Gitcombe’s exclusive collection of nine 4* and 5* luxury self-catering properties now includes a ‘Retreat’ ideal for those with mobility needs to take accessible holidays.
To mark its recent expansion, owners father and son, Rodney and Peter O’Brien, have partnered with national holiday letting agency cottages.com. The partnership will bring guests from across the UK to their luxurious holiday properties in South Devon, including its newly built Retreat for large gatherings.
The Retreat is a stunning newly built property designed to emulate a restored barn, complementing the quintessentially British feel to the Georgian properties elsewhere on the estate. This latest addition recognises the need for a modern and accessible large property suitable for large parties and fully supportive of those with mobility issues.
Prime location 
Gitcombe’s nine luxurious holiday properties are clustered in a private, south Devon valley, between Dartmouth and Totnes, close to an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.
The “Gitcombe Retreat”, which accommodates eight adults and one infant, has been designed by award-winning architect, Roderick James and is a stylish and modern property in a commanding position on the Gitcombe Estate. Building work began in November 2017 taking ten months to transform the property into a stylish home full of charm and period features. The property has been built with a traditional oak frame design, which is fully glazed two sides and a private hot tub with spectacular far-reaching views across the majestic rolling countryside.
Peter said: “Our vision which began in 2013, was to establish ourselves as a luxurious destination for those looking to explore South Devon. It’s been a real labour of love but we’re thrilled with the expansion and looking forward to tapping into the marketing expertise of cottages.com to encourage even more visitors from across the UK.”
“We were keen to keep our focus on high level luxury, with sleek kitchens, elegant soft furnishings, luxury bathrooms, log fires, private patios, English pared down styling with a contemporary Scandi touch. We’re confident that holidaymakers will continue to appreciate the superior level of detail found in all of our properties.”
The property benefits from modern luxuries with under floor heating throughout the property, designer bathrooms by award-winning Sapphire Spaces and a heat recovery system for the comfort of the guests.
Disabled friendly
One of the most important aspects for the owners when designing the property was to ensure that it catered for customers with mobility difficulties. Assessed by Visit England using the National Accessible Scheme,
the property achieved ratings of Mobility One (older and less agile guests) and Mobility Two (part time wheelchair users).
Access is directly through the main front door into the living area and the ground floor bedroom. There are flush thresholds throughout and the bathroom allows the wheel chair to access the shower and toilet. There is an inset hand rail leading to the shower and grab rails through out and a wheelchair on site for guests to use.
The Retreat has four large bedrooms, accommodating eight guests and additional infants. With a stunning Fired Earth Limestone floor leading into a light, extremely spacious and impressive contemporary oak frame open plan living area, it’s a breath-taking space for special occasions and gatherings, with unspoilt views offering privacy and seclusion at the same time.
Guests have exclusive use of the shared heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna and steam rooms, children’s indoor play area, outdoor hot tub and full size tennis court.
Stunning surroundings
Gitcombe near Totnes is close to a beautiful coastline, stunning beaches and the chic waterside towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe. Totnes has earned a reputation for eccentricity beyond the usual cream tea and antiques shop fare that characterises this part of the world. With its vintage clothing shops, independent shops, boutiques art galleries and interiors shops, over the years it’s attracted a boho crowd from London. Back in 2007 Time magazine tipped Totnes as the capital of New-Age chic.
The Gitcombe Estate
There are nine different self-catering properties at Gitcombe – including the very recent completion of Gitcombe Retreat which provides accessible holidays:
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Gitcombe House 5* sleeps 13 + 3 infants
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Gitcombe Retreat 5* sleeps 8 + 1 infant (provides accessible holidays)
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Garden House 5* sleeps up to 8 + 1 infant
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Maristow Cottage 4* sleeps up to 6 + 1 infant
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Burrator Cottage 4* sleeps up to 6 + 1 infant
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Haytor Cottage 4* sleeps up to 6 + 1 infant
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Coach House 5* sleep 4 + infant
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Yennadon Cottage 4* sleeps 4 + infant
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Meavy Cottage 4* sleeps 4 + infant
Accessible holidays with real luxury
Mark Warnes, Vice President of Property Services at cottages.com said: “This luxurious collection of properties, including the recent addition Gitcombe Retreat, offers an incredible line-up of stunning options for those looking to explore a pristine part of South Devon. The passion and dedication from father and son Rodney and Peter is evident in every property detail, making it a truly beautiful place to stay.”
To book accessible holidays at Gitcombe Retreat (UKC3973), which sleeps eight in four bedrooms and costs from £1,224 for 3 nights, see cottages.com
