Hilltop

4.8★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets No
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Features

Off road parking
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Seaside
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

53 Customer Review(s)

Sarah
December 2024

“A lovely cosy place to stay for a Winter break: the heating was on for our arrival, Christmas tree lights twinkling.”

The kitchen had everything we could need - not always the case when renting a property.

The kitchen had everything we could need - not always the case when renting a property.

- Sarah, December 2024
John August 2024

“All Good”

- John, August 2024
Vicki June 2024

“The cottage was very comfortable, it had everything we needed.”

The location was ideal and we could not fault it.

- Vicki, June 2024
Andrew June 2024

“Generally the property was very good, clean and in an excellent location to visit all the main places in South Devon.”

The property was well equipped but felt a bit smaller that what the online pictures shown, particularly the dining table is cramped, we managed with three adults, but would not be large enough for four adults. Other than that we had a great holiday.

- Andrew, June 2024
Malcolm May 2024

“Very comfortable and well maintained cottage with excellent outdoor space and easily understandable instructions for cooking appliances.”

. Particularly appreciated heating early morning and evening when weather a little cold.

- Malcolm, May 2024
Caroline April 2024

“Second time we have stayed at Hilltop and was just as wonderful as the first time.”

For us it is like a retreat, quiet, calm and away from it all. Although near enough to visit lovely little towns and lots of exploring for the kids. We can recommend Hilltop enough.

- Caroline, April 2024
Daniel March 2024

“Excellent position above the town, easy to find and the cottage had a cosy feeling.”

Nice welcome pack and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We would recommend to friends and stay again if we are in the area.

- Daniel, March 2024
Roberta March 2024

“We couldn’t be any happier with our stay at Hilltop.”

The house was clean and very comfortable with everything you could ever need included. We would definitely recommend it.

- Roberta, March 2024
Tandy March 2024

“Lovely comfortable place to stay and beautifully equipped, will definitely be back”

- Tandy, March 2024
Jacqueline December 2023

“Really cosy stay with lovely log burner and an overall bright space especially with the terrible weather we had.”

The accommodation really has everything you need. The owners were particularly helpful. The views are lovely as the name suggests on the Hilltop. Short walk into the beautiful village of Stoke Gabriel. The only downside was the comfort of the double bed. The mattress really does need replacing.

- Jacqueline, December 2023

Dear guests, we are pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Hilltop and it was very nice to meet you. So sorry that the mattress was uncomfortable and as this is the second recent comment about it, we will be replacing it this coming week. With kind regards, Paul and Linda Property Owner
Keith December 2023

“Heated towel rail in shower room not working hoover blocked had to clean it ...”

Heated towel rail in shower room not working hoover blocked had to clean it before use no out side line to dry washing not enough room for four people to dine sink in kitchen smelled of drainage

- Keith, December 2023

We are sorry that you experienced these issues but if you had popped round to let us know that the electric towel rail was not working, we could have easily fixed that as the fuse needed replacing. There is a retractable washing line with a pole and peg basket at the end of the garden and finally, as we have had so much heavy rain, this caused the drains to smell slightly on occasion. Kind regards Paul and Linda Property Owner
Mark December 2023

“The house is beautifully situated in the edge of a tranquil south Devon village.”

It is warm, cosy, comfortable and very well equipped. There are plenty of delightful walks in the area, two excellent pubs and general shop/post office in the village centre.

- Mark, December 2023
Paul November 2023

“This is a lovely holiday cottage and exceptional value for money.”

Ideal for up to 4 people, very warm and comfortable and the kitchen is well equipped. We were pleased to find that books and games were provided along with plenty of linen and towels. We were able to fit two large cars and a smaller car on the drive. The living room is a great space with enough room in the dining area to set up a computer with dual screens and all the associated equipment. The internet connection was quite good given the location - but if you're going to be absolutely dependent on internet during your stay I'd recommend checking 4/5G coverage with your provider. I use O2 and the coverage was excellent giving me fast internet.

