The Palm House is in Paignton, about a ten-minute walk from Hollicombe beach. It’s one of a line of Victorian houses on a hill. You get the whole garden to yourselves, which is quite big and private. It’s walled in.
It sleeps eight. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms. One bathroom is a wet room off the kitchen, which is handy if you’ve got sand on your feet. The other has a bath. It’s got a 4 Star rating.
The layout is a bit different. The main living room is on the ground floor. There’s also a separate playroom with a big TV and some toys left behind by guests, which the kids seem to like. The kitchen-diner is upstairs on the first floor to get the view. It looks out over the sea. You can fit everyone around the table.
Because of that, the bedrooms are split. Two doubles and a twin are on the ground floor, off the living room. The main kingsize bedroom is upstairs next to the kitchen.
The garden is the main thing. It’s got a trampoline, a little playhouse with a slide, and a sandpit built into an old boat. There’s a deck with some sofas. The trees at the end are oak, so it feels quite sheltered.
You’re a short walk from Preston Sands and Hollicombe Beach. Paignton town centre and the pier are about a 15-minute walk down the hill.
For a day out, Brixham harbour is about ten minutes by car. Torquay is the same. You can get the ferry across to Dartmouth from there. The South West Coast Path is accessible nearby. Dartmoor is about a 30-minute drive.
Facilities: it’s got the washing machine, dishwasher, WiFi, cot and highchair. All bedding and towels are included. No pets, sorry.
Useful links if you’re planning trips: National Trust Devon and South Devon National Landscape.