Sleeps 8 | 4 bedrooms | Panoramic estuary views | Waterside balcony | Two living rooms | Aga kitchen

Overview of Yew Tree Cottage

Yew Tree Cottage is a historic Jacobean house overlooking the River Yealm in Noss Mayo, with expansive views across the water towards Newton Ferrers. The property retains an unusual combination of traditional craftsmanship, exposed oak timbers and modern facilities, with several rooms positioned to make the most of the estuary. See all of our cottages for large group holidays in Newton Ferrers here.

The spacious main living area has large windows overlooking the river, comfortable sofas and a dining table seating eight. French doors open onto a smaller morning terrace, while a separate snug with a wood-burning stove provides a second sitting room for quieter evenings or different activities.

The country-style kitchen is another distinctive feature, with oak units, a pistachio-coloured Aga, additional cooking appliances and a breakfast table. Doors lead onto a wide decked balcony furnished for outdoor dining, giving guests a place to enjoy meals overlooking the boats and changing tides.

All four bedrooms occupy the first floor. The principal super-king bedroom has a private bathroom, while two further doubles and a twin share the family bathroom. Three bedrooms enjoy estuary views, making the waterfront setting part of the sleeping accommodation as well as the communal rooms.

Noss Mayo's waterfront pubs and village walks are close by, with Newton Ferrers accessible across the tidal creek when conditions permit. The surrounding woodland and South West Coast Path provide opportunities for walking, while nearby beaches include Cellars Beach and Stoke Beach.

Yew Tree Cottage at a Glance

Who is Yew Tree Cottage Best For?

Yew Tree Cottage is particularly suitable for two families sharing, especially where the group includes four adults and four children. The two conventional double bedrooms and the principal super-king give parents a choice of sleeping arrangements, while the twin room offers separate beds for children. However, with only one twin bedroom, two children would need to share another double bed if both families had two children.

For multi-generational holidays, the principal bedroom's en-suite bathroom offers privacy for grandparents or another couple. Parents and children can use the remaining bedrooms and family bathroom. All sleeping accommodation is upstairs, reached by an oak spiral staircase, so the layout requires consideration for anyone with mobility difficulties.

Groups of adult friends can also use the accommodation, particularly where three couples and two individuals are travelling together. The two standard doubles and super-king provide six adult sleeping spaces, with the twin room accommodating the remaining guests.

The separate lounge and snug are especially useful for groups with different interests. Adults can enjoy the river views or prepare meals in the kitchen while children or teenagers use the snug. The balcony provides another communal area, although younger children should be supervised around the elevated outdoor spaces.

Why Choose Yew Tree Cottage for a Large Family or Group Holiday?

- Exceptional estuary position: Large windows and several bedrooms overlook the River Yealm, with views of sailing boats, the tidal creek and Newton Ferrers.

- Spacious waterside balcony: The decked balcony has outdoor dining furniture, allowing guests to eat and spend time overlooking the water.

- Two separate living areas: The main lounge and snug provide flexibility for families and groups wanting different places to sit.

- Distinctive Aga kitchen: The country-style kitchen combines a colourful Aga with additional cooking facilities, breakfast seating and direct balcony access.

- Four conventional bedrooms: Three double bedrooms and a twin accommodate couples, families and mixed-age groups without relying on sofa beds.

- Noss Mayo village location: Waterfront pubs, estuary walks and coastal paths are nearby, with Newton Ferrers across the creek.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many people can stay at Yew Tree Cottage?

Yew Tree Cottage sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms. There is one super-king bedroom, two doubles and a twin, together with two bathrooms and a separate downstairs WC.

2. Is Yew Tree Cottage suitable for two families sharing?

Yes. The three double bedrooms and one twin provide several possible arrangements for two families. However, only two individual single beds are available, so families with four children should consider whether two children are happy sharing a double bed.

3. How many bathrooms are there?

There are two bathrooms upstairs. The principal bedroom has an en-suite with a roll-top bath and rainfall shower, while the family bathroom has a roll-top bath and separate shower. There is also a downstairs cloakroom.

4. Does Yew Tree Cottage have a private balcony overlooking the river?

Yes. A wide decked balcony overlooks the River Yealm and is furnished with outdoor dining furniture. There is also a smaller morning terrace accessed from the lounge.

5. Are dogs allowed at Yew Tree Cottage?

Yes. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome, with a charge of £30 per dog per week. Dogs must remain on the ground floor and are not allowed on furniture.

6. Can guests access the estuary directly from Yew Tree Cottage?

The cottage has a private path descending towards the foreshore, but storm damage has affected access. Guests should confirm whether the path has reopened before planning to use it.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms at Yew Tree Cottage

Yew Tree Cottage has four first-floor bedrooms, accessed by a distinctive oak spiral staircase from the main living area. The sleeping accommodation includes a super-king bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two doubles and a twin.

