The view from the patio in front of the cottage, with the River Dart and Dartmouth in the distance and the steam railway running along the bottom of the valley.
The patio is approached through floor to ceiling glass doors and windows.
The lovely sitting-room.
The well-equipped kitchen.
A great spot for a drink or an al fresco meal.
Comfortable sofas.
A cosy sofa in front of the TV.
The large breakfast-bar in the kitchen.
Bedroom 1.
The en suite bathroom for Bedroom 1.
The gorgeous double bedroom also has glazed doors out to the patio.
Bedroom 2 can be made up as a double or twin - here as a double.
The twin bedroom also has an en suite shower-room.
The en suite shower-room  for Bedroom 2.
The family shower-room.
What a view.
The patio.
The sitting-room is remarkably spacious with the well-equipped kitchen at the far end.
Amazing views.
Looking down towards the River Dart.
The outer patio with secure door down to the house.
Loungers outside the bedroom (Bedroom 1).
The secure gate into Heron's Rest.
The approach down to Heron's Rest.
Glimpses of the River Dart.
Steps lead from the car park down to the house.
The stepped path down to the property, shown here in winter, with the glint of the River Dart in the background.

Heron’s Rest

2288

2.1 miles N of Dartmouth / Sleeps 4 (no children under 16)

Book or Reserve Need more time? Reserve any cottage for up to 24 hours before booking

7 Nights from £676

The Cottage is spacious and in a great location with a super view of the River Dart. There are many walks close by and Greenway (NT Property) is a short walk away across fields. The cottage is well equipped with everything you need and there is a vast amount of tourist information in the cottage to help you plan your holiday. There is a pub and good local shop in the village.


Large, open-plan living with a fabulous view. Very peaceful. Be aware that there is a narrow path with 8 or 10 steps down to access the property. We would happily return.


This was a surprisingly spacious cottage, spotlessly clean and tastefully furnished throughout with a lovely view from the terrace. There are many interesting places to visit nearby, together walking routes and beaches at Paignton, Goodrington, etc. all within a short drive.


Lovely property, very spacious, clean and comfortable. The views are stunning. We loved the peace and quiet, just the birds and steam train chugging along. Lots of local walks to enjoy. A really good cream tea at the national trust cafe at Berry head. Highly recommend.


We had the biggest smiles on our faces when we turned up at Heron’s Rest. It was more spacious than we expected and the view was just gorgeous. The house was very clean, amazingly quiet (which we love) and thoughtfully kitted out with very comfortable furnishings and beds.

We had some lovely sunny days when we did some great walks from the house and explored the area. We also had some stormy days and we were so pleased to just chill in the house and watch the rain pounding the bi-fold doors.

Lots to do there and some great places to eat (Pie Street in Totnes, Wheelhouse fish and chips in Dartmouth). We feel thoroughly relaxed after a weeks stay. Thank you!


This is a most spacious and comfortable property in a lovely location. We did not have good weather but still enjoyed the view and location and found Heron's Rest a great place to come home to. There are many good restaurants in Dartmouth; we ate in Andria which was an outstanding experience. Varied and imaginative food, all delicious.


What a wonderful week at this lovely secret hideaway. Certainly hope to return one day and would highly recommend to all. The views are simply amazing along with the peace and quiet. Greenway’s National Trust is just a short walk away along with the ferry and the house was all we had hoped for.


We had a wonderful, relaxing week at Heron’s Rest. The views are spectacular and the accommodation was extremely spacious and comfortable. The week went too quickly!


Fabulous location with lovely views made all the better with beautiful weather.


A superb cottage in a delightful setting, secluded and very private. So restful we did not switch on the TV all week.


This property is in a lovely, peaceful, location, right next to The National Trust's Greenways, which was once the home of Agatha Christie. The views from the property are fantastic, looking out over the River Dart, with the local steam train regularly passing in the valley below. There are numerous walks straight from the door and it also well situated for driving to other local places of interest. The property is furnished to a high standard, being very spacious and comfortable too. We really enjoyed our stay here.


What can we say about this amazing place? We come every year and it never fails to lift our hearts. So comfortable, so peaceful and so very, very beautiful. That view! Wonderful walks on the doorstep. The steam train chuffing away down below. This year we were lucky enough to enjoy a firework display across the water (from the terrace) and the Train of Light having a test run. For us, this is the most wonderful place in the UK. Probably should have kept quiet about it, too late now!


Spacious, warm and well furnished apartment with everything you could wish for.

Reply from Classic Cottages

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, we're delighted to see you enjoyed your stay. Tanya, Customer Support


Wonderful cottage views amazing quiet and restful lots of walks.


The pictures do not do the property justice. The place is stunning, the views, location and the whole place is amazing. We did so many mice things. Went to the model village, across to dartmouth on the car ferry, did the combined steam train from Paignton then boat tour around the river dart, went to greenway which was Agatha Christies house which you can walk to from the property which has the most amazing views.


