3 bed, 3 bath Regency house in walled gardens. Sleeps 6.
Communicating door to Sages Flat 1 if hired together (additional 2 bed, 1 bath, sleeps 5) to accommodate 11 in total.
Sages is a grand 6-bedroom Regency villa with 80ft verandah hidden in an acre of walled gardens, at the very heart of a pretty Devon village of traditional houses in the Torridge Valley. It is great for families as the children can run around the extensive grounds without any danger of traffic.
The building is divided into Sages house (one half) and Sages Flats 1 and 2 (other halves of ground and first floors respectively). Sages house and Sages Flat 1 are available for holiday lets, either separately or together. Sages Flat 1 has private access and a private garden if hired separately. A communicating door enables the whole house to be opened up if hired together.
The house, out-buildings and grounds are also available for venue hire, for parties and weddings (NB: Sages is not currently licensed for wedding services but please enquire if this is of interest as it is our plan). Use for an event requires a minimum of 7 nights booking for both Sages house and Flat 1. Please contact us if you wish to hold an event so that we can discuss parking etc. with you. We can also provide folding tables and chairs, parasols, bunting, some village fete-type games etc. for an additional charge.
The accommodation at Sages Flat 1 comprises: - a large drawing room with period features and working fireplace overlooking the private front garden. - hall, with french doors to front garden - kitchen - bathroom, with shower over bath and with WC - side bedroom off hall, overlooking private side garden (superking / twin beds + optional airbed to make a triple) - rear bedroom off kitchen passage (1 king size bed) - rear hall to courtyard - courtyard parking (1 car) - access to walled gardens (c. 1acre)
If hired together with Sages house, Sages Flat 1 has access to the front hall of Sages house through a communicating door in its drawing room. Please see separate listing for full details of Sages house. Summary details are: - a large drawing room with working fireplace overlooking private front garden - dining room with French windows onto front garden - sunroom, leading onto private walled garden and ground floor shower and WC - kitchen and scullery - master bedroom (superking / twin beds) overlooking front garden, with ante-room that can be used as a nursery if required - second bedroom (superking / twin beds) overlooking front garden, with communicating door into master bedroom plus separate entrance from bathroom landing - third bedroom (superking / twin beds) - bathroom - WC - shower room - extensive walled gardens of 1 acre - 2 acre paddock at the rear of the property, leading down to a stream, which can be used for event parking, fireworks displays etc.
Sages has been our family home for nearly one hundred years. We are at the beginning of a long-term restoration programme so we have set our rates and policies to reflect its element of "shabby chic" and families with young children are very welcome! Sages flat is furnished more basically than Sages house so its rates are correspondingly lower.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton (house and garden flat)
Dolton
Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton (house and garden flat)
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events by prior arrangement. Event fees may apply.
default
Pets
Pets allowed: limit 3 total
Pets taken ONLY BY owner's prior written approval
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
We permit events at our written discretion. Please contact us for more details. Weddings require two week booking Sages + Flat.
Pets must live, eat, sleep in kitchen, sunroom. No pets in rest of house except in sitting room in basket under supervision. Never on furniture.
Walk pets for calls of nature in field, leashed. Pick up poo elsewhere. Wash dirty pets before entering. Take pets with you, never leave unattended.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99
Note from host: Events by prior arrangement. Event fees may apply.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Dolton
Winkleigh is home to this holiday home. Museum of Dartmoor Life and The Burton Art Gallery and Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Highbullen Golf Course and Eastcott Vineyard. Travelling with kids? Consider RHS Garden Rosemoor and The Plough Arts Centre.
Hatherleigh Community Centre - 15 min drive - 15.0 km
RHS Garden Rosemoor - 15 min drive - 16.6 km
The Plough Arts Centre - 17 min drive - 18.6 km
Dartmoor National Park - 26 min drive - 32.6 km
Getting around
Portsmouth Arms Station - 12 min drive
Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.) - 64 min drive
Restaurants
Tally Ho - 12 min drive
Duke Of York - 6 min drive
Bull & Dragon - 8 min drive
Globe Inn - 7 min drive
The Laurels Inn - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 3 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton?
As of 2 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton on 3 Apr, 2026 start from S$139, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sages - Regency country villa in heart of Dolton located?
Set in Winkleigh, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Baxter Hall, RHS Garden Rosemoor and Highbullen Golf Course. The Plough Arts Centre and St. Hieritha's Church are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We enjoyed our stay in Sages very much. Nice historic building with lots of space inside and outside and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
A warm welcome from the housekeeper and a nice chat with the owner on the telephone made us feek very welcome.
