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Character Cottage in the Heart of Topsham, Near Exeter in Devon

Photo gallery for Character Cottage in the Heart of Topsham, Near Exeter in Devon

A black car parked in front of a brick cottage with a sign reading "Coysh Cottage."
A kitchen with white cabinets, a microwave, a toaster, a sink, and a bar stool.
A brick house with a white door and windows, a wooden gate, and a sign indicating 'Cowsh Cottage'.
A room with a wooden staircase, a blue chair, a radiator, and a window with curtains.
A window with a view of a garden and a white building.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Accommodating 4 guests, this cottage features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It offers access to water activities like scuba diving and adventure activities such as windsurfing and birdwatching. Located in town near the sea, it is also close to Topsham Pool and Topsham Museum.

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Barbecue
    A rare find - perfect for a relaxed, outdoor grilling experience.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Toys
  • Onsite parking available
  • Barbecue
  • Internet
  • Refrigerator
  • Bathtub

Explore the area

View map
Topsham, ENG
  • Place, Topsham Pool
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Topsham Museum
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Exeter Golf and Country Club
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

Character Cottage in the Heart of Topsham, Near Exeter in Devon

Situated in a quiet courtyard, just off the main high street in Topsham, this lovingly restored cottage has two bedrooms, a comfortable lounge with wood-burner and a modern well-equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi. Outside the cottage has it's own parking space and a terrace. The cottage has gas central heating.

The main bedroom benefits from a large built in wardrobe, a very comfortable bed and a view over the courtyard. The second bedroom has bunk beds and is ideal for children or one adult. The bathroom is downstairs and has a full size bath and a shower over it - towels are provided.

The lounge has seating for 4 and a fold up dinning table and chairs for family meals. You can also use the breakfast bar in the kitchen for quick meals. A porch provides storage for boots and coats.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Sorry strictly no pets
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Strictly no smoking.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Put used towels and tea towels in the bath.
Please no glass in the recycling. Food waste must be bagged. Put bins by the wall pillar.
Return keys to the key safe and scramble the lock.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 8105142
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Exeter

Located in Exeter, this cottage is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Dorset and East Devon Coast and Dartmoor National Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Sandy Park Rugby Stadium or Westpoint Arena. Scuba diving and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in ExeterOpens in a new window
Map
Topsham, ENG

What's nearby

  • Topsham Pool - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Topsham Museum - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Exeter Golf and Country Club - 7 min drive - 2.5 km
  • University of Exeter - 15 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Exeter Cathedral - 16 min drive - 9.5 km

Getting around

  • Topsham Station - 4 min walk
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Royal Oak Inn - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Toby Carvery Exeter - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Farm Table - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Double Locks - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Character Cottage in the Heart of Topsham, Near Exeter in Devon pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Character Cottage in the Heart of Topsham, Near Exeter in Devon?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Character Cottage in the Heart of Topsham, Near Exeter in Devon?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Character Cottage in the Heart of Topsham, Near Exeter in Devon?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Character Cottage in the Heart of Topsham, Near Exeter in Devon located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Topsham Pool and Topsham Museum. Sandy Park Rugby Stadium and Pynes Hill Estate are also within 3 miles (5 km). Topsham Station is only a 4-minute walk and Newcourt Station is 27 minutes.

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Archival

8/10 Good

Comfortable, great location, & reasonable price

We are a family of 4 from Canada. We had nice 3 night stay and we were able to explore the area around Topsham.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thanks glad you had a good time, do come again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was lovely, with everything we needed. It was close to the centre of Topsham and and the train station. Lovely walks to the quay. Really helpful host when we needed to get on touch. Brilliant to have private parking, but a squeeze for a larger car. Will definitely be booking again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pleasant Stay

We had a very pleasant stay in a lovely village. The cottage comfortably met our needs. As advised by the owner the parking was challenging. The smaller the car the better. Overall we were very happy with our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lovely little town. everyone is friendly.

Lovely cottage, but as my wife is disabled, found it difficult to get to the bedroom. Will recommend to everyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you for your kind comments, we are glad you enjoyed your stay. I am afraid being a small cottage the stairs are a little steeper than normal. We will make sure this is clear on our description.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exactly as advertised and deservedly recommended ‘excellent’ again and again. This historic cottage is compact but well updated with all facilities including wifi. Scrupulously clean and simply but tastefully furnished, Exeter cottage provides an excellent base for regional touring - even better perhaps for local exploration of the ‘Tops’ham’ area. Don’t miss a walk to eye opener ‘Darts Farm ‘ UK best farm shop 2025 or to the Antiques emporium on the quay and a multitude of other quality attractions
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Very impressed

