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The Bathing House

Ashprington, Devon (Ref. 976200)

4.6★

Helpful Holidays rating

  • 3 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

  • Show on map

Features

  • Swimming pool
  • Off road parking
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

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44 Customer Review(s)

  • Keith

    “The Bathing House is a wonderful, private retreat, set in a tranquil, calming and idyllic location.”

    Helen and the staff at Sharpham House were extremely welcoming and made sure we had an enjoyable stay. The beautiful and historic house itself has everything we could wish for, the highlight being the terrace and bedroom balcony with beautiful views of the River Dart. The river ecology became very familiar to us, with daily sightings of Little Egrets, Cranes, Buzzards, Ducks and Geese, but the special treat were the pair of Seals and the Trout and Bass that leap out of the water when being ...

    Helen and the staff at Sharpham House were extremely welcoming and made sure we had an enjoyable stay. The beautiful and historic house itself has everything we could wish for, the highlight being the terrace and bedroom balcony with beautiful views of the River Dart. The river ecology became very familiar to us, with daily sightings of Little Egrets, Cranes, Buzzards, Ducks and Geese, but the special treat were the pair of Seals and the Trout and Bass that leap out of the water when being chased at feeding time! As well as the lovely walks around the grounds and the tremendous views across the hills and along the River Dart, we thoroughly enjoyed the walking and cycling routes to Totnes and around Dartmouth and to the local pubs in Ashprington and Bow. It's a very special place and we would love to visit again. The only extremely minor issue is that the sealant and grouting around the bath and shower could do with some treatment to clean it up a bit, which is why we scored it down and the terrace dining table would benefit from having an umbrella to create shade when it gets really hot. But these really didn't detract at all from the delightful and memorable week we spent at The Bathing House and we would recommend highly to anyone seeking a calm and restorative break.

    - Keith, July 2025
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Summary

  • Grade 2* listed Georgian Bathing House on Three levels 1 x middle floor king size double bedroom with balcony Bathroom with bath, shower over, WC, basin Ground floor kitchen Utility room with downstairs toilet Second floor sitting room with double sofa bed and wood burning stove.
  • Electric fires, night storage heating with wood burning stove Microwave, fridge, freezer, washer-dryer, Phone, Fuel and power inc. in rent Bed linen and towels inc. in rent Cot and highchair available on request Off road parking for two cars Outdoor unheated pool at Sharpham House available from June to the end of August weather permitting, during daylight hours 9.30am – 4.30pm, will be used by other guests Small private garden overlooking river Sorry, no pets and no smoking. Note: This property has a private water supply which is tested regularly Note: There is no TV or Wifi at this property
  • Note: A new electric shower has now been installed
  • Note: On very high tides (over 5m) and in certain weather conditions the river level can flow over the stone quay which the Bathing House kitchen sits on
  • The Property is not hired out during the highest tides
  • At other times there is a small risk depending on weather conditions that water can enter the kitchen but this is unlikely
  • At high tides flood gates are fitted to the kitchen doors
  • If water enters inform the House Manager and the caretaker will pump it out
  • Access is always available by the front door
  • Note: There are steps down to the property
  • Note: Please do not disturb the tranquillity by playing music outside or loudly
  • Note: The Boat House holiday let is nearby but has its own entrance
  • Note: Property has a Good Housekeeping Bond of £100

