Holset House near Salcombe and East Prawle, sleeps 12, large holiday home
Views and a sense of grandeur at Holset House
Large, modern and well equipped kitchen at Holset House
The formal dining room at Holset House
The Spacious master suite at Holset House
The atrium at Holset House
The lounge room at Holset House
An open fire and piano at Holset House
The breakfast table in the kitchen at Holset House
The large aga at Holset House
The kitchen at Holset House
cooking meals at Holset House
 views are fabulous at Holset House
The large formal dining room at Holset House
Spectacular views at Holset House
The snug at Holset House
Reading table at Holset House
The snug offers a little bolthole at Holset House
open fire at Holset House

Holset House

East Prawle

Toad Hall Cottages logo

Sleeps 12 | 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Multiple living spaces | Large gardens | Beach nearby

Overview of Holset House

Holset House is an impressive large holiday home in the peaceful hamlet of Holset, high above East Portlemouth and the Salcombe Estuary. Sleeping up to 12 guests, it combines the space and character of a substantial country house with beaches, coastal walks and the passenger ferry to Salcombe all close by.

The setting is a major reason to choose the property. The house stands in open South Devon countryside with far-reaching views towards Dartmoor, while the sandy beaches around East Portlemouth are just over half a mile away. From the village, the foot ferry crosses the estuary to Salcombe, so days can easily combine swimming and coast walks with shopping, lunch or an evening across the water. East Prawle and West Prawle are close by and you can view more large cottages around East Prawle here.

Inside, Holset House has the generous proportions that larger groups appreciate. The main lounge opens onto the terrace and gardens, the formal dining room seats all 12 guests and the large kitchen has room for relaxed breakfasts and informal meals. A separate snug and study give adults quieter places to retreat, while the children's den provides younger guests with their own space.

The gardens add another strong reason to book. Wide lawns surround the house, with room for children to play and a terrace for long lunches, barbecues and evening drinks overlooking the countryside.

For families and friends looking for a large holiday home that feels peaceful and rural without being cut off from the coast, Holset House offers an excellent balance. Beaches, the South West Coast Path, Salcombe and some of the most beautiful scenery in the South Hams are all within easy reach.

Holset House at a Glance

Feature Details
Sleeps 12
Bedrooms 5
Additional Sleeping King-size sofa bed
Bathrooms 3
Dogs By prior arrangement
Parking Approximately 5 cars
Living Spaces Lounge, snug, study and children's den
Garden Large lawns and terrace
Dining Formal table seating 12
Beaches Just over half a mile
East Portlemouth Less than 1 mile
WiFi Yes

Who is Holset House Best For?

Holset House works particularly well for multi-generational families because there is far more to the accommodation than one large lounge and dining room.

Adults can gather around the fire in the main lounge or enjoy the snug, children have their own den and the study gives another part of the group somewhere quieter to read or work.

The bedroom arrangement also suits several couples and families sharing, while the large gardens make the property particularly appealing when children want space to play.

Walkers, beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts are also extremely well placed, with East Portlemouth, the coast path and access to the Salcombe Estuary all close by.

Why is Holset House a Great Large Holiday Home?

  • Hilltop setting with far-reaching countryside views
  • Beaches just over half a mile away
  • Five bedrooms plus additional sofa-bed accommodation
  • Formal dining room seating all 12 guests
  • Several separate living areas
  • Children's den with table football nearby
  • Large gardens and terrace
  • Easy access to Salcombe by passenger ferry

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does Holset House sleep?

Holset House sleeps up to 12 guests. There are five permanent bedrooms plus a king-size sofa bed in the ground-floor study.

How close is Holset House to the beach?

The sandy beaches around East Portlemouth are just over half a mile from the property.

Can you get to Salcombe without driving?

Yes. East Portlemouth is less than a mile away and a passenger ferry crosses the Salcombe Estuary to the town.

Is Holset House dog friendly?

The owners may accept a well-behaved dog by prior arrangement, so this should be confirmed before booking.

Does Holset House have plenty of space for children?

