Large Riverside Retreat with Panoramic Dart Views

Welcome to Steppes & The Boathouse. A spectacular holiday house in Dartmouth, offering unforgettable waterside living for up to eighteen guests.

Nestled into the hillside with breathtaking panoramic views over the River Dart, this spacious retreat offers the perfect setting for large families or groups of friends seeking a memorable getaway. True to its name, Steppes is reached by a series of steps that lead down from the road to the river’s edge, but the reward is more than worth it.

Here at Your Devon Escape we are local and will be able to assist and advise where required.

Steppes is located on the water’s edge and less than a five-minute walk from the centre of town. Dartmouth boasts some fantastic bars, restaurants, independent shops and parks for you to indulge in and enjoy.

What makes Steppes extra special is that the entrance is located on the South West Coast Path. There are a number of walks that can be enjoyed just by stepping out the front door, including a short stroll to the Dartmouth Castle.

Steppes is the perfect base for exploring the best of South Devon. Local beaches, including Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands, are a short drive away. Or visit the nearby towns of Salcombe, Brixham or Totnes. Take a trip on the steam railway or get out on the water. There is so much to explore and discover!

Dartmouth is an all year round destination hosting a variety of regional events to enjoy on your Devon break like the yearly Dart Music Festival (May), the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta (August) and the Dartmouth Food Festival (October).

Although the property is located right on the river, there is no boat available to use and we advise that the property is not suitable for young children due to the proximity of the water’s edge.

Steppes provides waterside living at its best whilst allowing you to access the town with ease. The car can be left behind for the entire duration of your stay in the beautiful town of Dartmouth!

The entire house including the boathouse

Why Steppes & The Boathouse is Perfect for Your Stay:

- Panoramic River Dart views stretching to the mouth of the estuary
- Sleeps up to 18 guests across the main house and annex
- Multiple terraces, balconies and outdoor seating areas
- Self-contained boathouse annexe for added privacy
- Short walk to Dartmouth town centre

From the moment you open the gate at Steppes & The Boathouse, you’re met with truly breathtaking views. The River Dart unfolds before you, sweeping past Dartmouth town, across to Kingswear and out towards the mouth of the estuary , a spectacular backdrop that defines this exceptional coastal home.

Inside the main house, the layout has been carefully designed for relaxed, sociable coastal living. The bright open-plan living space brings everyone together, with two large dining tables and a central kitchen island creating the perfect hub for shared meals, celebrations and long, laughter-filled evenings.

Floor-to-ceiling windows line the main lounge, flooding the space with natural light and opening onto a balcony with uninterrupted river views. Comfortable sofas, armchairs and bean bags invite you to settle in and simply watch life unfold on the water below as boats drift past throughout the day.

The property sleeps up to eighteen guests across eight bedrooms, making it ideal for multi-generational families, groups of friends or special occasions. Sleeping arrangements include three super king bedrooms, one king, one double, and a charming cabin-style room with three single beds, a favourite with children and teenagers. One bedroom is conveniently located on the main living level for easier accessibility, with the remaining rooms arranged across the lower floors. Two family bathrooms, including one with a generous bath, are complemented by additional separate WC facilities.

On the lower level, a cosy snug provides a second living space, complete with a telescope for evening stargazing or river watching. This room opens directly onto the expansive decked terrace, furnished with stylish outdoor seating and perfectly positioned for sunny afternoons, sunset drinks or relaxed evenings under the stars.

Set within the gardens, The Boathouse offers a beautifully self-contained annexe sleeping up to five guests across two bedrooms. With its own bathroom and kitchenette, it’s ideal for extended family members, grandparents or guests who appreciate a little extra privacy while still being part of the wider group.

Outside, you’ll find a variety of terraces and balconies, an AstroTurfed garden, and stunning river views from almost every corner of the property. Whether you’re enjoying morning coffee as the town wakes up, hosting a leisurely barbecue, or sharing a quiet moment as the sun sets, there’s a space for every part of the day.

Just a short stroll from Dartmouth’s vibrant town centre, Steppes & The Boathouse offers the perfect balance of peace and proximity. Boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, the harbour and the South West Coast Path are all within easy reach.

Steppes & The Boathouse isn’t just somewhere to stay, it’s a place to gather, celebrate and create lasting memories on the South Devon coast.

You are just a five minute walk from the centre of Dartmouth with lots to explore.

It's advisable that on arrival you drop off luggage and then park the car, the best option for the majority of the year being the Park and ride at the top of the town.

PARK AND RIDE TICKETS - Top of the town
Tickets can be obtained from the pay and display machines in the car parks or by downloading and using the Paybyphone App. Tickets bought at the machine on site are in two parts: one to show the bus driver; and one must be displayed on the car.

All day tickets cost £5.00 or £3.00 after 2pm
"All Day" covers the chargeable period from 7am - 6pm, overnight parking is FREE until 7am the next day.
You can buy multiple all day tickets to cover you for several days in a row.

You can download the Paybyphone app to your phone through your app store (Available for IOS and Andriod ) for free. You will need to create an account and enter your REG number and Card details.

If you require more than one day, you can buy multiple "All day" tickets for the same day and line the tickets up in your windscreen. Although this is NOT stated on the signage at the park it IS accepted. For example if you are staying in Dartmouth for 2 nights, arriving for example at 3pm on Friday, you would purchase one reduced price ticket, plus 2 full all day tickets total cost £13 ( 1 x £3 reduced day ticket and 2 x £5 all day tickets ) this would cover parking and bus use until 7pm on Sunday.

If you are using the app, you must purchase each new "all day" ticket each morning by 8am - log into the app and authorise a new payment EACH DAY.

Returning from Dartmouth after 19:00

If you want to return to the Park and Ride car park outside of normal operating hours you can get to the top of town on the Stagecoach South West bus service from Dartmouth. It does not stop in the car park stop. It stops at a bus stop a very short distance away in the main road and runs every 30 minutes from 19.00.

Although the property is located right on the river there is no boat available to use.

The property also is not suitable for young children due to the proximity of the waters edge.

Parking:
The property has no parking on site; however, you can pull up to unload in front of the main steps that lead down to the property to load and unload. Between 1st October and 30 April there are lots of free and unlimited spaces throughout the town, the majority of those being on ‘South Town’ which is the road leading up to the entrance gate or ‘Embankment Road’ which is the road that runs along the entire river.

The main central car park located is just a ten minute walk from the property and can be controlled using the PaybyPhone App or alternatively, the Just Park app can offer local alternatives.

During the main season (May-September) the ‘Park and Ride’ offers the best solution with regular buses running through the day.

Prior to your stay, we require you to complete a pre-arrival form and sign & agree to our rental conditions.