Watermark
Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, UK
Many tides ago, a boat repair workshop stood on this waterside spot by the River Dart in Devon. One by one, the long-petioled willows, sessile oaks, and ancient yews of the woodland grew up, and Watermark became part of the forest. More than 200 years later, it’s been reimagined as a luxury self-catering riverside home, with large windows and a hot tub terrace. Just a short drive from the sandy beaches of the South Hams, as well as the shops and historic sights of Totnes, it offers an idyllic getaway.
Introduction
For the owners of Watermark, there was nothing to lose when this peaceful waterfront home came on the market while they happened to be in Devon, daydreaming of living on the water. What followed was a major renovation that involved installing the finest “disappearing” windows in Europe, and sagely retaining the quirks of an 1800s boathouse. Between microcement and one-of-a-kind balustrades made in the city, there’s an urban lilt to the project. But, bringing Australian influence to the utterly English creek, the red stone home is very much in cahoots with the great outdoors; expect canoes instead of cars, children crabbing on the causeway, and chic shacks serving St. Ewe eggs and lemon-thyme wine.
Inside
In the middle of a South Devon National Landscape, just paces from one of the prettiest villages in the county, there are few references that point to Watermark being on the edge of Stoke Gabriel. Almost everything is worldly, modern and made-to-order; a desk crafted in Poland, bark paper artwork made in the mountains of Mexico, and a self-designed kitchen from across the way in Newton Ferrers. The luxury waters’-edge home is filled with light and clean lines, with little to distract. It's as if a therapist found a citadel and decided to stay. With breakaway spaces and a balcony that appears to float over the River Dart at high tide, staying here feels a bit like being out to sea without a paddle.
Outside
Like a scene from an Enid Blyton book, it’s not uncommon to see rewilded children bounding along the pontoon in single file, claiming colourful skiffs as their ships, and making expeditionary lunches of bakewell flapjacks and fresh brioche from The River Shack. Adults, too. After all, it’s the kind of place you come to be young and free. The experience of living in the "Jewel of the River Dart" is enhanced by all sorts of gentle hobbies, which take the form of paddle board yoga, twitching for osprey, and taking to the water in tandem kayaks. You needn’t be in a luxury resort in the Maldives to experience swim-up living: it’s all here in Stoke Gabriel. Why walk when you can paddle for your Pinot Noir?
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 4 guests
From £2,395 per week, £1,795 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are two bedrooms, both on the second floor, and both with en suites. There is a ground floor WC.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHot tub
- PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children aged six and above are welcome.
- PracticalitiesParking for one car is available opposite The River Shack café, less than 50 metres from the property. There is additional parking in the adjacent café car park, which is free from October to April and £6 a day during peak seasons. The kitchen has an oven, induction hob, dishwasher, two under-counter fridges (one with small freezer), microwave, washing machine, and tumble dryer. There is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and en suites. Please note that the property’s waterfront aspect and authentic architectural features require guests to exercise due diligence if travelling with children.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper, iPad, Wi-Fi internet, 65” Smart TV with Sky Q (all Sky channels and apps including Netflix and Amazon Prime), Nespresso Magimix, coal barbecue, books and board games, luxury bed linens, towels and bathrobes, and fuel for the bio ethanol log burner to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options.
Explore private dining - Eco-friendlyBioethanol wood burner and underfloor heating
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Stoke Gabriel
Within touching distance of the English Riviera and across the pond from award-winning vineyard Sandridge Barton, Stoke Gabriel is a pretty town on the River Dart; think water sports, seafood, and Champagne every lunch.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury waters'-edge home is located on the River Dart in Devon's Stoke Gabriel, ideally located for visiting the South Hams and English Riviera.
- By Car Watermark is 15 minutes from Totnes, one hour from Exeter and Plymouth, two hours from Bristol, and four hours from London by car.
- By Train Totnes and Paignton are 15 minutes away by car. There are regular trains from London Paddington to Paignton via Newton Abbot with a journey time of three-and-a-half hours on Great Western Railways.
- By Air Exeter Airport is 40 minutes away, and Cornwall and Bristol Airports are two hours away by car.
From the owner
“The sheer joy of this house is its openness to the river, and the opportunity it presents to be a part of the movement of an ever-changing landscape. We are so lucky to have five unique outdoor areas from which to watch it unfold.”
Our home reflects a unique blend of influences. One of us grew up in the vibrant beauty of Sydney, the product of a creative New Zealand-Italian mother, and a perfectionist Canadian-Polish father. The other is born in Leicestershire and raised in Surrey, and learned to balance British reserve with Australian exuberance!
