Information

Drift Cottage brings history, style and comfort together to make the perfect base for your holiday on the south coast.

Drift Cottage

Drift is an old boathouse and possibly the oldest lifeboat station in England.  The charming cottage is right on the waterfront with ever-changing views and sunsets. Turnchapel is a beautiful village with two superb pubs and a café.

 

Guests have access to the entire property. This includes a decked terrace, two large balconies, and a private garden leading to a floating pontoon and steps down to a secluded pebble beach – all exclusively for guests.

Drift is very cosily decorated with comfortable beds, a wide range of furniture, an open fire, and it is full of historical artefacts.

 

Paddleboards and kayaks are available for guests at their own risk. There is a good selection of outdoor games, and a crabbing kit is in the garden beach hut.

 

For rainy days there is an open fire from a Victorian warship, books, games, Netflix and a Sonos music system.

 

Good Wi-Fi.

 

The property was formally a boathouse for the local style of “cutter” pilot boats. It has been completely renovated to a high standard but maintains its original features, including wooden beams.

 

After watching the sunset in front of the fire pit you can fall asleep listening to the waves. The scenery is never the same with ships and boats coming and going.

 

There are plenty of beaches, walks, ferries and activities nearby.

 

Dogs welcome.

 

Monday and Friday check-ins.

 

For directions, visit the Contact page.

The Surroundings

The closest beach is 15 minutes’ walking distance but there are many of Devon’s finest within a 30-minute drive. Or you can enjoy your own small pebble private beach right outside!

 

Two excellent pubs – Clovelly Bay and Borringdon Arms – are within a 3-minute walk, as is the superb café The Guard Room. There are several other great food and drink options within walking distance.

 

Turnchapel is a pretty village neighboured by coastline, parks, a lake, a few historic buildings, and steeped in maritime history. Some interesting articles are available about Turnchapel Wharf, the old Royal Marines base, and Turnchapel Through the Ages.

There are lots of other activities nearby. The Mount Batten Watersports Centre (15 min walk) is great for learning to sail, canoe, paddleboard or dive. The bustling maritime city of Plymouth is a short ferry ride away. It boasts the UK’s largest Aquarium, museum & gallery The Box (2022 European Museum of the Year), Smeatons Tower lighthouse, the historic Barbican, the Hoe, ancient streets, pubs, cafés and much more.

 

For more tourist information go to Visit Plymouth.

There is a ferry to the abandoned Drakes Island, where you can enjoy a guided tour. Or catch the ferry to Cornwall.

 

You cannot get bored!

 

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more.

Important Things to Note

The short lane down to the cottage is steep and narrow. There is a public car park 2 minutes’ walk from the property should you feel uneasy about the drive down.

 

Drift Cottage is on the water’s edge so please be mindful, especially with children. The pontoon can be slippery and wobbly and is not suitable for unaccompanied children. Footwear must be worn. It is advisable that lifejackets are worn when on or near the water.

“Absolutely incredible experience staying here! The thought and consideration that has gone into the renovation of Drift Cottage is obvious in every detail. Stunning location, the pictures don’t do it justice. Hosts were excellent communicators.”

Recent guest (via Airbnb)