
Guest testimonials
What a lovely house! We’ve had a wonderful weekend enjoying the beautiful beach and lovely Dartmouth. Thank you so much!
Wonderful home in such an idyllic setting. Perfect weather too! Loved Blackpool Sand beach. Walks, runs, cycle rides (all mostly uphill!) and a visit to the wine cellar to boot. Fabulous time enjoyed by all and we would all be keen to stay here forever, or at least return some day soon! Our thanks!
It worked really well for my children and grandchildren, with plenty of space and separate areas - we never felt on top of each other. The location was great for the beach and local area, and was beautifully peaceful.
A magical home in a beautiful location. A week here with our friends to celebrate our civil partnership! Thank you so much for your wonderful welcome. We have loved our stay and don´t want to leave. We will miss dipping in the stream after the sauna, swimming in the sea, gazing at the stars, and toasting in front of the fire. We could not have wished for a better home to celebrate in.
This beautiful house became our home to welcome in the new decade. We´ve enjoyed hot tub evenings under the stars, carefree walks down to the beach and cozied up by the crackling fire, before settling into the most comfortable beds. Thank you for looking after us and a very happy new year to all the lucky guests still to stay!
A brilliant holiday in a beautiful house. Such a gorgeous location to celebrate turning 40 with the nearest and dearest, we´ll be back!
We have had a super week here! The whole week was so relaxing, from log fires, hot tubbing, and beach trips. We hope to be back one day. Thank you for sharing it with us and thank you for looking after us, it was magical!
We have had a lovely weekend it´s been very restful. The local area was lovely and we managed to get out on the boat. The house is full of character and we enjoyed toasting marshmallows on the log burner outside. The hot tub took a while to heat but was lovely at night!
Thank you for such a wonderful stay in this beautiful house, we will cherish the memories and the comfort of the mill. We can´t wait to come back. Thank you for allowing us to stay in your special house.
A lovely few days here at the house, it´s so cosy with the fires lit and blankets out. Greeted every morning by a grouse in the yard, like stepping back in time with the stay!
We loved every inch of this house, garden, and surrounding area. We had beautiful weather and swam in the sea every morning. Such a lovely walk to the beach, breakfast outside, lunch in the sun by the hot tub, wonderful dinners in the dining room, followed by coffee in the outside room, with fires lit everywhere! Just enchanting. The decor is beautiful, the bed linen gorgeous, thank you for making it all so beautiful and for sharing.
A beautiful house and environs, the perfect antidote to a hectic and high octane life in London. Just what we needed. The sauna is divine, the quiet heavenly, and the decor intelligent and peaceful. Much Scrabble and table football was lost and won!
Three generations of our family have just enjoyed a wonderful week together here, a very special time. We had rain, shine, every kind of weather, and loved it all. A beautiful house and so well equipped, much better than at home! Thank you for lots of happy memories.
I would like to say how much we adored the house and the surrounding area. Please pass on our thanks to the owners, we didn’t want to leave! We had breakfast outside every day and when the sun moved behind the trees at lunchtime we sat at the table in the back garden. We loved the outdoor snug and played cards there in the evening after supper, we swam in the stunning Blackpool sands every morning and enjoyed the walk to Stoke Fleming to the Green Dragon. Thank you to all and we look forward to staying in another unique home in the future.
From start to finish we have had a wonderful weekend. The welcome was most warming, greeted with flowers all around the house, mince pies on the table, milk and eggs in the fridge and fresh bread too. The luxurious hamper didn’t disappoint either. We felt very comfortable in this beautiful home and loved the open fire and woodburners. We were able to indulge ourselves with the hot tub and sauna and listening to the sound of the stream was idyllic! The quality of the furnishings, down to the linen and towels were all exceptional. We will be back!
We had a lovely time here at Ellesmera Mill. We´ve especially enjoyed going in the hot-tub and the sauna. The house is so cosy which has made my mum very happy! Thank you for making our stay that little bit more special. We hope to come back again. P.S. the hamper was amazing (especially the scones and cream!)
