Luxurious festive getaways in Devon

Imagine celebrating Christmas or New Year in a stunning Victorian mansion complete with roaring fires, breathtaking estuary views and enough room for all your family or friends. Salcombe Holiday Homes (salcombe.com) specialises in large, luxury properties, which are available to rent over the festive period.

One of the most beautiful homes in the South Hams and new for Christmas 2008 is the stunning Old Rectory, part of Salcombe Holiday Homes’ finest collection of properties, all of which are featured on the website exclusiveselfcateringdevon.co.uk. Sleeping up to 19 people, it also accepts well-behaved dogs! As the house is situated on the beautiful East Portlemouth shoreline you and any companions – two-footed or four-pawed - will have plenty of opportunity for long walks!

Christmas dinner is renowned for being stressful to produce but The Old Rectory’s well-equipped kitchen, complete with Aga, is a cook’s delight and the dining table seats 14.

Set in 3 acres of land, with 6 bedrooms, reception hall, drawing room, library and ornamental ponds and gardens there’s plenty of room to explore on your own or get together. Salcombe Holiday Homes also believe some traditions should never change so a Christmas tree is provided in all our properties. Just don’t forget to bring your decorations!

The Old Rectory costs £5,400 for 7 nights (Christmas week 22 – 28 2008, New Year 29 – 4 2008-2009), based on 10 people sharing plus £200 per extra person.

Other large homes in Salcombe are also available, and make the perfect location for a Christmas get-together with loved ones, with exquisite design-led houses complete with sea views and beautiful gardens, this South Ham’s region is perfect for strolls along the idyllic Devon coastline. Christmas and New Year prices range from £290 per week for cottages sleeping 2, up to £5,400 for The Old Rectory, with plenty of properties to choose from in between!

Houses are also available in Dartmouth (dartmouthuk.com) for the festive period. Most of the quality homes are located close to the historic town, the River Dart and also miles of beautiful coastline. Christmas and New Year prices start from £210 for a one-bedroom cottage up to £1,695 for a property sleeping 8.

Directors Tim and Ginny Windibank comment, “Renting a large property is an excellent way to spend Christmas and New Year. You can be with your loved-ones and enjoy Devon in the winter. It’s got an incredibly special feel to it.”