Sleeps 9 | 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Panoramic Burgh Island views | Beach five minutes' walk away
Overview of St Michaels
St Michaels is a spacious detached holiday home overlooking Bigbury-on-Sea, with panoramic views towards Burgh Island, Bantham Beach and the open sea. Its elevated position provides an outstanding coastal outlook, while the sandy beach is approximately five minutes' walk downhill from the house. Find more Bigbury-on-Sea large holiday cottages in South Devon here.
The property's sea-facing living room is one of its main attractions. Large picture windows frame the waves and Burgh Island, while comfortable sofas and a wood-burning stove create a welcoming place for families to gather. An adjoining relaxation area has a large daybed and bifold doors opening onto the patio, allowing guests to enjoy the sea air and views from inside or outside.
The dining area seats ten, making it convenient for all nine guests to eat together. The adjoining kitchen has a large electric range cooker, breakfast bar and useful cooking facilities, with additional refrigeration and laundry equipment in the utility rooms. This arrangement works particularly well for larger families preparing meals after a day at the beach.
Five bedrooms provide flexible accommodation across two floors. Three are downstairs: a sea-view twin, a single and a sea-view double. The two upstairs bedrooms are both doubles with private en-suites, including a master king-size bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. A separate ground-floor shower room serves the downstairs bedrooms.
Outside, the fenced and gated gardens surround the property, with steps leading from the house and terrace down to the lawn. The sea-facing terrace has rattan dining furniture and a charcoal barbecue, providing a memorable setting for outdoor meals overlooking Burgh Island.
St Michaels is also particularly practical for an active coastal holiday. There is space to store surfboards, wetsuits, kayaks and bicycles, while Discovery Surf School operates from nearby Bigbury Beach. The South West Coast Path provides opportunities for walks along the cliffs and around the Avon Estuary.
The beach, nearby café and Burgh Island are within walking distance. Guests can spend the day on the sand, enjoy a drink at the Pilchard Inn or explore the surrounding South Hams coastline before returning to the house for an evening overlooking the water.
St Michaels at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Property type | Detached coastal holiday house |
| Location | Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon |
| Sleeps | 9 |
| Bedrooms | 5: three doubles, one twin and one single |
| Bathrooms | 3, including two en-suites |
| Accommodation layout | Three ground-floor bedrooms and two upstairs |
| Living room | Large lounge with picture windows and sea views |
| Additional seating | Daybed area opening onto terrace |
| Fireplace | Wood-burning stove |
| Dining capacity | 10 |
| Kitchen | Electric range cooker, ceramic hob and dishwasher |
| Views | Burgh Island, Bantham Beach and the sea |
| Garden | Fenced and gated, with lawn and mature planting |
| Outdoor dining | Sea-view terrace with rattan furniture and barbecue |
| Parking | Private driveway for three cars |
| EV charging | Pod Point charger |
| Dogs | Up to 2 |
| Beach | Approximately 5 minutes' walk downhill |
| WiFi | Available |
Who Is St Michaels Best For?
St Michaels is especially well suited to a large family with children of different ages. The five bedrooms provide nine sleeping places, including three conventional double beds, two individual twin beds and a separate single. The sea-facing lounge and terrace give the whole group space to spend time together, while the separate bedrooms allow individuals to enjoy some privacy.
For two families sharing, the bedroom arrangement provides several possibilities. The two upstairs en-suite doubles could accommodate the parents, while children use the ground-floor double, twin and single rooms. The ground-floor accommodation is particularly convenient when families want their children to have separate bedrooms, although younger children may prefer to sleep closer to their parents.
Multi-generational families can allocate the ground-floor double or twin to grandparents, with the upstairs en-suite bedrooms used by parents and other adult relatives. The ground-floor shower room provides convenient facilities for the downstairs bedrooms. However, the entrance involves a step and the garden has stepped access, so guests with specific mobility needs should review the property's access statement.
