
Guest testimonials
On a couple of occasions we got up early and just soaked up the peaceful atmosphere. Sitting in the conservatory we saw pheasants hares and squirrels. The walk along the river was lovely, Playing about on the lawn was a lot of fun and when we were feeling more energetic we played table tennis too. It´s great to have such a well equipped kitchen and we thoroughly enjoyed the welcome hamper. We will be sorry to leave such an incredible place and we´re already planning to return. It´s a place to relax and simply enjoy a home from home. A real treat and one we´d thoroughly recommend.
An idyllic spot. We felt relaxed and at home from the moment we arrived. After a long journey we called off in the pool and then sat in the sunshine drinking in the wonderful views to the river surrounded by beautiful countryside. It´s a special house with spots to suit any mood and a perfect position to enjoy everything that makes this part of Devon a delight. We used the barbecue and fire pit and on another evening we went up to the roof terrace to look at the stars. It was a little cloudy but it was still amazing listening to the sounds of wildlife.
Thank you for the opportunity to stay in your wonderful home. We have enjoyed our week here, staying in such a stylish and beautifully designed house. Everything is done to such a high spec. It was such an enjoyable experience to live in such luxury. We didn´t venture far (why would you?) we visited Gather in Totnes and The River Shack in Stoke Gabriel for lunch, both highly recommended. Thank you both for such a wonderful house where our family (10 of us, from 10 to 80) have all loved being here.
It´s been such a magical week here! Returning to Devon where I grew up and visiting all the special places I knew as a child with my boys, and have now had the privilege of visiting with my grandsons too. The views I shall remember always.
We have had such a wonderful time at this fabulous house and have been blessed with sunny days to spend in the garden. We have loved taking the children (four boys, aged five months to six years) crabbing at Stoke Gabriel, taking the ferry to Dittisham, the steam train from Paignton to Kingswear and lots of fun on the beach at Broadsands. The River Shack does fab breakfasts and pizza in a lovely setting! A fab week, thank you!
Thank you for this amazing home-away-from-home. It´s been a dream week here and we hope to be back again in the future to create many more amazing memories.
What an incredible week in your gorgeous house. We had a truly special family time, perfect in every way from start to finish for our group aged eight-77! We loved the welcome hamper, swam every day in the pool, explored the river, gardens, and played for hours in the games rooms. Early mornings were a delight, watching nature on the lawn from the conservatory space. We felt comfortable here immediately and really enjoyed our trips out to explore such a beautiful part of the world. Thank you for an extraordinarily memorable family holiday. We´ve had the best time and hope to return one day.
Absolutely incredible stay, we had many adventurous days out on Dartmoor, perfectly balanced by our cosy afternoons in. The house is beautiful, and the same goes for the surrounding area. We went on many coastal walks, even walking all the way into town for some fish and chips (best we´ve had so far). We highly recommend the Devon Tennis club too. Thank you for the goodies from your garden and the chocolates on the Christmas tree, our six year old was very happy!
Thank you so much for a wonderful week. The property is fabulous and we have enjoyed being in such idyllic surroundings. We look forward to returning one day soon. Thank you again.
We´ve had a wonderful time in this beautiful house. This is our fourth time renting a house for a big family holiday - and this has by far, been our best experience. Beautifully furnished and well appointed - we don´t want to leave. The hamper of homegrown goodies was a lovely treat too. We´ll be back, thank you.
We have had the most wonderful two weeks in this beautiful house. Perfect location for us all to relax, and enjoy the lovely weather and fabulous restaurants nearby. Kayaking on the river, early morning runs, trips to the vineyard, and lots of books enjoyed. Thank you for the lovely welcome hamper. We enjoyed the apple juice and made tasty dishes with the veg. Everything we needed was available, I will miss the views and the cosy naps in the conservatory. We hope to return one day.
