey away. He told me that he had asked the people who do his changeovers 3 times to fix the lights, so that is certainly a known problem. He also said we could leave if we wanted or seek alternative accommodation from whoever we had booked through. This is not an inexpensive rental even going into November. We found it disappointing and whilst we would visit this area again, it would not be to the Captains House. We would also not recommend it to our family or friends. Mike Hobson and Family.

- Michael, October 2021

We are obviously very disappointed that Mr Hobson did not enjoy his time at the Captains House. It was unfortunate that the lock on the en suite bathroom failed during his stay although it was possible to get the door open and I did advise that something was used to prevent it from closing accidentally. The lock is now replaced. I have taken up the issue of the cleaning and missing bulbs with our change over staff. The light over the island in the kitchen is not an easily obtained bulb so this is why I believe it had not been fixed. It was unfortunate that the down stairs lighting RCD had tripped while they were out. The location of the consumer unit is explained in the house book and it was a simple matter of un tripping the RCD. It has not been an issue again thus far. Mr Hobson's comments that the house appears tired is also disappointing to us. It is an old Victorian house that has been carefully restored in period style trying to preserve as many original features as possible. We accept this maybe not to everyone's taste of course and maybe we need to make this clearer in the description. The garden furniture he refers to is not ours but is in the neighbours land and we have been assured that they are going to be disposing of it. As Mr Hobson acknowledged, the building work that goes on is out of our control . We are not always aware when work is scheduled on other properties. I did offer for Mr Hobson the option to leave with a full refund as he didn't seem to be enjoying the house and we apologise that his stay was not all he had hoped for. We appreciate that he has taken the time to point where we can improve and have addressed all of his comments as far as it is possible to do so. Garry and Amanda. Property Owner
Beverly October 2021

“Great house with a perfect view!”

Close to the beach for dog walks! Everything you can think of provided! Would love to return again some day

- Beverly, October 2021
Sara October 2021

“The views from the house are stunning great space for extended family to get together x”

- Sara, October 2021
Sherida August 2021

“Lovely, unusual property with wonderful views.”

The house had everything you needed and the local area was great to explore, with a shop and restaurants nearby.

- Sherida, August 2021
Darren July 2021

“The captains house is amazing.”

The view from the front is spectacular. Location is perfect for us with a short walk to the dog friendly beach.

- Darren, July 2021
Deborah June 2021

“A fabulous place to stay, gorgeous house with amazing sea views.”

The property was very clean and had everything we needed. We loved the location near to Looe, Polperro, Bodmin and Fowey which were great places to visit. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday at Captains House and we look forward to a return visit in the future.

- Deborah, June 2021
Michele June 2021

“The house is situated on the coastal path which suited us perfectly.”

It's on the main road through the village, so the traffic isn't bad. The walk to the beach is 5 mins steep hill (when carrying a paddle board). Sea so clean, we saw star fish whilst on the boards. Fab walks, walked to Polperro from the house, lovely. The house has everything you need, loads of space, bathrooms, lovely sunny veranda to sit out on. Great views of the sea. It was so clean when we arrived which makes a huge difference. Can't recommend it highly enough. Nice places to eat in the village.

- Michele, June 2021
Debs October 2020

“A lovely property in Cornwall.”

Great to have the utility area to dry the dogs off after a wet day. You really need to like stairs in this property as the lounge is on the 2nd floor & master bedroom on the 3rd floor. The road the house is on appears to be the through route through the village so was busy with cars and there is no pavement to walk for access to the beach for a few hundred metres. Friendly local shop, due COVID we did not try and restaurants or the pub. Good access to South West Coastal path to Portwrinkle which was a lovely 6mile return walk.

- Debs, October 2020
Sarah August 2020

“Amazing holiday house and a great base to explore.”

The house is huge, plenty of room for all of us with everything we needed and more. The road is narrow but most roads locally seemed to be and we had no problem parking outside. Just a short walk down to the beach (which was not busy). Had a great time and would happily recommend and book again. Thankyou

- Sarah, August 2020
Sharon August 2020

“Very helpful, plesant owner, return call as promised with local knowledge we has asked for.”

Excellent property ideal for large family and dogs, great beach walk too.

- Sharon, August 2020
Joanne July 2020

“Had a wonderful holiday at Captain’s House.”

It was spacious, comfortable and the position was beautiful. The only negative was no off road parking. Luckily we never had any issues finding a space near the house. Would love to stay here again and wholeheartedly recommend it!

- Joanne, July 2020
Monika July 2020

“Such beautiful sea views from the cottage - perfect for a relaxing holiday.”

We found everything we needed for a party of eight. The beds were especially comfy. Location was great for exploring more of Cornwall. Highly recommended!

- Monika, July 2020
Lisa March 2020

“We had a really lovely stay.”

Made easier by easy communications prior to our weekend. Having a contact for the owners was really helpful - not that it was required - but it made it easy to ask any questions should we have needed to do so.

- Lisa, March 2020
Diane December 2019

“We have stayed in a lot of cottages over the years.”

