Vane Hill Crest

If you’re looking for a large group holiday, book a stay to remember at this impressive 1876 property overlooking Torquay’s pretty harbour (0.5 miles). This popular seaside town has plenty to offer visitors: a slap-up meal at one of many excellent restaurants, watersports on Torquay beach (1 mile) and the 12th-century Torre Abbey (1.5 miles) are some of many options. Further afield, take a sea excursion to Brixham (9 miles) or Dartmouth (11 miles) for enjoyable days out.

On arrival, you’ll pass through a pretty garden gate and across a small courtyard to the front door. A real sense of grandeur awaits indoors, starting with an impressive entrance hall. To your right, there’s a gorgeous lounge/dining room with sash windows and ornate coverings. You can play the baby grand piano or stretch out on the large sofas while watching the Smart TV. You’ll also find a dining table and chairs for meals, plus French doors leading out to the garden. From this room, walk through to the stunning country kitchen, boasting lovely wooden surfaces, dual-aspect windows and a traditional-style larder. A dining table with chairs here gives you a second location for eating meals. If you follow round, you’ll encounter the back door then a sweet snug equipped with a Smart TV, sofa and library area – ideal for guests wanting to enjoy a quiet moment during the trip. Also on the ground floor, there’s a shower room with a rainfall shower and WC, plus two of the five luxurious bedrooms. The gorgeous king-size room has a French bed, Smart TV, sitting area and decorative fireplace. Double doors lead you to an antechamber featuring a single bed; this room can be locked off from the king-size room if needed.

From the entrance hall, climb the charming staircase to a small landing where a couple more steps lead up to a twin room to the right. On the right is the family bathroom. With its black-and-white checked floor, panelled walls and free-standing bath, this room is perfect for kicking back in regal style. The WC is in an adjoining room. Up six more steps, you’ll find the last three bedrooms – two twins with zip-and-link beds, a single room with a wooden sleigh bed and the beautiful master suite. The lucky guests of this room can enjoy a handmade bed, velvet sofas with a coffee table, a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite shower room. Views out of the sash windows are the icing on the cake.

While you’re not making the most of the superb interior, you can take the fresh air in the rear garden, where you’ll find an elevated decked area with church views and a lawn. The vistas from the front courtyard are also wonderful.