Herron's Rest is a delight with views to lift anyone's spirit. During our stay the Steam railway added to the experience with several trains each day to punctuate the otherwise serene environment. The cottage has all you could ask for in a self catering property and is the best we have ever experienced. Apart from the very narrow Devon roads all around there is nothing not to like about this property and the surrounding areas.


Heron’s Rest is difficult to fault, well furnished and equipped and in a very beautiful location. We had originally booked for last year but were unable to go because of COVID restrictions and it was well worth the wait, this is one of the best rental properties that we have stayed in. We were incredibly lucky with the weather for the whole of our week’s stay and relaxing on the outside space after a day out was a wonderful way to wind down. Visitors should note that there is a very good park and ride service in Dartmouth which makes spending the day there less stressful as there is no long stay parking in the town. There are two very good National Trust properties nearby, Greenway (on the doorstep) and Coleton Fishacre ( five miles away), these are not to be missed. We have returned home feeling totally relaxed.


I think this was the 14th time we've stayed here. It's our go-to place that is so familiar it feels like our own holiday home - without the upkeep! So very beautiful. So peaceful. So comfortable, well-equipped and airy. That view! Even the air feels softer down there. The pandemic has been a full-on time for me as I've worked in community dementia care all the way through. Being able to escape to this wonderful place has been the thing that helped me keep going. Precious time out with my lovely husband. I hesitate to urge you to go, as I'd much rather keep Heron's Rest a secret - but in the spirit of sharing and caring, book yourself a week. You'll be hooked.


The property is as described: very nicely laid out and decorated, and very comfortable (note, the train track in the photo is further away in reality). The view whether you are inside or out is lovely. We stayed in early December and the hills were attractive even with no leaves. Sadly, due to the pandemic there were no steam trains or direct boat trip to Dartmouth although the Kingswear to Dartmouth ferry had just re-started. Similarly a lot of visitor attractions and pubs were also shut but we found plenty to do. There are very useful walking booklets in the property as well as Netflix, which we weren't expecting. The night sky was lovely and we were lucky enough to see a satellite train. We would love to stay again in a different season when more would be open.

Reply from Classic Cottages

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts following your stay in Devon. It certainly has been a strange year and we're sorry that you didn't get to experience everything that the area has to offer due to Covid restrictions, but we're delighted that you enjoyed the house and the position generally. Hopefully we can welcome you back again in more 'normal' times. Tanya, Customer Support


Beautiful area......have good walking shoes.


What an amazing place. So beautiful, so quiet (except the birdsong naturally) and just a bit other-worldly. We adore this house so much this was our 12th visit and we shall keep coming. We aim to move to Dartmouth very shortly but decided, as we sat on the terrace drinking some very fine wine (Dartmouth Wine Company) that we can't give it up. Why not have a short break across the river? Why not indeed!

Book it. Revel in it. Feed the squirrels.

Reply from Classic Cottages

Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Heron's Rest. We can see how much you love the house and the surrounding area, and feel honoured that you still plan to stay even when you become locals. We'll be delighted to welcome you back - as will the squirrels, we're sure! Tanya, Customer Support


Clean, spacious, well-equipped in a great location and with stunning views but with neighbours behind and above.

Reply from Classic Cottages

We're so pleased that you enjoyed your stay. This really is a wonderful location and the views are breathtaking - did you watch the steam train across in the valley below? There are a couple of other detached neighbours within this lovely little spot, but rest assured that they enjoy the peace and quiet as much as guests at Heron's Rest, ensuring a very tranquil retreat! Tanya, Customer Support


A unique and contemporary property with a stunning outlook. Quiet location and stylish decor. Best appreciated in warm weather.


Very well equipped and presented. Excellent space throughout. Great location with stunning views and walks on the doorstep.


We've had yet another wonderful holiday in this very special home. One look at that incredible view, the first sight of the steam train coming around the bend, the buzzards circling over head, that lovely soft Devon air and above all the peace and quiet is all you need to start relaxing into your holiday.

Comfortable, well equipped and close to so many extraordinary places and walks. We'll be back (again) but keep quiet about Heron's Rest won't you. We need to keep this beauty to ourselves.


A fabulous cottage in a fabulous location. The cottage was immaculate and is the best equipped that we’ve ever stayed in. Very spacious and nicely furnished and decorated, it has a very welcoming feel. Fantastic views across the Dart and the railway viaduct, such a peaceful place. We were able to leave the car as the cottage is very close to walking trails and is a 10-15min walk to the steam train station at Greenway Halt. We would love to return and definitely recommend Herons Rest. This is the first time we’ve used Classic Cottages and the experience was seamless. Overall, 10/10.


Lovely home from home feeling, beautiful location. Would go back in a heart beat.


'Truly fabulous' 'It felt like being a lottery winner.