Yes. There are extensive lawns, swings and a slide outside, plus a children's den and table football indoors.

Is there parking for a large group?

Yes. There is ample private parking, with space for approximately five cars.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms at Holset House

Holset House has five bedrooms on the first floor, with a mixture of super king, king and twin accommodation.

A ground-floor study contains a king-size sofa bed, allowing the house to accommodate up to 12 guests when required.

Group Accommodation Layout

Room Sleeping Arrangement Bathroom
Master Bedroom 6ft super king-size bed Ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 2 5ft king-size bed Family bathroom nearby
Bedroom 3 5ft king-size bed Family bathroom nearby
Bedroom 4 Two 3ft single beds Family bathroom nearby
Bedroom 5 Two 3ft single beds Family bathroom nearby
Study King-size sofa bed Ground-floor shower room nearby

The master suite is particularly spacious and enjoys far-reaching countryside views. Its private bathroom has both a bath and a separate shower.

Bedrooms 4 and 5 are linked by an internal door, which can be especially useful for parents with children or a family wanting adjoining rooms.

How does the layout work for a group of 12?

The three main double bedrooms work well for couples, while the two twin rooms provide four separate beds for children, teenagers or friends.

The study can be converted into a sixth sleeping space using its king-size sofa bed, with a shower room on the same floor.

Families may find the two interconnecting twin bedrooms especially useful, while grandparents or another couple can take one of the larger double rooms away from the children's rooms.

Bathroom Layout

Holset House has three main bathrooms or shower rooms.

  • Ensuite bathroom to the master bedroom with bath and separate shower
  • First-floor family bathroom with bath and hand-held shower
  • Ground-floor shower room with WC and basin

The ground-floor shower room is convenient for guests using the sofa bed in the study as well as after beach days and coastal walks.

    Facilities & Information at Holset House

    Holset House has been arranged around the needs of a larger group, with generous spaces for both formal meals and relaxed family time.

    The large kitchen is equipped with an electric Aga, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher. A breakfast table seats ten, making it a natural place for morning coffee and informal meals.

    For evenings and special occasions, the separate dining room has a large table seating 12. The main lounge offers sofas, television, stereo system and an open fire, with doors leading directly onto the gardens and terrace.

    A snug provides another comfortable sitting area, while the study doubles as occasional sleeping accommodation. The side entrance hall has table football, and stairs lead up to a children's den.

    A utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer helps with longer family stays.

    Facilities

    Category Facilities
    Kitchen Electric Aga, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher
    Informal Dining Kitchen table seating 10
    Formal Dining Separate dining room seating 12
    Living Main lounge, snug and study
    Children Children's den, table football, swings and slide
    Laundry Washing machine and tumble dryer
    Outdoor Large lawns, terrace, furniture and gas barbecue
    Parking Private parking for approximately 5 cars
    Connectivity WiFi

    Important Information

    Information Details
    Maximum Occupancy 12
    Bedrooms 5 plus study sofa bed
    Bathrooms 3
    Dogs By prior arrangement
    Parking Approximately 5 cars
    Beaches Just over half a mile
    East Portlemouth Less than 1 mile
    Ferry Passenger ferry to Salcombe
    Garden Large surrounding lawns
    Check-in 4pm
    Check-out 10am

Location & Things to Do Near Holset House

Holset House sits above East Portlemouth on the quieter eastern side of the Salcombe Estuary, an excellent position for groups who want beaches and coastal scenery without staying in the centre of a busy resort.

East Portlemouth has a string of sandy beaches along the estuary, including Mill Bay, Small's Cove and Fisherman's Cove. Their sheltered position makes them popular for family beach days, swimming and paddleboarding, with wonderful views across the water towards Salcombe.

The passenger ferry is one of the great advantages of staying here. It runs between East Portlemouth and Salcombe, allowing guests to cross the estuary for independent shops, cafés, restaurants and the lively harbour without driving around the head of the creek.

Walkers can join the South West Coast Path and head towards Gara Rock, where the coastline becomes increasingly dramatic. The route continues through beautiful cliff and countryside scenery, with quiet coves and views across the English Channel along the way.