- Paul, November 2023
Barrie October 2023

“Lovely house in a quiet area, nice outside terrace to sit in an evening, only downside very steep hill in and out of village and no street lights.”

- Barrie, October 2023
Trevor September 2023

“We found the doorstep a bit tricky as it was steep.”

A more comfortable pillow would have been better.

- Trevor, September 2023
John September 2023

“We had a lovely week in this cottage it was cosy and had every facility and more.”

Would highly recommend this property for a holiday any time of year

- John, September 2023
Caroline August 2023

“We had a wonderful stay at Hilltop.”

The owners attention to detail was amazing, from the cream tea and juice left out to welcome us, to the well equipped log burner with everything you need and more to enjoy a fire every night. We loved the fact the heating turned on in the morning and evening, what a treat! Thank you so much, we will be staying here again without doubt.

- Caroline, August 2023
Barry July 2023

“A lovely welcome and an excellent property.”

Lovely location.

- Barry, July 2023
Jane July 2023

“Our Hilltop stay was certainly peaceful.”

The property is situated in a lovely area and as the name suggests, it is a walk away from the village and up a step hill.This was not a problem as we came to Devon to walk .We appreciated the local walks provided by the owner and completed all and and more!!!.Thank you for providing them.The house is comfortable.cooking facilitates were fine (a slotted spoon would help),the bathroom is good with the extra toilet/sink and the parking space was great. Our stay was ruined however by the very uncomfortable bed.The design being so low meant it was difficult to get in/out and the frame slats could be felt beneath the mattress. A comfortable bed is essential and as we are certainly mobile it was a shame . As a result we did not feel rested and struggled to enjoy all that Devon has to offer. Please can you address this matter. Thank you.

- Jane, July 2023
Philip June 2023

“We really enjoyed our stay at Hilltop, with lovely views over the surrounding countryside.”

The cottage was very clean & had everything we needed in it. The listing as 2 bathrooms is a bit misleading, as the second bathroom is only a WC with a tiny hand basin. Could be a bit awkward for 2 couples staying. We would definitely stay here again. Lovely place. Very central to all the surrounding town’s & sights.

- Philip, June 2023
Carole June 2023

“We found it very comfortable and lovely setting.”

Owners very helpful.

- Carole, June 2023
Richard June 2023

“This was our second year at Hilltop and we really enjoyed it again and have booked for next year.”

The house is very clean and comfortable and has everything you need for a pleasant holiday. The location is ideal for visiting the surrounding area.

- Richard, June 2023
Geoff May 2023

“Immaculately clean and very comfortable accommodation with attractive private garden, all set within a beautiful village.”

- Geoff, May 2023
Winifred April 2023

“The description of this property states: Two bathrooms Upstairs bathroom 1st floor cloakroom Ground floor shower room.”

We booked this cottage on the understanding that it had TWO bathrooms but it does NOT. We feel that this is false representation. We would not have chosen this property had we been aware of the bathroom situation. We feel that we should receive a partial refund as our holiday was not as comfortable as expected due to the inaccuracy of the listing. There were other issues but this was the main one.

- Winifred, April 2023

We are sorry to hear that you feel your stay was spoilt by the bathroom situation but having spoken to Sykes, they clarified that they class a room with a wc and basin as a bathroom, hence the description that Hilltop has two bathrooms. In the longer property description it states very clearly that Hilltop has a downstairs bathroom with a shower, wc and basin and upstairs has a room with a wc and basin. WIth kind regards, Paul and Linda Property Owner
Susan April 2023

“Lovely little house, very clean and private.”

Really appreciated the little touches- tea, coffee, cake on arrival with milk and orange juice in the fridge. Tea towels, dishcloth and washing up liquid supplied also. Lots of helpful information about the surrounding area and some walking route ideas.

- Susan, April 2023
Keith March 2023

“We loved staying at Hilltop.”

It was very tastefully furnished and decorated. One of the nicest Sykes cottages we have stayed in. Thank you

- Keith, March 2023
Sarah January 2023

“Property was clean, smart and warm.”