We spent a wonderful week at Leopoldina, it was a very special family time together, including an engagement. The setting, garden, and views are so beautiful and it was a treat to be here.
Thank you for the most wonderful stay at your beautiful house! The energy here is so special. We instantly felt at peace and relaxed when we arrived. The views are unforgettable, we loved our walks down the river and our daughter loved playing on the lawn. The pool was one of the nicest pools we´ve ever been in. We swam in it at least twice a day! We ate, slept, rested and did jigsaws, had fun, and spent time together as a family. We made beautiful special memories we will cherish. We look forward to coming back and exploring more of this part of the country. We are totally in love with it all.
Thank you for an amazing stay at Leopoldina. We had such a fun time exploring all the beaches and villages of the South Hams. Returning to a beautiful house to relax in the grounds and by the pool was extra special. We loved the view and we are particularly grateful to stay in a house with an EV charger and powered by an ASHP- a big selling point for us. We hope to return one day soon.
Leopoldina is a wonderful home! It went above and beyond a normal house rental for accommodation. Having a heated pool meant we could use it come rain or shine, and the family got to really enjoy it. Thank you for a lovely stay.
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Leopoldina
Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, UK
A creation of John Nash – architect to the Prince Regent – Leopoldina is a building of historic significance set on the eastern bank of the River Dart, inspired by the farmhouses depicted in 17th century paintings of the Roman countryside. Formerly the stables to Sandridge Park, on an estate once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh, this grand Italianate manor with a heated pool in Devon's Stoke Gabriel is a contemporary reimagining of a Picturesque classic. Read more...
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Introduction
One of England's finest examples of the residential Picturesque, Leopoldina is history preserved. Its silhouette pays homage to artworks produced by landscape painters like Poussin and the rural manses of Leopold, the Grand Duke of Tuscany; but while its dovecote tower, oeil-de-boeuf windows, and lawn ha-ha nod to grandeur, it was the meticulous touch of an architectural historian who brought Nash's design into the now, making a harmonious family home in Stoke Gabriel. A glass conservatory, pool, and eco-tech bring modern chi to the mood of 1805, in a luxury manor so sensitively shaped that it was commended in the Architect of the Year Awards.
Inside
Under its pyramidal roof there's limestone floors, maple cabinetry, green slate counters, and a hand-crafted limed oak staircase that brings a serpentine quality to organic joinery. On the milk-white walls hang monochromatic calligraphy and crafted-paper works by a neighbouring artist, while Sicilian screen-prints bring the colour palette of the Tyrrhenian to this luxury Devon eye-catcher. As well suited to meditative retreats as it is to great celebrations, one might think of Leopoldina as the shapeshifter of Stoke Gabriel. Think tactile spaces, modern touches, and timeless style sensibilities, plus a games annex, nookish rooftop, and yoga studio for good measure.
Outside
Step outside and into a subtle landscape shaped for aristocracy, where hares have wild races between the croquet lawn and monkey puzzle trees, and roe deer pop by to make lunch of the roses. While buzzards wheel above the tulip trees, guests can wander down to the private beach on the River Dart (where seals are known to slumber on the pontoon) or dive into the heated pool for a game of Sharks and Minnows. Here in nature's cradle, garden suppers linger long after the sun has set, with carafes of Pinot Noir from the award-winning vineyard next door. And close by are the waterfront cafés of genteel Stoke Gabriel, and the markets, eateries, and eco-creds of trendy Totnes.
Leopoldina has six bedrooms across the east wing and the main house. The east wing has two bedrooms, both en suite, and the main house has four bedrooms sharing three bathrooms.


