Sleeps 8 | 4 bedrooms | Sea views | South-facing clifftop terrace | Two sitting rooms | Table football

Overview of The White House

The White House occupies an exceptional position on a promontory above Torcross, overlooking the sweeping coastline of Start Bay. The property has belonged to the same family since 1927 and retains much of its original character, with period detailing, slate floors and substantial windows framing the surrounding scenery.

The outlook is one of the main reasons to stay here. To the south, the house looks across a secluded cove towards the rugged coastline and Start Point Lighthouse. From the other side, guests can see Torcross village, the long sweep of Slapton Sands and the freshwater lake at Slapton Ley Nature Reserve. See more large holiday homes for group holidays in Slapton here.

The principal lounge has comfortable sofas, armchairs and a wood-burning stove, with French doors opening directly onto the south-facing terrace. A second sitting room provides a more informal space with television and DVD player, while a small games room has table football.

The spacious kitchen diner is another important part of the accommodation. Its contemporary design sits comfortably alongside the older features of the house, with a dining table seating eight and French doors opening onto the terrace. This allows everyone to eat together while enjoying the coastal setting.

Four bedrooms occupy the first floor, comprising two doubles, a flexible super-king/twin and a smaller twin. The family bathroom has both a roll-top bath and a separate shower, while an additional walk-in shower is situated downstairs in the utility area.

Outside, the south-facing terrace is furnished for meals and relaxing, with uninterrupted views over the beach below. An enclosed front terrace overlooks Torcross and Start Bay.

Three sets of steps immediately outside the property lead towards the village and secluded cove. The South West Coast Path passes the entrance, making The White House particularly convenient for families who enjoy coastal walking.

The White House at a Glance

Who Is The White House Best For?

The White House is particularly suitable for families who want to spend time together in a coastal setting while having separate spaces for different activities. The main lounge, television snug and games room mean children and adults can enjoy their own activities, while the kitchen diner provides a comfortable place for all eight guests to gather.

For two families sharing, the five-foot king-size bedroom and standard double could accommodate the parents. The other four guests could use the flexible super-king room as twins and the smaller twin bedroom. However, Bedroom 3 has two 2ft 6in beds, so it is best allocated to children or guests comfortable using narrower beds.

Multi-generational families may appreciate the generous communal accommodation and the opportunity to enjoy sea views without leaving the property. However, all bedrooms are upstairs and the paths to the village and beach involve steep steps. The property is therefore best suited to guests comfortable with stairs and changes in level.

Groups of friends can also enjoy the house, particularly where two couples and four individuals are travelling together. The zip-and-link bedroom provides flexibility, while the two sitting rooms allow guests to relax separately. Its location is especially appealing for those interested in photography, coastal walking and watching the changing sea conditions.

Why Choose The White House for a Large Family or Group Holiday?

• Spectacular clifftop position: The house overlooks a secluded cove, Start Bay and the coastline towards Start Point Lighthouse, with sea views from the principal living rooms and bedrooms.
• South-facing terrace overlooking the sea: A spacious gravelled terrace with teak dining furniture provides an exceptional setting for outdoor meals and relaxing together.
• Two sitting rooms and a games area: The main lounge, separate television snug and table football room offer different spaces for adults and children.
• Flexible four-bedroom accommodation: Two conventional double bedrooms, a super-king that can be arranged as twins and a smaller twin provide useful options for family groups.
• Contemporary kitchen diner: A spacious dining area seating eight opens directly onto the terrace, making family meals a central part of the holiday.
• Coastal walks from the doorstep: The South West Coast Path passes the property entrance, while steps lead down to Torcross village and a secluded beach below the house.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many people can stay at The White House?

The White House sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. There is a king-size bedroom, a standard double, a super-king that can be arranged as twins and a smaller twin containing two 2ft 6in beds.