St Michaels is also an excellent base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Bigbury Beach is close enough for repeated visits during the day, while equipment storage makes it practical to bring surfboards, kayaks or bicycles. The fenced garden and outdoor dining terrace provide further places to relax between coastal outings.
Why Choose St Michaels for a Large Family or Group Holiday?
- Panoramic Burgh Island views: Large lounge windows and the outdoor terrace overlook Burgh Island, Bantham Beach and the waves, creating a memorable setting throughout the year.
- Five minutes from Bigbury Beach: The sandy beach is a short downhill walk away, making surfing, swimming, sandcastle building and coastal walks easy to enjoy.
- Five bedrooms across two floors: Three ground-floor bedrooms and two upstairs en-suite doubles provide flexible accommodation for large families, two households or several generations.
- Spacious sea-facing living accommodation: A comfortable lounge with wood burner, Sonos music system and additional daybed area offers room to relax while enjoying the coastal outlook.
- Fenced garden and outdoor dining: Mature gardens, a lawn and sea-view terrace with rattan furniture and charcoal barbecue provide space for family meals and time outside.
- Practical facilities for coastal holidays: Storage for boards and bikes, laundry facilities, parking for three cars and a Pod Point EV charger are useful when several guests are travelling together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many people can stay at St Michaels?
St Michaels sleeps nine guests across five bedrooms. There is a king-size bedroom, two standard doubles, a twin and a single. The house has three bathrooms, including two en-suites.
2. Is St Michaels suitable for two families sharing?
Yes. The two first-floor en-suite double bedrooms can accommodate the parents, while children use the three ground-floor bedrooms. The dining table seats ten and the lounge provides generous space for everyone to gather.
3. How close is St Michaels to Bigbury Beach?
Bigbury Beach is approximately five minutes' walk downhill from the house. Guests can enjoy the sand, surf school and coastal walking routes without needing to drive.
4. Does St Michaels have sea views?
Yes. The lounge, two ground-floor bedrooms and outdoor terrace enjoy sea views. The outlook includes Burgh Island, Bantham Beach and the surrounding coastline.
5. Are dogs welcome at St Michaels?
Yes. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome, with a charge of £30 per dog per week. Dogs must remain downstairs, stay off the furniture and must not be left unattended in the house.
6. Is there parking and electric vehicle charging?
Yes. St Michaels has a level private driveway accommodating three cars. A Pod Point EV charger is available at £30 per vehicle per week, with guests providing their own compatible charging cable.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms at St Michaels
St Michaels has five bedrooms accommodating nine guests, with three on the ground floor and two upstairs. The layout includes three double bedrooms, a twin and a single, providing a flexible arrangement for large families and groups with children of different ages.
The two upstairs double bedrooms each have a private en-suite. The three downstairs bedrooms share a ground-floor shower room, making it possible for guests sleeping on the lower level to access bathroom facilities without using the stairs.
Group Accommodation Layout
| Bedroom | Sleeping Arrangement | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom 1 – Ground floor | Two 3ft single beds, chest of drawers and sea views | Shared ground-floor shower room |
| Bedroom 2 – Ground floor | Single bed, wardrobe and bedside cabinet | Shared ground-floor shower room |
| Bedroom 3 – Ground floor | 4ft 6in double bed, storage and sea views | Shared ground-floor shower room |
| Bedroom 4 – First floor | 4ft 6in double bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers | Private en-suite shower room |
| Bedroom 5 – First floor | 5ft king-size bed and built-in wardrobes | Private en-suite bathroom with shower over bath |
Bedroom 1: Ground-Floor Twin with Sea Views
The first bedroom has two full-size three-foot single beds, with bedside cabinets and a chest of drawers providing storage.
Its sea-facing position is a particular attraction, allowing guests to enjoy the outlook towards Bigbury-on-Sea from their bedroom.
The twin arrangement makes it suitable for siblings, teenagers or two adult friends who prefer their own beds.
Guests use the nearby ground-floor family shower room, which also serves the double and single bedrooms on the same level.
