Hazel Cottage - holiday cottages in MALBOROUGH

Hazel Cottage sits in a cluster of converted farm buildings near Kingsbridge, TQ7 3DU, England. This attractive former barn in Malborough has three bedrooms and sleeps six, making it an obvious pick for families or walking groups wanting a base close to Salcombe and the South West Coast Path. The cottage blends rustic charm with modern comforts - think exposed beams, a cosy snug, and a large kitchen/dining room that invites long breakfasts and muddy boots. Hazel Cottage, Malborough, offers gas fired central heating, WiFi, and a TV with Freeview, plus a DVD and music system for rainy evenings.

Coastal walking and wildlife

The South West Coast Path is within easy reach, so Hazel Cottage is popular with walkers and birdwatchers. Guests have reported sightings of peregrine falcons, kestrels and sparrowhawks from the garden. Soar Mill Cove and nearby beaches reward those who don’t mind a few steep climbs - spectacular spots for a picnic.

Boating, beaches and towns

Salcombe and Kingsbridge are a short drive away for boat trips, seafood, and boutique shopping. There are family-friendly beaches and places to launch kayaks, and the area’s estuaries are excellent for paddling and seal spotting.

Hazel Cottage is close to Kingsbridge in South Devon, with easy access to Salcombe, Soar Mill Cove, and winding lanes that open onto rugged coastline. Local pubs and farm shops stock regional produce, while market towns like Kingsbridge provide conveniences and eateries.

The cottage has parking for two cars on a gravel area in front of the drive, which helps because local roads can be narrow and winding. Public transport options are limited in rural Devon, so a car is recommended. The nearest larger hubs and train stations require a drive, but the trade-off is peace and immediate access to countryside walking routes.

• One well behaved pet welcome - Hazel Cottage is dog-friendly and the garden is fully enclosed.
• Strictly no smoking.
• There are steps inside the front door and down to the downstairs shower room - not ideal for guests with limited mobility.
• Telephone is available for local and incoming calls only.

Former barn conversion with three bedrooms - 1 x ground-floor double, 1 x double, 1 x twin that can be made into a king-size on request. Ground-floor shower room with power shower plus family bathroom upstairs with bath and shower over. Kitchen includes oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, washer and dryer (tumble dryer in shed), and utility space. Large terrace with picnic table and built-in barbecue, courtyard and enclosed garden. Bed linen and towels provided. WiFi, Freeview TV, DVD, music system. Parking for two cars.

Hazel Cottage accepts one well behaved pet. No smoking inside. Guests should respect neighbours and quiet hours. Check-in and check-out times are stipulated by the owner - please confirm at booking. Parking is available for two cars; larger vehicles may find the lane tight.

The guest feedback for Hazel Cottage leans strongly positive, with many reviewers awarding five stars for comfort, cleanliness and the setting. Helen (Oct 2025) praised the cottage as a superb venue for her walking group, highlighting how the large kitchen and dining area catered for communal meals and gear drying. Martin (Sep 2025 and May 2024) returned more than once, calling it a "beautiful Hazel Cottage" and a "home from home" suitable for family stays including elderly parents. Anonymous (Sep 2025) enjoyed Soar Mill Cove and the large beds, and noted wildlife sightings - rabbits and birds were a hit.

Several guests emphasised the garden and enclosed outdoor space. Jackie (Jun 2025) described the garden as "amazing", while Caroline (Aug 2025) and Davina (May 2024) found the property roomy, well-equipped and peaceful. Multiple reviews (Jane Jul 2024, Sharon Jun 2024) praised the cottage for walking access and well-stocked kitchens, making Hazel Cottage a favourite for active visitors.

On the flip side, Frances (Aug 2025) and Paul (Jul 2024) reported difficulties with directions and access - the lane approach and signposting can be confusing, and some sat-nav routes via Churchstow add unnecessary time. Elizabeth (Jun 2024) and others highlighted small practical omissions - oven gloves and clearer instructions for utility items, plus internal steps that might not suit everyone. Sarah (Jun 2024) and others mentioned intermittent TV sound issues and unclear bin collection notes. Ratings remain high overall - most reviews are 5/5, with a few 4/5s and a 3/5 where directions caused frustration.

Who might be affected by the criticisms? Visitors relying on public transport or unfamiliar with narrow rural lanes should plan routes carefully - Frances and Paul’s experiences suggest checking the owner’s recommended approach. Families with very young children or mobility limitations should note the internal steps and the location of the downstairs shower room, as Elizabeth detailed. For most walkers, families with dogs, and groups seeking a roomy seaside base, the positives outweigh the negatives - particularly given repeat bookings from satisfied guests.

Hazel Cottage in Kingsbridge sits at the edge of classic South Devon countryside, with the South West Coast Path and bays like Soar Mill Cove nearby. The three-bedroom layout - one ground-floor double, one upstairs double, and a twin convertible to king-size - suits families, walking groups and multi-generation stays. The large kitchen and dining area comes up repeatedly in reviews as a highlight, ideal for social meals and planning coastal walks. A snug and separate sitting room give space to spread out, and the enclosed rear garden is particularly valuable for dog owners, with many guests noting wildlife sightings from the lawn.

Practical features include a well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and full-size fridge/freezer, plus washing machine and a tumble dryer stored in the shed. Heating is gas-fired, so stays are comfortable outside summer months too. Freeview TV, DVD player and WiFi satisfy modern expectations, though a couple of guests reported minor TV audio glitches that were resolved in-stay. Parking for two cars is provided on a gravelled area - helpful but bear in mind the single-track lanes approaching the cottage and limited signposting mentioned by Frances (Aug 2025).

Where Hazel Cottage shines is in its setting - direct access to walking routes, proximity to Salcombe and Kingsbridge, and tranquil evenings in a converted barn feel. Repeat visitors like Martin and Ruth underline the reliability of the accommodation - many guests describe it as a "home from home". The biggest practical drawbacks are access and a few missing small items (oven gloves, clearer utility instructions), plus internal steps that could inconvenience some guests. Most criticisms are logistical rather than about cleanliness or hospitality - the cottage is regularly described as very clean and well-equipped.

In summary, Hazel Cottage suits guests searching for holiday cottages in MALBOROUGH who want a comfortable, characterful base for coastal walks, family time and pet-friendly breaks. It’s particularly recommended for walkers and dog owners, or families wanting roomy communal spaces. Those needing flat-level living, easy public transport or step-free access may want to consider alternatives. For the majority, Hazel Cottage offers great value at £2719.00 for high-season bookings and a memorable Devon base near Kingsbridge and Salcombe.