Business Details
Luxury Self-Catering Holiday Cottages by the Sea
The Flete Estate, a family-owned estate since 1872, offers luxury self-catering holiday cottages in South Devon, nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our commitment to conservation and sustainable practices ensures the preservation of the estate's natural environment, including ancient woodlands, salt marshes, and the Erme Estuary. With a legacy of over 150 years, we provide guests with access to unspoiled beaches, private drives, and eco-friendly accommodations designed for relaxation and exploration. Our team prioritises attention to detail, from regenerative farming to wildlife protection, ensuring a harmonious balance between hospitality and environmental stewardship.Guests benefit from curated experiences such as Victorian tea house hires, guided garden tours, and proximity to the South West Coastal Path, all while staying in properties ranging from historic manors to modern cabins. Our dedication to excellence has earned us recognition in film and television, while our rebooking promise ensures returning visitors secure their preferred dates annually.
Services
Holiday Cottages
Tea House Hire
Beach Access
Eco-Tours
Garden Events
Private Stables
Wildlife Safaris
Film Locations
Walking Trails
Sustainable Farming
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1872, offering generations of hospitality expertise.
- Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with private beaches.
- Eco-friendly practices including solar power and regenerative farming.
- Dog-friendly policies across most properties and beaches.
- Award-winning accommodations featured in film and television.
What people say
Peaceful surroundings
Luxurious accommodations
Dog-friendly beaches
Eco-conscious practices
Scenic views
Services
Holiday Cottages
Luxury self-catering cottages sleeping 418 guests, including historic properties like Grade II-listed Pamflete House and secluded woodland retreats. All properties feature modern amenities, private gardens, and proximity to the Erme Estuary. Dogs welcome in most accommodations.
Tea House Hire
Victorian tea houses available for daily hire on Mothecombe and Pamflete beaches. Equipped with cooking facilities, fire pits, and scenic views. Ideal for picnics, celebrations, or relaxing after coastal walks.
Eco-Tours
Guided and self-guided tours exploring the estates biodiversity, including the Erme Estuary, ancient woodlands, and wildflower meadows. Highlights include birdwatching, paddleboarding, and access to the South West Coastal Path.
Garden Events
Seasonal garden openings, RHS partner events, and private tours of Mothecombe House Gardens. Features include bee-friendly planting, Lutyens-designed terraces, and art installations by Ed Hill.
Sustainable Farming
Regenerative agriculture practices restoring soil health and biodiversity. Includes chemical-free gardening, solar-powered systems, and wildflower meadow conservation to support pollinators and combat climate change.
People
John Mildmay-White
Estate Owner
John returned to manage The Flete Estate in 2016, focusing on conservation and sustainable tourism. His leadership prioritises ecological restoration, including regenerative farming and habitat protection.
Lily Mildmay-White
Estate Owner
Lily collaborates with John to enhance the estates natural environment. She oversees initiatives like pollinator-friendly planting and wildflower meadow restoration to support biodiversity.
Martin Haxton
Head Gardener
Martin manages Mothecombe Gardens, implementing eco-friendly practices and maintaining the estates RHS partner gardens. He leads conservation efforts for pollinators and historic landscapes.
Izzy
Holiday Manager
Izzy oversees holiday properties and events, ensuring guest satisfaction while promoting sustainable tourism. She manages bookings for cottages, tea houses, and estate activities.
Neil
Maintenance Lead
Neil ensures the estates infrastructure aligns with conservation goals, overseeing eco-friendly upgrades like solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
Questions
Are the holiday cottages suitable for large groups?
Yes, properties like Pamflete House sleep up to 18 guests, with amenities including private gardens and entertainment facilities.
Can I bring my dog to the estate?
Dogs are welcome in most cottages and beaches year-round, except Mothecombe Beach between May and September.
What amenities are included in rentals?
All cottages include linen, towels, Wi-Fi, smart TVs, EV chargers, and a welcome pack with logs.
How does the estate support sustainability?
We use regenerative farming, solar power, chemical-free gardens, and wildflower meadows to protect the environment.
Are there events or activities on-site?
Yes, including garden tours, yoga classes, supper clubs, and private stables for workshops or celebrations.
What nearby attractions are accessible?
The South West Coastal Path, Dartmoor, and local pubs like The School House are within easy reach.
Reviews (3)
Heather M.
Mar 21, 2021
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The estate is beautifully kept and so welcoming. We love it here. The beaches, the woodland walks. Perfect in any season. The tea House on mothecombe beach is a great place to hire for cooking sausages and making a cup of tea, lovely to light the fire and warm up after a dip in the sea. There's a large choice of accommodation on the estate too.
Tony Swiecicki
Oct 21, 2017
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Stayed for a week at Mothecombe Garden Cottage in September 2017 and yes the location is beautiful and peaceful. However the cottage itself was tired and the furnishings old. The single beds in the master bedroom were ridiculously uncomfortable. The house smelt musty and some areas, such as the understairs cupboard, were simply to rancid to open without holding your breath. We had originally planned a family holiday with our 18 month old grandson and to be honest if he had been able to come we would have checked out immediately.
Alec Joynes
Sep 04, 2016
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Fantastic views, beautiful surroundings and a warm welcome and helpful staff. I love the private beach and the estuary walk.