Shabby but ticks the important boxes unless you’re a keen cook
Old house in shabby condition. More 3 bed than 4. Beds are amongst some of the best I’ve ever slept in. Magical outdoor spaces. Roaring fire and Rayburn. Excellent Spar and good choice of pubs in the village - no driving required. Better than good food in the Ramshead. Skittles and Pool in the other. I’d book again for a long weekend. Just which the kitchen had more sides for preparing food. Luckily we pre -prepared.
We loved everything about this house! Great location with lovely walks, little attractions all around Devon and beach about 30mins drive
Rams head pub and local butcher 2mins away - highly recommended as well.
Our teens and adults had a lovely stay in this regency villa and enjoyed the gardens, the piano, the conservatory, the power shower and the charming architecture and decor. Village has local walks and 2 pubs and a few shops.
We stayed as a family with dogs for a long weekend, Sages House was charming and comfortable we found space to do all that we needed inside and out, although a little tired that adds to the charm of the house, having said that the quality of beds and bathrooms were excellent and the dogs would highly recommend a snooze in front if the aga after chasing around the paddock! Thank you Jenny for your kindness and welcoming us to a house you obviously love. We would definitely return as the experience was relaxing and comfortable which is exactly what we wanted. Thanks for the good communication from Richard prior to our trip.
Interesting country house and garden that was relaxing and very comfortable. The village has an excellent restaurant and the housekeeping was splendid.
Lovely week doing lots of local walks and short trips to coast and Dartmoor. House is shabby but comfortable with cosy kitchen and lovely garden. Excellent shower and comfy beds. Only reason I’ve given 4 not 5 stars for cleanliness is that it’s a big old house with the odd cobweb! All important areas are very clean. A lovely place to stay if you’re not looking for super modern and minimalist!
Alison W.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov, 2020
We wear our maximalist shabby chic with pride but we are horrified about the cobweb! We do our best to repel the spiders into the garden but, as you note, it is an old house and, however, lovely the garden, occasionally one climbs back in. However, we draw comfort that it was clean in all the right places and we're really glad you enjoyed the great beds (made by Millbrook, who made the beds for Cunard liners) and the shower.
For the benefit of future guests, the house is undergoing a gradual, multi-year renovation. The inside will get a lick of paint in good time but for now, there are a few scuffs here and there and some threadbare patches on the carpet but these do mean guests with small children won't have their heart in their mouth whenever the juice or the crayons come out....
For those who are interested, right now (after the post-lockdown holiday season finally ended!), it is the turn of the windows. These are getting an overhaul for the first time in two or possibly three generations, which will see them good for another fifty years and will stop the draughts and rattles into the bargain, however characterful they were. :-)
Do stay with us again next year and see what we've renovated!
Sages felt welcoming from the moment we walked in. The beds were huge and comfortable, the new bathroom was spotless and the gardens were beautiful. We collected windfall apples and made a pie in the Rayburn. Richard was helpful throughout with everything from directions to the house’s (many!) quirks. A really lovely few days.
Hannah J.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
John B.
18 May, 2019
A Unique Property in a lovely village
2nd time staying in this property. A unique house full of olde world surprises. Very spacious rooms and nice gardens. Loads of off road parking. The house is in the lovely village of Dolton with 2 pubs and village shop very close by. Highly recommended.
John B.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2020
Dear John, Thank you for your kind review. It was lovely to have you back and I hope you caught lots of fish this year!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Megan P.
4 Sept, 2018
Lovely house and garden, great pubs and shop too
Wonderful regency house in the middle of a little village in the heart of Devon. We had a great time visiting Rosemoor, going for walks, going on a day trip to St. MICHAEL'S Mount and reading our books in the beautiful garden. We also took advantage of the local pubs as well as the windfall of plums and apples. Richard was very helpful with local ideas and fixed the light in the kitchen immediately. The beds were fabulous and large and comfortable. The bathtub was huge and the new shower was great lovely. This is a period property which is undergoing restoration so the kitchen set up is a little wonky, but all in all a wonderful find for us. We hope to be back if we end up with an Exeter student!
Megan P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Verified
6/10 Okay
Penny P.
3 Sept, 2018
Our stay at Sages, Dolton
There were only four adults staying at Sages. The weather was perfect. The property is interesting, quirky with plenty of history. The interior is a little 'tired' but it is well equipped and clean. The range did a perfect job cooking quiches for the wedding reception. The paddock and grounds were delightful areas in which to sit and enjoy some tranquility. The beds were comfortable. Dolton is a perfect base from which to explore. The Ram's Head Inn catered well for our wedding party one evening - the staff were extremely helpful. The village shop seems to stock almost everything and is open nearly all hours.
