Tucked in behind the steep hills of the South Hams, sunbathing in its own gentle microclimate, sits Torquay View. High above Torquay’s turquoise bay, Torquay View competes with the palm-rich English Riviera for bewitching beauty and endless entertainment for 15 in eight bedrooms plus two four-leggers.
There’s a Victorian vibe here in the original features that dot the contemporary comfort. Plenty of toys, too. Swim in the indoor pool, steam in the sauna, bubble in the hot tub, shoot pool in the games room, clear away calories in the gym ready to replace them with lovely local fare from the Saltwater Fish Restaurant or pizza from Amici.
Torbay today is far from Fawlty Towers. It’s a glitzy, glam, soft-sanded resort with a busy harbour, international marina and continental-style cafes and cocktail bars. Sail, fish, take a wildlife safari. Come home to late-night card games in the conservatory and sleep in sumptuous beds with the windows open to the salty sea air.
High above the Torbay surf, kids can play on the grass while the grown-ups get around the table and chairs on the fenced terrace to sink a G&T, light the coal barbecue and sizzle some steak in the salty air.
The showstopper here is the 10 x 5-metre indoor pool heated to 28 degrees. Splash away an afternoon or win at water polo. When you’re done, jump into the five-seat hot tub or enjoy a little pine-clad perspiration in the sauna. Keep the cold drinks coming on the table and chairs by the pool.
Living spaces at Torquay View are all spacious and laced with multi-generational fun. Amid the Victorian features and contemporary curves, you’ll find a well-equipped gym, home to a treadmill, weights, bike and a rower. Not sweaty enough yet? Ping some pong on the table-tennis table. Shoot some pool in the games room.
Two 13-seat living rooms come with a smart TV and a big Bang and Olufsen satellite screen. Wow the younger generation with the four-seater cinema room with basic Sky package. Dim the lights and don’t forget the popcorn. Then escape to the conservatory with a book or for after-dinner drinks and cards.
Torquay View is magnificent for multi-generations and you’ll get 15 mums, dads, kids, grannies and grandads around the table in the dining room that floods with light from the adjoining conservatory. For early risers looking for breakfast, there’s also an eight seater in the kitchen and a Nespresso machine to kickstart the day.
Cook on the double-fan electric oven and keep the integrated fridge and freezer well-stocked with goodies from the Me and Mrs Jones deli. Or don’t cook at all – sit back and soak up the Riviera sunshine while our professional chefs do their stuff. Book a one-off celebration or fully catered break.
Take away tasty treats from Rockfish, Torbay Thai, Amici’s Italian, or get your lederhosen on for The Old Vienna and tuck into duck breast with plum sauce, wiener schnitzel or scallops with black-pudding pea-purée shellfish sauce. Get great pub grub at The Mason’s Arms or The Cavern on the Quay.
Guzzle burgers and wedges at the Rock Garden Café, a bottomless brunch at Revolution Torquay, or tempura plaice fillets at The Linny at Coffinswell. Eat out on the marina and watch the world go by at Vaughan’s Bar. Or try delicious lamb at The Waddling Duck, or octopus or brisket skewers at Small World Tapas.
Sleep a deep and dreamy sleep in the salty sea air above the bay in luxurious bedrooms. Bag the master suite for sea views and a superking with private bathroom, sofa bed, sitting area and walk-in wardrobe. Perfect for bubbles before a big night out. Bedroom two is a smart single, while bedroom three is a double.
Bedroom four is another double complete with private shower bathroom, bedroom five is a kingsize with private bathroom, while bedroom six offers twins complete with private bathroom. Bedroom seven provides a double with private bathroom and bedroom eight is a kingsize with another private bathroom.
Entertaining kids on holiday can be a challenge, especially if the weather doesn’t play ball. But no such worries here, with indoor and outdoor fun at every turn. And with space for 15, children will feel right at home among the multi-generational mayhem. There’s even room for two four-legged besties.
The fun begins in the 10-metre indoor swimming pool heated to 28 degrees. Dive right in to intergenerational water polo. Then, for older kids it’s straight into the poolside hot tub or sauna. If you’ve not shed enough sweat, then the gym awaits, with its bike, rower and treadmill. Warm down by pinging a little pong.
Still feeling competitive? The games room offers table football, eight-ball pool and board games. Anything else? Of course. Pick from two living rooms, one with a smart TV, the other with a big Bang and Olufsen satellite screen. For even more spectacular viewing, settle down with popcorn in the four-seater cinema room.