2. Is The White House suitable for two families sharing?

Yes. The two conventional double bedrooms can accommodate the parents, while the flexible super-king/twin and smaller twin provide four separate beds for children. The house also has two sitting rooms and a table football area.

3. Does The White House have sea views?

Yes. The house stands on a promontory above Torcross, with views across Start Bay towards Start Point Lighthouse. The south-facing terrace overlooks a secluded cove, while other rooms look towards Slapton Ley and the village.

4. Can guests walk directly to the beach?

Yes. Steps outside the property lead down to a small secluded cove, with other routes descending into Torcross village. Torcross Beach is approximately a quarter of a mile away.

5. Are dogs allowed at The White House?

Yes. One well-behaved dog is welcome, with a charge of £30 per week. Dogs must remain downstairs and are not permitted on the furniture.

6. Can The White House accommodate more than eight guests?

The adjoining studio apartment, Limpet, can be booked separately alongside The White House, increasing the combined accommodation capacity to ten guests. Availability and booking arrangements should be confirmed for both properties.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms at The White House

The White House has four bedrooms on the first floor, with a combination of double and twin sleeping arrangements. Two rooms have conventional double beds, one contains a six-foot zip-and-link bed that can be separated into singles and the fourth has two narrower single beds.

The main family bathroom is upstairs, while an additional walk-in shower is located downstairs beside the utility area. Separate WC facilities are provided on both floors.

This arrangement works particularly well for families with children, although Bedroom 3's narrower beds are worth considering when allocating rooms to adults.

Group Accommodation Layout

Bedroom 1: First-Floor King-Size with Sea Views

Bedroom 1 contains a five-foot king-size bed, television and window seat overlooking the sea.

The coastal outlook makes this a particularly attractive bedroom for parents, grandparents or another couple sharing the property.

Guests use the first-floor family bathroom, which has a roll-top bath and separate shower. This is also one of the two bedrooms prepared as standard for qualifying reduced-occupancy bookings.

Bedroom 2: First-Floor Super-King or Twin

Bedroom 2 contains a six-foot zip-and-link bed that can be prepared as a super-king or separated into two singles.

This flexibility makes the room useful for a couple, siblings, teenagers or two adult friends who prefer individual beds.

The bed arrangement should be requested when booking. Bedroom 2 is also included in the standard bedroom allocation for smaller parties using the reduced-occupancy discount.

Bedroom 3: First-Floor Twin with Narrower Single Beds

Bedroom 3 contains two individual beds, each measuring two feet six inches wide.

The room provides separate sleeping accommodation for two guests and is particularly useful for younger children.

The narrower beds are an important consideration for older teenagers or adults who may prefer full-size singles. Guests use the shared first-floor family bathroom.

Bedroom 4: First-Floor Double

The fourth bedroom has a four-foot-six-inch double bed and provides accommodation for another couple or two guests comfortable sharing.

It is situated on the first floor alongside the other bedrooms and has access to the shared family bathroom.

This room can also be useful for an older child or teenager who would appreciate a separate bedroom while travelling with an extended family.

How Does the Layout Work for a Group of 8?

For two families comprising four adults and four children, the parents could occupy Bedrooms 1 and 4. Bedroom 2 could be prepared as twins for two children, with the other two using Bedroom 3.

This provides four separate children's beds, although the smaller twin is most suitable for younger guests because of its narrow mattresses.

For a large family containing six adults and two children, the king-size and standard double could accommodate four adults, while another two adults use Bedroom 2 as twins. The children could occupy Bedroom 3.

For a multi-generational holiday, grandparents could use Bedroom 1, parents could occupy Bedroom 4 and children could be allocated to the two remaining rooms. As all four bedrooms are upstairs, everyone needs to be comfortable using the staircase.

A group of eight adults could use the same arrangement, but the two 2ft 6in beds in Bedroom 3 may not be suitable for every guest. The White House is consequently better suited to large families and mixed-age parties than groups of eight adults requiring conventional full-size beds.

