Holiday Letting in Devon

Local experts in Devon

Our Devon office is located just off the Devon Expressway, on the southern edge of Dartmoor. As holiday letting agents we're a people company as well as a cottage company, so have based our property team living locally so they're by your side whenever you need. 

'We were impressed with Classic Cottages from the first. Having completed on 19th December, we contacted a number of holiday letting agents but Classic were the only one who came back, almost immediately, with a detailed response which was very much written for us and our specific situation. Lucy Morris was prepared to meet us in the cottage on 28th to discuss the way forward. No thought of playing the ‘I’m sorry we’re closed between Christmas and New Year’ card, even though we know that she was at home with her family in Brixham so that might have been tempting for her. In summary, I could not speak too highly of the service offered to us.'

Owner of Harmony Cottage (3781)

How much can I earn?

This is dependent on many factors which all have to be carefully considered when buying a holiday let. Location is key. If you pick a holiday cottage in Devon which offers that location ‘wow’ factor, you have already ticked one of the most important boxes. However the wow factor must run throughout the property and quality in all areas is paramount. Decent fixtures and fittings, along with a high spec of inventory offering your guests everything they could possibility need, all being presented in a comfortable and welcoming environment creating that ‘luxury home from home’.

The rent achievable on properties which fit the above description can be very attractive, as our discerning guests will happily pay a premium for that guaranteed quality and luxury which Classic Cottages deliver time after time, by choosing holiday homes which are the cream of the crop. We like to be transparent with all of our rates and policies so you won't be caught out with hidden costs.

Buying an existing property is the easiest and quickest way to get into the holiday letting business, and a holiday home which already has a proven track record comes with that peace of mind that your investment is already turning a profit. You can always put your own personal touch on any property, so the magic and excitement is not lost.

However, if you want to go for that personalised feel from day one, a conversion or renovation is such an exciting route to take. From selecting colour schemes and lighting to fixtures and fittings, the decisions are endless yet so rewarding. When the finished product takes its first booking and receives a glowing review in the guest book there is no better feeling. Renovations and conversions are exciting and possibly a bit daunting, which is why our expert Area Managers are on hand from day one to guide and support you through this project. Don’t worry, you are not alone!

What should I buy?

Any purchase needs to have that something special, something which would jump out at you when booking a holiday. Location is always paramount. Whether your chosen property is along the coast with uninterrupted sea views, or an inland holiday let, which offers quality and luxury throughout, set in rolling countryside and perfect for those special family occasions, there needs to be a ‘wow’ factor. 

Other areas of consideration are the practicalities of the property, such as; is there parking, is there enough internal space for your guests to holiday in style and comfort, do you have a garden or patio to sit and enjoy the delights of the beautiful location, and even better, is the outside space enclosed offering complete safety for the smaller members of the group?

A special location, coupled with quality throughout will definitely provide you with a very successful holiday home, one which you can look forward to enjoying yourself and a true testament to a good choice.

Your holiday letting agent choice is just as important. To help make the decision a little easier we have pulled together some key reasons why to choose Classic Cottages.

Why choose South Devon for holiday letting

Boasting hundreds of miles of breathtaking coastline which is peppered with golden sandy beaches, mysterious and romantic coves and clifftop views which will make your heart stop, South Devon is a holiday destination in high demand. This county has more miles of road than any other but they are picturesque, with routes into pretty towns as charming as the destination itself. The English Riviera has a character all of its own and caters for all ages, abilities and desires. 

With numerous adventure parks, water parks, petting zoos and steam railways to entertain the younger members of the group, adults can enjoy a spot of golf, with the more adventurous going canoeing or rock-climbing. Perhaps rolling out your towel on one of the glorious sandy beaches is your idea of the perfect day? If so, you will be spoilt for choice. It’s easy to understand why guests from all over the country and abroad flock to this fabulous area.

Demand for holiday cottages in South Devon is growing year by year. As this location offers year round appeal, it ensures that you maximise your property to its full potential, not just in the peak weeks. Properties which are perched on the coast with stunning views will naturally add that immediate wow factor, however in land properties can also attract that required guest attention by styling and finishing your property to the highest standards. To find out in more information about investing in a holiday home in South Devon, read our guide here. It covers top areas, what you can expect in terms of your return and what property type and features to consider when looking to buy a holiday property. 

Due to the popularity of South Devon, parking with the property is a great selling point, and will add a premium. Likewise, if you are happy to accept dogs, this will open your property to a very large market of guests who are restricted in choice due to their four-legged friends. The combination of location, style and quality coupled with all the splendour and activity South Devon has to offer, ensures that the right holiday home purchase will be a successful one.

