Gooder House holiday cottages in DARTMOUTH

Gooder House sits on 38 Above Town, Dartmouth TQ6 9RG, a steep, characterful street that tumbles down into the town centre and the River Dart. This three-bedroom, pet-friendly property sleeps six and blends classic seaside charm with contemporary comforts. The sitting room looks out to river and estuary views, the kitchen-dining room is well equipped with a five-ring gas hob, electric eye-level oven, microwave and integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher, and there's a useful utility room with washing machine. Two well behaved dogs are welcome, and guests get off-road parking in an integral garage sized at approximately 12ft by 8ft by 6ft - handy in a town where street parking is scarce.

Coastal walks and watercraft

Dartmouth's shoreline invites exploration - riverside strolls, paddleboarding, and boat trips up the Dart are all within easy reach. Gooder House is a great jumping-off point for sailing excursions from the harbour or calmer family-friendly river cruises.

Towns and food

A two-minute walk down the hill lands visitors in central Dartmouth, with independent shops, fishmongers and cafés close by. Local food highlights include markets and farm shops that reviewers praised for fresh produce used to cook in the cottage's well-equipped kitchen.

The property is in Dartmouth, Devon, with easy access to South Devon beaches, coastal villages and attractions. Visitors often combine town explorations with day trips to nearby coastal stretches, countryside walks and visits to local pubs and shops less than a mile away.

Dartmouth is best explored on foot from Above Town, though the town's steep, narrow lanes mean a compact car is advisable if guests plan to use the integral garage. Public transport links run from Dartmouth to wider Devon - but note that the most direct way to reach Gooder House, Dartmouth is likely by car then on foot down the steps into the town centre.

• Strictly no smoking.
• Two well behaved dogs welcome; bring beach towels as these are not provided.
• Beds can be configured as super king or twins - requests must be made at least two weeks before arrival.
• Garage fits one small/medium car - check dimensions (12ft x 8ft x 6ft).

Gooder House in Dartmouth includes gas fired central heating, under-floor heating in the master en suite, multiple showers and a family bathroom with bath and shower over, a snug sitting room with flat screen TV and DVD, and a master bedroom with its own flat screen TV. Outdoor space includes a garden/patio with seating and a gas BBQ. All bed linen and bath/hand towels are supplied, broadband/WiFi is provided, and there's off-road parking.

• No smoking anywhere on the premises.
• Maximum six guests, including children.
• Two well behaved dogs accepted - notify in advance.
• Respect neighbours on narrow Above Town street - parking is limited.

The review picture for Gooder House is broadly positive, with multiple guests praising the location, comfort and facilities. In September 2024 Jeremy rated the stay 5/5 and described it as a repeat visit, noting the cleanliness and practical kitchen for cooking in. Jonathan in October 2025 also gave 5/5 and highlighted the clever planning of the holiday letting and the useful off-road parking. Mary, writing in December 2025, celebrated a return stay, mentioning a welcome pack, festive decorations and memorable river views used while cooking with local produce from Mark Lobb and Jilly's farm shop. Other enthusiastic reviewers include Sarah (June 2025) who admired the decor, outside space and garage convenience, and Aidan Paul (June 2024) who specifically remarked that a fairly large Landrover Freelander fitted in the garage with inches to spare.

There are constructive criticisms to consider. Kevin (September 2025) reported a dishwasher fault, though still called the accommodation lovely. Anonymous (date unknown) gave a 2/5 review despite noting many positives, and raised concerns about gradual wear and signs the property needed attention. Elizabeth (April 2025) and Susan (May 2025) both mentioned access challenges - steep approaches and tight garage parking - which could unsettle drivers uncomfortable with narrow lanes. Sara (July 2024) asked for practical items like bin bags and batteries, signalling that small stocking issues have cropped up occasionally.

Patterns emerge clearly: many guests praise the location - views, proximity to town and river access - and the well-equipped kitchen and comfortable beds. Several reviewers returned repeatedly, a strong signal of satisfaction. Complaints tend to be operational or maintenance-related, such as a malfunctioning dishwasher, a broken parasol, or the need for occasional upkeep. These comments are typically single-issue and often paired with high overall ratings, suggesting problems are isolated rather than systemic.

Who might be affected by the negatives? Drivers with large vehicles should measure against the garage dimensions mentioned, and anyone with mobility issues could find the steep access and steps challenging. Families with very young children might want to note the narrow street and stairs between the property and town. For most groups searching for holiday cottages in DARTMOUTH, the positives - space for six, dog-friendly facilities, river views and a stocked kitchen - seem to outweigh the occasional snag.

Gooder House, Dartmouth, occupies a prime spot Above Town, with easy access down to the bustle of central Dartmouth and the quieter charms of the River Dart. The house suits families or groups of friends who want a base that's both comfortable and practical. The three bedrooms - a master super king en suite with under-floor heating, a twin with a fully tiled wet room, and a double - provide flexible sleeping arrangements, especially useful since the super king can be split into twins on request. The detailed layout includes a shower/cloakroom, utility room and a family bathroom on the first floor with bath and shower over, so morning routines rarely bottleneck.

The good bits are plenty. The kitchen is genuinely well stocked - five-ring gas hob, electric eye-level oven, microwave and integrated fridge/freezer and dishwasher, all of which reviewers repeatedly praised. The sitting room delivers those river vistas that guests rave about, and amenities like WiFi, a flat screen TV in the master bedroom and central heating make the place comfortable year-round. Practical touches such as supplied bed linen and towels, plus a gas BBQ and garden/patio, add holiday value. The integral garage and off-road parking are frequently mentioned as a real bonus in Dartmouth's parking-starved centre - Jonathan and Sarah both flagged this as a highlight.

Not so good? Access is steep and the street is narrow - Martin and Susan both warned that the lane may not suit everyone. The garage is compact, so very large vehicles will struggle despite some guests managing to squeeze them in. A handful of reviewers flagged maintenance niggles - a broken parasol, occasional appliance faults like Kevin's dishwasher, and the need for small consumables such as kitchen roll or batteries. These are fixable and often reported as single occurrences, but prospective guests should be realistic about wear-and-tear in a busy holiday property.

As a local guide, Dartmouth delivers reliably: fresh fish from local suppliers, cafés and independent shops within minutes, and easy access to river cruises and coastal walks. Gooder House is well placed for exploring South Devon's beaches and countryside on day trips. For those seeking classic holiday cottages in DARTMOUTH with space for six, dog-friendly policies and river views, Gooder House represents a strong choice - comfortable, well-equipped and centrally located - provided guests are comfortable with steep access and check the garage dimensions if bringing a large car.