Bedroom 2: Ground-Floor Single
Bedroom 2 contains one single bed, a wardrobe and bedside cabinet.
This is a useful room for a child or teenager who would appreciate having a bedroom to themselves while staying with a larger family group.
It may also suit an adult travelling alone as part of the party, providing a private sleeping space without needing to share a twin or double.
The bedroom is on the ground floor with access to the shared shower room.
Bedroom 3: Ground-Floor Double with Sea Views
Bedroom 3 has a four-foot-six-inch double bed, tallboy and bedside cabinets.
The room enjoys sea views and is a good choice for a couple or parents who would prefer their bedroom to be on the same level as the principal living accommodation.
It is also practical for grandparents or other relatives who want to avoid using the main staircase to reach their sleeping accommodation.
The ground-floor family shower room provides bathroom facilities for this bedroom.
Bedroom 4: First-Floor Double with En-Suite Shower
The fourth bedroom is situated upstairs and contains a four-foot-six-inch double bed.
A wardrobe and chest of drawers provide clothes storage.
Its private en-suite shower room contains a shower cubicle, washbasin and WC, allowing the occupants to get ready without sharing the downstairs facilities.
This is particularly convenient for a second set of parents or another adult couple holidaying with an extended family.
Bedroom 5: First-Floor King-Size Master with En-Suite Bathroom
The master bedroom contains a five-foot king-size bed, built-in wardrobes and a chest of drawers.
Velux windows bring daylight into the room.
The private en-suite bathroom contains a bath with rainfall shower over, washbasin, WC and heated towel rail.
This is the only bathroom in the property with a bath, making it particularly useful for families with younger children who prefer bathing rather than showering.
The king-size bed and en-suite facilities make this a natural choice for parents or another adult couple.
How Does the Layout Work for a Group of 9?
For two families comprising four adults and five children, the parents can occupy the two first-floor double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite.
Two children could use the ground-floor twin and another child the single bedroom. The remaining two children could share the ground-floor double, provided they are comfortable sleeping together.
This arrangement gives the parents private bathrooms upstairs and the children a separate shower room downstairs. Parents of younger children should consider whether they are comfortable with the children sleeping on a different floor.
For a multi-generational group, grandparents can occupy the sea-view ground-floor double, with other adults using the upstairs king-size and double bedrooms. Children can use the twin and single bedrooms downstairs.
This arrangement is particularly useful because the grandparents' bedroom and shared shower room are both on the ground floor. However, there is a step at the entrance, so individual mobility requirements should still be considered.
For six adults and three children, three couples can use the three double bedrooms. Two children can share the twin, while the third has the single bedroom.
This is one of the most straightforward ways to allocate the accommodation, giving every adult couple a separate bedroom and each child an individual bed.
For nine adult friends, three couples could use the double bedrooms, two individuals could occupy the twin and another could use the single. This gives a conventional bed to every guest, making the layout suitable for mixed groups of couples and friends.
The three bathrooms also help with the practicalities of a full house. Two couples have private en-suites upstairs, while the remaining guests can use the ground-floor shower room.
Bathroom Layout
St Michaels has three bathrooms: two upstairs en-suites and one ground-floor family shower room.
| Bathroom | Facilities | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Family shower room | Shower cubicle, washbasin, heated towel rail and WC | Ground floor |
| Bedroom 4 en-suite | Shower cubicle, washbasin and WC | First floor |
| Master en-suite | Bath with rainfall shower over, washbasin, heated towel rail and WC | First floor |
The ground-floor shower room serves Bedrooms 1, 2 and 3, while Bedrooms 4 and 5 have private bathroom facilities.
The master en-suite bath is useful for younger children, while the two separate shower rooms provide additional convenience when nine people are getting ready for the day.
Facilities & Information at St Michaels
St Michaels combines a spacious sea-facing living area with practical facilities for an active family beach holiday. Its modern kitchen, generous dining space, outdoor terrace and equipment storage are particularly useful for guests planning to spend time swimming, surfing, cycling or exploring the South Devon coast.