The property

This magical Grade II* listed Georgian bathing house sits beside the River Dart down half a mile of bumpy track two miles from Ashprington. Part of the Sharpham Estate designed by Capability Brown, it is very special accommodation in the most romantic secluded setting you could wish for. Head down the steps into the simple country style kitchen with its solid fuel range which looks directly out onto the river Upstairs you will find the charming double bedroom where you can wander out on to the balcony and watch wildlife around the river. Up more stairs again is the magnificent octagonal sitting room with its lofty ceiling, grand plasterwork, a wood burning stove for snuggling up beside, a double sofa bed and windows where you can while away the hours gazing up and down the river and across the wooded banks with the telescope provided. Outside you can wander down steps to the river or sit on your terrace to eat out or maybe try your luck fishing for bass. You may fish off the front of the Bathing House into the estuary.As the estuary is tidal, a licence or ticket is not required as long as you are fishing for sea fish (i.e.spinning for Bass). *In the highly unlikely event that you catch a Sea Trout or Salmon, these must be put back in the water unless you have an EA rod licence for gamefish.* The Sharpham Estate has wonderful walking routes including along the River Dart and there is a cycling and walking route to Totnes and the Dartington Estate. Totnes is an attractive town which has kept its character and boat trips run from Totnes down to Dartmouth at the mouth of the river and round the coast to Torquay. Downriver from Sharpham you can visit Sandridge Barton Vineyard and Dittisham where a passenger ferry crosses the river to Greenway the home of Agatha Christie managed by the National Trust. Should you wish to venture further afield Dartmoor is relatively close and Torquay has attractions including Torre Abbey and Kent’s Cavern Prehistoric Caves, an extraordinary network of ancient limestone chambers. Dartmouth is an attractive town with a castle offering sweeping estuary vistas and a glimpse into the region’s maritime defences, with centuries of history to uncover within its walls. The Bathing House is a remarkable cottage for a very memorable break in beautiful Devon surroundings.

Floorplans

1st FloorGround Floor

Kitchen Hall Utility

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

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About the location

ASHPRINGTON

Totnes 2.9 miles; Paignton 9.9 miles; Dartmouth 10.6; Salcombe 19.1 miles.

Ashprington is a little village that straddles the Bow Creek and lies paces away from the River Dart between Dartmouth, Totnes, and Paignton in Devon. The village dates all the way back to the Doomsday Book of 1086 and houses the impressive Church of St David which was built in the 15th century. Today the village is home to a charming 18th-century pub, The Durant Arms which serves delicious and hearty pub food and a variety of local ales, the perfect setting for date night or just a well-earned break from the kitchen. Venture into the historic market town of Totnes where you can fully immerse yourself in the past at the Norman Totnes Castle which offers breath-taking views across the whole town or Totnes Museum and Archives which is housed in a resorted 16th-century home. Alternatively, experience the wonders of the coast in Dartmouth where you can tour Bayard’s Cove Fort and the riverside Dartmouth Castle ahead of exploring the rocky Sugar Cove Beach. Follow the coast to find the hidden gem of Compass Cove Beach or for idyllic, golden sands head to Blackpool Sands where you can stroll along the sandy shores, take the water on kayaks and paddle boards, or simply admire the beautiful views across the sea. Woodlands Family Theme Park can also be found nearby and provides endless fun for the whole family thanks to its various rides and attractions, indoor and outdoor play areas and even a small zoo! Explore the wonders of Devon from Ashpringston.

Note: The outdoor unheated pool is available from June to the end of August weather permitting,during daylight hours.

Note: Next to the Bathing House is the Boat House which is occasionally occupied. It has a separate entrance and no use of the garden. Guests in the Bathing House should not be disturbed.

FISHING: *You may fish off the front of the Bathing House into the estuary. As the estuary is tidal, a licence or ticket is not required as long as you are fishing for sea fish (i.e. spinning for Bass). *

*In the highly unlikely event that you catch a Sea Trout or Salmon, these must be put back in the water unless you have an EA rod licence for gamefish.*

Note: On very high tides and in certain weather conditions the river level can flow over the stone quay which the Bathing House kitchen sits on. In the past water has entered the kitchen a couple of times a year. The water is usually a few centimetres high and is easily pumped out by the caretaker.
Attempts have been made to waterproof the walls and floodgates have been installed on the three doors.
If a high tide of over 5m is forecast the caretaker will install the simple floodgates beforehand. Guests can either climb over the low gate or use the entrance door in the lounge.
If water should enter the property, inform the House Manager and the caretaker will visit and pump it out.
Guests staying when a high tide is forecast are contacted to warn them.


This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute