Outstanding retro family home
House in Dartmouth
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area
About this house rental
Kessel House is a large, central Dartmouth family townhouse which has been beautifully restored for hosting the perfect holiday for families and couples alike. Modern touches complement the pristine 1920s time-capsule theme. Three large bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living rooms, a grassy garden and off-street parking. Just a few minutes' walk to Dartmouth's riverside and tree-lined embankment - with its diverse cafés and restaurants, independent shops, and snug, age-old inns.
Accommodation:
The front door of this very traditional-looking town house opens to the first-floor hallway which sets the tone for the property - a modern space with solid wood floors and fun film memorabilia.
Off the main hall is the first of the two living rooms, playfully known as the 'Cocktail Room' (in a Gatsby-esque 1920s style) with two comfortable sofas, an easy chair and a tall cocktail cabinet. It's the perfect spot for evening drinks. There is also a cleverly-hidden TV in one of the cabinets.
The master bedroom on the first floor has a kingsize bed and includes a TV and DVD player. The second bedroom has twin zip-link beds that can be converted into a large double bed.
The first bathroom is just off the first-floor landing - a shower room with heated towel rail.
Upstairs to the second floor where there's the third bedroom featuring a kingsize bed. There's also the family bathroom with a bath and a separate shower cubicle and electric towel rail.
The ground-floor kitchen diner is a light and airy room that looks out over the back garden, with a serving hatch through to the second living room. It's a great social space where the whole family can get together, relax, prepare food and eat together.
The kitchen itself is very well equipped with a dishwasher, fridge-freezer as well as a modern gas range. The combination of old and new runs through the shaker-style design, with wooden worktops playing against the feature butler sink with traditional carved wooden housing.
A small utility cupboard by the back door is where you'll find the washer-dryer. A stable door gives access to the grassy garden and the parking bay.
Through the kitchen is the second living room which continues the light and airy feel with a large serving hatch between the two spaces - furnished with a comfortable leather sofa and armchair, coffee table, TV, and log-effect electric fire.
Outside:
To the rear of the property is an enclosed garden with a large flat lawn area. Outdoor garden furniture makes it the ideal spot for al fresco dining or an evening glass of fizz
Please note that there are a couple of stone steps down from the back door which might pose a fall hazard for small children.
Parking:
There is parking allocated at the rear of the property for one car and an additional limited on-street parking nearby.
Accommodation:
The front door of this very traditional-looking town house opens to the first-floor hallway which sets the tone for the property - a modern space with solid wood floors and fun film memorabilia.
Off the main hall is the first of the two living rooms, playfully known as the 'Cocktail Room' (in a Gatsby-esque 1920s style) with two comfortable sofas, an easy chair and a tall cocktail cabinet. It's the perfect spot for evening drinks. There is also a cleverly-hidden TV in one of the cabinets.
The master bedroom on the first floor has a kingsize bed and includes a TV and DVD player. The second bedroom has twin zip-link beds that can be converted into a large double bed.
The first bathroom is just off the first-floor landing - a shower room with heated towel rail.
Upstairs to the second floor where there's the third bedroom featuring a kingsize bed. There's also the family bathroom with a bath and a separate shower cubicle and electric towel rail.
The ground-floor kitchen diner is a light and airy room that looks out over the back garden, with a serving hatch through to the second living room. It's a great social space where the whole family can get together, relax, prepare food and eat together.
The kitchen itself is very well equipped with a dishwasher, fridge-freezer as well as a modern gas range. The combination of old and new runs through the shaker-style design, with wooden worktops playing against the feature butler sink with traditional carved wooden housing.
A small utility cupboard by the back door is where you'll find the washer-dryer. A stable door gives access to the grassy garden and the parking bay.
Through the kitchen is the second living room which continues the light and airy feel with a large serving hatch between the two spaces - furnished with a comfortable leather sofa and armchair, coffee table, TV, and log-effect electric fire.
Outside:
To the rear of the property is an enclosed garden with a large flat lawn area. Outdoor garden furniture makes it the ideal spot for al fresco dining or an evening glass of fizz
Please note that there are a couple of stone steps down from the back door which might pose a fall hazard for small children.
