Kestrel

4.5★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Pub/shop < 1 mile
Dishwasher
Seaside
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

19 Customer Review(s)

Vicki
December 2024

“Kestrel was way above my expectations for comfort and cosiness.”

Sitting at the window watching the December waves was one of my favourite pass times. Double glazed and well insulated this really is a cosy cabin. The kitchen is well fitted and the beds are super comfy ( so much so I’d like to get the same ones for home!) Thoughtful details throughout and nothing has been skimped. Thank you.

Sitting at the window watching the December waves was one of my favourite pass times. Double glazed and well insulated this really is a cosy cabin. The kitchen is well fitted and the beds are super comfy ( so much so I’d like to get the same ones for home!) Thoughtful details throughout and nothing has been skimped. Thank you.

- Vicki, December 2024
Isobel October 2024

“Had a lovely time staying in Kestrel.”

What an amazing experience to be right on the beach watching the waves and beautiful sunsets. Kestrel is very well equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Had some great meals at the Masons Arms.

- Isobel, October 2024
Julie October 2024

“Very well equip let with great view.”

The costal walks were great both sides up from the beach and branscombe is a very pretty and interesting place loved the forge and mill. Some have commented on the walk to the hut but it is what it is maybe not for some but you can Google and see for yourself. All in all very nice stay

- Julie, October 2024
Diane September 2024

“Lovely property being so close to the sea .”

Was very clean and comfortable. Would recommend to my family and friends

- Diane, September 2024
Jessica September 2024

“Enjoyed 4 nights at Kestrel.”

A completely unique experience and a thoroughly relaxing break I'd like to repeat!

- Jessica, September 2024
Nicola August 2024

“Im not accustomed to leaving feedback but really i feel the holiday let needs a more justified appraisal.”

Yes its on a beach ....literally on a beach!, where in the UK do you have this!! You have to traverse to get it to it....so what its a beach. It annoys me when people will look at anything to leave a negative response, simple answer...travel light! The chalet is furnished with decor that has been thought out and un appreciated, state of the art kitchen/beds that are divine/appliances that are high end/even Emma Bridgewater mugs!! I have never slept so well listening to the sea and just sitting on the open patio humming dock of the bay!! You need to stay to appreciate Im only writing this as the owner needs a break and tbh im probably shooting myself in the foot as it will be over booked next year! 5 stars all the way

- Nicola, August 2024
Sarah August 2024

“Fabulous location and loved the cabin.”

Beautifully decorated and cosy with everything we needed.

- Sarah, August 2024
Sandra August 2024

“Perfect property and location for us .”

Great if you want to get away from it all and relax , walk and swim if you are brave enough! Need to be reasonably agile ! Would definitely return. Thank you for a great stay .

- Sandra, August 2024
Oksana August 2024

“The property was nice, clean and comfortable.”

I really liked the balcony and view to the sea. My family's holiday was very nice. Everyone liked it. I have only one negative to say, i missed wash machine...for my surprise I found dishwasher but not wash machine. Its good that I took extra clothes :), but my sister was not that lucky....

- Oksana, August 2024
Ruth June 2024

“This was a perfect place to stay with the sea quite literally on the doorstep.”

The lodge was homely and well equipped with comfortable beds, a cracking shower and highly efficient kitchen appliances. A lovely beach in a beautiful part of the world. You can go to sleep with the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore. A wonderful retreat.

- Ruth, June 2024
Alison June 2024

“Amazing location with amazing views very well equipped holiday home comfortable beds great shower.”

- Alison, June 2024
Joy May 2024

“Beautiful views and sounds of the sea, lovely area, walks, quiet villages, Beer and Sidmouth good non commercial seaside places.”

Parking good, Sea Shanty cafe great food, but closes at three. Shop is a general seaside store. Not essential foods like bread etc. Kestral beds comfortable, nicely decorated and welcoming, kitchen well equipped apart from microwave. No note about where to take refuse, or Wi-Fi code, no fire instructions, coast guard number, doctor, or nearest hospital. Welcome book with that info would be helpful. We don't all have common sense. Illness and accidents do happen to us all, including the young and fit. Access is not easy, but at 81 and reasonably agile I managed and loved the place. Thank you.

- Joy, May 2024
Anneliese March 2024

“Having stayed in a few of the beach chalets at Branscombe I can say that this is one of the best fitted out, up to date appliances including a dishwasher and a fantastic shower.”

There is ample (and very smart) cutlery, plates and cookware, which made life easy too. I think the only thing missing would be a dustpan, and I would have liked a hoover just to tidy things a bit more before we left. A wonderful place to stay which we highly reccomend.

- Anneliese, March 2024
Clare March 2024

“Although we enjoyed our stay, the listing does not reflect the current conditions immediately around the property.”

The condition of the ground and the other chalets are unsafe and there is a huge unfenced drop just outside the front door of the property. I feel that anyone staying at this property should be made fully aware of the current conditions surrounding the property as it is not suitable for people with young children, dogs or any conditions with their mobility.

