Fantastic waterfront family home

The Dog Watches is an exceptionally special property that sleeps 8, with spectacular views up and down the Estuary and over to Burgh Island and beyond. Within easy walking distance to Bantham’s beautiful sandy beach, the quay, the pub, the local shop and cafe, making it brilliantly suited to families with children of all ages…and well behaved dogs and grandparents! The space The house sits in a prime location with stunning views of the Avon Estuary, with iconic landmarks like Jenkins Quay and Burgh Island visible from most windows. The courtyard outside has comfortable parking for four cars. The property is full of character being built by the previous owner in a Spanish style. You’ll see evidence of this as soon as you arrive with the marvellous antique front door, terracotta tiling in the hall and the arched windows and doors throughout. To take advantage of the magnificent views, the floors are topsy turvy with the open plan living space on the first floor. The spacious sitting room has lots of comfortable seating, a window seat, log burner, flat screen TV with Sky Plus and Netflix and a cupboard with a collection of games and jigsaws. Off the sitting room is a good sized home office, which overlooks the village street to the right and lovely views up the Estuary to the left. A serene spot for anyone needing a workspace or teenagers studying hard for their exams. A few steps lead up from the sitting room to the bright and airy dining room with a large table seating up to 10. Through the picture window, you'll catch sight of the Ham, a lush grassy area leading to the beach and the vast expanse of the sea, over to Burgh Island, with its famous hotel. Doing the dishes becomes a delightful task thanks to the expansive panorama window in the kitchen, which lies off the dining room. The bright kitchen space has fully fitted units, a terracotta tiled floor and is well equipped with everything you will need for your stay. There are plenty of pots and pans for cooking, two Neff ovens, a gas hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher, toaster and microwave. A glazed door leads out to a small balcony with concrete steps leading down to the garden with an outdoor loo hidden underneath. Just off the entrance hall at the front of the house, is a short passageway leading to the utility room with a butlers sink, washing machine, tumble dryer, and ample hanging space for wet towels after a day at the beach. Outside the hall loo (with a very original Spanish basin), you'll find generous storage for coats and shoes. Connected to the utility room is a staircase revealing a hidden gem: a cozy bunk room, tailor-made for children or teenagers. Though tiny, it offers a snug and quiet haven for its guests. The stairs from the entrance hall leads down to the bedrooms, all of which benefit from the views across the garden to the estuary. Bedroom one has a super kingsize bed with ensuite bathroom. Bedroom two has two singles with a shower room opposite and bedroom three has a super kingsize bed with a bathroom next door. All beds have Emma mattresses and freshly laundered bed linen. There is also another separate loo on this floor. The courtyard at the front of the house provides entry to a games room with a ping pong table for anyone with energy left after a day at the beach, or a rainy day activity. You'll also find a large map on the wall, perfect for plotting out your next scenic stroll. The beautiful garden rolls down to the disused lime kiln, now transformed into a grassy area with battlements encircling its sides. Sitting at the table on the battlements offers an ideal spot for a family meal, watching an epic sunset over Burgh Island with a glass of rosé, or savouring your morning coffee before the kids wake up. Please be aware the drop from the battlements is substantial, so keep a close eye on young children and dogs. Against the back of the house is an outdoor shower with plenty of wall hooks, giving surfers a convenient spot to rinse off and hang their wetsuits. At the end of the garden, the gate opens onto the lane leading down to Coronation Quay, providing access within a two minute walk from the house to sailing, SUPing, swimming, and crabbing adventures. Nestled at the end of the garden, The Cottage has a log burner, making it a perfect space for a cozy drink by the fire during the winter months. It also serves as a retreat from the bustle of the main house, offering a peaceful haven for those seeking some quiet time. Dogs are welcome at The Dog Watches, however, we kindly request that they refrain from lounging on beds and sofas during their stay. Dogs are permitted at Bantham throughout the year, but there are restrictions between 1st May and 30th December. Dogs are not allowed on the main beach. However, there is a large sandy area beside the estuary, otherwise known as River Beach, where your four-legged friend is welcome at all times of year. Explore beautiful dog walks along the Avon River, or venture along the Southwest coastal path towards Thurlestone (0.5 mile) for more breathtaking views. There are no dog restrictions at the Thurlestone beaches. Situation The Dog Watches, constructed in 1982, was designed by the granddaughter of Commander Charles Evans, who established the Bantham Estate in the 1920s. Its rich history places it in the heart of Bantham village, directly facing a row of charming 17th century thatched cottages. The village of Bantham is situated at the mouth of the river Avon in the beautiful South Hams region of Devon, between Bigbury on sea and Thurlstone. This area has an abundance of sheltered estuaries and anchorages, making it ideal for sailing. From the River Avon there are wonderful opportunities for sailing westwards to Newton Ferrers, the Plymouth Sound, Fowey and Falmouth, eastwards to Salcombe, Dartmouth and Torbay and southwards to France and The Channel Islands! Explore stunning walks along the South West Coastal Path and the scenic banks of the River Avon. Bantham boasts a magnificent sandy beach, renowned as one of the top surfing spots on the south Devon coast. Golf enthusiasts will find numerous courses nearby, including the spectacular 18-hole golf links at Thurlestone. In Bantham, you'll find the excellent pub 'The Sloop' and the village shop with cafe. Nearby Thurlestone, just about a mile away, offers a Post Office/general store and a four-star hotel. For additional shopping needs, Kingsbridge is small drive from The Dog Watches. Bantham Beach is 5 mins on foot, Kingsbridge (nearest town) is 20 minutes by car, and Totnes is 40 minutes by car (Trains to London Paddington 2hrs 45mins, Penzance 2hrs 30mins).