The Hidden House

Tucked on a quiet stretch of Regent Street, The Hidden House draws you in with its period charm and unhurried pace. This three-bedroom property balances space for a full family or group of friends with intimate nooks for two, all wrapped in the soft light of a Devon seaside town.

Original features like high ceilings and sash windows catch the morning sun, while modern touches keep things straightforward and comfortable. Step through the front door into a hallway that leads to a sitting room where worn leather armchairs invite you to sink in with a book or map out the day’s wanderings along the coast path.

The kitchen stands out for its practicality, fitted with a gas hob, electric oven, and a larder fridge that handles the week’s provisions without fuss. Granite worktops bear faint traces of past meals, hinting at evenings spent chopping herbs from the garden or uncorking a bottle after a beach walk.

Upstairs, the main bedroom overlooks the enclosed garden, where established shrubs frame views across the rolling hills towards the estuary.

Two further doubles and a twin room share the landing, each with built-in wardrobes that swallow suitcases whole. Two bathrooms, one en-suite with a rainfall shower, mean no queuing on those rare rainy mornings when everyone fancies a lie-in.

Outside, the garden pulls you back time and again. A paved patio holds a teak table for al fresco breakfasts, shaded by a pergola draped in clematis. Beyond, lawn stretches to a low fence, perfect for children to chase a ball or dogs to sniff out hidden corners. It’s fully fenced, so pets roam free without worry, and a lockable shed stores beach gear or bikes for jaunts to the nearby Warren nature reserve. From here, the town centre lies just a gentle five-minute stroll away, past terraced houses painted in faded pastels.

Dawlish’s rhythm suits stays of any length, whether a brisk weekend to recharge or a full week tracing the South Devon coastline. The house sits within easy reach of the lawn bowls green and the model railway that chugs through the subtropical gardens by the seafront.

Families often base themselves here to explore the black swans gliding along the brook or the rock pools at Coryton Cove, where limpets cling to the granite like stubborn secrets. For those partial to a longer hike, the path from Dawlish to Teignmouth hugs the cliffs, offering glimpses of cargo ships slicing the Channel.

Groups appreciate the flexibility: the twin room converts to a super-king if needed, and the dining table seats eight for shared suppers of local crab or pasties from the bakery down the road. Linens crisp as fresh linen, towels soft from the tumble dryer, and a welcome hamper with Devon cider set the tone for settling in. WiFi covers every corner, though the signal strengthens outdoors on the patio, ideal for streaming a film under the stars.

Feedback from guests points to consistent praise for the thoughtful setup and serene spot. Many note the spotless condition upon arrival, with one group highlighting how the garden became their favourite retreat after days out. Cleanliness and comfort earn frequent mentions, alongside the ease of parking right outside, a rarity in this compact town.

A handful of stays describe it as a reliable pick for repeat visits, especially with children or hounds in tow, though a couple remark on the stairs posing a minor challenge for less mobile folk. Overall, it holds a high score among a solid number of reviews, reflecting reliable hosting and that quiet satisfaction of a place that feels lived-in yet pristine.