Entire home

Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton

Photo gallery for Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton

Sages House front garden
Verandah
Sages House inner walled garden
Sages House walled garden
Sages House front gate

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Dolton
  • RHS Garden Rosemoor
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Clovelly Village
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Saunton Sands
    ‪53 min drive‬
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.)
    ‪64 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Shower room (downstairs)

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Shower room (upstairs)

Towels provided · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton

3 bed, 3 bath Regency house in walled gardens. Sleeps 6.

Communicating door to Sages Flat 1 if hired together (additional 2 bed, 1 bath, sleeps 5) to accommodate 11 in total.

Sages is a grand 6-bedroom Regency villa with 80ft verandah hidden in an acre of walled gardens, at the very heart of a pretty Devon village of traditional houses in the Torridge Valley. It is great for families as the children can run around the extensive grounds without any danger of traffic.

The building is divided into Sages house (one half) and Sages Flats 1 and 2 (other halves of ground and first floors respectively). Sages house and Sages Flat 1 are available for holiday lets, either separately or together. Sages Flat 1 has private access and a private garden if hired separately. A communicating door enables the whole house to be opened up if hired together.

The house, out-buildings and grounds are also available for venue hire, for parties and weddings (NB: Sages is not currently licensed for wedding services but please enquire if this is of interest as it is our plan). Use for an event requires a minimum of 7 nights booking for both Sages house and Flat 1. Please contact us if you wish to hold an event so that we can discuss parking etc. with you. We can also provide folding tables and chairs, parasols, bunting, some village fete-type games etc. for an additional charge.

The accommodation at Sages Flat 1 comprises:
- a large drawing room with period features and working fireplace overlooking the private front garden.
- hall, with french doors to front garden
- kitchen
- bathroom, with shower over bath and with WC
- side bedroom off hall, overlooking private side garden (superking / twin beds + optional airbed to make a triple)
- rear bedroom off kitchen passage (1 king size bed)
- rear hall to courtyard
- courtyard parking (1 car)
- access to walled gardens (c. 1acre)

If hired together with Sages house, Sages Flat 1 has access to the front hall of Sages house through a communicating door in its drawing room. Please see separate listing for full details of Sages house. Summary details are:
- a large drawing room with working fireplace overlooking private front garden
- dining room with French windows onto front garden
- sunroom, leading onto private walled garden and ground floor shower and WC
- kitchen and scullery
- master bedroom (superking / twin beds) overlooking front garden, with ante-room that can be used as a nursery if required
- second bedroom (superking / twin beds) overlooking front garden, with communicating door into master bedroom plus separate entrance from bathroom landing
- third bedroom (superking / twin beds)
- bathroom
- WC
- shower room
- extensive walled gardens of 1 acre
- 2 acre paddock at the rear of the property, leading down to a stream, which can be used for event parking, fireworks displays etc.

Sages has been our family home for nearly one hundred years. We are at the beginning of a long-term restoration programme so we have set our rates and policies to reflect its element of "shabby chic" and families with young children are very welcome! Sages flat is furnished more basically than Sages house so its rates are correspondingly lower.

Property manager

Richard Hadden

Languages

French, German, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events by prior arrangement. Event fees may apply.
default

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 3 total
Pets taken ONLY BY owner's prior written approval
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We permit events at our written discretion. Please contact us for more details. Weddings require two week booking Sages + Flat.
Pets must live, eat, sleep in kitchen, sunroom. No pets in rest of house except in sitting room in basket under supervision. Never on furniture.
Walk pets for calls of nature in field, leashed. Pick up poo elsewhere. Wash dirty pets before entering. Take pets with you, never leave unattended.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99
Note from host: Events by prior arrangement. Event fees may apply.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Dolton

Winkleigh is home to this holiday home. The Plough Arts Centre and Museum of Dartmoor Life are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Highbullen Golf Course and Eastcott Vineyard. RHS Garden Rosemoor and Survival Paintball are also worth visiting.
Map
Dolton

What's nearby

  • RHS Garden Rosemoor - 13 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Dartmoor National Park - 25 min drive - 29.9 km
  • Clovelly Village - 28 min drive - 28.9 km
  • North Devon Coast - 29 min drive - 30.3 km
  • Saunton Sands - 53 min drive - 38.7 km

Getting around

  • Portsmouth Arms Station - 12 min drive
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.) - 64 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Bull & Dragon - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Globe Inn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Rams Head Inn - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Northcote Manor - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Lymington Arms - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton located?