Large Sea-Facing Lounge with Picture Windows
The principal lounge has large picture windows overlooking the sea, making the coastal scenery central to the living accommodation.
Comfortable sofas provide seating for relaxing together, while a wood-burning stove creates a welcoming focal point during cooler evenings.
A Smart TV and Blu-ray DVD player provide entertainment, with the Sonos music system allowing guests to enjoy music throughout the house.
The views change with the weather and tides, with waves, surfers and the coastline around Burgh Island visible from the living room.
For families of nine, this is the main place to gather after returning from the beach.
Relaxation Area with Daybed and Patio Doors
The main lounge leads into an additional relaxation area furnished with a large daybed.
Bifold doors open directly onto the patio, creating a strong connection between the indoor living space and the sea-facing terrace.
This is a particularly attractive place to sit with a book or enjoy the views when the weather is warm enough to open the doors.
The daybed area also gives members of the group another place to relax without leaving the main communal accommodation.
It is useful for families with several generations, particularly when some guests want to enjoy the coastal outlook while others watch television.
Dining Area Seating Ten
The dining area has a table seating ten, providing enough room for all nine guests to enjoy meals together.
This is especially useful for two families sharing, as everyone can sit around one table for breakfast, dinner or an evening of board games.
The kitchen and dining spaces connect with the lounge, allowing guests to move between cooking, eating and relaxing.
During warmer weather, the outdoor dining terrace provides another place for meals overlooking the sea.
Well-Equipped Kitchen with Range Cooker
The kitchen has a large electric range cooker with a ceramic hob, providing useful capacity for preparing meals for a full group.
Additional appliances include a microwave, dishwasher and Nespresso coffee machine.
An under-counter fridge is fitted in the kitchen, while a fridge-freezer in the utility room provides additional storage for groceries.
The breakfast bar offers informal seating, making it convenient for lighter meals or sitting together while food is prepared.
These facilities are particularly practical for families planning several days at the beach and wanting to prepare packed lunches or evening meals at the house.
Sonos Music System and Entertainment
A Sonos music system operates throughout the house, allowing guests to enjoy music in different rooms.
The Smart TV provides access to entertainment in the main lounge, while the Blu-ray DVD player offers another option for family film nights.
This is particularly useful when guests want to spend an evening at home after a day surfing, walking or exploring nearby villages.
The wood-burning stove also makes the sitting room appealing during autumn and winter stays.
Sea-View Terrace with Outdoor Dining
The outdoor terrace enjoys wide views towards Bantham Beach and Burgh Island.
It is furnished with a rattan garden dining table and seating, making it a particularly attractive place for meals during warmer weather.
A charcoal barbecue is provided for outdoor cooking.
The terrace is positioned to make the most of the coastal outlook, allowing guests to watch the changing light across the bay.
For families staying together, the combination of indoor dining for ten and a sea-view outdoor dining area provides useful flexibility throughout the holiday.
Fenced and Gated Garden
The garden surrounds the house and has fenced and gated boundaries.
Steps lead down from the property and terrace towards the lawn and mature planted areas.
The lawn provides additional space for spending time outside, while the established planting adds privacy and greenery around the property.
The garden is particularly useful for guests travelling with dogs, although owners should check boundaries carefully before allowing pets outside unattended.
Parents should also supervise younger children when using the steps between the house, terrace and lawn.
Storage for Surfboards, Kayaks and Bicycles
St Michaels is particularly well equipped for an active coastal holiday.
There is ample space for storing surfboards, wetsuits, kayaks and bicycles, allowing guests to bring equipment for different activities.
This is useful for families planning to spend several days on Bigbury Beach or explore the local cycle routes.
The nearby surf school provides lessons and equipment for visitors who want to try surfing without bringing their own boards.
Having dedicated storage also helps keep wet and sandy equipment away from the main lounge and bedrooms.
