30th September 2024, Dartmouth Weekend

We're just back from a short break in South Devon.  It was much needed, just a few days with a change of scenery and no cooking or washing or gardening or any ordinary daily life.

We took our Bongo but stayed in a Premier Inn for one night and then an Airbnb for two more.  We ate meal deals at lunch time and pub meals in the evening.  It was just wonderful not to have to wash up!

We stayed in Paignton for the first night but didn't see much of it, the weather was horrendous for the whole time we were there and we had a booking the next day at Greenways.  Sorry Paignton.  Maybe our loss, but two weather warnings in one day was enough.

Greenways is NT and once belonged to Agatha Christie.  It really is one of the most relaxed properties I've visited.   It felt like a home, and you could imagine Agatha dreaming up her plots there. 

The golf clubs in the hall, the squishy sofas, the boathouse and the numerous collections from her travels all add to the real feeling of being at home.  She might have been in the next room.  

Strolling through the gardens, we found ample benches to sit and take in the view. 

Our next night was at Dartmouth, a truly historic town.  The Pilgrims set sail from Bayards Cove here in 1620, although they had to abandon one ship, ironically called The Speedwell, due to its condition and leaks!

You can feel Dartmouth's history as you stroll around.  From the Tudor forts to the ancient streets to the buildings,  it's atmospheric and the people are so obviously proud of their town.

We spent time on the river as well as on land, taking in a river cruise,  the Castle Ferry, and trips on the Higher and Lower Car Ferries to cross the river.  Quite an adventure in our Bongo.

We walked back to town from the castle, almost following the Acorns of the South West Coast Path.  We came across Warfleet Creek apparently named from the old English name of the stream that flows into it.  I'll remember it for a amount of sea glass I collected there!  Staggering,  you couldn't help but step on it.  It must be something to do with the shape of the Cove and the tide.  I've never found so much seaglass in one place before.  

 My wombling husband collected plastic, a sign of more modern times.

On our final day we visited Coleton Fishacre,  another NT property and another home I could live in.  Built by the owners of the Savoy Theatre and Hotel it holds the magic of times gone by.  Furnished tastefully and theatrically staged by the staff, it's like walking into a film set.  Shoes are discarded under bedroom chairs, fruit cake is cooling in the kitchen, the smell of spice wafts through the open doors.  More NT properties should follow their lead, it is a place of wonder.

The gardens lead to a stunning coastal view.

One path leads to hammocks in trees just waiting to be occupied. 

I could have stayed for longer but fish and chips at Brixham were calling.  However,  it's an area I would happily return to.

Wishing you peace ❤️