Parking:
There is parking allocated at the rear of the property for one car and an additional limited on-street parking nearby.
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Map of Dartmouth
Ratings and reviews
8.0 / 10.0
Lovely property well located but need to be fit to climb the hill each day!
8.0 / 10.0
A really nice property in a fab location. Lots of stairs/steps so not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. The property was clean and well equipped...some basic kitchen items such as kitchen roll, salt and pepper, foil, oil would have been useful (most self catering places have these nowadays). There is a lot of space, so it would be suitable for 3 couples easily, which makes it good value. Overall we would recommend this property
8.0 / 10.0
A large house high up on a hill with a very good bus service right outside the door.
We had a few house niggles which we reported to DVC and a lovely Handyman arrived next morning to sort out.
Comfortable beds, everything works. Big TV we used every day (we were there just after death of HM Queen.) Heating thermo box fiddly to use but got it going. All round very comfortable and would recommend. DV staff very helpful.
8.0 / 10.0
Kessel House was our base for an autumn break . The accommodation provided was spacious comfortable for 4 adults and conveniently located for the centre of Dartmouth.
The town centre is approximately 10 minutes walk from the house down a moderately steep hill. A no. 90 bus is available for those less mobile than ourselves. Our main meal were taken in the town which has a range of restaurants to suit most pockets.
There were number issues arising which could have improved our experience if the house appropriately serviced and maintained as follows:
In the kitchen the wooden draining boards were turning black with mould and my wife felt the floor was not as thoroughly cleaned as they could have been on first entering the house . The kitchen located at the semi basement level always had small fruit flies buzzing around which would home in on any glass of wine or juice.
Elsewhere:
The top floor bathroom had a feint whiff of sewage. The smart tvs were not left connected to the main aerial and only apps were available. This was finally corrected the day before we left although first reported the morning after arrival. One of the tumblers in the front door Yale lock was not fully free and caused difficulty on entry on 2 or 3 occasions. Car parking space is restricted at the rear of the property and usually required 2 attempts to secure safe parking .
Having said all that the sitting room and lounge were provided with very comfortable seating and the beds provided a very sound nights sleep.
10.0 / 10.0
We had a great stay at Kessel House and it’s a real home from home with all the mod cons including Netflix and good wifi!
It is very stylishly furnished and as a family of 5 with children aged 7, 11 and 14, there was ample space for all of us. There is also a parking space behind the back of the house which is a real god send where off road parking is rarely available in Dartmouth. The bay is small, however we managed to park our SUV following a few manoeuvres.
Despite the lovely interior, the garden is unkept and unfortunately not in keeping with the efforts made indoors. Due to this, we didn’t spend any time outside despite the lovely weather, which is a shame and a quick mow of the lawn would have made a huge difference.
It’s also worth noting that the house is on the market and there is a For Sale board outside the house. Obviously this isn’t a big deal, but worth highlighting as we weren’t aware and it was a bit strange and unexpected seeing the board upon our arrival. Thankfully we had no viewings during our stay - I assume that viewings will be postponed whilst the property is being let out to holidaymakers.
The location is very good, only a 5 mins walk into the town centre with a Spar, a couple of restaurants and pubs on the way. I would recommend that you book any restaurants well in advance.
Overall Kessel House is a lovely property. Take a trip to Cafe Alfresco (Alfie’s) for a delicious breakfast / brunch / lunch and visit Brew Bar for some real ale or cider- the owner is super friendly.
10.0 / 10.0
We had a lovely stay in Kessel House, which comfortably accommodated our group of four. Very nicely decorated and furnished house with everything we needed. Short walk to the front in Dartmouth so very convenient and great to have a parking space which seems very rare in Dartmouth. Great communication from Dart Valley Cottages too.
8.0 / 10.0
Booked based on photos and location. What photos and description didn't say was that there were steep steps with no handrail and a drop onto concrete on one side of the steps and lawn, this made the garden unusable for children and old folk. The shower head was mouldy and unpleasant smell in the bathroom. The "drinks cabinet" wasn't secure and lunged forward when opened, this could have been fatal if opened by a child. Luckily opened by adult who was able to stop glass contents spilling out. Reported findings to customer services, who have since.updated the description.