Perfect for a winter break as the rooms were light and airy yet cosy. Being elevated, we enjoyed the views from both bay windows over the front garden and the countryside beyond. We walked and ran some short loops around the lanes and estuary and visited the impressive old yew tree in the church yard. The waterside cafe was closed while we were there (presumably for winter) but the pub was charming and there is a very good village store for groceries and treats. Everyone in the village was very friendly. Our stay at Hilltop made a lovely new year break.

- Sarah, January 2023
Julie December 2022

“We loved our stay at Hilltop, it’s a light, brightpeaceful house with a lovely view from the front bedroom.”

The kitchen is modern and very well equipped, shower good pressure and plenty of hot water. The house was warm all the time but we used the little log burner for added cheer as it was grey and wet outside plenty of fuel was supplied. Quiet location, lots of walks locally. A particularly nice touch was homemade mince pies and delicious Xmas cake wrapped in red ribbon. All good!

- Julie, December 2022
Claire December 2022

“A very cosy property in a lovely village.”

We enjoyed relaxing in front of the wood burner each evening after days out exploring the local area. We especially enjoyed the walk down to the River Shack, it’s up hill on the way back! We can also recommend the fish and chip van that’s comes to the village on Friday evenings and the cream tea provided by the owners as part of our welcome pack was very tasty. W enjoyed a very relaxing week at Hill Top.

- Claire, December 2022
Susan October 2022

“We really enjoyed our stay & would go there again, but the listing is misleading: there are not 2 bathrooms - there is a bathroom & a cloakroom.”

It would also have been helpful to have an ice tray in the freezer.

- Susan, October 2022
Corinne September 2022

“Hilltop is a really nice house, clean and comfortable.”

We enjoyed the cream tea that was left for us! It was well equipped and the garden was pretty. Lovely walks around the village of Stoke Gabriel. We had a great holiday and would return another time.

- Corinne, September 2022
Patricia September 2022

“The house was very clean nice touch with the cream tea tea coffee milk orange ...”

The house was very clean nice touch with the cream tea tea coffee milk orange juice could do with a larger frying pan for 4people &the garden needed a little t l c we recommend it highly we had a loverly holiday thank you

- Patricia, September 2022
Gail July 2022

“Great house in a lovely area.”

Had everything we needed and more. Was very sad to leave

- Gail, July 2022
Richard July 2022

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hilltop.”

It is very clean, comfortable and well equipped with a homely atmosphere. We particularly liked all the pictures and attention to detail. It also kept very cool in spite of the hot weather. We appreciated the information about local walks and places to visit. Our only criticism relates to the beds with wooden footers which meant a 6ft 2inch person couldn’t lie straight. We loved the area and the house and hope to return next year.

- Richard, July 2022

Thank you for your feedback, we’re so glad you enjoyed your stay at Hilltop. Regarding the beds, we had planned to replace them later this year for next season so will definitely take your comments into consideration. Kind regards, Linda and Paul Property Owner
Sue May 2022

“We really enjoyed our stay in Hilltop.”

It was a lovely property, comfortable and very clean. Found it hard to find as it doesn't have the name of the house at the front and doesn't have the number on the website. Would suggest as an electric car owner that a charging point is fitted in the future.

- Sue, May 2022

Thank you for your feedback, we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay. As far as finding us, towards the bottom of the key collection information email that Sykes sent to you, there were very clear and specific directions to Hilltop. Again, thank you for choosing us and hope to see you again in the future. Property Owner
Sam May 2022

“A great holiday location.”

Cottage was very clean with ample amenities. Stoke Gabriel is a lovely picturesque village, with lots of places to visit nearby. Would definitely recommend.

- Sam, May 2022
Jane March 2022

“This cottage was very comfortable, bright and well-appointed, in a quite lane in Stoke Gabriel.”

Plenty of private parking too. We enjoyed our stay very much. Would come back. Lovely walks to the estuary. Good food at the River Shack.

- Jane, March 2022
Mark February 2022

“The house is warm, comfortable and very well equipped, in a beautiful, tranquil location.”

This was our third visit.