- Clare, March 2024

Thank you for taking the time to complete your feedback. Now that the weather has improved we have been able to update the website with photographs which show the chalet and the surrounding area as it is now. There was some erosion following a storm in late 2023. The drop from the decked area by the front door has now been fenced. Property Owner
Ellie March 2024

“We had a Fantastic week staying in Kestrel.”

With only one rainy day (which was actually nice to watch over the sea) the weather was perfect. Accommodation was comfortable, with plenty of cushions in the living room, clean white bedding, and outside seating perfect for breakfast in the sunshine. The kitchen and bathroom are modern and perfectly thought out. We holiday in Branscombe quite often, and were aware of the current storm damage situation. Knowing this we used the escape route to the back of the property which was very handy, but myself and grandparents also travelled across the beach with a slow stroll The only feedback we have on the property is the lack of cooking equipment, there were only 2 pans for oven use and no frying pan as such (only a shallow large saucepan) Other than that we had the perfect week away and were pleased to see the time and effort that had been put in to modernise the chalet. Definitely would book again.

- Ellie, March 2024
Neil February 2024

“Fabulous position and really enjoyed staying here, good facilities, the access has become a little harder after some severe winter storms but that's entirely out of the control of the owner and the price you pay for such an outstanding location.”

The force of nature is plain to see all along the front at Branscombe with many chalets left unusable, hopefully some repairs and protection can be sorted before next winter. Would definitely book again.

- Neil, February 2024
Rebecca February 2024

“The chalet is an unique location.”

I loved being so close to the sea and the coastal location. I had an an amazing time with my dog and the accommodation was very comfortable. The long, extra flight of steep steps did cause a problem for my friend and her dog throughout the holiday. I would not have booked the chalet if the photos had shown this. Even though you state that this location is only suitable for the able-bodied, one would expect the photographs to reflect the reality of the access.

- Rebecca, February 2024

Thank you for taking the time to complete your feedback. The chalet is in a unique location. We are glad that you had a lovely time. Now that better weather has allowed the photographs on the website have been updated and show the property and location as it now is, including the steps. Property Owner
Tina December 2023

“Initial thoughts as we approached Kestrel were "What have we let ourselves in for", the pictures do not reflect the reality and we were worried what lay ahead.”

The pictures on the site need amendment and visitors should be advised of the current situation with the surrounding properties etc. That said, once we entered the property we were pleasantly surprised. The kitchen was very well equipped, the rooms were comfortable and there was a good heating system, and the chalet was clean. During our stay we did note several items that could be improved on and these we left for the owner. Access to the property via the beach needs to be made very clear as we did find this was inaccessible one day and we were forced to use the footpath that in bad weather can be difficult for anyone not steady on their feet. Also carrying a weeks worth of food / clothes etc. across the pebbles isn't something to be taken lightly. We made a last minute booking and whilst I understand that bookings are normally 7 nights we only stayed 5 but still had to pay the full price which made it expensive. If you like solitude this could be the place for you.

- Tina, December 2023

Thank you for taking the time to complete your feedback following your recent stay at Kestrels, we are delighted that you were pleasantly surprised once you had entered the property. We are confident that our description of the approach to Kestrels along with several photographs is clearly described, we do point out that it may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility. Where a property is not opted into short stays (like Kestrels) a stay for less than 7 nights will generate a full weeks rental. Property Owner
David December 2023

“When we arrived at the chalet we were both shocked by the amount of erosion that has occurred from recent storms.”

Had the website pictures on the website reflected this accurately we would not have booked to stay here. The other chalets were in a very sad state, Kestrel was the only one accessible as the steps had been replaced. We feel that the pictures need updating to avoid others being disappointed. There was another onshore storm on Wednesday, and late evening we had members of the coastguard knock on the door and check we were ok!. Internally the chalet was well equipped, with modern kitchen and good heating. It’s a personal thing, but we found the mattresses very soft, and left a day early due to not sleeping well and back ache.

- David, December 2023

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Summary

Elevated beach chalet
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x double
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, heated towel rail, and WC
Kitchen
Living/dining room with decked balcony
Gas central heating
Electric oven and hob, fridge with icebox, dishwasher
Smart TV and WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Public car park nearby (guests must supply their registration details to the owner 2 weeks prior to arrival in order to qualify for free car parking, otherwise daily car parking charges will apply)
Decked balcony with furniture and direct access to the shingle beach
Two well-behaved dogs welcome (£25 charge applies for 2nd dog)
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.8 miles, pub 0.4 miles, Branscombe Beach location
Note: Property is accessed via a walk along a shingle beach and an external, open-tread staircase, which may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility
Note: No child facilities
Note: The car park has a 2.2 metre height restriction and there is no vehicular access to the chalet
Note: The WiFi and TV signal can be affected by the weather at times and is the best service available at this beautiful beach location: please be aware of this when making your reservation

The property

Kestrel is one of five, beachfront chalets set on the beautiful Jurassic stretch of Branscombe Beach, in Devon.

