Business Details
Luxury Self-Catering Holiday Cottages in South Devon
The Flete Estate Holiday Cottages, a family-owned estate since 1872, offers luxury self-catering holiday cottages in South Devon. Nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the estate prioritises environmental conservation while providing diverse accommodations. Properties range from historic houses to modern cabins, all within walking distance of unspoilt beaches and the South West Coastal Path. The estate actively promotes biodiversity through regenerative farming, wildflower meadows, and chemical-free gardening. Guests enjoy access to private woodlands, gardens, and unique experiences like Victorian tea house hires.Sustainability is central, with electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, and eco-friendly practices embedded across operations. Managed by the Mildmay-White family since 2016, the estate balances heritage preservation with modern comforts. Properties accommodate groups from 3 to 18 people, with amenities including pet-friendly options and accessibility features. The estate also hosts events, garden tours, and educational initiatives supporting local wildlife. This commitment to nature, history, and hospitality creates a distinctive retreat for visitors seeking tranquillity and connection with the natural world.
Services
Self-Catering Cottages
Tea House Hire
Beach House Hire
Garden Tours
Eco-Friendly Stays
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1872 with a legacy of environmental stewardship
- Properties within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and SSSI
- Sustainable practices including solar energy and regenerative farming
- Direct access to South West Coastal Path and unspoilt beaches
- Pet-friendly accommodations with dedicated dog-friendly facilities
What people say
Peaceful surroundings
Well-equipped cottages
Dog-friendly policies
Stunning views
Eco-conscious practices
Services
Self-Catering Cottages
Luxury self-catering cottages sleeping 318 guests, including historic properties and modern cabins. All properties feature amenities like Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and electric car chargers. Located within walking distance of beaches and coastal paths, with pet-friendly options available. Properties include access to private gardens, woodlands, and estate facilities.
Tea House Hire
Victorian tea houses available for daily hire at Mothecombe and Pamflete beaches. Equipped with cooking facilities, firewood, and seating for four. Ideal for picnics, celebrations, or relaxing after water activities. Dogs permitted at Pamflete Tea House year-round.
Beach House Hire
Mothecombe Beach House available for day hires, featuring open-fire cooking and sea views. Accommodates gatherings with cooking utensils and seating. Prohibited for overnight stays. Dogs restricted seasonally between May and September.
Garden Tours
Guided tours of Mothecombe Gardens, open Tuesdays FebruaryAugust. Showcasing bee-friendly planting, walled gardens, and RHS partnerships. Includes access to seasonal flora, art installations, and educational programs on pollinator conservation.
Eco-Friendly Stays
Properties with solar panels, chemical-free gardens, and regenerative farming practices. Features include wildflower meadows, electric vehicle charging, and biodegradable amenities. Designed to minimize environmental impact while offering modern comforts.
People
John Mildmay-White
Estate Owner
John co-manages The Flete Estate Holiday Cottages with Lily Mildmay-White, focusing on conservation and sustainable land management. He returned to the estate in 2016 to continue his family's 150-year legacy of environmental stewardship.
Lily Mildmay-White
Estate Owner
Lily co-owns The Flete Estate Holiday Cottages, overseeing sustainability initiatives and guest experiences. Her work includes restoring native woodlands and promoting eco-tourism across the 19th-century family estate.
Izzy
Holiday Cottage & Events Manager
Izzy manages holiday rentals and events at The Flete Estate Holiday Cottages, including the Rusty Sheds cabins and Mothecombe Gardens events. She ensures guest satisfaction while maintaining the estate's conservation goals.
Martin Haxton
Head Gardener
Martin leads garden conservation at Mothecombe House, specializing in pollinator-friendly planting and RHS partnership programs. He manages seasonal garden tours and educational initiatives on biodiversity.
Jamie and Kate
Life Space Cabins Collaborators
Creative duo behind Rusty Sheds cabins, collaborating with The Flete Estate Holiday Cottages to design eco-friendly holiday accommodations. Their work blends Scandinavian design with sustainable materials for year-round stays.
Questions
What types of accommodations are available at The Flete Estate Holiday Cottages?
We offer self-catering cottages sleeping 3–18 guests, including historic houses, gamekeeper cottages, and modern eco-cabins like Rusty Sheds.
Are pets allowed in the accommodations?
Most properties are dog-friendly with designated pet areas. Dogs are prohibited on Mothecombe Beach between May and September.
What sustainability initiatives does the estate implement?
We use solar panels, regenerative farming, wildflower meadows, and chemical-free gardening. Properties include electric vehicle charging points and biodegradable amenities.
Can I host events at the estate?
Yes, we offer venue hires including the Mothecombe Stables, Pamflete Tea House, and Beach House for private events and celebrations.
What outdoor activities are available nearby?
Guests enjoy coastal walks, paddleboarding, birdwatching, and exploring the South West Coastal Path directly from estate properties.
Are there accessibility features in the accommodations?
Mothecombe Garden Cottage includes a stair lift and accessible design. Most properties have private gardens and proximity to level walking paths.