- Mark, February 2022
Phil February 2022

“Extremely clean and tidy property.”

Clear and concise instructions for all appliances, heating and local info. pack. Cream Tea a nice touch too ! Cannot fault in anyway. Have stayed in dozens of Holiday Cottages in the past and Hilltop is by far the best. Hope to book again soon .

- Phil, February 2022
Sally October 2021

“The directions were not very accurate.”

.the address is classed as a "private road" by other locals. We drove around for some time before being helped by a lovely lady who lives locally.The bottom.of the access road is full of potholes which I know is not the owners responsibility. The letter box needs attention it rattles all the time and disturbed me most of the night. There had been yellow tape on the letter box but it had become unstuck. The shower head needs cleaning. These are only tiny niggles on the whole the accommodation was bright cosy and clean with very nice bedding and towels. The scones with Jam and clotted cream on arrival was a lovely treat. So was the tea milk and orange juice. We would recommend this property

- Sally, October 2021
Terry September 2021

“Hilltop is extremely quiet & private.”

After each days activities it felt like 'coming home'. A truely 4* property.

- Terry, September 2021
Sophia July 2021

“Lovely house with a great view, really nicely decorated and well kitted out.”

The milk, orange juice and cream tea on arrival were a great surprise! Location is great - you're spoilt for choice with things to do in the beautiful surrounding area.

- Sophia, July 2021
Hannah June 2021

“We had a lovely stay in Hilltop with our 14 month old daughter.”

Cottage was well appointed and had everything we needed, while being only about 15 minute walk down to the River Shack and pier. Would happily stay again in future.

- Hannah, June 2021
Kenneth April 2021

“Hilltop is a lovely place to stay, quiet, spotlessly clean with really excellent facilities.”

The house being at the top of the hill has lovely views across the steep valley. A small veranda at the front is ideal for evening drinks in the sun, whilst the pretty little garden at the back has a dining table brolly and BBQ. While eating breakfast in the front bay window we watched goldfinch in the trees and a squirrel hopping about the lawn. All in all a very relaxing get away.

- Kenneth, April 2021
Philip September 2020

“Owner very Covid-19 aware and we felt safe throughout our stay.”

A very quiet and comfortable break. Owners very friendly but unobtrusive. Well placed for Torbay attractions but also for quieter walks within Stoke Gabriel itself. Outside seating well placed in the sunshine, ideal for reading and relaxing. Milk, Sugar, Tea, Coffee and biscuits on arrival much appreciated after a arduous journey down the M5 !

- Philip, September 2020
Diane September 2020

“We have been holidaying in self-catering accommodation for many years, and Hilltop is definitely one of the best.”

It was clean, bright, in excellent condition and had everything you could want - a real home from home. It was exactly as shown on the website (which isn't always the case!), and the location is lovely. Would recommend this property to anyone.

- Diane, September 2020
Wendy July 2020

“We thought the owners were very friendly and helpful and their attention to detail was very much appreciated.”

- Wendy, July 2020
Natalie July 2020

“A lovely 2 bed holiday rental in a beautiful village.”

We had a lovely week at hilltop cottage . It is a beautiful cottage that was perfect size for the 4 of us. The amenities were great, it was lovely and clean and the owners left a lovely welcome tray of tea, coffee, sugar, milk and biscuits. It is situated in a lovely village that we found perfect for crabbing everyday at Mill pond. There is a lovely shop and 2 pubs in the village. Only challenge we found was all the hills on our walks to Mill pond. We would definitely stay there again.

- Natalie, July 2020
Ian February 2020

“Really comfortable and in a lovely location.”

Very well equipped with lots of sundries (eg cleaning products) that are not always found in other properties. We just loved it.

- Ian, February 2020
Maxine February 2020

“Lovely house which was very comfortable.”

Matched description perfectly. The welcome pack left by the owner was very thoughtful and much appreciated. Would be very happy to stay here again and hope to return in the future.

- Maxine, February 2020
Geoffrey January 2020

“A homely feeling to the accommodation.”