We where very disappointed in this house.We stayed in the property over Christmas, we arrived ready to celebrate Christmas, the top of the cooker was dirty, the out side bin was full to the top of rubbish (The owners removed the rubbish the same day). The blinds in the master bedroom did not close. The boiler keeped cutting out and needed re booting so we would wake up cold with no hot water. On arrival the house smelt very musty. And the mulcher toilet smelt all the time. We where all very disappointed with this house . I think sky cottages shud check the cottages that you advertise.

- Diane, December 2019
Carol November 2019

“Fantastic house with great facilities and exceptional views.”

- Carol, November 2019
Rachel November 2018

“Amazing period house with several gorgeous views out over the sea.”

Deceptive in size! Property was very well equipped (especially in the Kitchen) and clean. Only a small front garden however and a shared yard out the back - situated on a deceptively busy road and only road parking so beware. Also some issues with the boiler but they were hopefully resolved.

- Rachel, November 2018
Marlies August 2018

“This is our fifth year running using Sykes cottages!”

Every year gets better, and the captains house was a particularly great find. Not only was the house big enough to accommodate 8 adults it also had stunning views, is in a beautiful location and had all you would need to have a fabulous week in Cornwall . Even on a dull day the views were enough to keep us enchanted ! We are already making plans to return next year...

- Marlies, August 2018
David August 2018

“Boiler needs attention.”

Patio could do with a tidy up. But all in all a very well equipped and clean property. Pleasantly surprised when we entered the house as the row of houses looked a bit shabby but we soon found out that most of them are being refurbished.

- David, August 2018
Nicola July 2018

“The house is beautiful and in a brilliant location.”

We've had a fabulous holiday and will be back!

- Nicola, July 2018
Irene June 2018

“The views of the sea were stunning!”

A real gem.

- Irene, June 2018

Show less

Summary

Over four floors
Ground floor: Kitchen
Dining room with piano and glazed doors to terrace
Scullery/Utility
Shower room suite with shower, basin and WC
First Floor: 1 x double bedroom, 1 x twin bedroom and 1 x bunk room
Bathroom, bath, shower, basin and WC
Second Floor: Sitting room with open fire
Snug
Fourth Floor: 1 x super king-size bedroom with en-suite shower room.
Central heating with open fire
Microwave, fridge, fridge-freezer, tumble dryer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with DVD, WiFi, Phone, Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Highchair available on request
Parking is usually available on a quiet road nearby
Barbecue
3 well-behaved dogs welcome, Sorry no smoking
Pub less than 1 mile from property
Note: Check-in time 4pm.

The property

Above the village road in Downderry, with fabulous sea views from most windows, a Victorian captains solidly built, mid-terrace house.

From the road, 9 steps up to paved sun terrace (table/chairs, barbecue) and verandah (alternative access without steps to utility room from communal courtyard at the back).

Inside, generously proportioned and renovated in traditional style with polished wood floors and muted colours: all very welcoming.

The house is taller than it is wide and spread over four floors, with the living room on the second floor to take full advantage of the tremendous sea views.

Hall, off which dining room (piano, iPod dock) with French windows to verandah and terrace.

Hand-built kitchen (microwave, fridge-freezer, range-style electric cooker); scullery/utility room (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, larder fridge) with step up to shower-room (suite) and plenty of space for sandy buckets, wetsuits and boots.

Stairs up to first floor and three bedrooms - a double (5' sleigh bed), a twin, and a room with 3' bunks (best suited for children and teenagers, no clothes-hanging space); bathroom (suite with separate shower).

Further stairs up to second floor and large living room with open fire, TV/DVD and views.

Snug with second TV/DVD and stairs up directly into a large double bedroom (6' bed) under the eaves on the third floor with the best views of all from a dormer window and en suite shower-room (suite).

Arrival after 4pm.

A grand base for coastal living, from days in the sun to storm-watching in the winter. Downderry: seaside village (pub, good restaurant, PO/shop, churches) on a hillside 4 miles from Looe.

Beach of rocks, sandy patches.

At its end is Seaton.

Monkey sanctuary, 2 miles; golf, 4; Plymouth (via car ferry), 9, or via bridge, 14.

Buses to Plymouth and Looe.

Floorplans

3rd Floor2nd Floor1st FloorGround Floor

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.

View on map

About the location

DOWNDERRY

Looe 6 miles; Liskeard 10 miles; Polperro 11 miles; Plymouth 18 miles.

Downderry is a small quiet coastal village situated in south east Cornwall. Downderry has a sheltered beach, Post Office and shop, deli, and a cliff top pub and an excellent restaurant, serving quality local food. At low tide it is possible to walk along the beach from Downderry to Seaton, where you will find a family friendly south facing beach and the nearby Seaton Valley Countryside Park and Nature reserve is home to wildlife, including otters and kingfishers and also offers great cycling and walking opportunities. The picturesque working harbours at Looe and Polperro are within an easy driving distance away, and the wonderful stretches of the South West Coast Path in this part of Cornwall take you to rocky coves, dramatic headlands and tales of shipwrecks and smugglers. Further afield is Plymouth, where you will find plenty to see and do, including a marine aquarium, a theatre, large shopping centres and the historic Barbican waterside area.

Note: Arrival after 4pm.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“We had a really lovely time at Captins House, the walk to the beach was a stones through away and the beach is a lovely walk with the dogs.”