Let’s face it, our holidays aren’t quite what they used to be. We learned quite quickly on our first family staycation that essentially you can’t take a break from raising a baby, you just switch up the scenery!
So, it’s become even more important to us now that the scenery is really, really pretty and therefore worth the upheaval.
Luckily, when we booked a last-minute trip to north Devon we ended up exploring not only a gorgeous part of the English coast but staying in a stylish family home that was almost as comfortable as our own. (In fact, in some respects more so!)
The Salt House Devon is a 3-storey, 3-bedroom town house in the heart of Ilfracombe Harbour that is decked out in just the way I would decorate a home if we owned one this generous.
The teal living room looks out over Fore Street, the foodie strip in Ilfracombe, and has views of the town’s oldest pub. The blush pink bedroom has views of the harbour, including Damien Hirst’s iconic Verity statue, and the generously proportioned kitchen has dual aspect windows showcasing the dramatic cliffs surrounding the harbour.
It’s not just décor and location that this property excels at, it’s the attention to detail from helpful owners Jon and Jo who have literally thought of everything. The kitchen is so well-equipped that in addition to all the basic pots, pans and plates you’d need there’s a whole drawer of children’s crockery and even egg cups with which I enjoyed boiled eggs and soldiers in the morning. Washing powder has been left in the utility, there’s washing up liquid already in the sink and even a fresh bunch of flowers sat in front of the window upon our arrival.
There’s plenty of space to store a boot full of bits and bobs too. When you enter the property on the ground floor there is a huge storage room where we popped our buggy and car seat but there are racks for surfboards if that’s what you came with. There’s also a box of handy beach bits including buckets, spades, a deck chair and blanket.
The next level up has the living room – with 2 couches – generous kitchen/diner, utility and toilet, and on the top floor are the 3 double bedrooms and bathroom with stand-free tub. As it was just us 3, we only used the master bedroom, which has a shower room attached, but there’s room enough here for 6 adults/children to sleep without being on top of each other.
In terms of things to do in the area, don’t miss out on Devonshire Tea at Nelly May’s Parlour on Ilfracombe High Street. Knitted tea cosies, lace tablecloths and friendly service compliment the warm and crumbly scones with clotted cream perfectly.
You’re just a short drive to one of England’s best rated beaches at Woolacombe and surfing hotspot Croyde Bay is a pretty drive away too. While in Croyde we enjoyed brunch at The Stores and another Cream Tea at May Cottage Tea Rooms. (Well, when in Devon!).
We travelled in April when the weather was a mixed bag but it’s easy to imagine how pretty Devon must be in the summer months and this part of the county has scenic coastal walks to keep you busy for weeks. We’d definitely love to come back when our little one is bigger and look forward to pretending the Salt House is home once again.
We booked our stay through booking.com – find up to date prices here. You can also find more info on the Salt House website. Our trip was self-funded. This article contains affiliate links.