Bedroom One
First Floor Double Bedroom
The main bedroom, with its glorious lawn and river views, has a super king-size bed, en suite bath, and WC, and separate dressing room with plenty of hanging space.


Bedroom Two
First Floor Double Bedroom
In the east wing, the mezzanine room has a king bed and an en suite shower room downstairs, with an interior glass wall that looks down to the ground floor of the east wing making it the ideal family suite. Note: light cannot be fully blocked out of this room because of its interior glass wall.


Bedroom Three
Ground Floor Double Bedroom
This zip-and-link super king bedroom is on the ground floor of the east wing with an en suite shower room, and a door to the pool terrace.

Bedroom Four
First Floor Double Bedroom
The king-size room, with its river and vineyard views, shares the two bathrooms on this floor with the two single rooms.

Bedroom Five
First Floor Single Bedroom
The first of two cosy single bedrooms that mirror each other, which both share the two bathrooms on this floor with bedroom four.

Bedroom Six
First Floor Single Bedroom
The second of two cosy single bedrooms that mirror each other, which both share the two bathrooms on this floor with bedroom four.

Family Bathroom
First Floor Family Bathroom
One of two bathrooms that are shared by bedrooms four, five, and six, it contains a bathtub with hand-held shower, walk-in shower, and WC.

Family Bathroom
First Floor Family Bathroom
One of two bathrooms that are shared by bedrooms four, five, and six, it contains a bathtub with hand-held shower and WC.
- PricingFrom £4,450 per week, £3,250 per short break for up to 10 guests
An alternative group size of up to 6 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate - FeaturesOutdoor heated pool (available May-September), private beach on the River Dart, yoga space with roof terrace, and games annex with table tennis and a football table
- PetsSorry, no pets
- FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
- PracticalitiesThere is ample off-road parking for eight cars, and garage parking for two cars. The Bulthaup kitchen has a double oven, five-ring hob, dishwasher, two tall fridge-freezers, and a microwave. The utility room contains a washing machine and tumble dryer. Please note that the garden is not enclosed, the ha-ha wall and pool wall are drops without railings, and the River Dart is accessible, so please exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children. The roof terrace off the yoga room is not suitable for children, so please keep the doors locked unless in use by adults. The pool has an electric cover that is lockable. If booking the smaller group option, guests will have access to bedrooms one, four, five, and six
- 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-friendlyTwo electric chargers (a 12 kva charger outside, and a 22 kva charger inside the garage, type 2 fitting), air source heating, and septic tank
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Halletts Family Bakers sourdough loaf
- Trewithen dairy milk
- Trewithen butter
- Teignharvey eggs
- A selection of Hawkridge Farmhouse Dairy cheeses
- Popti Bakehouse crackers
- Slap & Pickle Devon chutney
- Highfield preserves
- Sandridge Park Estate apple juice
- Devon Cottage organic cream fudge
- A selection of fresh potted herbs
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and number of of people in your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Pool towels
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Unlimited firewood and kindling
- ESE coffee pods for Dualit machine
- Instant coffee
- Ground coffee
- A selection of teas including Devon Tea
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Olive oil
- Board games
- Selection of wellies
- Croquet set
- Rounders set
- Hairdryers in all bedrooms
- Recipe books
- Highchair and travel cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
Stoke Gabriel
A quintessential English village burrowed on a River Dart creek, Stoke Gabriel might take the biscuit for the prettiest town in Devon. Among its pastel rowing boats, you´ll find shacks serving up soft-shelled crab and an award-winning vineyard pouring Madeleine Angevine.

Getting there
- On the map This luxury home is near Totnes, within the sweet South Devon town of Stoke Gabriel, perfectly located for visiting the English Riviera, Dartmouth, Dartmoor, and villages along the River Dart.
- By car Leopoldina is around 10 minutes from Totnes, under one hour from of Exeter and Plymouth, and four hours from London.
- 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 from Leopoldina by car. There is no helipad at the house, but guests may land on the adjacent grounds on prior request.

“What we love most about Leopoldina is its sense of privacy – it can only be seen from the river. It is quiet and peaceful, and the views track the changing seasons, each bringing some dazzling new scene or species to discover.”
Leopoldina was built in 1805 as the coach house and stables to the neighbouring Sandridge Park, at the centre of what was then quite a large estate on the banks of the River Dart. It has a fascinating history since medieval times.
The Pomeroy and Gilbert families owned it for long periods, Sir Walter Raleigh leased it in the late 16th-century, the Solicitor General owned it in the late 18th century, and it was home to the second generation of the Baring family in the early 19th century. In the 20th century, the estate was requisitioned during World War II and used by US forces preparing for the D Day landings in 1944.
It has been a holiday home for our family since 2000 and we worked with an award-winning architect to convert it into the modern and comfortable home that you will find today; a place where spaces flow seamlessly into each other, and which can effortlessly adapt to changing use, from informal family gatherings to great celebrations, from wrapped-up winters to outdoor summers. And all the time the eye is drawn outdoors, with different vistas from every window, as the light moves across from east to west as the day unfolds and the tide on the river ebbs and flows.
The Yallops
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Stoke Gabriel. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Do
Sandridge Barton
Sharpham Wine are one of the earliest pioneers of the English wine industry, with a history stretching back over 40 years. Striving to produce the best quality wine from fruit carefully grown in the unique climate of the Dart Valley, mixing both modern and traditional techniques. Enjoy wine tasting and guided tours at their Sandridge Barton vineyard.
To See
Dartington Hall, Totnes
Let´s call it estate hopping. Once your own extensive lawn and private River Dart beach have been thoroughly explored, take the short trip to this 1,200-acre estate in Dartington to spend an afternoon among the fern-covered stone walls and dramatic topiaries of its Grade II-listed gardens. After, grab a seasonal bite at The White Hart.
To Eat
Circa, Sandridge Barton
Located inside an old stone milking parlour, a legacy of the dairy farm that it once was, Circa is all about showcasing the best produce from the estate and the local area. A place to relax and unwind, sit back and enjoy some wonderful food paired with a lovely glass of wine, grown only a stone’s throw away.
To See
Ashburton
This sweet little town on the edge of Dartmoor has developed a chic London feel, thanks to an influx of newcomers choosing to relocate from the capital. An established centre for antiques, don´t miss Ashburton Craftmongers for beautiful, locally made crafts, or Catherine Waters and Franklin & Hare for gorgeous antiques.
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.
Is this property suitable to host retreats?
Unfortunately this home is not available for commercial purposes.
What is the pool temperature?
The swimming pool is heated to 28 degrees Celsius, but this can fluctuate depending on the outside temperature.
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.
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Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026
The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 2026
5 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026
Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026
Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
5 beach houses to book
Country Living
July 2026
How to spend a long weekend in the Cotswolds
SheerLuxe
July 2026
Related collections
Collections > Cottages with fireplaces > UK > Devon > Totnes > Leopoldina