6.0 / 10.0
A review based upon a 5 day stay in July
The house could be presented better. There were large weeds growing by the front tiles which I cleared. The attractive hall tiles were dirty and a wash would improve the ambiance.
It is well furnished with two lounges both containing some quality sofas and some very expensive ornaments including a cocktail cabinet! A little like a set rather than a homely feel.
Beds were comfortable with fresh white sheets. The kitchen has has a good range of pans, glasses cutlery etc.with an excellent stove but there was absolutely no basic provisions. It is usual to have a range of basic essentials such as milk, bread, spices, oils, tea coffee etc. there was no welcome pack which is usual.
The house was clean.
There is a very small parking area on the very narrow hilly road at the rear of the property. It is very tricky to manoeuvre in and only suits a small car.
There is a garden at the rear of property but only an uncut lawn and some furniture. Again it required some maintenance. There is a very unsightly open area by the back door which is dirty and uncovered so potentially dangerous.
We had a problem with the water heating and the power but the agents reacted very quickly and got the problems fixed in a day!
The property is on three floors so you will be on the stairs a lot. The kitchen living area is on the lower area The lounges are on the middle floor near the front door together with one bedroom and a small bathroom. There is another bathroom and two bedrooms on the top floor.
The property does provide good accommodation but could be improved
10.0 / 10.0
Spacious, Stylish and Comfortable
Kessel House is well positioned for the town with the benefit of parking. Any regular visitor to Dartmouth will know just how important having your own parking spot is.
Stylish and comfortable the house had everything we could possibly need during our stay. Fresh and clean decor, a well equipped kitchen and lots of different places to sit and relax meant there was space for everyone. Kessel House achieves a grest balance of being both stylish and interesting and homely and comfortable. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.
8.0 / 10.0
Very easy to reach town. Great to have a parking space. Quirky furnishings .
Had a good week at Kessel house. The beds were clean and comfortable, good bathrooms, comfortable sitting rooms with great tv. Had all the kitchen implements and equipment that we needed. Well furnished everywhere.
Perhaps the kitchen draining boards need some attention. But apart from that happy with everything. Thank you.
8.0 / 10.0
Spacious family accommodation in a great location
The house was really spacious for our family of 4 and we loved the location, just 10 mins walk from Dartmouth
8.0 / 10.0
Lovely house, homely feel, comfortable and relaxing
Lovely house, situated at the top of a hill, walkable but with shopping bags jumped on bus, drop off write outside house. Parking outside was a bit awkward, took two people to help park ok if you have small car. Loved the kitchen / lounge layout, open plan so husband could still chat while cooking . Lovely bedrooms but the lighting in the top bedroom was poor. Bathrooms great. Kitchen plenty of equipment for cooking, but the kettle did leak everywhere, which was a bit dangerous. Couldn’t find thermostat for the radiators to turn them down. (Book said it was in the hall but we couldn’t find it). Good workout as we were up and down the stairs forgetting things
8.0 / 10.0
Value for money
It was a good stay and walkable distance to town. Good space for a family. Downstairs hub with the open kitchen and lounge is a good addition to the holiday let.
8.0 / 10.0
Kessel House stay
Our week at Kessel house was a very comfortable one. V. Nicely appointed, and well thought out, it was beautifully clean with comfy beds. Well located about a 10 min walk down to the lovely harbour - which means uphill on way back but was easily manageable! Nice size garden, could do with a little tlc but was lovely and sunny to sit in, and we wouldn’t hesitate to go back.
8.0 / 10.0
Lovely property but the parking has cost us!
A spacious, comfortable, well equipped home in a great location. We had the parking spot measured before coming but the size is not the issue but the turn to get in to it which meant we bumped our car twice - made it an expensive break which we can’t afford to replicate!
10.0 / 10.0
The summer of 2020
Lovely house, some interesting furniture and pictures. Very comfortable and clean. Good location. ...
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Dartmouth?
The average price for a rental in Dartmouth is $127 per night. This rental is $33 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Outstanding retro family home. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Outstanding retro family home pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Outstanding retro family home?
We found 7 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, laundry, and dishwasher.
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