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Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

Fingals Barn

Fingals Barn, Old Coombe, Dittisham, Dartmouth, Devon, England

Unusual, fun and quirky, Fingals is one of Alastair Sawday's favourite places and its loyal fan base come year after year for more of its laid-back charm. All you need is on the spot at this hotel – pool, snooker, tennis, croquet... and you are in a rolling green valley half a mile from the River Dart. Stay in the oak-framed barn and you have the option of cooking or preparing a picnic to take to the beach in your basic kitchen, or else dining on fresh fish in the hotel's restaurant. Reached from an outside stair, the Barn's huge open space has massive beams and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grass tennis court and garden (shared with hotel guests). Polished oak floors with gently faded oriental rugs, well-snuggled-in sofas, a rocking horse, grand piano and plethora of books and games that will suit families and sociable friends. The main bedroom, with pine bed and Indian throw, sloping roof and skylight windows, is on the other side of a sliding Japanese screen, and there's a second, much smaller bedroom and a bathroom with a green-footed roll-top bath. Children can knock a ball about, make friends, whilst you order a tipple and wind down on a wooden steamer chair; husbands can golf (ask Richard about discount at the local club); or you can all head to the beach, the river, the pub... the location is superb.

Pets welcome by arrangement.

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Details

Fingals Barn

Contact: Richard & Sheila Johnston

  • Tel: 01803 722398
  • Fax: 01803 722401
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Rooms: 1 double, 1 twin, bath/shower room.
  • Price: £600 – £900. 
  • Closed: Never.
You can borrow or hire bikes here. Credit cards accepted; most commonly Visa and Mastercard. Children are positively welcomed, with no age restrictions, but cots, high chairs etc are not necessarily available. Well-trained pets are accepted and may sleep in your room (not on the bed). Check when booking. Swimming pool on the premises. A tennis court is available on or near the premises.

Checklist

  • Dishwasher
  • Electricity included
  • Washing machine
  • Microwave oven
  • Central heating
  • Mobile reception
  • Television
  • BBQ
  • Beach within 3 miles
  • Cooked meals available
  • Restaurant nearby
  • Short breaks possible
  • Extra bed/cot available
  • Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

  • A short walk from the River Dart Ferry
  • Riverside pubs within walking distance
  • The National Trust 'Agatha Christie' garden is just a ferry ride across the river
  • Beaches within a short drive
  • 27-hole golf course, five miles
  • Walking and mountain biking on the doorstep

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.

Fingals Barn Fingals Barn

Fingals Barn

Fingals Barn The kitchen end

The kitchen end

Fingals Barn The barn's roll-top bath

The barn's roll-top bath

Fingals Barn The sitting room with bedroom off to the left behind the screen

The sitting room with bedroom off to the left behind the screen

Photo captions have been written by the owner or management of Fingals Barn and are not verified or endorsed by ASP.

Help

Children of all ages are welcome. Cots, highchairs, etc, are not necessarily available.
Guests’ pets can sleep in the bedroom (not on the bed).
Working farm or vineyard.
Wireless internet access available for guests.
No smoking anywhere in the property.
At least one bedroom and bathroom accessible for wheelchair users. Phone for details.
Tennis court on the premises; use may be by arrangement.
Credit cards accepted, most commonly Visa and MasterCard.
Bikes on the premises to hire or borrow.
Swimming pool on the premises; use may be by arrangement.
Within 10 miles of a bus/coach/train station and owner can arrange collection.
At least one bedroom and bathroom accessible without steps.

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