Wonderful view and we always rushed to watch the passing steam trains (especially going uphill). For car-free days out, the railway halt for Greenway is only 15 minutes' walk, and the ferry to Dartmouth about 30 minutes


We'd love to recommend this wonderful place to you, but I'm afraid we can't. If you took one look at the fabulous view, wandered around this comfortable, airy and completely unique home, slept in the extraordinarily good bed and woke to the sound of birds, the odd owl and not much else...you'd want to book a holiday there and we just can't allow that. It's our secret. So move along please, nothing to see here. We're sure there are other places with gorgeous walks through ancient forests rich with bluebells in spring and dappled light in summer. Of course you can pop down to Dartmouth and enjoy great food, ferry rides, steam trains (nope they don't chug along charmingly just beneath the terrace.) and general jaw-dropping prettiness, you can do that in your own time. So hands off this wonderful place, it's ours, all ours. Find your own little slice of heaven.


Spendid property, astonishing view, an oasis in a frantic world!


We had a lovely week at Heron's Rest, the views over the River Dart and the heritage steam railway line are excellent.


Amazing location and fabulous accommodation, it is always hard to leave!


This property is exceptional. The terrace affords the most stunning views. Even on a cold sunny day it is a pleasure to wrap up in a blanket, sit on the terrace and soak up the view and wildlife . And in the night time do the same but look at the stars and listen to the owls. You may be lucky and have a Tawny owl fly right over your heads. If you don't want to get in your car there are beautiful walks from the door. The amazingly comfortable beds and quiet location mean that you will have the best nights sleep ever. Absolutely fabulous... a dream property.


This is a beautiful cottage which more than lives up to its description and photographs. Even in inclement weather it is cosy and welcoming making it a very comfortable place to stay.


Fantastic property in the most amazing location, very high standard of comfort and fittings. Superb holiday property.


The brochure accurately represents the description of the property.


We have completely fallen in love with this place. The peace, the heart-stopping view, the wonderful walks on your doorstep (we use hardly any petrols once we're here), the birdsong...did we mention the view?

Our advice: take a walk down to Kingswear through the Long Wood (about 4 miles and you'll need sturdy footwear), cross to Dartmouth on the ferry (look out for seals and dolphins) and eat posh scampi at The Dolphin. Take the steam train back to Churston Ferrers (sit in the Devon Belle observation car), catch the bus to Greenway Halt and walk the mile back to Heron's Rest through the Greenway wood. It's a good challenging walk, food is fantastic and you'll have truly experienced the Dart. We do it at least twice each visit. What a blissful place.


Both the house and location are stunning, if you are looking for some true rest and relaxation in a secluded spot Heron's Rest is perfect. Every fitting and furnishing is of the highest quality but still extremely homely, welcoming and more than comfortable We never tired of the view of the viaduct with the steam train gently chugging by, with a backdrop of the tidal estuary whilst relaxing on the terrace.


This is an unusual, spacious and well appointed property effectively built into the side of a hill having unsurpassed views across the valley to the river Dart.

A south facing patio gave sunshine for most of the day, greatly enhancing the feeling of comfort and tranquility. All in all an excellent week's stay.


delightful location! very spacious living room and kitchen.


Wonderful place in wonderful location.


We did enjoy our stay. Lovely well-equipped property, excellent peaceful location and beautiful views. Would recommend.


Want somewhere spectacularly beautiful, perfectly quiet and full of home comforts? So do we, which is why we have just made our fifth visit to Heron's Rest. The view alone is worth the trip. There's so much to do, whatever the season or the weather. We always go in November and take our time over the gorgeous walks (we recommend Long Wood into Kingswear and taking the steam train back to Greenway Halt), shopping for food in Totnes, lazy lunches in Dartmouth (try the Dolphin for great food and atmos) and just taking in the view from the huge sofa. The perfect holiday in the perfect place...just don't tell anyone else, it can be our little secret.

Reply from Classic Cottages

Thanks for your review of Heron's Rest. We're delighted to see that you've become such a regular visitor to the property! You've obviously got a good knowledge of the area and what's good to do there - don't forget that you can also use our sister Web site www.classicguide.co.uk to suggest places to visit and activities available, as well as giving your thoughts on existing entries. Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts. Tanya, Customer Support


What a lovely quite retreat with good views on the river Dart. Waking up to a difference view each morning was lovely. Good walk from the property to Kingswear then back by river boat to Greenway followed by a short walk back to the property with a view of the whole of the River Dart. The property is well equipment for all your needs. Belonging to National Trust and English Heritage there was plenty to see in the area. We had a week in October and we were very lucky with the weather. Would like to return to Heron's Rest for another holiday at a difference time of the year and for a longer time.


Excellent position and very comfortable. Everything provided for.


Good or bad, we publish all the reviews left by the guests who have stayed in this cottage, with the few exceptions stated in our Review Guidelines.