Holiday let management in South Devon

Classic can offer a fully managed service in South Devon, a tailored, professional and pro-active approach to property management. We believe in clear communication and our transparent approach allows us to deliver a service that is as efficient as it is reliable, for your peace of mind. We do this by understanding that no two homes are the same, so our tailored home management packages are exactly that.

If you have a holiday let in South Devon but struggle with the logistics of changeovers, or can't be on hand should something go wrong, we can cater to every situation. From reminding you your PAT is due, to cleaning and laundry or picking out new curtains, we can manage your property as much or as little as you like.

Not only will you receive personalised support and advice from your designated property manager, she will also introduce you to, and help tailor, a property management package which will relieve you of all day to day concerns of owning an active holiday rental property. Once the professional photographer has snapped your property and your property manager has created an inspiring and energetic overview of your property for our website, it’s time to sit back and watch the bookings roll in, safe in the knowledge that everything is in hand. From completing the regulatory requirements, to carrying out those last minute repair/improvements our team of experts can have it covered.

Our housekeepers are fully trained to 5 star standards, using leading products and quality equipment to ensure an exceptional finish - the first thing your guests will say when they enter your property is wow!
We also have an array of recommended service experts working with us, which enables us to arrange any maintenance or urgent repair work quickly and efficiently, using experts in the required field.

Why choose Dartmoor for holiday letting

Situated in the heart of Devon, this unique expanse of open moorland attracts visitors from all over the world, who can’t quite believe their eyes when atop a tor that affords such panoramic views. Dartmoor is both empty and bustling – you can walk for miles without seeing a soul, or peek under the skin of a local community and find a whole host of entertainment. It can be as busy or as peaceful as you like, with a high end hideaway in the middle of nowhere, or a chocolate box thatch in a town centre.

Explore the landscape on horseback, cycle endless roads or strap on the walking boats – guests get to enjoy the beauty of Dartmoor from your doorstep so be sure to facilitate outdoor activities. There are a plethora of child-friendly and dog-friendly pubs and eateries scattered across the moors so make sure your cottage welcomes them just as warmly.

Attractions abound with Becky Falls, Castle Drogo, the South Devon steam railway and the many Tors, to name but a few, so take advantage of the tourists by making your place a go-to destination. Pick a property surrounded by natural beauty and optional adventure – a trickling stream can be a place to paddle or a riverside picnic location. Woodlands provide walks as well as foraging opportunities for self-catering chefs. 

A holiday on Dartmoor will leave your guests with some very special memories and images which can scarce be replicated anywhere else in England. Dartmoor is a one of a kind place, sought out by millions of visitors each year for this very reason. Imagine owning a cosy and welcoming bolthole in the centre of this amazing setting for our guests to return to of an evening; lighting the woodburner, popping open a bottle of something tasty whilst planning their next day’s adventure. This sounds very much like the winning formula, a great combination of location, natural beauty and a quality retreat to relax in at the end of the day. Perfect!

Why choose North Devon for holiday letting

The massive beaches and far reaching landscapes sell themselves. There are delightful little towns to stumble upon, villages hewn out of cliffsides and the coastline, rugged in places, is endless sand for miles. Shallow seashores make for safe, family-friendly holidays and inland the countryside is perfect for dog-friendly cottages. 

Head inland slightly for more profitable purchases - just make sure they've the wow factor to attract guests' attention away from the sea view properties. We can help with assessing just how much 'wow' a property potentially has, with no obligation.

North Devon is a good area to invest in a property with potential - there are lots of renovation projects to get stuck into so keep an eye out, particularly for barn conversions. Holiday cottages by the sea are always popular however a high quality cottage off the beaten track will do just as well, if not better, particularly when they welcome dogs and feature luxuries such as hot tubs and a wood-burner.

Why choose East Devon for holiday letting

East Devon isn't too far to travel west and yet the roads give way to rolling green farmland dotted with delis and farmshops, lush countryside views stretching as far as the eye can see. Make your way to the coast and the greenery merges into dramatic red cliffs along the Jurassic Coast.

Towns nestle on the water's edge, some providing the quintessential seaside holidays, others quirky, historical destinations and elegant regency towns. It's beautifully rural yet main routes run through from up country and there's even a big city.

Inland the beauty of the Blackdown Hills earned them a title of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a place for unequaled tranquility, walking and day trips. This area performs well out of season, so flexibility of accommodation is a must - there are plenty of places to be had that aren't over-saturated with holiday cottages too.