Watersports are another major attraction. Paddleboards and equipment can be hired locally around East Portlemouth, while tidal access at Goodshelter provides another option for launching kayaks and enjoying the calmer waters of the estuary.

South Pool makes an appealing countryside excursion, particularly for lunch at the village pub, while Kingsbridge offers supermarkets, independent shops and restaurants around the head of its own estuary.

Dartmouth is also within reach for a longer day out, with its historic waterfront, castle, boat trips and restaurants providing a contrasting experience to the quieter eastern side of Salcombe.

For groups staying at Holset House, the location makes it easy to alternate between quiet days in the garden, sandy beaches, coastal walking and boat trips across to Salcombe.

Nearby Places

Place Approximate Distance Why Visit
East Portlemouth Less than 1 mile Beaches, ferry and estuary access
Mill Bay Approximately 1 mile Sandy beach and views towards Salcombe
Salcombe Short ferry crossing Harbour, shops, restaurants and sailing
Gara Rock Approximately 1 mile Coastal walks, restaurant and sea views
South West Coast Path Close by Clifftop walking and secluded coves
Goodshelter Short distance Tidal access for kayaking
South Pool Short drive Pretty village and popular pub
Kingsbridge Approximately 30 minutes by car Shops, restaurants and estuary
Dartmouth Approximately 40 minutes by car Historic harbour, castle and boat trips
Park Reviews

We don't have any reviews yet. Why not add the first one?

Holset House Reviews

Have you stayed at Holset House with family or friends? Share your experience and help other guests planning a large group holiday near East Portlemouth and Salcombe.

Other Holiday Homes Nearby

Best For: Family beach holidays, walking breaks, groups of friends, surfing holidays and peaceful South Devon escapes

Sleeps: 8 guests across three bedrooms

Highlights: Ivy Cove below the cottage, Lannacombe Beach minutes away, panoramic sea views, games room with table tennis, log burner and South West Coast Path from the door

1 Ivy Cove is an end-terrace former coastguard cottage in a wonderfully secluded position above Lannacombe Bay. Sleeping eight across three bedrooms, it combines spectacular sea views with direct access towards Ivy Cove, a games room and miles of South Devon coast path almost immediately outside.

  • Beach Nearby
  • Games Room
  • Parking
  • Rural
  • Sea Views
  • Walks From the Door

Best For: Extended family holidays, several families sharing, groups of friends, dog-friendly stays, sailing holidays and South Devon coastal escapes

Sleeps: 16 guests across nine bedrooms

Highlights: Four distinct accommodation areas, nine bedrooms, six-acre waterside setting, 800ft private foreshore, estuary views, dinghies and beaches around one mile away

Goodshelter Barns & The Boathouse is an unusual large group retreat beside a tidal creek of the Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary. Sleeping 16 across Apple Tree, The Love Shack, Windfalls and The Boathouse, it gives several families or generations their own kitchens, living spaces and bedrooms while sharing six acres of grounds, waterside barbecue areas and approximately 800ft of private foreshore.

  • Beach Nearby
  • EV Charging
  • Multiple Living Rooms
  • Parking
  • Pets
  • Pub Nearby
  • Rural
  • Walks From the Door

Best For: Family gatherings, multi-generational holidays, seaside breaks, walkers and groups wanting a beachfront location

Sleeps: 12 guests, with a maximum of 8 adults plus 4 children

Highlights: Beachfront setting, panoramic Start Bay views, four ensuite bedrooms, wraparound balcony, enclosed garden and South West Coast Path on the doorstep

The Crab Pot is a large beachfront holiday home in the fishing village of Beesands, with panoramic views across Start Bay. Sleeping up to 12 guests, its unusual family-bedroom layout works particularly well for groups with children, while the beach, village pub and seafood restaurant are all within easy walking distance.

  • Beach Nearby
  • EV Charging
  • Parking
  • Pets
  • Pub Nearby
  • Sea Views
  • Walks From the Door