Unique Devon seaside holiday home with WW2 past voted among UK's best

This historic bolthole has several features that set it apart. Its fascinating past has shaped the building’s form, location and design (and trust us, you’re unlikely to stay anywhere quite like it). It was even featured on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces in 2018.

Gun House, as the holiday home is known, was a WW2 bombproof Guard House that has since been transformed into a unique and luxurious hideaway for two. The former guard tower once provided soldiers with shelter as they protected the Shaldon coastal defences; today, it’s a cosy coastal escape. While compact in appearance, the interior has been cleverly designed to maximise space across two floors with an open-plan concept and amazing views across the Teign Estuary and the sea beyond.

The main living space has huge windows framing postcard-worthy views, and in the summer months, you can slide them fully open to let in the fresh, salty sea air. This space houses the living area as well as the kitchen and dining area, with plenty of room for two. There’s a Smart TV that can even be hidden away when you’d rather soak up the scenery, along with a well-equipped kitchen that includes a built-in bean coffee machine.

In a review, one guest who stayed in December 2025 said: "The Gun House is an exceptional place, right on the seafront. It is beautifully equipped and so cosy. The view from the huge picture window, watching tankers entering and leaving the port is something else. I have stayed six or seven times and will be back, cannot recommend highly enough."

The interior has been thoughtfully arranged to ensure guests have everything they need. Take the external steps to the first floor and step into the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner, where breathtaking sea views pour in through large sliding windows.

There’s a dining space for two, a comfy sofa, and a Smart TV that can be hidden away remotely. You’ll also find a Bluetooth Speaker, iPad, mood lighting and underfloor heating. The well-equipped kitchen includes a built-in coffee machine.

The bedroom is located downstairs, where you’ll find the master king-size bedroom with an en-suite shower room complete with a blissful rainfall shower.

The views, of course, are a big part of the draw. Alongside the vast picture window in the living area, there’s a quaint garden viewpoint and a terrace area where you can sit back and soak up the sea vistas. If you do fancy exploring, the property is just a 50-metre stroll from the beach, where you can hop on a ferry across to Teignmouth or visit the hidden Ness Cove beach, accessed via an original smugglers' tunnel 0.2 miles away.

The home also sits right on the cusp of Shaldon village, where you’ll find a local butcher, bakery, village shop, pubs and cafés. It’s all around one mile away, making it easy to reach on foot.

For those who enjoy longer walks, the property is perfectly placed for the South West Coast Path, ideal for wandering and taking in even more postcard-worthy views.

Another guest who stayed in September 2025 said: "A really unique and lovely property with outstanding views of the estuary and beyond from both the living area and the garden. It is compact but very well-appointed, and the village of Shaldon has good pubs, good food, and a great atmosphere. A perfect place for a break."

Prices vary depending on when you book, with peak seasons proving the most popular.

At the moment, there’s still availability in the spring, with dates on offer in March, April and May. Our independent search showed that you can book for four people for seven nights from Friday, April 17, 2026, for £781. That works out at roughly £260.33 a night, but split between two adults, that’s just £130 a night.

During the summer, there is still really good availability in June and August 2026. For example, our independent search showed that you can book a seven-night stay from Monday, August 10, 2026, for £1,679.

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