We particularly love the five outdoor areas of Watermark: the garden with a bench to watch the water activities, the ground floor balcony, the main bedroom balcony with its stunning Dart River views, the side terrace, and the rear garden with a bench offering views over the Mill Pool. Even on rainy days, you can watch from the living room or the bay window in the main bedroom.
The property overhangs the water, with kayak, canoe, and paddleboard hire just 20 meters from our gate. The River Shack café, named one of the "21 Best Places to Eat in Devon" by The Times, is just a stone’s throw away and serves excellent food.
We love sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine or a book, expecting our reading to be interrupted by all sorts of human and animal play on the river. We hope you feel at home here, and embrace all of the restorative qualities of riverside living.
Nigel and Karen
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Stoke Gabriel with an insider's perspective.
To Eat
The River Shack, The Quay
Full of delicious plates and interesting wines, The River Shack sits on the quay in Stoke Gabriel and serves food for the entire group; woodfired pizzas, salads, burgers, brioche, and pancake stacks. The ideal spot to sit, sip, and watch the swimmers.
To Do
Water sports, Stoke Gabriel
You can hire kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes right outside Watermark. This part of the River Dart is so peaceful, but also so joyful; children crabbing, people doing yoga on their boards, and everyone making the most of waterfront living.
To Eat
Circa, Totnes
Formerly at Sandridge Barton and now located in the heart of Totnes, Circa is all about showcasing the best produce from the local area with a circular ethos. Think modern British cooking that celebrates Devon´s seasonal bounty, paired with low-intervention wines and foraged cocktails.
To Do
Swimming in the River Dart
Stoke Gabriel and several other areas on the River Dart have been designated as bathing water sites. The most energetic swimmers dive off the pontoon, and the lucky are occasionally joined by the seals which sometimes frequent the area.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We have had an incredible Christmas here. Coming down the stairs on Christmas morning and watching the river go by was genuinely special. We were even lucky enough to see Santa make a journey to The River Shack. We also got so much joy from the small details in the house, the architecture, lighting, and even the beautiful lamps. The space made our stay incredible and perfect. Thank you for an amazing stay, we hope to return soon!
We’ve had such a wonderful week here, relaxing in this beautiful and supremely comfortable house. When we could tear ourselves away from the front row seats to the fabulous show right outside the windows, we had brilliant days out exploring the local area. Then, after days out, we had lovely evenings stargazing from the hot tub and enjoying the peace and quiet. Thank you to the owner, for being such a helpful and considerate host. We wanted for nothing, you have created a real haven here. We would love to return one day.
I can´t remember where I first saw the details for Watermark but it was love at first sight and it certainly hasn´t disappointed. Absolute perfection. It´s been a pleasure to explore the countryside and return to the warmth of Watermark, grab a drink, sit in the hot tub, and enjoy the stars. Thank you for sharing your wonderful house, it has been an absolute pleasure.
What a beautiful house! It quite took my breath away when we arrived. Stunning weather too, so the picture windows really came into their own. It was so relaxing, sitting watching the wildlife (and locals!). A truly wonderful few days. Thank you so much - we´ll be back!
Thank you for an amazing stay! Such a beautiful location – even in the rain! Beautiful, comfortable house with everything we needed. Great recommendations in Totnes, Dartmouth and the surrounding area, plus a very welcoming local pub (Church House Inn). We will be back one day!
What a fabulous home and stunning location. We have had a magical weekend and I wish we could stay here for Christmas. One of the most relaxing and comfortable places I have stayed in. Thank you for all the lovely touches. Already planning to come back to experience Watermark in summer.
What a beautiful place – immaculately clean and warm. We enjoyed a hot tub under the stars! We enjoyed just sitting and watching the coming and going of boats, swans, geese, and dogs! Hopefully we will return.
Watermark is the most beguiling experience. The views are captivating and could be a restorative holiday in their own right. The love and vision for the interior design is as close to perfect as one could imagine. This is truly a haven. Thank you!
What an absolute gem of a property, we had such lovely time despite the persistent rain. Made loads of memories watching the world go by the fabulous window, as well as adventures to Totnes, Dartmouth, Salcombe and Newton Abbot. We found some lovely places to eat, the River Shack is a must, further a field we found great vegan options, the Crabshell Inn & The Victoria Inn at Salcombe. This venue is so good, we are likely to be back again. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing Watermark! What a special place! We have had a wonderful week, watching the wildlife and activities on the dam and river... relaxed is an understatement! Kayaking with the seals, and mooching in Totnes on market day were also highlights. We can recommend pizzas from The River Shack, Roam at Sandridge Barton and Rumour in Totnes... Thank you again to the owner. We look forward to returning!!
