The Straight and Narrow
4 guests
-
2 bedrooms, 2 beds
2 bathrooms
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Who could fail to fall in love with this unique home close to the centre of Dartmouth? Everything about it is charming and quirky, with its narrow 17th Century frontage having earned it the nickname 'the skinny house' locally. Set on one of Dartmouth's hillside roads, it also happens to have uninterrupted views over the town, the river and all the way to the sea. With three main floors, guests enter through an ancient door surrounded by exquisite carvings dating back to 1629, when the town was known for its shipbuilding. Originally the entrance and annexe to Mount Galpine House, owned by the notable Holdsworth family, it's recently been modernised and converted into a delightful home away from home. Packed with character, there's also a contemporary feel, with a glossy galley kitchen and comfy modern furniture – there's not a hint of chintz in sight. As you would expect, the rooms are narrow, so a living room on the first floor is home to a long, squashy sofa and all eyes are drawn to the window with its stunning view. But there are a few surprises in store too – like the tiny kitchen courtyard, designed to give light and ventilation, and... the mezzanine bathroom tucked into the rafters of the vaulted master bedroom. But nothing can prepare you for this home's biggest surprise. Newly opened to guests, its beautiful 'secret garden' is located down steep steps on the other side of the narrow road. Built into walls once used as a Second World War gun placement and artillery store, it looks out over the town to defend the river. Along with plenty of natural planting and a courtyard that feels almost magical, there's a wonderful slate-roofed conservatory built against the living wall of rock and moss. Tended by a gardener, it's a hidden gem of outdoor space, with a barbecue for summer evenings.
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Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights
Stay in a quiet spot just a few minutes walk from the centre of Dartmouth
Head out for walks and explore all along the River Dart
Stay in the iconic 17th Century home known locally as 'the skinny house'
Take in far-reaching views across the town and river from your bright living room
Make good use of the 'secret garden' down some steps and featuring a wonderful conservatory
Admire the home's art collection
Fall in love with the home's period features
Climb the stairs in the master bedroom to the mezzanine and second bathroom
Step out of the kitchen and into the quirky stone-walled courtyard
Heat up the grill for summer barbecues in the garden
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
A tall house with a lot of stairs, this home won't suit everyone
There's a private parking space to the front of the house which could fit a large car but the road is quite narrow – there's further unrestricted street parking up the hill on Mount Boone
Dogs are welcome although they will need to be exercised off-site – Coronation Park is a five-minute walk
You'll need to leave the barbecue clean for the next guests if you use it
There's laptop-friendly workspace here
The main bathroom is on the first floor, along with the living room, while both bedrooms are on the second
The secret garden is reached via steep steps – its use is restricted to daylight hours
The gardener may pop in to maintain the garden from time to time
About this stay
Amenities
Desk / workplace
Wi-fi
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Dryer
Garden
TV
Bedrooms & bathrooms
2 bedrooms, 2 beds
2 bathrooms
Local guide
About Dartmouth
A stopping point for the Mayflower on its voyage to the New World, and also reportedly where Queen Elizabeth II fell in love with Prince Philip, this small, picturesque waterfront town overlooking the River Dart has a surprisingly dense history. In the town's narrow, winding streets, a mix of retirees, families, and sailing enthusiasts mingles with tourists, particularly in the summer. Each year during the Regatta, the town's population more...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts
Have a fun day at Woodlands Family Theme Park
Enjoy a day of fun at this amusement park with indoor and outdoor play areas, rides, a zoo, and falconry displays. Perfect for families with young children.
Taste the seafood at Rockfish
Enjoy amazing seafood and impeccable service at this riverside restaurant. A memorable dining experience with stunning views and live music. Highly recommended for seafood lovers.
Enjoy the pub grub at The Floating Bridge
Enjoy classic pub fare made exceptionally well with a cracking view over Dartmouth and quick service. Highly recommended for delicious food, friendly staff, and a warm welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoy a meal with a view at Cafe Alf Resco
Relax and enjoy plentiful portions of delicious British lunch and breakfast food at this cosy and friendly cafe in Dartmouth. The menu is extensive, the service is quick, and the atmosphere is great.
Dine at Bayards Cove Inn
Enjoy tapas, coffee, and delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients in this Tudor inn. The staff's warm and attentive service ensures a memorable dining experience.
Dine at Dartmouth Arms
A charming bar and restaurant bursting with character. Enjoy friendly service and delicious food, including the superb skate and pork belly specials.
Dine at The Cherub Inn
Step into a 14th-century pub and restaurant with period features. Enjoy bar snacks and modern British dishes in a lovely atmosphere.
Explore Bayard's Cove Fort
Step back in time and discover the Tudor fortress of Bayard's Cove. Walk around, go inside, and climb up for a truly unique and fascinating experience. Enjoy scenic views of the river bank and the town built around it.
Take in the beauty of Royal Avenue Gardens
A picturesque park in Dartmouth, offering a variety of trees, plants, and stunning flower arrangements. Sit peacefully, admire the pretty flowers, and enjoy the tranquillity of this historical area.
Explore Dartmouth Museum
A compact gem, encapsulating elements of Dartmouth's rich maritime history with examples of local people and their stories. Discover fragments of important history including the Mayflower and D-day preparations.
Get around
Airport
Plymouth City
1 hr 8 min
Exeter
1 hr 10 min
Cornwall Newquay
2 hr 1 min
Train station
Kingswear
11 min
Bus stop
M&S Simply Food
2 min
Local shops & services
Convenience store
3 min
Cafe
2 min
Pharmacy
4 min
Points of interest
Beach
Sugary Cove Beach
13 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Pets welcome
Not suitable for children under age 12
Not suitable for infants under age 1
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 16:00
Departure before 10:00
Wifi
No air con
Cancellation policy
Up until
7
days
Cancel at least 7 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 7 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Dart
This home is managed directly by a business. A member of their staff will be your point of contact before and during your stay. This professional group is dedicated to providing the very best holidays in the South Hams and surrounding South Devon Area. Always on hand to answer questions and provide expert advice, you're in safe hands with this knowledgeable and thoughtful team.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
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- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
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- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.