From the moment we stepped into the cottage it had a lovely feel to it. Every thing was clean and well prepared for our stay. The location is ideal to explore this wonderful little town. The parking is difficult but is explaining in the description . The owner rang to welcome us and make sure all our needs were met. I would recommend this little cottage to anyone. We hope to return in the summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. You will be very welcome back in Topsham.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
C'etait la 2e fois que nous séjournions dans ce cottage et l'expérience a été tout aussi positive que l'année dernière : le logement est confortable, propre, bien équipé, idéalement situé et très calme. A Topsham, la place de parking est un vrai plus ! Richard est également très réactif pour répondre aux messages. En un mot, nous sommes ravis et prévoyons déjà un prochain séjour l'année prochaine. Merci encore pour tout et à bientôt !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2026
Thank you. That's great to hear.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location in a funky little apartment in a lovely little town. Plenty of choices for good dining and fine ales. Friendly locals. Parking is tight but quite do-able, stairs would be challenging for some but fine for us. Couch and bed could do with upgrading...
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans ce cottage, idéalement situé près des commerces et de la gare, à quelques minutes à pied des superbes vues sur l'estuaire. Pourtant, la maison est très calme et on n'entend pas du tout la circulation sur la rue principale. Nous avions à disposition tout ce dont nous pouvions avoir besoin, en particulier dans la cuisine qui est très bien équipée pour cuisiner. Les différents espaces (salon, chambre, cuisine etc...) sont bien séparés les uns des autres, ce qui donne une impression d'espace. La chambre "parents" en particulier est grande et confortable. Notre voiture est une Polo VW et nous avons pu nous garer sans difficultés, même s'il faut être vigilant car l'espace est en effet restreint, mais on prend vite le coup de main. Bref, nous sommes ravis de notre séjour et nous reviendrons sans hésiter !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2025
So happy to hear you had such a lovely time at our cottage. You would be welcome back anytime :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Traumhaft

Das Cottage ist urig gemütlich, die Nachbarn sind sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend und der Ort ist einfach idyllisch und bietet alles was man braucht. Hier würden wir wieder Urlaub machen
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vielen Dank!

Der Aufenthalt war sehr ruhig und angenehm. Der Haus war sehr sauber und nett eingerichtet. Die Küche war sehr gut ausgestattet. Die Nachbarn waren auch sehr nett und hilfsbereit. Wir waren zu zweit und hatten mehr als genug Platz. Vielen Dank.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2023
Thanks very much Anke, it was a pleasure to host you. Richard
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Realistically no parking

The little house is in a great location for shops and everything Topsham has to offer. The house itself is fine for a place to sleep but realistically you wouldn't want to spend much time there. It seemed to get very little light so was a bit depressing but if you're on your holidays then just get up and out and it's fine. Our main issue was the parking, or lack of. It was a stress every single day. I honestly have no idea how anyone (unless you're in a tiny smart car) managed to get in and out of the 'space' provided. If you have a normal sized car, I can't see how it is doable. I have read reviews where people have managed it but honestly, I do not know how - with a fair bit of stress I imagine and maybe a few scratches to your car. Topsham is tough to find spaces and we often had to park quite a bit down the road. Road parking is for only an hour between 9 and 6. If you're up early and back late, then less of a problem but even then expect a bit of a walk once you manage to find a space. I wouldn't stay here again and I don't think the car parking space should be advertised as one at all. If you were coming on the train and if you just want somewhere to lay your head, then this place is for you. If you have a car and you need somewhere nice to relax and chill, then I would find somewhere else.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct 2020
In 15 years of renting the property this is the oddest review I have ever received. The guest did not review for well over 2 weeks after the stay but then posted this within 15 minutes after a polite email exchange over the return of a travel cot they left (in which I offered to return it). The review was clearly a response to that. On the specific points mentioned; 1. Nobody has complained it is dark and depressing before. Yes it has smaller windows than modern properties but we have made a considerable effort with decor to lighten the feel of the place. We have a large tree outside but we like the tree so accept some light loss from it. 2. Parking. We make no secret it is not suitable for large cars. But my 80 year old Dad with limited peripheral vision gets his Audi A3 without incident. We park our Skoda Fabia without problem, and prior to that a Zafira although that is on the limit. It is not suitable for MPV's and similarly wide cars.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage for a small/young family, couple or individual

The cottage has been well maintained and provided everything we needed for a family of four with a 6 and a 7 year old for a week away. It is quite small, which was fine for us as our children are young and we spent most of our time out of the cottage. If you had older children or planned to spend more time at home it might feel a bit small. The beds and furniture was comfortable and we managed ok with the dining facilities. Our kids ate at the breakfast bar and we (2 adults) opened half the table up to eat there. The table will fit four round when opened up fully but we couldn’t find a good space to fit it when fully opened. The kids were very pleased to discover the selection of toys, books and dvds provided and barely played with the few of their own they had taken with them. A nice touch. Parking and the driveway is very tight. We have a Vauxhall Meriva and we just about managed. Reversing in was too difficult even for a postman who is used to driving in tight spots but he managed to drive in forwards ok and reverse out. Anything bigger would stick out too much for their neighbours to get out I suspect. Overall we’ve had a lovely stay and would recommend this cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Oct 2020
thanks for your comments and your stay :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect little Cottage

We loved our stay in the Exeter Cottage. We had everything we needed and had a good base from which to explore Devon. Also the communication with the owner was very good, it also helps to read the description of the cottage. Our large car was a challenge to get onto the square and back out again, so we did not repeat that a second time :D Thank you for this lovely stay!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family week away

A great little cottage, Nicely located for local village and not too far away from most local attractions. My family and I had a great stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thanks for your feedback, glad it all worked out so well for you, do come again :)
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Well appointed cottage in quiet location.