Situated in Winkleigh, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Baxter Hall, RHS Garden Rosemoor and Hatherleigh Community Centre. Highbullen Golf Course and The Plough Arts Centre are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Margriet T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mix of history and comfort

We enjoyed our stay in Sages very much. Nice historic building with lots of space inside and outside and everything you need for a comfortable stay. A warm welcome from the housekeeper and a nice chat with the owner on the telephone made us feek very welcome.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Came 2nd time and LOVED it as much as the first time x
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Sarah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Shabby but ticks the important boxes unless you’re a keen cook

Old house in shabby condition. More 3 bed than 4. Beds are amongst some of the best I’ve ever slept in. Magical outdoor spaces. Roaring fire and Rayburn. Excellent Spar and good choice of pubs in the village - no driving required. Better than good food in the Ramshead. Skittles and Pool in the other. I’d book again for a long weekend. Just which the kitchen had more sides for preparing food. Luckily we pre -prepared.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic home

We loved everything about this house! Great location with lovely walks, little attractions all around Devon and beach about 30mins drive Rams head pub and local butcher 2mins away - highly recommended as well.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming large house and garden in lovely village

Our teens and adults had a lovely stay in this regency villa and enjoyed the gardens, the piano, the conservatory, the power shower and the charming architecture and decor. Village has local walks and 2 pubs and a few shops.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sue W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable and welcoming

We stayed as a family with dogs for a long weekend, Sages House was charming and comfortable we found space to do all that we needed inside and out, although a little tired that adds to the charm of the house, having said that the quality of beds and bathrooms were excellent and the dogs would highly recommend a snooze in front if the aga after chasing around the paddock! Thank you Jenny for your kindness and welcoming us to a house you obviously love. We would definitely return as the experience was relaxing and comfortable which is exactly what we wanted. Thanks for the good communication from Richard prior to our trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Neil M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

sages

Interesting country house and garden that was relaxing and very comfortable. The village has an excellent restaurant and the housekeeping was splendid.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alison W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing week

Lovely week doing lots of local walks and short trips to coast and Dartmoor. House is shabby but comfortable with cosy kitchen and lovely garden. Excellent shower and comfy beds. Only reason I’ve given 4 not 5 stars for cleanliness is that it’s a big old house with the odd cobweb! All important areas are very clean. A lovely place to stay if you’re not looking for super modern and minimalist!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Debbie S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely location

Very much enjoyed our stay, lovely area, lots of beautiful places to visit
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Hannah J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique, fascinating and comfortable

Sages felt welcoming from the moment we walked in. The beds were huge and comfortable, the new bathroom was spotless and the gardens were beautiful. We collected windfall apples and made a pie in the Rayburn. Richard was helpful throughout with everything from directions to the house’s (many!) quirks. A really lovely few days.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Philippa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Period property in a delightful setting

Fascinating villa well situated in a village centre within close proximity of shop, butchers, two pubs and church. A lovely stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

John B.

A Unique Property in a lovely village

2nd time staying in this property. A unique house full of olde world surprises. Very spacious rooms and nice gardens. Loads of off road parking. The house is in the lovely village of Dolton with 2 pubs and village shop very close by. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Megan P.

Lovely house and garden, great pubs and shop too

Wonderful regency house in the middle of a little village in the heart of Devon. We had a great time visiting Rosemoor, going for walks, going on a day trip to St. MICHAEL'S Mount and reading our books in the beautiful garden. We also took advantage of the local pubs as well as the windfall of plums and apples. Richard was very helpful with local ideas and fixed the light in the kitchen immediately. The beds were fabulous and large and comfortable. The bathtub was huge and the new shower was great lovely. This is a period property which is undergoing restoration so the kitchen set up is a little wonky, but all in all a wonderful find for us. We hope to be back if we end up with an Exeter student!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

6/10 Okay

Penny P.