Utility Rooms and Laundry Facilities
The house has useful utility areas, with additional refrigeration close to the kitchen and a larger utility room containing a washing machine and tumble dryer.
The laundry room also provides a recycling area.
These facilities are particularly convenient for beach holidays, when several guests may need to wash swimwear, towels or clothing.
The additional fridge-freezer makes it easier to cater for nine guests, especially when several households bring their own groceries.
Private Parking for Three Cars
St Michaels has a level private driveway directly in front of the house.
There is parking for three cars, making it convenient for larger family groups arriving in separate vehicles.
This is particularly useful in Bigbury-on-Sea, where parking near the beach can be busy during the summer months.
The property is also within walking distance of the beach, allowing guests to leave their cars parked for much of the holiday.
Pod Point Electric Vehicle Charger
A Pod Point EV charger is installed at the property.
It supports charging using Type 1 and Type 2 cables, which guests must provide.
The charging fee is £30 per car per week.
This facility is convenient for guests travelling in electric vehicles who want to explore the South Hams during their stay.
Heating and Family Equipment
Oil central heating is provided throughout the house.
The lounge has a wood-burning stove, adding warmth and atmosphere during cooler months.
A travel cot, highchair and stair gate are provided for guests travelling with younger children.
WiFi is available, and the property also has a telephone for incoming calls and outgoing emergency calls.
These practical facilities make St Michaels suitable for family holidays throughout the year.
Facilities Table
| Category | Facilities |
|---|---|
| Main lounge | Comfortable sofas and large sea-facing picture windows |
| Fireplace | Wood-burning stove |
| Entertainment | Smart TV and Blu-ray DVD player |
| Music | Sonos sound system throughout the house |
| Additional relaxation area | Large daybed and bifold patio doors |
| Dining | Table seating ten |
| Kitchen | Large electric range cooker with ceramic hob |
| Kitchen appliances | Dishwasher and microwave |
| Coffee facilities | Nespresso coffee machine |
| Breakfast seating | Kitchen breakfast bar |
| Refrigeration | Under-counter fridge and utility-room fridge-freezer |
| Bathrooms | Ground-floor shower and two first-floor en-suites |
| Laundry | Washing machine and tumble dryer |
| Utility facilities | Recycling area |
| Heating | Oil central heating |
| Internet | WiFi |
| Garden | Fenced and gated lawn with mature planting |
| Outdoor dining | Sea-facing terrace with rattan furniture |
| Barbecue | Charcoal barbecue |
| Equipment storage | Surfboards, wetsuits, kayaks and bicycles |
| Parking | Private level driveway for three cars |
| EV charging | Pod Point charging point |
| Family equipment | Travel cot, highchair and stair gate |
| Telephone | Incoming calls and outgoing emergency calls |
Important Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum occupancy | 9 guests |
| Bedrooms | 5 |
| Bed configuration | One king-size, two doubles, one twin and one single |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| En-suites | Bedrooms 4 and 5 |
| Property layout | Two floors |
| Ground-floor bedrooms | Twin, single and double |
| First-floor bedrooms | Double and king-size |
| Ground-floor bathroom | Shower cubicle, basin and WC |
| Master en-suite | Bath with rainfall shower over |
| Entrance | Step up into entrance hallway |
| Garden | Fenced and gated with steps to lawn |
| Dogs | Up to two well-behaved dogs |
| Dog charge | £30 per dog per week |
| Dog arrangements | Downstairs only, off furniture and not left unattended |
| Parking | Three cars on private driveway |
| EV charging | Pod Point charger |
| Charging cables | Guests supply compatible Type 1 or Type 2 cables |
| EV charging charge | £30 per car per week |
| Bed linen | Included |
| Bath towels | Included |
| Heating | Oil central heating included |
| Electricity | Included |
| WiFi | Available |
| Telephone | Incoming calls and outgoing emergency calls |
| Mobile reception | Generally good |
| Family equipment | Travel cot, highchair and stair gate |
| Nearby beach | Approximately five minutes' walk downhill |
| Property code | STMICH |
| Preferred changeover | Thursday |
| Check-in | From 4pm |
| Check-out | By 10am |
| Access statement | Available |
Location & Things to Do Near St Michaels
St Michaels is situated in Bigbury-on-Sea, overlooking one of South Devon's best-known sandy beaches and the distinctive outline of Burgh Island. The beach is approximately five minutes' walk downhill from the house, making it easy for families to spend time on the sand, enjoy the surf or explore the coastline without taking the car.