Very handy for local shops, buses and trains. Only outside space is situated at the front of the cottage - overlooked by other cottages. Not offering any privacy.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Nice little cottage, needs some attention

Nice little cottage, but too dark inside with daylight and a bit too many domestic parafernalia. Good bed, nice bedroom and well appointed kitchen. Bathroom needs thorough cleaning, esp. the tiles and rail above the bath. These findings were a bit to our surprise, maybe because the number of relevant photographs on the site is limited. Kind and helpful contact with owner via telephone.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you for your feedback. We welcome it, as it helps us improve the service we offer. Sorry the cottage did not meet all of your needs. Regarding the light levels in the cottage these are greatly affected by the large tree immediately outside which when in full leaf has a significant affect on light. We are in the process of working with neighbours and the council (it is listed) to see what can be done about it beyond the very limited pruning we are allowed. We will review the domestic paraphernalia in the cottage. The bathroom is cleaned very well each rental, however we are aware the grout is beginning to discolour. This is due to be addressed at the end of this summer season.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Small cottage in a fantastic location for Topsham

Excellent location, handy for train, bus and footpath/trails. Towels and utensils all supplied, lovely coffee machine. Bed very comfortable. Maybe could do with a bit of updating. Parking definitely tight even for a Honda Jazz. A pint of milk in the fridge (to go with the tea and coffee, which were supplied) would be a nice touch. Overall very good.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review and glad you had a good stay. Your comments have been noted.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great Stay In a Perfect Cottage

We stayed here with our two young children over Easter and the cottage was great, it has lot's of character and the log burner was very useful at night. Topsham is lovely and it is well located to explore Devon. Rob, Becky & Family
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cosy compact and clean cottage.perfect location for topsham town centre and walks along the estuary.

Everything we needed for our stay. Small character cottage. Parking available.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you. Great to hear you enjoyed it so much!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Super little cottage, great location

Very comfortable, clean and a nice quiet spot just off the high street, well equipped. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lovely, cosy, clean, everything you need.cottage

Three friends on a girly get together, so perfect location for us. We have stayed here before and whenever in this area we would always try and have this cottage. Perfect location for just walking into Topsham in the evenings to eat and the train station for outings in the day. Cosy, quiet, clean, just right for us!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you. Great to have you back at the cottage again.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Delightful cottage and location.

This charming cottage is tucked away in the lovely village of Topsham. We arrived by train, less than 10 minutes walk away. We used both the train and the bus to Exeter, both options were quick and easy. The cottage is warm and comfortable, and had all we needed for a lovely short break. Richard's communication was excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
Archival

8/10 Good

Clean & Comfortable

Stayed here 2nd week of June, and had fantastic weather, only used property to sleep and bathe, plenty of places around cottage to eat and drink, however if you needed to cook there appeared to be a fully fitted kitchen. As you are warned, parking is an issue but if your vehicle has reversing sensors, no problem. My wife and I had a fabulous week in Topsham, everything within a few minutes walk.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thanks, glad you had such a good week :)
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Felt like Home

This cottage was perfect for my stay I Topsham, a lovely little town. It was comfortable and clean, with everything needed for a short or long stay. The location was just around the corner from the main shopping street. All the people I met were friendly and helpful. I took lovely strolls along the picturesque waterfront which was only a two minute walk away. Richard was a super host, always available to answer a question through the HomeAway App or email.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you. Glad to be of service :) Richard.

About the host

Hosted by Richard Parker

Host profile image
I live in Exeter with my wife and two children. I love living in Devon and enjoying everything it has to offer from it's surf beaches, cycle lanes to Dartmoor.

Why they chose this property

Topsham was the perfect choice for a property we could rent and my parents could use when visiting us. It is close enough to Exeter and all the facilities it offers, has excellent transport links, including public transport and has a lovely holiday atmosphere all year round. We choose Exeter Cottage because it is in a really quiet courtyard but so close to really nice cafe's, pubs and restaurants, as-well as being a stones throw from the waterfront. We also choose it because it has a parking space - a rare commodity in Topsham! Exeter Cottage has some history too. It was owned by a gentleman call Thomas Henry Coysh, who fought alongside Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar. The courtyard still has the original wash-house - restored by the Topsham Historic Society.

What makes this property unique

Being a second family home the cottage benefits from a well equipped kitchen - which you often don't find in holiday properties. It also has a great range of books, dvd's, games and even some children's toys which cuts down on the amount of stuff you need to bring. We like taking our bikes to the cottage, it is so easy to get to Exmouth, or into Exeter on the cycle path. We also like taking the little ferry across the river and walking down the canal to the remote Turf Locks pub (only accessible by foot, cycle or boat!). In the winter the wood burner is a real bonus and soon gets the cottage (with it's low ceilings) really toasty. The breakfast bar is really handy and the children love to sit at it. On a sunny day we like to sit out on the terrace and visit the outdoor pool, play tennis for free on the court around the corner or just walk along the estuary.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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