Lee Shore - holiday cottages in SALCOMBE
Salcombe, Devon, South West England
Property details
Features
Summary
Guests enjoyed the great location and views, highlighting the well-equipped kitchen. Common feedback includes issues with the curtains not blocking light, a detached coffee table top, and discomfort with the futon sofa. Some experienced minor maintenance issues but appreciated the prompt service.
About Lee Shore
Lee Shore is a romantic, cosy two-storey apartment set right in the heart of Salcombe, at 9 Fore St, Salcombe TQ8 8BY, United Kingdom. Sitting above the bustle of the waterfront, this compact bolthole sleeps three across one double bed and a single, with a shower room tucked neatly on the lower level. The upstairs living-kitchen space opens to cheerful views over the harbour, complete with an electric feature fireplace, Freeview recorder TV and DVD player, and wifi for streaming. The kitchen has practical kit - oven, hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and a fridge with a small ice box - perfect for light self-catering during a stay among the best holiday cottages in SALCOMBE.
Local Activities
On the water
Salcombe’s tidal estuary is a playground for sailors and day-trippers. Lee Shore’s name even nods to the nautical - guests might find themselves humming lee shore songs or searching for lee shore chords on a sunset evening while watching boats tack across the estuary. Boat hire, sailing schools and ferries depart nearby, so it's easy to try a rib trip or book a leisurely cruise.
On land
Stroll from Lee Shore into narrow lanes lined with independent shops, cafés and pubs. The ferry to South Sands and walks along the coast path are minutes away. For food, the bakery opposite is a local favourite, while a few excellent pubs and seafood spots are within an easy wander.
Nearby Places
Lee Shore, Salcombe is a short walk from the waterfront, local shops and places like South Sands beach. The long-stay car park in Salcombe accepts the provided parking pass, though parking is unallocated and subject to restrictions. For train and bus connections, Totnes and Plymouth are the main gateways into the South Hams.
Getting Around
Public transport is limited - a car helps for exploring the wider South Hams. A parking pass for one car is provided for the long-stay car park in Salcombe, first come, first served. Narrow streets mean luggage drop-off points are useful; previous guests mention walking from the car park through stepped lanes, so pack light if possible.
Things to Note
- Maximum occupancy: 3 people (1 x double, 1 x single).
- Strictly no smoking.
- Parking pass provided, unallocated in the Salcombe long-stay car park - subject to restrictions.
- Stairs are steep and include a rope handrail - not ideal for those with mobility issues or small children.
Property Features
The apartment comes supplied with bed linen and towels, wifi, dishwasher, washing machine and a modest kitchen. Comforts include an electric feature fireplace and television with Freeview recorder. Guests who enjoy coastal living will appreciate the seaside location and the proximity to pubs and shops - all under 1 mile. Lee Shore also features a cosy layout that suits couples and small families who want to be in the centre of Salcombe.
House Rules
- No smoking inside the property.
- Parking pass for one car supplied - unallocated spaces in the Salcombe long-stay car park.
- Maximum 3 guests, infants count as part of the guest total.
- Please respect neighbours - this is a terraced street in the centre of town.
Customer Review Summary
Guest feedback for Lee Shore shows a clear pattern: the location and view receive consistent praise, while the compactness and some wear-and-tear features divide opinion. Ian noted in August 2025 that he would come back and praised the cottage overall, but asked for easier contact options with the office. Annette in May 2025 enjoyed being centrally situated and highlighted a well-equipped kitchen and the view. Brian in July 2024 called it "everything needed" for a small family, and Michelle in September 2023 appreciated the parking permit and waterside position.
On the other hand, several guests raised recurring concerns. Sarah (Oct 2025 and Jul 2025) mentioned thin bedroom curtains that fail to block light and a detached coffee table top, and earlier noted futon comfort issues. Zana in November 2024 and Neale in July 2023 criticised the sofa and bedding quality, calling some items tired or uncomfortable. Vivienne (May 2023) and others flagged the steep staircase and tricky access from the long-stay car park through steep lanes and steps. Practical problems like a temporary boiler fault were reported by Ryan in April 2025 but resolved quickly, showing responsive service when things go wrong.
Ratings vary widely - from glowing 5-star comments by Ian, Annette and Brian to low-scoring, critical reviews from Neale and Vivienne. This spread suggests the cottage suits guests who prioritise location and harbour views and who are comfortable with compact, quirky spaces and steep stairs. Those seeking modern furniture, blackout curtains and easy parking right outside might be disappointed. Families with small children or guests with mobility concerns should take the staircase and narrow approach into account. Overall, the site and character win most guests over, while maintenance and comfort elements are the main areas for improvement.