We were particularly impressed by the attention to detail. Lovely personal touches left us believing that we were valued guests rather than short term tenants. We shall certainly have no hesitation in returning. It was a warm and cosy experience throughout the whole house.

- Geoffrey, January 2020
Clare September 2019

“This was a very lovely place to stay.”

Stoke Gabriel is a typical beautiful devon village. The house was everything it claimed in the online description, and one of the reasons we chose this house was because it had one of the main things we look for in a holiday cottage - two comfy sofas! Having used Helpful Holidays (and now Sykes Cottages) for more than 25 years we know that everything claimed on the website will turn out to be true, which is why we have used them for so long, but to have comfy sofas (one each) for relaxing in the evenings - especially in the autumn when the nights get dark earlier and evenings are a bit chillier - is just the icing on the cake. Lovely! We had a lovely time and look forward to holidaying with you again next year.

- Clare, September 2019
Gareth August 2019

“The house was excellent, well appointed and in a great location in a beautiful village.”

I would highly recommend for the location, crabbing, two great local pubs and of course the house itself. The owner was welcoming and could not have been more accommodating during our stay.

- Gareth, August 2019

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
1st floor cloakroom (WC and wash basin) Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC
Kitchen
Sitting/dining room with multi fuel burning stove
Gas central heating with multi fuel burning stove
Dishwasher, electric oven, ceramic hob, microwave, toaster, kettle, washing machine, fridge/freezer, TV with Sky, selection of books, games and WiFi
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Starter pack with kindling logs and coal for the multi fuel burning stove will be in the property on arrival, plus instructions for use and where to buy more supplies
Ample off-road parking and room for a small boat/canoe
Rear garden with lawn area and a decked area with furniture to the front
Sorry, no pets and no smoking
Pub and shop within 0.25 miles
Please note: This property now has an upstairs cloak room with WC and wash basin.

The property

Resting within striking distance of the River Dart, in the picturesque village of Stoke Gabriel, South Hams, is this quaint retreat, Hilltop.

This cottage is set amidst a leafy garden next to the owner’s home, offering a tranquil base for a family seeking to explore all of the delights that this corner of South Devon has to offer.

After soaking up the surrounding views from the garden area, be welcomed into the spacious kitchen, where the designated chef of the group will find all the essentials required to whip a home-cooked breakfast or dinner, including an electric oven, ceramic hob and microwave, in addition to a dishwasher and a washing machine for those longer breaks.

The charm of the property is highlighted within the sitting/dining room, where the large bay window filters in natural light into the space and offers views of the garden to enjoy whilst curled up on the plush sofas.

In here, you can choose to tuck into your home-cooked meals upon the formal dining table or tune into the TV to unwind after an action-packed day.

As the evening draws to a close, venture up the staircase to find two well-presented bedrooms, each boasting a refreshing colour palette, carefully selected furnishing and ample storage to house your holiday essentials.

Here, you will find a spacious double bedroom and a quaint twin bedroom, ensuring a flexible sleeping arrangement to suit the needs of your group.

If you are visiting during the summer months, enjoy a spot of alfresco dining on the front decked area or roam the large lawn area to the rear of the property before heading out for the day.

If you can tear yourself away from this delightful base, a short stroll will bring you to a selection of two pubs for a special treat one evening, whilst The River Shack offers light refreshments for those walking along the River Dart, where you will also find opportunities for crabbing.

Further afield attractions include over 20 beaches which line the Torbay coast with some breath-taking views and opportunities for swimming and diving to be enjoyed.

The nearby market town of Totnes situated in South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is lined with interesting shops, tea rooms, restaurants and a weekly Elizabethan market, offering local produce and unique finds.

Alternatively, head to the seaside town of Paignton where you will find a zoo or slightly further is Torquay where you will be welcomed by a larger selection of amenities and attractions to suit all ages and tastes.