Three bedrooms overlook the River Yealm, while the principal bedroom and family bathroom both have roll-top baths.

Group Accommodation Layout

Bedroom 1: Super-King with En-Suite and Estuary Views

The principal bedroom has a six-foot super-king-size bed and dual-aspect windows overlooking the River Yealm.

A chaise lounge provides additional seating, while a hanging rail and tallboy offer storage for clothing.

The en-suite bathroom contains a roll-top bath, rainfall shower, washbasin and WC. Its combination of a large double bed and private bathroom makes this a useful choice for parents, grandparents or another adult couple sharing the house.

Bedroom 2: Double with Estuary Views

Bedroom 2 has a four-foot-six-inch double bed, hanging rail and dressing table.

It enjoys views across the estuary and is reached by stepping down from the first-floor hallway.

The room is suitable for a couple or two guests comfortable sharing a double bed. Bathroom facilities are provided by the separate first-floor family bathroom.

Bedroom 3: First-Floor Twin

The third bedroom contains two three-foot single beds, a wardrobe and dressing table.

This is the property's only twin bedroom and is particularly suitable for siblings, teenagers or two adult friends wanting separate beds.

It shares the family bathroom with Bedrooms 2 and 4.

Bedroom 4: Double with Estuary Views

Bedroom 4 has a four-foot-six-inch double bed, hanging rail and wardrobe with shelving.

Its windows overlook the estuary, giving another couple or set of parents a bedroom with river views.

The room uses the shared family bathroom, which has both a bath and a separate shower.

How Does the Layout Work for a Group of 8?

For two families with four adults and four children, the principal super-king and one of the double bedrooms could accommodate the parents. Two children could share the twin room, while the remaining two would need to share another double bedroom.

This works best where two siblings are comfortable sleeping together in a double bed. Families requiring four separate single beds should consider the configuration carefully.

For a multi-generational group, grandparents could occupy the principal bedroom and use its private bathroom. Parents could take one of the other doubles, leaving a double and twin for children or additional relatives. The spiral staircase is an important consideration for older guests, as all bedrooms are upstairs.

For six adults and two children, three couples could use the three double bedrooms, with the two children occupying the twin. This is one of the most straightforward arrangements for a full group of eight.

For eight adults, six could occupy the double bedrooms and the remaining two the twin. The property is suitable for three couples and two individuals, but groups requiring four separate double bedrooms would need a different arrangement.

The cottage has two bathrooms upstairs, with a further WC downstairs. The principal bedroom benefits from private facilities, while the remaining six guests would share the family bathroom.

Bathroom Layout

Yew Tree Cottage has two bathrooms and an additional downstairs cloakroom.

The family bathroom serves Bedrooms 2, 3 and 4. A small step down from the hallway leads into this bathroom.

The downstairs cloakroom is useful when guests are using the main lounge, kitchen, snug or outdoor terrace.

Facilities & Information at Yew Tree Cottage

Yew Tree Cottage has substantial communal accommodation, with its principal rooms arranged around the views of the River Yealm. The main lounge, separate snug, Aga kitchen and outdoor balconies are particularly useful for groups spending time together at the property.

Open-Plan Lounge and Dining with Estuary Views

The spacious main living area has large display windows overlooking the river.

Two sofas and armchairs provide seating, with a Smart TV for entertainment. French doors open onto a smaller terrace that catches the morning sun.

A step leads up into the dining area, where an oak table with benches and chairs accommodates eight guests.

This layout allows the whole party to eat together while enjoying the views across the estuary.

Separate Snug with Wood-Burning Stove

The cottage has a second sitting room furnished with a sofa and armchairs.

A wood-burning stove provides an additional source of warmth, while a television with Amazon Fire TV Stick offers access to streaming applications.

The snug is particularly useful for families with children or teenagers who want to watch something different from the adults using the main lounge.

For a group of eight, having two sitting rooms also provides somewhere quieter to read or relax.

Country Kitchen with Aga

The kitchen retains a country-house character, with oak units, a distinctive pistachio-coloured Aga and breakfast seating.

Additional cooking facilities include a gas hob, electric oven and microwave, making the kitchen practical for preparing meals for eight guests.

An American-style fridge-freezer provides substantial food storage, while a dishwasher helps with clearing up after group meals.

A Nespresso coffee machine is also provided.

The kitchen opens onto the waterside balcony, making it convenient to serve food and drinks outdoors.

Waterside Balcony and Morning Terrace

A wide decked balcony overlooks the River Yealm and has a garden table and chairs for outdoor dining.