This was our second visit to Ellesmera Mill and we had a fabulous weekend enjoying the hot tub and sauna. The weather was kind, although we couldn´t resist the lure of the fires. We loved the wonderful hamper with local goodies. Thank you for looking after us!
We go away together every year and this has to be one of the best places we have stayed. From the luxurious linen and towels, to the goody basket and all the little extras. Love, love, love the bath products! Thank you so much for having us!
I have to say that this was simply the most incredible property we have ever stayed in! A beautiful house in the most wonderful spot in Devon. The attention to detail, the interiors, the comfort, the facilities, the location - it was all wonderful. Our week has gone much too fast but we will be back one day!
We all enjoyed your lovely Ellesmera Mill, having barbecues, using the hot tub and sauna and playing on the garden swing we´re such a treat to finish off our summer. The owner and his team were excellent and nothing was ever too much trouble. Thank you for everything, and the super hamper of local produce!
This is a fabulous holiday home in the most perfect, idyllic setting. We´ve had a very restful weekend! We loved the hot tub and the closeness to the beach was great. It´s an interesting house and is beautifully decorated throughout. The perfect weather also made for a splendid week. Thank you!
Thank you for allowing us to stay in your superb home. Every detail considered and so many beautiful touches. The character of the mill still shines through. We have all had a fabulous time and we hope to return one day.
It was a wonderful weekend family break. Simply marvelous. Many thanks. We look forward to our next unique homes treat next year!!
Honoured to be number four in the book! We had the most wonderful weekend, so sorry that we could not stay longer. Glorious house and facilities, especially loved the hot tub and the babbling brook.
The perfect home for our family holiday. We had a wonderful week here, the most beautiful place we have stayed in. Excellent hospitality and thoroughly enjoyed the area. Thank you.
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
Ellesmera Mill
Dartmouth, Devon, UK
Steeped in four centuries of history, Ellesmera Mill is a luxury self-catering retreat tucked in a secluded valley near Dartmouth and the South Hams. A stroll along a winding country lane leads to Blackpool Sands, where pale shingle and crystal waters await. Days here unfold gently – sunbathing on the beach, reading in the hammock and decompressing in the sauna or wood-fired hot tub. Read more...
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Introduction
A haven of calm sleeping up to ten, this luxury millhouse casts a quiet spell on all who stay. Within Ellesmera Mill, open fires glow beneath whitewashed beams, and rough stone walls whisper of centuries past. During its tender restoration, the owner sourced vintage tiles and rugs from Morocco, transforming it into a stylish rural hideaway. Outside, the garden hums with life – butterflies drift between mature trees, and stepping-stones lead to a hot tub. Beyond the garden gate, the south Devon coast lies close, with windswept beaches and hidden coves just waiting to be explored.
Inside
Mornings at Ellesmera Mill might begin with a breakfast of local eggs and fresh sourdough in the kitchen, the scent of coffee drifting throughout the home. Here, there's space to gather and space to pause – the sitting room made for slow conversation, the adjoining linhay with its crackling log burner perfect for quiet moments à deux. Come evening, the elegant dining room sets the scene for long, laughter-filled dinners. You might then sink into the cinema room for a film before retreating to one of five sumptuous bedrooms, where rustic details meet soft white linen.
Outside
Old millstone steps lead from the dining room to the deck, where a zinc-topped table invites guests to enjoy al fresco feasts. The coastal garden blooms with delicate wildflowers and tall trees, all framed by the soothing murmur of the unfenced stream that once powered the mill. Children are free to explore their own natural playground, while adults can drift between the sauna, hammock and hot tub for restorative downtime. Blankets tucked around shoulders and glasses of wine in hand, there's a pull here to linger outdoors as the sky above slowly reveals a scattering of stars.
Ellesmera Mill has five bedrooms, a family bathroom, a Jack-and-Jill bathroom shared between bedrooms three and four, and a ground-floor shower room.

