About
RooksNest and the cove are tucked away and nestled within their own private woodland within the cliff-side of Leonards Cove, a stones throw from the sparkling waters of Start Bay. Each provides the perfect romantic homestay for those seeking privacy, total luxury and a pristine environment to rival anywhere on the South coast.
Luxury self-catering chalets
RooksNest and the cove are luxury, super-sized coastal chalets offering a stunning and unique escape with unrivalled and uninterrupted sea views. Tucked away and nestled within their own private woodland within the cliff-side of Leonards Cove, a stones throw from the water, each provides the perfect romantic homestay for those seeking privacy, total luxury and a pristine environment to rival the tropics.
Bespoke interiors
Step inside and you'll find imaginative open-plan living that truly brings the outside in with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and ocean views. Comfort is the name of the game, with sumptuous furnishings throughout and lots of little details to make your stay memorable.
Relax outside
Outside, each property has its own a bubbling hot tub, sauna and private sun-drenched deck offering exceptional al fresco living, and both are dog friendly too.
Explore
Should you be able to pull yourself away from your own oasis, there's plenty to see and do nearby, whether it's sampling the finest seafood restaurants in nearby Dartmouth, hiking along coastal paths, swimming at arguably Devon’s finest beach, Blackpool Sands, or exploring the picturesque villages that line the South Hams.
Top Tips
Dartmouth
No visit to the South Hams would be complete without a trip to the enchanting waterside town of Dartmouth. Its sweeping hillside is covered in candy coloured houses that lead down to the banks of the River Dart. A trek up to the top of Jawbone Hill offers abeautiful panoramic vista at the top, but it’s worth taking a day to explore the town itself.
Its ancient narrow streets are home to a myriad of boutique shops, delicatessens and art galleries. Spend an afternoon milling in and out of colourful backstreet galleries (mostly selling affordable art and gifts geared toward tourists) or stroll along the embankment and watch the boats bobbing on the water.
Dartmouth and Totnes
Eclectic Totnes is a great place to browse a good selection of independent and alternative shops. There is a strong eco friendly vibe and weekly market as well as a range of holistic therapies on offer. Also acting as a gateway to Dartmoor National Park, this spectacular and unique landscape consisting of 386 square miles of ancient granite tors, moorland, deep wooded river valleys and abundant wildlife is a must visit for anyone wanting to reconnect with nature in a pristine environment.
Blackpool Sands
Nature’s golden beach, set in an unspoilt, sheltered bay, lapped by clear blue water and surrounded by magnificent evergreens and pines. Blackpool Sands is the ideal family beach to relax, swim or sail. Relax or play, it’s often cited as South Devon’s most beautiful beach.
Blackpool Sands in South Devon is a sheltered, golden crescent of fine shingle, situated on the east-facing coast of the region. Occupying the northern end of Start Bay, Blackpool Sands is well regarded for its outstanding facilities and safe and secure environment. It’s one of South Devon’s most popular family-friendly beaches.
Regularly frequented by outdoor enthusiasts, expect to find the crystal clear waters peppered with swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders. You’re also bound to find the shingle shores covered in a myriad of ramblers navigating the South West Coast Path and eager anglers, hoping to land their dinner. A recipient of the much-coveted Blue Flag Award, this beach has everything you need for a brilliant day out.
Strete Gate Beach
Situated at the northern edge of Slapton Sands, Strete Gate Beach forms part of a three-mile fine shingle bay that is bountiful in its natural beauty with a wide expansive beach, and crystal clear waters. It’s dog-friendly too, and the beach welcomes canines and their companions throughout the year.
At Strete Gate, you’ll find ample parking and public toilets adjacent to the beach, and so whilst the beach may feel secluded in its location, you can enjoy easy access to conveniences at the same time too. In peak season (and sometimes through the winter), refreshments are available from the popular van, Lime Coffee parked by the entrance to the car park – a hive of activity, freshly ground coffee, delicious pastries and homemade cakes. Do note, the northernmost area of Strete Gate Beach is popular with naturists, especially during the summer (for obvious reasons), although don’t be surprised if you spot a few brave nudies enjoying the winter sun! You can easily walk to Strete Gate Beach, and it takes around 30 minutes from the village itself, through beautiful woodland with sea views through the leaves.
Heading south will take you to the central area of Slapton Sands where there is further parking and public conveniences, and at the far southern edge you’ll find Torcross, with its war memorial, popular pub, restaurant and café, villagestores and more.
Sugary Cove Beach
It’s largely hidden by woodland, so it’s easy to miss – especially since there are no signs. Follow the steep rock steps down to this remote shingle beach and see if you can nab one of the three picnic benches. It’s a lovely spot to picnic in the sun or take a dip in the water.
Restaurants
The Seahorse
Dartmouth
This very centrally located, right on the waterfront restaurant in Dartmouth is a real gem, equally popular with locals and tourists alike. Owner Mitch Tonks offers a fantastic set menu ( 3 choices per course) and their own excellent Rose wine giving exceptional value for money. The atmosphere is generated by the friendly head chef supported by a great crew around him. Needs to be booked well in advance but thoroughly recommendable and brilliant seafood cookery. It’s got an open kitchen which adds to the theatre.
It's manna from Devon: From the magically fresh fish to the sublime décor, this corking quayside restaurant might be the best in Britain.
Tom Parker-Bowles
Kendricks, Stoke Fleming
Stoke Fleming
At Kendricks, Stoke Fleming (formerly Radius 7) you can enjoy fresh, local cuisine with stunning channel views. With seasonal menus and a casual dining experience, they serve up sourdough pizzas and classics like fish and chips. Lexi leads the lively front-of-house team, while Executive Chef David crafts vibrant, crowd-pleasing dishes. Visit for fast, fun dining, especially during summer!
The Bull Inn
Totnes
A little bit further afield in Totnes, approx 30 minutes away, is organic pub The Bull Inn. The food is amazing and some beautiful dishes being served throughout the day and evening. The smaller plates are generous and ample if you don’t feel like deciding on a specific main.
Charmingly eclectic and lovingly restored, Geetie Singh-Watson’s first organic ‘inn with rooms’ is an understated feast for the senses – exceptional food and drink, indulgent furnishings and upcycled interiors, all expertly delivered with a relaxed and sociable community-driven vibe.
Anna Turns, The Telegraph
The Angel
Taste of Devon
Where former MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Elly Wentworth presides over an open-kitchen restaurant. For those pushing the boat out, her exceptional cooking is best enjoyed via the signature six-course tasting menu.
The set menu means no foodie FOMO so kick back and relish plate after stunning plate. Standouts include the likes of roast diver-scallops with smoked caviar and Great British Menu dish The Black Penny (chocolate, banana and sesame).
Stay with us
The coastal village of Stoke Fleming lies on the shores of Start Bay just three miles from Dartmouth. Its clifftop position, lying within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides panoramic views over one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK.
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