From here, guests can watch the changing tides, sailing boats and activity around the creek.

A smaller terrace off the lounge catches the morning sun, providing another place to sit outdoors.

There is also a small side patio suitable for a barbecue, although a barbecue itself is not confirmed as provided.

The property has an outdoor shower for rinsing off after visiting the beach.

Parking and Practical Facilities

An off-road parking bay accommodates up to two medium-sized cars. Additional roadside parking may be available.

Underfloor and gas central heating are provided, together with WiFi and a landline telephone for incoming and local calls.

Mobile reception is generally poor in the village, although WiFi calling may be available on compatible devices and networks.

The cottage's waterside setting includes changes of level, steps and an oak spiral staircase. Guests should also check the current position regarding access to the foreshore, which has been affected by storm damage.

Facilities Table

Category	Facilities
Main lounge	Two sofas, armchairs and Smart TV
Second lounge	Separate snug with seating and television
Fireplace	Wood-burning stove in snug
Dining	Oak table seating eight
Kitchen	Aga, gas hob and electric oven
Refrigeration	American-style fridge-freezer
Kitchen appliances	Dishwasher, microwave and Nespresso coffee machine
Breakfast seating	Kitchen table and benches
Bathrooms	En-suite bathroom and shared family bathroom
Additional WC	Ground-floor cloakroom
Laundry	Washing machine
Heating	Underfloor and gas central heating
Internet	WiFi
Telephone	Landline for local and incoming calls
Main outdoor space	Wide decked waterside balcony
Additional terrace	Small morning terrace off lounge
Side patio	Outdoor space suitable for barbecue use
Outdoor shower	Provided
Parking	Off-road parking for two medium-sized cars

Important Information

Information	Details
Maximum occupancy	8 guests
Bedrooms	4
Bed configuration	One super-king, two doubles and one twin
Bathrooms	2, plus separate WC
Property layout	Two storeys with internal steps
Bedroom access	Oak spiral staircase
Additional steps	Changes of level between rooms and hallway
Dogs	Up to 2 well-behaved dogs
Pet charge	£30 per dog per week
Dog restrictions	Ground floor only, not on furniture
Parking	2 medium-sized cars
Additional parking	Roadside parking may be available
EV charging	Not suitable for charging electric vehicles
Direct foreshore path	Storm-damaged access; confirm current availability
Outdoor safety	Elevated balcony and waterside location
Bed linen	Included
Bath towels	Included
Beach and dog towels	Guests must bring their own
Heating	Underfloor and gas central heating included
WiFi	Available
Mobile reception	Generally poor
Telephone	Landline for incoming and local calls
Reduced occupancy	Discount available for qualifying smaller parties
Discounted bedroom provision	Only two bedrooms prepared as standard
Accessibility	Access statement available; steps and spiral staircase
Property code	YEWNM
Preferred changeover	Friday
Check-in	From 3pm
Check-out	By 10am
Short breaks	Available in low and mid-season

Location & Things to Do Near Yew Tree Cottage

Yew Tree Cottage overlooks the River Yealm in Noss Mayo, one of South Devon's most picturesque waterside villages. The estuary is surrounded by wooded hills, traditional cottages and sailing moorings, with Newton Ferrers directly across the tidal creek. Its position is particularly attractive for families who enjoy walking, boating and exploring the countryside.

Noss Mayo has two popular waterfront pubs, The Ship Inn and The Swan Inn, both within walking distance of the cottage. Across the creek, Newton Ferrers offers a village shop, café and The Dolphin Inn. At low tide, visitors can cross between the villages using the tidal causeway, while seasonal passenger ferry services provide another option.

The surrounding coastline is excellent for walking. The South West Coast Path leads through woodland towards Cellars Beach, a secluded cove with sand, pebbles and rock pools. The route continues around Gara Point, where walkers enjoy views across Wembury Bay towards Plymouth Sound. The National Trust's Revelstoke Drive circular walk provides another rewarding outing, combining wooded paths and open coastal scenery.

For family beach days, Wembury is known for its rock pools and marine wildlife. The Wembury Marine Centre organises activities during school holidays, while the nearby coastline offers opportunities for wildlife watching and exploring tidal habitats.

Mothecombe Beach, approximately four miles away, is another popular choice, with sand exposed at lower tides and access to coastal walking routes. Wonwell Beach, near the mouth of the River Erme, offers a quieter setting.

Plymouth is approximately nine miles away and provides a contrasting day out, with the National Marine Aquarium, historic Barbican, Plymouth Hoe and waterfront restaurants.

For families sharing, Noss Mayo offers a mixture of waterside activities, countryside walking and local pubs, with the additional attraction of returning to the cottage's balcony overlooking the estuary.

Nearby Places