The Retreat
South Milton, Devon
Up to 8 guests · 3 bedrooms · 6 beds · 2 bathrooms
Per Night Price Range: £200 - £260
About The Retreat
The Retreat is a stylish coastal cottage in South Milton, just minutes from Salcombe and South Milton Sands—perfect for beach days, coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, and relaxed countryside living in South Devon, with a private garden to unwind after a day by the coast. Hope Cove and Bantham—two of South Devon’s most loved beaches—are also within easy reach.
A recent thoughtful redecoration has enhanced the cottage's luxurious feel while retaining its countryside charm, with updated photos coming in June 2026.
The Retreat is particularly well suited to families, with family-friendly touches including high chairs, travel cot, a treehouse-style bunk bed, and a selection of games and books. The cottage also works beautifully for couples or groups of friends, thanks to its generous living spaces and calm, comfortable bedrooms.
Nestled in a peaceful village and flanked by thatched cottages, the Retreat is an ideal base for exploring South Devon.
South Milton Sands, just a 5-minute drive away, is The Retreat's closest beach. It's a broad sandy beach, ideal for sea swims. In the summer months it's home to the popular Rock Box, where you can enjoy artisan burgers and freshly made pizzas overlooking the sea at sunset.
Another short drive brings you to Salcombe, known for its chic cafés, boutique shops, and beautiful estuary. From here, you can hop on the ferry to discover sheltered coves perfect for younger children, before rounding off the day with fish and chips or dinner at one of the waterside restaurants.
For surfing and bodyboarding, Bantham offers some of the best waves in the area, along with rock pools ideal for exploring.
For those willing to venture a little further on foot, the South West Coast Path rewards you with breathtaking views and a chance to discover secluded coves which you may end up having all to yourselves.
After a day by the coast, return to The Retreat to enjoy a BBQ in the courtyard or relax in the private garden with a drink by the stream. Cosy up in front of the log burner on cooler evenings, before settling in for a restful night with blackout curtains and high-quality linens throughout.
The Space
A comfortable and flexible open-plan living and dining area—perfect for relaxing, eating, and spending time together. Unwind on one of the two generously sized sofas, get cosy in front of the log burner, or gather around the dining table, which comfortably seats eight.
A well-equipped kitchen with everything needed for large family meals, including a spacious Samsung fridge freezer and an additional second fridge. A compact breakfast bar adds a sociable touch to the space.
Country-boutique style bedrooms decorated in restful Farrow & Ball tones with plush carpets throughout. Two double bedrooms (one super king-size, one king-size) feature shaker panelling, while the bunk room’s treehouse-style beds are perfect for younger guests and sturdy enough for adults. The property includes two bathrooms—a family bathroom on the first floor with a bath, overhead shower and WC, plus a downstairs shower room with a second WC.
A charming private garden with a stream running alongside—ideal for relaxing with a drink after a day by the coast. There’s also a herringbone courtyard with a BBQ for outdoor dining.
Well set up for families, with bunk beds, two high chairs, a travel cot and children’s books and games to keep younger guests comfortable and entertained.
Practical Essentials
Street parking directly opposite the cottage, fast WiFi, a dedicated workspace, and a simple self check-in process for a smooth arrival mean your practical needs are also covered.
The Retreat is ideal for families looking for a relaxed coastal escape in South Devon. The calm, peaceful setting of South Milton, combined with the cottage’s comfortable living spaces and private garden, creates a place to truly relax and unwind.
At the same time, you’re just a short drive from South Milton Sands, Salcombe, Bantham and Hope Cove for fun and active days out.
The cottage also works beautifully for couples or groups of friends seeking a quieter base near Salcombe, with sociable living spaces and restful bedrooms.
Perfect for those looking for a relaxed stay close to the coast, with easy access to some of South Devon’s finest beaches and coastal walks.
Please Note: There is a drop at the bottom of the garden to a stream with water up to 1ft deep. Therefore children must always be supervised. The stream is not fenced or gated. Guests are responsible for the safety of their children.
Why you’ll love The Retreat
Work From Home – Office Space
Terrace & Decking
1 Mile from the Beach
Floor Plan
Amenities
Location
• Hope Cove is just a 5-minute drive away and consists of two stunning sandy beaches. The water quality is designated as excellent, so the ideal location for children to splash around. The chocolate box seaside village has lovely places for food including The Cove or The Hope & Anchor.
• Salcombe is just a 5-10 minute drive away, a charming little town on the bank of what is often described as the prettiest harbour in England. Picture-perfect pastel-coloured houses make up a Positano-like scene overlooking water, sandy beaches, and rolling green hills of the surrounding countryside. Salcombe has a uniquely wonderful array of shops ranging from an acclaimed grocer, butcher and baker to art galleries selling serious contemporary works and chic boutiques.
• Bantham is close too, just a 10-15 minute drive away. Nestling deep within the South Hams at the mouth of the River Avon is Bantham Beach. Beautiful scenery with panoramic views over Bigbury Bay and the famous Burgh Island, great for Agatha Christie fans to see. Great for surfing, and if you’re a beginner the Bantham Surfing Academy based there is perfect for lessons.
Reviews
Extremely well-equipped and immaculately kept house. We like to cook and play games, everything we could have wished for was there. Really clean in quiet location with very responsive and nice host. Village residents also super friendly. We had a great time. Would certainly recommend it.
— Anna
Freya’s home was very comfortable and quiet. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook for the family. The check in and out was easy. The kids enjoyed the bunk room. We walked 30 mins to the beach at South Milton Sands which was lovely especially at sunset. The roads are narrow and it can be a little tricky driving around at busy times. Nearby beaches and Salcombe were also lovely.
— Sarah
Such a beautiful property! My friends and I had a lovely week, lots of space for people to chill in and a lovely garden. It was also incredibly well provisioned with everything you could need. A ten minute drive or 30 minute walk gets you to the beach. Couldn’t ask for anything more! The only issue was running out of hot water for showers and we kept having to move the parked cars due to farmers knocking on the door.
— Eirwen
