The Maidencombe Studio - Cosy, terrace, sea views

Summary:
Blending style with simply stunning views of Torquay Marina and Torre Abbey Sands, this well-appointed contemporary studio apartment offers a relaxed bolthole for two people to explore the treasures of the English Riviera as well as all the cosmopolitan restaurants, bars and shops of Torquay. No pets please.

The Space:
Maidencombe Studio is nestled in a beautiful Victorian villa, sympathetically remodelled into stylish holiday apartments. Bayfort Mansions’ elevated position overlooking Torbay provides breathtaking views of Torquay Marina, Torre Abbey Sands and the gorgeous English Riviera beyond, so you’ll be inspired to explore this beautiful part of the world from the moment you wake up and drink in the scenery. The town centre is just a short walk away and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding what to do. To see even more spectacular sea views, try the Royal Terrace Gardens along Torquay seafront, where a magnificent new illuminated staircase leading to a new viewing platform has been recently installed. Pack a picnic and hit one of the two beaches or go for a round of crazy golf at Jungle Journey Adventure Golf. Try the Real Crime Museum, the prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village or go a step back in time at Bygones. Need some peace and quiet? Head to Cockington Country Park, where you can walk and cycle in acres of unspoiled woodland. Whatever you choose to do, Torquay has wonderful experiences to offer whatever the weather and at any time of year.

A cushion emblazoned with ‘this is the life’ adorns the double sofa bed at Maidencombe Studio – and it really is! This compact holiday home-from-home offers all you need for a relaxing stay in Devon, whether you’re whiling away an afternoon reading on the private balcony or enjoying gazing out over the marina with a glass of something chilled in hand after a day out exploring. The studio offers a calming and comfortable retreat, decorated in peaceful seaside blues and whites, where you can wake to the sunrise or enjoy a lazy movie night from your double sofa bed. Next to the cosy living area you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, complete with under-counter fridge-freezer, microwave and electric oven and hob. A separate shower room with electric shower cubicle, WC and basin provides all you need to get ready for the next day’s adventures.

Guest Access:
Two people have the full use of the studio apartment and sea-view balcony, as well as access to a communal garden area.

The Neighborhood:
The quintessential bucket-and-spade resort seaside town of Torquay on Devon's English Riviera coast is vibrant, cheerful and family friendly. Although it has suffered from a 'resort town' reputation in the past, a recent revival has made it a hot spot for seaside escapes. Today, Torquay is a stylish resort with a real continental atmosphere and 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 restaurants bring out the West Country flavour in a diverse range of cuisine, from award-winning fish and chips to internationally inspired gastronomy. Priding itself on its sustainability and overlooking the inner harbour, Rockfish on 20 Victoria Parade offers alternatives to a classic fish and chip supper (which it also serves). For that Michelin star, head to The Elephant on Beacon Hill. You can find great-quality fillet steaks at the Orange Tree, just a few steps from the harbour. Hit Ephesus, a fabulous Turkish/Greek restaurant in town, for great food and a party atmosphere. Nearby Maidencombe Studio is Visto Lounge for family-friendly all-day eating from burgers to tapas, or On the Rocks for a stylish, relaxed vibe. For a bit of glitz, try Soho Cocktail Bar for a fun night out or Elton’s Piano Bar for harbourside music, drinks and food.

Stroll across Torquay Harbour Bridge, which spans the inner harbour, to admire the view and the boats. You can get afloat yourself with regular passenger ferries to Paignton, Brixham and Dartmouth, plus fishing and wildlife safari boat trips. At low tide, the long sandy beach is walkable and perfect for swimming. Spot an avocet paddling in the surf as well as turnstones, oystercatchers, herring gulls and black-backed gulls. Enjoy long leisurely strolls along the historic pier and promenade and take in the relaxed atmosphere. You can take the beautiful South West Coast Path right around the bay to Paignton and Brixham, renowned as one of Devon’s very finest waterside walks. Try the pleasant circular amble from Kents Cavern in Torquay through woodland to Meadfoot Beach, where you can enjoy some superb coastal views. After another stretch of woods you join the coastal path to spectacular Anstey's Cove, before a short walk back to Torquay.

Torquay has some of Devon’s best attractions including 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.

Getting Around:
You're in a central location in Torquay, so there is so much right on your doorstep or within easy walking distance. If you bring your car, there is plenty of on-street parking but because Torquay and the wider English Riviera area are so well connected it might be easier to take the bus or train. A bus stop is just a few minutes’ walk away, which will take you to many of the destinations and attractions in the area. Torquay railway station is about 10 minutes’ away and is on the Riviera Line, connecting you to Exeter and Paignton. Taxis are also an easy and convenient way to get around and drivers are willing to take you on shorter or longer journeys. 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.

Other Things to Note:
Please note that there are no laundry facilities in the apartment. The washing machines in the building are for private residents' use only.

The studio apartment is accessed via two staircases, so unfortunately isn't mobility friendly. Please also take care on the balcony for the apartment, and do not use the locked gate from the balcony as this is out of bounds.

Interaction with Guests:
This property is managed by Fresh Escapes, who can be contacted at any time for issues during your stay. We're a local team who are here if you need us, so please just let us know if there's anything that we can do to help.