Bigbury Beach is popular for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. Discovery Surf School offers lessons and equipment hire, while the beach café provides refreshments and meals. The broad sandy shoreline is especially attractive at low tide, when visitors can walk across the causeway to Burgh Island.
Burgh Island is famous for its Art Deco hotel and connections with Agatha Christie, who drew inspiration from its setting. Visitors can explore the island and enjoy refreshments at the historic Pilchard Inn. When the tide covers the causeway, the distinctive sea tractor provides a memorable way to cross between the island and the mainland when operating.
Across the River Avon estuary, Bantham Beach is another excellent destination for families, offering surfing, sandy shores and scenic coastal walks. The South West Coast Path runs through the surrounding area, with routes towards Challaborough, Ayrmer Cove and the wider South Hams coastline.
For a meal away from the beach, The Pickwick Inn at St Ann's Chapel is a popular local pub, while The Oyster Shack near the Avon Estuary specialises in seafood.
Modbury is approximately six miles away and has independent shops, cafés and historic streets. Kingsbridge, around ten miles away, offers supermarkets, restaurants and a picturesque tidal estuary.
Families can also explore the nearby villages of Ringmore, Kingston and Aveton Gifford, where traditional pubs and country walks provide a different experience from the beach.
St Michaels offers the convenience of having the coast within walking distance while providing a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding South Devon countryside.
Nearby Places
| Place | Approximate Distance | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Bigbury-on-Sea Beach | Approximately 5 minutes' walk downhill | Sandy beach, swimming and surfing |
| Discovery Surf School | On Bigbury Beach | Surf lessons and equipment hire |
| Bigbury Beach café | On the seafront | Drinks, snacks and light meals |
| Burgh Island | Walk across causeway at low tide | Island walks, coastal views and historic hotel |
| The Pilchard Inn | Approximately 15 minutes' walk, tide permitting | Historic island pub and refreshments |
| Burgh Island Sea Tractor | Between island and mainland | Distinctive tidal crossing |
| Challaborough Beach | Short walk or drive | Sheltered cove, beach activities and coastal scenery |
| South West Coast Path | Accessible locally | Clifftop walks around Bigbury and the Avon Estuary |
| Ayrmer Cove | Coastal walk | Secluded beach and countryside views |
| Bantham Beach | Short drive via the estuary crossing roads | Surfing, sand and coastal walks |
| Ringmore | Short drive | Traditional village and countryside walks |
| The Journey's End Inn | Ringmore | Historic village pub and dining |
| Kingston | Short drive | Rural village and footpaths |
| St Ann's Chapel | Approximately 4 miles | Village shop, post office and pub |
| The Pickwick Inn | St Ann's Chapel | Traditional pub and restaurant |
| The Oyster Shack | Short drive | Seafood dining near the Avon Estuary |
| Modbury | Approximately 6 miles | Independent shops, cafés and historic town centre |
| Aveton Gifford | Short drive | River Avon estuary and countryside walks |
| Kingsbridge | Approximately 10 miles | Supermarkets, restaurants and waterside attractions |
Park Reviews
We don't have any reviews yet. Why not add the first one?
St Michaels Reviews
Have you stayed at St Michaels in Bigbury-on-Sea with family or friends? Share your experience to help other guests planning a large family holiday or group getaway overlooking Burgh Island and the South Devon coast.