Local Guide & Cottage Review
Lee Shore sits in the liveliest part of Salcombe, with the tide and town life practically at the front window. The apartment’s layout - two bedrooms and one bathroom, with an upstairs living kitchen - reflects a classic seaside pied-a-terre. The harbour views from the living area are the standout feature; several guests praised the scenery and the sense of being in the centre of things. The property includes useful amenities such as wifi, a washing machine and a dishwasher, and the kitchen is properly equipped for light self-catering with an oven, hob, microwave and a fridge with a small ice box.
There are real strengths here. Multiple reviewers - Annette (May 2025) and Brian (July 2024) among them - loved the location and the kitchen. The parking permit is a practical plus mentioned by Michelle (Sep 2023) and Ryan (Apr 2025), even if the car park is a walk away. Fast responses from management when issues occur, such as the boiled problem Ryan faced, suggest decent support on arrival.
Equally, there are repeat criticisms that deserve attention. Several guests, including Sarah (Oct and Jul 2025), Zana (Nov 2024) and Neale (Jul 2023), called out tired furnishings - an uncomfortable futon, worn bedding and curtains that don’t block light. The steep internal staircase with a rope handrail is a frequent worry - Vivienne (May 2023) and Ruth (Jun 2024) flagged accessibility concerns and the need for clearer warnings. Occasional maintenance niggles appear too - shower overspill and low pressure were mentioned by Brian and Vivienne, while small defects like a loose coffee table were noted by Sarah.
For whom is Lee Shore ideal? Couples and small families who want to stay in the heart of Salcombe, who prioritise location, harbour views and the character of an older cottage will find much to love. For guests who need easy parking, firm modern sofas, blackout curtains and step-free access, this might not be the best fit. The flat is compact but charming, and with a little attention to the bedding, seating and curtains it would tick almost every box. In short, Lee Shore offers authentic Salcombe living - lively streets, boats, nearby beaches and a cosy base - but comes with the honest quirks of a historic town-centre property.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can sleep at Lee Shore and what are the bedroom arrangements?
Lee Shore sleeps up to 3 guests across two bedrooms - one double and one single. It's ideal for couples or a small family. The property has one shower room with WC and hand basin. Guests should note the compact layout and steep internal stairs when planning travel with young children or mobility needs.
What facilities are included in the kitchen and is self-catering possible?
The kitchen at Lee Shore is well-equipped for light self-catering, with an oven, hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and a fridge with a small ice box. There is a dishwasher too. Several guests praised the kitchen (Annette, May 2025) for its practicality and the lovely view while preparing meals.
Is parking available at Lee Shore in Salcombe?
A parking pass for one car is provided for the long-stay car park in Salcombe, on an unallocated first-come basis and subject to restrictions. Guests like Michelle (Sep 2023) appreciated the permit, but should be prepared to walk from the car park through narrow streets and steps to reach 9 Fore St.
Are the stairs suitable for guests with limited mobility?
The stairs at Lee Shore are steep and include a rope handrail, which many guests mentioned. Reviewers such as Vivienne (May 2023) and Ruth (Jun 2024) highlighted accessibility concerns. This accommodation may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility or very young children.
What do guests say about comfort and furnishings at Lee Shore?
Guest experiences vary. Several reviewers praised the location and views (Ian, Aug 2025; Brian, Jul 2024), while others noted worn furnishings - for example Zana (Nov 2024) and Neale (Jul 2023) mentioned an uncomfortable futon and tired bedding. Sarah (Oct/Jul 2025) highlighted thin curtains and a detached coffee table top as small maintenance issues.
Is wifi available and can guests watch TV or DVDs?
Yes, Lee Shore offers wifi and a television with a Freeview recorder box plus a DVD player. The living area provides a cosy spot to stream or enjoy a movie after a day exploring holiday cottages in SALCOMBE and the surrounding coast.
How close is Lee Shore to beaches and local attractions in Salcombe?
Lee Shore is right in the centre of Salcombe, just yards from the waterside and within easy walking distance of South Sands ferry and the coast path. Guests can reach shops, cafés and pubs within minutes, making it one of the most conveniently located holiday cottages in SALCOMBE.
What should guests be aware of before booking Lee Shore?
Guests should be aware of the cottage’s compact size, steep internal stairs, and town-centre location which means some noise from early bakery deliveries (mentioned by James, Sep 2023). Recurring feedback suggests considering comfort updates - think about bedding and sofa preferences - but many visitors still value the unbeatable location and harbour views.