The two sitting rooms and table football area offer additional flexibility once everyone is downstairs. Guests can enjoy separate activities while still having enough space to eat together at the kitchen dining table.

Bathroom Layout

The White House provides a first-floor family bathroom, a ground-floor walk-in shower and separate WC facilities.

The upstairs bathroom serves all four bedrooms and provides both a bath and shower.

The additional downstairs shower is especially convenient after beach visits, while the separate cloakrooms help with morning and evening routines when eight guests are sharing.

Facilities & Information at The White House

The White House combines characterful interiors with practical facilities for a group of eight. Its two sitting rooms, table football room and contemporary kitchen diner are complemented by a south-facing terrace overlooking Start Bay.

The property also has a dedicated utility area with a walk-in shower, particularly useful for families returning from the beach.

Main Lounge with Wood-Burning Stove and Terrace Access

The main lounge is designed around its coastal setting, with sofas, armchairs and French doors opening directly onto the south-facing terrace.

A wood-burning stove provides a focal point for evenings during the cooler months.

Entertainment includes a CD/radio and iPod dock, while the room offers space to sit together and enjoy the changing light over Start Bay.

The combination of the fireplace and extensive sea views makes this a comfortable sitting area throughout the year.

Separate Television Snug

A second sitting room provides an informal space away from the main lounge.

The snug has a sofa, beanbag chairs, television and DVD player. It also enjoys views over Torcross and Slapton Ley.

For families sharing, the room is particularly useful when children or teenagers want to watch a film while adults relax in the main lounge.

The separation between the sitting rooms gives groups greater flexibility without needing everyone to occupy the same space.

Table Football Room

A small room off the hallway contains a table football game.

This provides an additional activity for children, teenagers and adults, particularly on days when the weather is less suitable for outdoor activities.

Its position away from the main sitting rooms allows guests to enjoy games without interrupting those reading or relaxing.

The table football room is a distinctive feature for a coastal house of this size.

Spacious Contemporary Kitchen Diner

The kitchen diner has been designed to make family meals convenient, with a dining table seating eight and French doors opening onto the terrace.

Cooking equipment includes a ceramic hob, oven, microwave and fridge-freezer.

A dishwasher is provided, helping with washing up after meals for the full group.

The open connection to the terrace makes it easy to move between indoor dining and sitting outside during warmer weather.

South-Facing Terrace Overlooking Start Bay

The south-facing terrace is one of The White House's most distinctive features.

Its wide gravelled surface is bordered by a low wall topped with slate, with uninterrupted views over the beach and coastline towards Start Point Lighthouse.

A teak garden table, benches and chairs provide space for meals and spending time outside.

The terrace is particularly attractive for watching the changing sea conditions, fishing boats and sunlight moving across Start Bay.

Because the wall is low and the terrace overlooks a steep drop, younger children must be closely supervised. Guests should not stand on the wall or climb over it.

Enclosed Front Terrace

At the front of the property, a separate enclosed terrace overlooks Torcross village and the bay.

This provides another outdoor space with a different outlook from the south-facing terrace.

The front area may be useful for guests who prefer a more sheltered sitting position, while the main terrace offers the uninterrupted views towards Start Point.

Utility Room with Additional Shower

The utility area has a separate outside entrance, making it convenient for guests returning from coastal walks or the beach.

It contains a walk-in shower, washing machine, tumble dryer and traditional butler sink.

These facilities are particularly useful for families with children who spend time swimming, rock pooling or exploring the shoreline.

The additional shower also helps when several guests need to get ready at the same time.

Parking and Family Facilities

The property has designated parking for two large vehicles or three small cars.

This is useful for two families arriving separately, although groups travelling in three larger vehicles should plan accordingly.

Central heating, WiFi, a travel cot and highchair are provided.

An initial basket of logs is included for winter stays, allowing guests to enjoy the wood-burning stove during the colder months.