Snug, homely, and well-equipped, Kestrel rests in an elevated position gazing out over the English Channel, boasting a warm, inviting interior that makes a scenic base for a small family or group of friends seeking a memorable escape to the Devonshire seaside.

After dropping your car off in the nearby car park, carry your belongings along Branscombe Beach towards your wonderful new home-from-home.

Ascend the external staircase, stepping into the chalet to find an array of tastefully-presented, and well-appointed living spaces.

An elegant kitchen houses all the essential appliances needed to whip up a hearty, home-cooked dinner that can be savoured in the living/dining room.

Here, you can choose between gathering at the foldable dining table, a nifty, space-saving feature, or a bistro table for two on the decked balcony, offering spectacular, uninterrupted views of the shingle beach and the shimmering blue seascape.

In the evenings, refresh with a revitalising soak in the bath before settling down for a well-earned rest in an inviting double or king-size bedroom.

Wake up to amazing sea views, brewing coffee to start the day before you set out to explore what’s in store in your local area.

With the beach and the terrific Sea Shanty Beach Cafe & Shop right on your doorstep, you might be forgiven for never wanting to leave Branscombe Beach, however you’ll find an abundance of things to do and see within a short walk.

The pretty, unspoilt village of Branscombe is peppered with traditional cottages and thatched buildings and is blessed with two good pubs and a church.

A brief stroll will bring you to your nearest pub, the historic Masons Arms, a 14th century establishment serving up traditional British fare, whilst slightly further on, you can sample the local ale at The Fountain Head.

Branscombe is a National Trust-owned area, popular with tourists who also stop by the Branscombe Lookout Bench and the UNESCO listed River Sid, Sidmouth to Seaton Hole.

For a day out, jump in the car and head to the ancient Beer Quarry Caves, the picturesque Cannington Viaduct, Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary or Pecorama, before spending time in Sidmouth, a bustling coastal town where visitors can enjoy views from Jacob's Ladder, build sandcastles or sunbathe at Sidmouth Beach, or tuck into a picnic on Peak Hill, where breathtaking views of the Channel are waiting.

Enjoy the ultimate stay in Devon at Kestrel.

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

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About the location

BRANSCOMBE

Sidmouth 5.6 miles.

Branscombe is located at the meeting point of two valleys, home to a collection of thatched cottages that lead the way to the sea, and the village is believed to be the longest in England. A number of historic buildings are worth noting; the Old Bakery and Forge, both National Trust properties, are just some of which can be found nearby. Branscombe Mouth has a beach with good parking facilities, a licensed restaurant complete with thatched roof and a wealth of rock pools just waiting to be searched for crabs and other sea creatures. Why not take a trip out to Sidmouth and the surrounding countryside where you’ll find a great range of attractions and activities to entertain the whole family, including a visit to the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary with over 500 rescue donkeys to see. World of Country Life is just a few miles away and is an award winning family day out.

Note: The WiFi and TV signal can be affected by the weather at times and is the best service available at this beautiful beach location: please be aware of this when making your reservation.

Note: At certain times of the year this property will accept short break bookings: 3 nights minimum

Note: Property is accessed via a walk along a shingle beach and an external, open-tread staircase, which may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Note: Due to the unique sea facing location of the chalet, it can be vulnerable in the event of major storms and in extreme conditions may require evacuation in order to ensure guest safety. The owners will keep you fully informed should weather conditions deteriorate and will ensure that appropriate temporary accommodation is provided for as long as necessary.

Kestrel

Branscombe, Devon (Ref. 1138062)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Kestrel was way above my expectations for comfort and cosiness.”

“Had a lovely time staying in Kestrel.”

“Very well equip let with great view.”

“Lovely property being so close to the sea .”

“Enjoyed 4 nights at Kestrel.”

“Im not accustomed to leaving feedback but really i feel the holiday let needs a more justified appraisal.”

“Fabulous location and loved the cabin.”

“Perfect property and location for us .”

“The property was nice, clean and comfortable.”

“This was a perfect place to stay with the sea quite literally on the doorstep.”

“Amazing location with amazing views very well equipped holiday home comfortable beds great shower.”

“Beautiful views and sounds of the sea, lovely area, walks, quiet villages, Beer and Sidmouth good non commercial seaside places.”

“Having stayed in a few of the beach chalets at Branscombe I can say that this is one of the best fitted out, up to date appliances including a dishwasher and a fantastic shower.”

“Although we enjoyed our stay, the listing does not reflect the current conditions immediately around the property.”

“We had a Fantastic week staying in Kestrel.”

“Fabulous position and really enjoyed staying here, good facilities, the access has become a little harder after some severe winter storms but that's entirely out of the control of the owner and the price you pay for such an outstanding location.”

“The chalet is an unique location.”

“Initial thoughts as we approached Kestrel were "What have we let ourselves in for", the pictures do not reflect the reality and we were worried what lay ahead.”

“When we arrived at the chalet we were both shocked by the amount of erosion that has occurred from recent storms.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

BRANSCOMBE