Bedroom One
First Floor Double Bedroom
The horseshoe-shaped first floor features a double bedroom with king-size bed featuring bright whites and green garden views and shares a family bathroom with roll top bath and Moroccan plaster shower with bedroom five.

Bedroom Two
Second Floor Double Bedroom
Up the second staircase lies the king-size master bedroom with wooden floorboards and exposed beams. This bedroom shares the family bathroom with bedrooms one and five.

Bedroom Three
Second Floor Double Bedroom
Reached via a second staircase is another double bedroom with king-size bed which shares access to a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.

Bedroom Four
Second Floor Single Bedroom
Also reached via the second staircase is the single bedroom which shares the Jack-and-Jill bathroom with the double bedroom.

Bedroom Five
First Floor Family Bedroom
In the dining room wing is a large, airy first floor bedroom which flaunts huge wooden shutters, a cast iron king-size double and separate single bed. Access to the Moroccan plaster shower room is shared with bedrooms one and two.

Family bathroom
First floor family bathroom
The family bathroom with roll-top bath and Moroccan plaster shower is used by bedrooms one, two and five.

Family bathroom
Second floor Jack and Jill bathroom
There is a second floor Jack and Jill bathroom shared between bedroom three and four.

Family shower room
Ground floor family shower room
The shower room is found on the ground floor.
- PricingFrom £3,595 per week, £2,695 per short break
Day hire options are available - FeaturesWood-fired hot tub, sauna, cinema room with table football
- PetsOne small or medium-sized well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for three cars. Please note, access to the house is down a narrow lane. The rustic farmhouse-style kitchen has an Aga, electric oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave and Nespresso coffee machine. A washing machine and tumble dryer can be found in the utility room. Please note, the mobile signal is patchy and WiFi speed limited due to the remote location. The property doesn´t have a fully enclosed garden and the stream that runs through the garden is not fenced, so please exercise due diligence if you are travelling with young children or a dog. Please also note that the rustic stone paths and interior floorboards can be uneven
- 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 - RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Devon cream teas with a selection of plain and fruit scones
- Cornish clotted cream
- Locally made strawberry jam
- Local milk
- Free-range eggs
- Local biscuits or cake
- Local Salcombe fudge
- Burts crisps
- Bottle of French wine from a local supplier
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 amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Freshly cut flowers
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Firewood and kindling to get you started
- A selection of breakfast, Earl Grey and herbal teas
- Nespresso pods
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- A selection of condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Board games
- Hairdryer
- Cookbooks
- Highchair and 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.
Dartmouth
A major harbour town on the River Dart with valley walks and rolling countryside, Dartmouth is a great base for exploring local towns and beaches, but it´s just as lovely for grabbing a beer and watching the boats go by.

Getting there
- On the map Ellesmera Mill is located in the Blackpool Valley near Dartmouth, close to Salcombe and Dartmoor in Devon's South Hams district.
- By car From London, take the M4 toward Bath, take M5 South and follow the directions provided to the property.
- By train Totnes station is around 30 minutes away, offering regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of approximately three hours.
- By air The nearest airport is Exeter, one hour away by car.

“Sleeping to the sound of the stream in the garden and enjoying the tranquillity of the ancient Blackpool Valley surroundings; strolling down the lane as the children try to identify the wildflowers on the way; then swimming in the sea and having brunch at the beach café... all makes for a perfect day.”
An old mill built some 400 years ago, Ellesmera Mill was one of four mills positioned along the stream (River Em) which runs through the garden. Evidence of the house's former life can be seen in the wooden posts in the hall which held the wheel fixings, as well as outside in the form of the original mill stones which are now the steps from the dining room to the deck.
We find the Blackpool Valley in which the house sits to be a tranquil and very special coastal retreat. Strongly echoing this sentiment, the former owners (who undertook the original restoration work) inscribed a Latin quotation on the sitting room beam. This translates as “this corner of the earth smiles for me more than any other”.
For those looking to explore the Devonshire coast, there are many beaches, walks and restaurants nearby, as well as numerous places to visit in the glorious South Hams. That said, simply staying at home and enjoying the surrounding wildlife, lying in the hammock, lighting the wood burning hot tub and staring up at the amazing night skies is just as glorious.
The Bird Family
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Dartmouth. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Do
Salcombe Gin School
The fabulous people at Salcombe Gin have now set up their own school for gin enthusiasts. Head over to learn about how to make your own gin, including mixing your own botanicals, and glean some skills to wow your friends with back home.
To See
Dartmoor Zoo
Based on a true story, this is the zoo that inspired the film "We Bought a Zoo" starring Matt Damon. It´s small and so easy to get up-close to the animals, including tigers and lions.
To Do
Take to the Water
For a scenic and relaxing afternoon, take a boat trip on the River Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth. Or, for the more adventurous, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding with local family-run Discovery Surf School.
To Eat
The Seahorse
The Seahorse is an excellent restaurant specialising in seafood, situated on the picturesque banks of the River Dart in Dartmouth town. They offer an extensive wine list of over 180 bins, all carefully hand-selected for seafood.
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.
How far is the walk to the beach?
Blackpool Sands beach is under a mile away and the walk takes approximately 15 minutes.
Are there places to eat and drink nearby?
Yes, there's lots of options just a short walk or drive away. These include the beach café at Blackpool Sands or the local pub The Green Dragon, both of which are under a mile away.
Below are a selection of features in which Ellesmera Mill and 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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Tales from the Mill
Country Homes & Interiors
October 2019
The Best Cottages to Book for this Summer
The Standard
July 2019
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
Related collections
Collections > Luxury staycations in the UK > UK > Devon > Dartmouth > Ellesmera Mill