Facilities Table

Category	Facilities
Main lounge	Sofas, armchairs and French doors to terrace
Fireplace	Wood-burning stove
Additional sitting room	Snug with sofa and beanbag chairs
Entertainment	Television, DVD player, CD/radio and iPod dock
Games room	Table football
Kitchen	Ceramic hob and oven
Refrigeration	Fridge-freezer
Kitchen appliances	Dishwasher and microwave
Dining	Table seating eight
Family bathroom	Roll-top bath and separate shower
Additional shower	Ground-floor utility area
Additional toilets	Ground-floor and first-floor cloakrooms
Laundry	Washing machine and tumble dryer
Utility facilities	Separate outside entrance and butler sink
Heating	Central heating
Internet	WiFi
Main outdoor space	South-facing gravelled terrace
Outdoor dining	Teak garden table, benches and chairs
Front outdoor space	Enclosed terrace overlooking Torcross
Parking	Two large cars or three small cars
Family equipment	Travel cot and highchair

Important Information

Information	Details
Maximum occupancy	8 guests
Bedrooms	4
Bed configuration	King, super-king/twin, small twin and double
Bedroom location	All bedrooms on first floor
Bathrooms	Family bathroom and additional downstairs shower
WC facilities	Family bathroom and two cloakrooms
Dogs	One well-behaved dog
Dog charge	£30 per week
Dog arrangements	Downstairs only and off furniture
Parking	Two large cars or three small cars
Additional parking	Torcross public car park, charges apply
Outdoor space	South-facing terrace and enclosed front terrace
Terrace safety	Low wall and exposed clifftop position
Cove access	Steps outside property leading to beach
Village access	Steps leading downhill to Torcross
Bed linen	Included
Bath towels	Included
Heating and electricity	Included
Firewood	Complimentary initial basket during winter
Travel cot	Provided
Highchair	Provided
WiFi	Included
Reduced occupancy	Available for qualifying off-season bookings
Reduced occupancy bedrooms	Bedrooms 1 and 2 prepared unless alternative arrangements agreed
Adjacent accommodation	Limpet studio, separately bookable for two
Combined capacity with Limpet	10 guests
Access statement	Available
Property code	WHITEH
Preferred changeover	Friday
Check-in	From 3pm
Check-out	By 10am

Location & Things to Do Near The White House

The White House stands above Torcross, at the southern end of Slapton Sands in South Devon. Its position overlooking Start Bay provides views along the coastline towards Start Point Lighthouse, while Slapton Ley Nature Reserve stretches behind the village. The house is exceptionally well placed for exploring this distinctive part of the South Hams on foot.

Immediately below the property is a small secluded cove, reached by steps close to the entrance. Other steps descend into Torcross, where the long shingle beach extends northwards towards Strete Gate. Families can enjoy beach walks, rock pooling where conditions allow and watching fishing boats along the shoreline. The water becomes deep relatively close to the beach, so swimming conditions require particular care.

Slapton Ley is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in South West England and supports a rich variety of birds and other wildlife. The nature reserve provides an alternative to the beach, with opportunities to explore woodland, freshwater habitats and local wildlife.

Torcross also has an important wartime history. The Exercise Tiger Memorial commemorates American servicemen who died during preparations for the D-Day landings. The memorial overlooks the beach where Allied troops rehearsed their operations.

The South West Coast Path passes directly outside The White House, with a particularly enjoyable route south towards Beesands. This fishing village has a shingle beach and places to eat, including Britannia at the Beach and The Cricket Inn.

Continuing south brings walkers towards Hallsands, a historic fishing village largely destroyed by storms in 1917, and the dramatic coastline around Start Point Lighthouse.

For a sandy beach outing, Blackpool Sands is within driving distance and offers a sheltered bay backed by wooded hills. Dartmouth and Kingsbridge provide shops, restaurants and further attractions, while East Portlemouth offers sandy beaches and a passenger ferry to Salcombe.

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