Penny P.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Susannah L.
13 Aug, 2018
Beautiful house with wonderful gardens. Equipped with with everything we needed for a great stay.
Perfect location for our needs. The house had so much character and plenty of room. Beds were so comfortable and lovely size bedrooms. The gardens were lovely, with some fabulous plums trees, and many other interesting plants and trees. We really enjoyed our stay, and would definitely return.
Susannah L.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2020
Dear Susannah, Thank you for such a kind review, we are delighted you enjoyed the property and look forward to welcoming again at Sages next year should you return to Dolton.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
John B.
20 May, 2018
Sages a brilliant unique holiday rent
Had not originally booked this rental but got moved to the Sages due to a problem at our original rental from the same owner. The Sages is a very unique Regency property right in the centre of Dolton which was perfect for our stay. Property is very good with everything you could want. Location is close to 2 pubs and a shop which is very useful. Although we were in the centre of the village it was very quiet with fields out the back. I would recommend the property to anyone wanted to stay in Dolton or anyone fishing at the nearby Stafford Moor fishery.
John B.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Matthew G.
21 Aug, 2017
Great setting, beautiful property
A typical idyllic English village, with all you need on your door step.
Would HIGHLY recommend
Matthew G.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
simon r.
2 Aug, 2017
Beautiful house in a very friendly village
We rented out the main house for a two week period in July. It was full of caricature and the enclosed garden makes it even more special.
There is a local shop and they sell everything you need. I walked the dogs around the village and it seems everyone has got a dog and are very friendly. My dogs loved it.
The village is very central to visit places such as Bude and Bideford.
We didn't have the best weather conditions but when the Sun did come out, it was a fantastic suntrap in the garden.
We would stop again and even consider renting out the other flat for our friends to come at the same time.
simon r.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
8/10 Good
karen h.
7 Jun, 2017
Sages house is a charming villa with bags of character.
I stayed at Sages with friends for a birthday celebration weekend and we had a great time. The house is really comfortable and although the property needs a little renovation it has all the facilities you need and expect. I particularly loved the garden which is well-established and has some fabulous trees and plants.
Richard was a very accommodating host kindly allowing me to bring my dog and for friends to park their camper van in the spacious field at the back of the property.
The house was very peaceful and the village a great base for country walks. The Ram's Head pub over the road served us a delicious and memorable birthday and I definitely recommend it.
I would really like to come back to Sages for a longer stay - a great place to chill out.
karen h.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Matt S.
28 Aug, 2016
A lovely traditional family home set in a beautiful village.
A lovely traditional family home set in a beautiful village. We had a fantastic fortnight here and used it as a central base to visit so many wonderful places. The owners were very helpful and also were happy to provide suggestions and information enabling us to make the most of our stay. A big thank you from all the family.
Matt S.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Clive W.
7 Jun, 2016
A lovely spot, with amazing gardens - great for a family holiday or a relaxing break
Sages is a fantastic property for a real Devon countryside holiday. The house has an interesting circular arrangement on both ground and first floors, with doors leading on and on, but this worked brilliantly in the 26 degrees heat that we experienced when the sun shone all week!! Leave the doors open and you get a pleasant through draught.
Furnished in a comfy olde worlde/shabby chic style, the house is well equipped and homely. We loved the tablecloth supply, piano, comfy beds, Le Creuset pans, old fashioned larder unit, the boot room and the crinkle cut vegetable chopper!
Shame we couldn't stay for two weeks. Maybe next time.....!!
Clive W.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016
Archival
8/10 Good
Jenny C.
24 Apr, 2016
Great country retreat with lots of rural activies and beautiful sourroundings
We had a very good week at Sages and managed to bike the Tarka Trail from Meeth to Fremington with almost no spring rain (a brilliant route and definitely the direction to go on) as well as having a beautiful day walking on Hartland, where Docton Mill was all that was promised in the guide book, and another on Dartmoor surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife.
We found the village of Dolton to be very pretty and welcoming - we used the fish and chip van, Ram's Head and the very handy and well stocked local shop, although the Royal Oak changed hands in the week we were there so we were unable to compare the two pubs and their food!
The brand new bathroom and shower all worked perfectly - with a fantastic enormous and luxurious bath! The set up of the property - with walled garden, field and place to close off the warm kitchen at night - was perfect for our dogs as well our family of 5.
We had a very restful week and really enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was like staying in a Georgian home from home rather than a holiday let!