Nestled just above Torquay's harbour, Britain’s most booming seaside town, you’ll find this gorgeous Georgian building. Sovereign House is a modern, spacious and quirky one-level apartment with beautiful period features, including parking for one car. This historic homestay sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is the perfect holiday escape at any time of year, being cool in the summer and cosy and warm in the winter. Simply step out the door to explore cool harbourside cafes, gastro pubs, ice-
Sovereign House is perfectly situated for a family-friendly stay or a grown-up foodie gastro extravaganza. Built in 1811, this grand building is everything you’d expect from a classic Georgian regency property, with its original cast-iron railings and curved south-facing terrace. Formerly known as Higher Terrace, the grade II-listed property was designed by Jacob Harvey and originally comprised nine houses. It was one of the most important developments in Torquay in its time as it was the earliest part of Sir Lawrence Palks’s development of the town. Now, the houses have been redeveloped and modernised into comfortable apartments.
Sovereign House has been thoughtfully designed to blend original features and modern living, with a bright and spacious feel. It has its own front and back doors, but the lift can be accessed from the main building. Stow any pushchairs, bikes, muddy shoes or sandy flip-flops in the large locked front porch and enter the inviting living area. This lovely room, complete with wooden window shutters and quality oak-effect flooring, is great for entertaining and catching up over a glass of something chilled at the generously sized dining table. Or head over to the comfortable recliner sofas for a lovely cosy place to relax with a mug of tea. Across from the living area is the open kitchen, fully equipped with modern appliances, ideal for making everything from a hearty breakfast to a light lunch or rustling up a feast!
From this generous living space, enter the quirky hallway and into the first good-sized twin-bedroom. The beds are ‘zip and link’ and can be configured into a super king-sized bed, with ample space for a travel cot-bed. The master bedroom is wonderfully calming and quiet; with french doors that open out onto a completely enclosed inner yard, surrounded by high walls – ideal for children to play safely. For added comfort, this bedroom provides a beautifully appointed en-suite shower room. Both bedrooms have smart table lamps to charge your phone. There is a separate family bathroom down the hallway with a large bath and hand shower.
To the rear of the property, a back door leads directly to the main building side door to access the lift, or the steps up to the car park.
To the front of the building, as you descend the original steps from the pavement, there is a stylish comfortable private undercover patio seating area – the original coal store, sympathetically refurbished for modern-day enjoyment! It’s perfect for relaxing and cooling down after a day at the beach or playing board games when it’s raining.
From the pavement, where the lion statues are positioned, is the front door to the main building. From here, you can access the lift to either the car park or the lower floors.
Fresh Escapes will provide access details to the property exactly 48 hours before your check in time. Annie’s View is for your exclusive use.
Sovereign House is professionally managed by Fresh Escapes. A Devon based privately owned Vacation Rental and Management company who are here to ensure your stay runs as smoothly as possible.
Torquay is a stylish resort with a real continental atmosphere. It knows how to cater for everyone’s tastes. For watersports, fishing and sailing, Torquay has a fabulous choice of beaches, while the evenings provide fine dining, theatre, cinema and star-studded shows for all the family.
Torquay also has some of Devon’s best attractions including Kents Cavern, 800-year-old Torre Abbey with its Agatha Christie-inspired Potent Plants Garden and Babbacombe Model Village. Go back in time along Cockington’s narrow lanes, a charming village lined with thatched houses that date back to the 16th century. You can also walk the Agatha Christie mile and discover some of the murder scenes described in her novels. Take the picturesque steam train to Kingswear and jump aboard a riverboat up the Dart to visit her magnificent riverside residence at Greenway, run by the National Trust.
If you have your car, you can play a round at Torquay Golf club (2.6 miles away), discover the local beaches, such as Torre Sands at Torquay; nearby are Paignton, Goodrington Sands and Broadsands. Head to Meadfoot Beach for sunbathing, crabbing and lunch at the local cafe or go on a paddleboarding adventure at Anstey’s Cove.
You could also catch the ferry over to historic Brixham harbour (Dartmouth) to enjoy Berry Head National Nature Reserve and its colourful rare plants or pick up something from the catch of the day at Brixham’s famous Fish Market.
Torquay is a real foodie destination. Try The Waddling Duck Bistro, the Cary Arms, Ollie’s, The Old Vienna and The Orange Tree. For seafood, head to No.7 Fish restaurant, which overlooks the marina, while Michelin-starred fare can be found at The Elephant. Pick up some treats for lunch at Me & Mrs Jones deli or indulge yourself at Naughty But Nice patisserie
There is one private off-road parking space behind the building. If you require extra car parking for additional cars, there are metered spaces in front of the building or surrounding streets and local car parks. Parking permits can be obtained for cheaper long-stay parking, which will also cover you for many Torbay car parks. This means you can visit many different places and go to as many of the car-parks in Torbay as many times as you like with your permit! Go to the Torbay.Gov.UK website.
Torquay railway station is 22 minutes on foot, seven minutes by car, 20 minutes via bus and eight minutes by bike.
There is a direct rail service to London Paddington connecting with the inter-city network at Newton Abbot.
Torquay benefits from a comprehensive bus network that will take you to many of the destinations and attractions in the area. Stagecoach South West and Torbay Buses offer great services covering the English Riviera.
There are taxi ranks located immediately outside the coach and railway stations throughout the English Riviera. Torbay Taxis offer a service 365 days per year with six-, seven- and eight-seater vehicles.
From the end of March until the end of October there are regular ferries between Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. The journey time is approximately 30 minutes. Further information can be found via the Dartmouth Rail River Company website or the We Ferry website. Daily boat trips also depart from Torquay and Brixham to Dartmouth – the journey time is about an hour and a half each way.
To initially access the single-level apartment, descend the steps leading from the car park to the back door. Once you have entered the property, you will have access to the main building key. This will allow you to open the main building side door, which is directly opposite the back door. From here you can access the lift. Please also bring your own baby/child bed linen.