Hilltop is a refreshing getaway that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

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About the location

STOKE GABRIEL

Paignton 4.0 miles; Brixham 6.5 miles; Kingswear 8.9 miles

Positioned alongside a picturesque creek of the River Dart in South Devon, Stoke Gabriel is a delightful unspoiled village, a firm favourite for many visitors who come for its beautiful tranquil riverside setting. You need not venture far from the village, with a village pub, children’s play park, an apple orchard, restaurants, tea rooms and local stores. The River Shack beach café provides refreshments on the quay, a popular spot for the local pastime ‘crabbing’. Ideally placed for exploring South Devon and the South Hams, with Kingswear, Dartmouth and Brixham all within easy reach and the magnificent Torbay beaches on the doorstep.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“A lovely cosy place to stay for a Winter break: the heating was on for our arrival, Christmas tree lights twinkling.”

“All Good”

“The cottage was very comfortable, it had everything we needed.”

“Generally the property was very good, clean and in an excellent location to visit all the main places in South Devon.”

“Very comfortable and well maintained cottage with excellent outdoor space and easily understandable instructions for cooking appliances.”

“Second time we have stayed at Hilltop and was just as wonderful as the first time.”

“Excellent position above the town, easy to find and the cottage had a cosy feeling.”

“We couldn’t be any happier with our stay at Hilltop.”

“Lovely comfortable place to stay and beautifully equipped, will definitely be back”

“Really cosy stay with lovely log burner and an overall bright space especially with the terrible weather we had.”

“Heated towel rail in shower room not working hoover blocked had to clean it ...”

“The house is beautifully situated in the edge of a tranquil south Devon village.”

“This is a lovely holiday cottage and exceptional value for money.”

“Lovely house in a quiet area, nice outside terrace to sit in an evening, only downside very steep hill in and out of village and no street lights.”

“We found the doorstep a bit tricky as it was steep.”

“We had a lovely week in this cottage it was cosy and had every facility and more.”

“We had a wonderful stay at Hilltop.”

“A lovely welcome and an excellent property.”

“Our Hilltop stay was certainly peaceful.”

“We really enjoyed our stay at Hilltop, with lovely views over the surrounding countryside.”

“We found it very comfortable and lovely setting.”

“This was our second year at Hilltop and we really enjoyed it again and have booked for next year.”

“Immaculately clean and very comfortable accommodation with attractive private garden, all set within a beautiful village.”

“The description of this property states: Two bathrooms Upstairs bathroom 1st floor cloakroom Ground floor shower room.”

“Lovely little house, very clean and private.”

“We loved staying at Hilltop.”

“Property was clean, smart and warm.”

“We loved our stay at Hilltop, it’s a light, brightpeaceful house with a lovely view from the front bedroom.”

“A very cosy property in a lovely village.”

“We really enjoyed our stay & would go there again, but the listing is misleading: there are not 2 bathrooms - there is a bathroom & a cloakroom.”

“Hilltop is a really nice house, clean and comfortable.”

“The house was very clean nice touch with the cream tea tea coffee milk orange ...”

“Great house in a lovely area.”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hilltop.”

“We really enjoyed our stay in Hilltop.”

“A great holiday location.”

“This cottage was very comfortable, bright and well-appointed, in a quite lane in Stoke Gabriel.”

“The house is warm, comfortable and very well equipped, in a beautiful, tranquil location.”

“Extremely clean and tidy property.”

“The directions were not very accurate.”

“Hilltop is extremely quiet & private.”

“Lovely house with a great view, really nicely decorated and well kitted out.”

“We had a lovely stay in Hilltop with our 14 month old daughter.”

“Hilltop is a lovely place to stay, quiet, spotlessly clean with really excellent facilities.”

“Owner very Covid-19 aware and we felt safe throughout our stay.”

“We have been holidaying in self-catering accommodation for many years, and Hilltop is definitely one of the best.”

“We thought the owners were very friendly and helpful and their attention to detail was very much appreciated.”

“A lovely 2 bed holiday rental in a beautiful village.”

“Really comfortable and in a lovely location.”

“Lovely house which was very comfortable.”

“A homely feeling to the accommodation.”

“This was a very lovely place to stay.”

“The house was excellent, well appointed and in a great location in a beautiful village.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

STOKE GABRIEL