What a beautiful place! We had such a special time here. The boys loved to go crabbing down by the water. Thank you.
Our second stay here was just as amazing as the first - it´s such a fabulous house and in such a fantastic location! Lovely area to explore again and such a great place to stay. Great food at Rockfish (again!), the River Shack (smash burger!), the Crafty Mussel in Dartmouth and the Café on the Green in Widecombe in the Moor. Food market bao buns and toasties were great in Totnes too. Thank you for letting us come back!
We have had a really lovely week enjoying our stay at Watermark, the location and views are amazing. Thank you for sharing this special place.
Glorious week staying at this stunning house with amazing views. Watching the seals and hearing the geese, it´s been magical. We´ve eaten at some wonderful places - the River Shack & the Linny at Coffinswell. A beautiful part of the world. Thank you to the owner for your hospitality & for sharing this beautiful creation.
Watermark is pure elegance as a space and in every detail. It has been so relaxing to spend time here and actually forget about time and slip into being led by the tides and sound of water running over the causeway. We´ll miss sitting on the balcony over the water at high tide watching the fish. We had some great adventures paddling down to Dittisham and back, then hiring a little motor boat and cruising down to Dartmouth. We´ve had a fabulous break - and we´ll be back.
Watermark is wonderful! The accommodation and amenities are delightful! It is very apparent much time and thought went into its design. We enjoyed coming "home" from day trips and sitting in the two chairs and watching the water activities. It was lovely to be able to walk to The Castle, Emma´s and, of course, The River Shack. We do hope we can return! Thank you!
This was our first time in Devon and we´re so glad that we chose Stoke Gabriel as our base and more importantly Watermark. It is a fabulous home and such a relaxing place to be. Our teenage boys loved their adventure to Haldon Forest Park, Splash Down in Quay West and kayaking with Totnes Kayaks. We had a really memorable day out cruising the South Devon coastline. We are returning home with so many happy memories and experiences to share.
Pure perfection! Never seen such a perfect and luxurious house; the owners thought of things we didn´t know existed. Every detail is thought through; it´s truly mind blowing! And the best thing was the view, seeing constant changing scenery due to the tides, and beautiful surroundings. Charming village. But our biggest surprise: the seals! Kayaking with little seal faces popping up around the kayak was priceless. Anticipating the tides you can quite easily kayak to the sea. A perfect stay.
Never seen such a perfect and luxurious house in all it´s aspects. The inventory was also perfect, the owners thought of things we didn´t know existed. And the best thing was the view, to see the constant changing scenery due to the tides. To see seals following you in your kayak is priceless. Anticipating the tides you can quite easily kayak to the sea.
We have had a lovely stay and for March the weather could not have been better. A beautiful, serene location. Congratulations on achieving a unique and stunning re-modelling of this boathouse.
Thank you for a wonderful few days in your beautiful house – we’ve had great fun in the hot tub and have been admiring the lighting throughout the house. The girls have loved it and wanted to say a huge thank you for letting them stay! We would love to come back in the summer and enjoy the BBQ. What a wonderful holiday!
Karen, you have done an amazing job of the redesign. So calm and tasteful. I love the canvas in the living area. Indeed I love everything! This was our first experience of a hot tub and I must say it was rather nice to sit in it this morning for a while with that beautiful view and the sound of birdsong!
Your house is just beautiful and so well appointed! Thank you for a wonderful week, your house is amazing and incredibly peaceful, I could sit and watch the water for hours!
Your place is stunning! Love, love your boathouse! You´ve done a remarkable job down to the finest details. I have to tell you, never in the 80+ homes we’ve stayed in (and we’ve stayed in some pretty spectacular homes), have we felt like we could live in them. That said, we could move right into this boathouse forever!
Everything about this house is amazing – from the setting, the views from every window, the different terraces and garden to sit in, the comfort of the furnishings, and the wonderful ambience the house generates. We were privileged to be able to stay here and would love a return visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Spring travel news
British Travel Journal
March 2026Demand for Easter staycations soars
The Times
March 2026Better with friends
ELLE
March 2026The 26 cosiest cottages in Britain
Daily Mail
March 2026Meeting the brief
Ireland´s Homes Interiors & Living
March 2026Britain is in bloom!
The Times
March 2026The best hideaways with outdoor baths
British Travel Journal
March 2026The UK’s most indulgent rock’n’roll holiday rental
The Times
March 2026
Collections > Homes with hot tubs > UK > Devon > Totnes > Watermark
Related Collections
Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
