Higher Collaton Cottage - holiday cottages in MALBOROUGH

Higher Collaton Cottage sits in the peaceful hamlet of Collaton, Malborough, near Salcombe, just outside Kingsbridge in the South Hams of England. This three-bedroom, well-maintained cottage sleeps six and mixes classic cottage charm with modern conveniences - think open fire for cooler evenings, a fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso (pods not included), dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer, plus fast WiFi and a TV for quiet nights in. The large garden and terraced area with sun loungers, gas BBQ and a table make it a suntrap on warm days. Parking for two cars is beside the house, handy for exploring the coast and countryside.

Beaches and coastal walks

From Collaton it’s a short drive to South Sands and North Sands, both popular with families and walkers. Salcombe’s waterfront is a five-star draw for sailing, kayaking and boat trips. Soar Mill Bay and Hope Cove are excellent for quieter stretches of sand and scenic cliff walks.

Country pursuits

The South Hams is perfect for long rambling lanes, cycling and country pubs. Local villages like Malborough offer country pubs and seasonal village events - visitors often spot local bonfires and fetes in autumn and summer.

Higher Collaton Cottage is close to Malborough village and a short drive from Kingsbridge. Salcombe, with its boutiques, cafes and boat charters, is under 20 minutes away by car. The wider Devon region - Dartmouth, Hope Cove, and the beaches around the Salcombe estuary - are all within easy reach, making this a brilliant base for exploring the South Hams.

Most guests arrive by car - there’s off-road parking for two cars at the cottage. Public transport exists but is limited, so having a car is recommended to make the most of the nearby beaches and lanes. Nearest town rail connections are further afield, so plan onward travel from Plymouth or Exeter if arriving by train.

• Strictly no smoking and sorry, no pets.
• Stairs are fairly steep - not ideal for guests with restricted mobility.
• Bed linen and towels supplied; kitchen includes Nespresso machine but pods are not provided.
• Price example: £840 (seasonal rates may vary).

Key on-site features include an open fire, large garden and patio, modern kitchen appliances (fridge/freezer, oven, hob, microwave, toaster, kettle), dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, TV, broadband/WiFi and parking for two cars. The sleeping layout is a king with en suite shower room, a double and a twin, plus a family bathroom with shower over bath. The cottage sleeps six comfortably and is a popular listing among holiday cottages in MALBOROUGH.

• No smoking inside the property.
• No pets allowed.
• Max occupancy: 6 guests.
• Respect the neighbours - Collaton is a quiet hamlet.

The guest feedback for Higher Collaton Cottage is overwhelmingly positive, with a 5.0 rating and multiple returning visitors praising the property’s charm and facilities. Cheryl, who left reviews in May 2022, Jun 2023 and Aug 2025, repeatedly praised the cottage’s tranquillity, well-tended gardens and high standards, describing it as a gem and noting that families return time and again. Tim, in Oct 2024, enjoyed the walks down lanes to Malborough and the family-friendly evenings by the fire, while Gary (Sep 2024) called it probably the best cottage he had stayed in, complimenting the spacious, well-equipped interior and neat gardens. Janet (Jul 2024) highlighted the gardens as glorious and the location peaceful, while Jane (Jul 2022) emphasised how well equipped the property is for families of four adults and two children.

On the other hand, a minority of reviews pointed to some practical issues. Keith (Feb 2023) and an anonymous reviewer (Feb 2022) flagged the staircase as a challenge for older guests or those with mobility issues - Keith was specific about knee replacements and limited mobility. Steven (Oct 2021) raised concerns about cleanliness and appliance faults, noting problems with the fridge and sticky surfaces; while a later reviewer, Robert (Sep 2024), suggested the sofas could use refreshing though he still found the house well equipped and clean overall. Tony (Apr 2022) and others asked for clearer instructions for heating and cooker operation, suggesting a brief welcome guide would improve first-night ease.

Recurring themes emerge clearly: multiple guests praise the location, gardens and equipment - Cheryl, Gary, Janet and Tim repeatedly mention the setting, walks and well-stocked interior. Complaints are less frequent but consistent around accessibility - the steep staircase and lack of a ground-floor toilet were noted by several reviewers and may affect elderly guests or those with mobility limits. Cleanliness concerns appear isolated to specific stays and contrast with the majority of high-rated comments, suggesting these were likely one-off issues rather than systemic problems. Overall, the positive reviews far outweigh the negatives, but potential guests should consider mobility needs and check for any special instructions about heating and appliances before arrival.

Higher Collaton Cottage makes a persuasive case as a southern Devon base. The location in Collaton, Malborough, near Salcombe and within easy reach of Kingsbridge, is quietly idyllic - winding lanes, hedgerows and views that change with the light. For beach days, North Sands, South Sands and Soar Mill Bay are close by; boat trips and sailing leave from Salcombe’s bustling harbour. Walking and cycling routes fan out from the cottage, and Malborough village provides a handy local pub and shop for essentials.

The cottage itself suits a family or three couples - three bedrooms (one king with en suite, one double, one twin) and a family bathroom give flexibility. The kitchen is impressively equipped - dishwasher, washer, dryer, oven and hob, microwave and a Nespresso machine make self-catering straightforward. The sitting room with an open fire creates a cosy focal point on autumn evenings, and the large garden and terrace add an outdoor living room for summer barbecues on the gas BBQ.

Practical points to weigh up: the lack of a downstairs toilet and the steep staircase were mentioned across reviews and could be problematic for older visitors or anyone with limited mobility. While most guests praised cleanliness and high standards, a small number raised issues about appliances and clarity on heating controls - these appear fixable but worth checking with the owner in advance. Parking for two cars is a definite plus, since a car is the easiest way to explore the South Hams. The cottage is strictly no pets and no smoking, which keeps the place fresh but may rule out pet-owning families.

In short, Higher Collaton Cottage is a characterful, well-equipped property in one of Devon’s loveliest corners. It’s an excellent pick for seaside days, countryside walking and quiet evenings by the fire, provided guests consider the stair access and the one-floor bathroom layout when booking. For anyone searching holiday cottages in MALBOROUGH, this property combines location, comfort and that classic Devon cottage feel.