Our stay at Sages, Dolton

There were only four adults staying at Sages. The weather was perfect. The property is interesting, quirky with plenty of history. The interior is a little 'tired' but it is well equipped and clean. The range did a perfect job cooking quiches for the wedding reception. The paddock and grounds were delightful areas in which to sit and enjoy some tranquility. The beds were comfortable. Dolton is a perfect base from which to explore. The Ram's Head Inn catered well for our wedding party one evening - the staff were extremely helpful. The village shop seems to stock almost everything and is open nearly all hours.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Susannah L.

Beautiful house with wonderful gardens. Equipped with with everything we needed for a great stay.

Perfect location for our needs. The house had so much character and plenty of room. Beds were so comfortable and lovely size bedrooms. The gardens were lovely, with some fabulous plums trees, and many other interesting plants and trees. We really enjoyed our stay, and would definitely return.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Sages a brilliant unique holiday rent

Had not originally booked this rental but got moved to the Sages due to a problem at our original rental from the same owner. The Sages is a very unique Regency property right in the centre of Dolton which was perfect for our stay. Property is very good with everything you could want. Location is close to 2 pubs and a shop which is very useful. Although we were in the centre of the village it was very quiet with fields out the back. I would recommend the property to anyone wanted to stay in Dolton or anyone fishing at the nearby Stafford Moor fishery.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Matthew G.

Great setting, beautiful property

A typical idyllic English village, with all you need on your door step. Would HIGHLY recommend
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

simon r.

Beautiful house in a very friendly village

We rented out the main house for a two week period in July. It was full of caricature and the enclosed garden makes it even more special. There is a local shop and they sell everything you need. I walked the dogs around the village and it seems everyone has got a dog and are very friendly. My dogs loved it. The village is very central to visit places such as Bude and Bideford. We didn't have the best weather conditions but when the Sun did come out, it was a fantastic suntrap in the garden. We would stop again and even consider renting out the other flat for our friends to come at the same time.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

karen h.

Sages house is a charming villa with bags of character.

I stayed at Sages with friends for a birthday celebration weekend and we had a great time. The house is really comfortable and although the property needs a little renovation it has all the facilities you need and expect. I particularly loved the garden which is well-established and has some fabulous trees and plants. Richard was a very accommodating host kindly allowing me to bring my dog and for friends to park their camper van in the spacious field at the back of the property. The house was very peaceful and the village a great base for country walks. The Ram's Head pub over the road served us a delicious and memorable birthday and I definitely recommend it. I would really like to come back to Sages for a longer stay - a great place to chill out.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Matt S.

A lovely traditional family home set in a beautiful village.

A lovely traditional family home set in a beautiful village. We had a fantastic fortnight here and used it as a central base to visit so many wonderful places. The owners were very helpful and also were happy to provide suggestions and information enabling us to make the most of our stay. A big thank you from all the family.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Clive W.

A lovely spot, with amazing gardens - great for a family holiday or a relaxing break

Sages is a fantastic property for a real Devon countryside holiday. The house has an interesting circular arrangement on both ground and first floors, with doors leading on and on, but this worked brilliantly in the 26 degrees heat that we experienced when the sun shone all week!! Leave the doors open and you get a pleasant through draught. Furnished in a comfy olde worlde/shabby chic style, the house is well equipped and homely. We loved the tablecloth supply, piano, comfy beds, Le Creuset pans, old fashioned larder unit, the boot room and the crinkle cut vegetable chopper! Shame we couldn't stay for two weeks. Maybe next time.....!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Jenny C.

Great country retreat with lots of rural activies and beautiful sourroundings

We had a very good week at Sages and managed to bike the Tarka Trail from Meeth to Fremington with almost no spring rain (a brilliant route and definitely the direction to go on) as well as having a beautiful day walking on Hartland, where Docton Mill was all that was promised in the guide book, and another on Dartmoor surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife. We found the village of Dolton to be very pretty and welcoming - we used the fish and chip van, Ram's Head and the very handy and well stocked local shop, although the Royal Oak changed hands in the week we were there so we were unable to compare the two pubs and their food! The brand new bathroom and shower all worked perfectly - with a fantastic enormous and luxurious bath! The set up of the property - with walled garden, field and place to close off the warm kitchen at night - was perfect for our dogs as well our family of 5. We had a very restful week and really enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was like staying in a Georgian home from home rather than a holiday let!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2016

About the host

Hosted by Richard Hadden

Host profile image

Languages:

French, German, Spanish