Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT/WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/compton-above.jpeg" alt="Compton Pool self catering stay in Devon " class="wp-image-83307" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/compton-above.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/compton-above-800x535.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/compton-above-768x514.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy Award winning favourites, <a href="https://comptonpool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Compton Pool</a>, is a boutique collection of luxury holiday cottages nestled in 14 acres of the Marldon&#8217;s rolling hills, near Torquay in South Devon. (It&#8217;s a stone&#8217;s throw from NT Compton Castle &#8211; well worth a visit while you’re there.) The ten cottages are beautifully converted from old farm buildings into varying sizes of self-catering cottages, retaining all the charm yet with up-to-date modernities to render them deliciously comfortable.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="671" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Cottages-2-1240x832-1.jpeg" alt="cottages at Compton Pool self catering stay in Devon " class="wp-image-83309" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Cottages-2-1240x832-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Cottages-2-1240x832-1-800x537.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Cottages-2-1240x832-1-768x515.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Last time we reviewed in 2024, it was with the whole tribe for a stay in their 6-bed farmhouse, but we&#8217;re back to celebrate their win as Best Boutique Stay 25. We&#8217;ve abandoned the kids and escaped for a quiet couples&#8217; break with the OH. We&#8217;re staying in <a href="https://comptonpool.co.uk/accommodation/kester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kester</a>, a 2-bed cottage which is warm, cosy and as old cottages often are, amazingly well-insulated against the winter weather.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Kester-Lounge-1240x827-1.jpeg" alt="lounge at Kester at Compton Pool self catering stay in Devon " class="wp-image-83311" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Kester-Lounge-1240x827-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Kester-Lounge-1240x827-1-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Kester-Lounge-1240x827-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>All the cottages are self-catering with open plan kitchen/lounge areas and an almost impossibly well-stocked kitchen and bang-on-trend appliances that put mine to shame. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Kester-Double-1240x827-1.jpeg" alt="double bedroom in Kester at Compton Pool self catering stay in Devon " class="wp-image-83313" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Kester-Double-1240x827-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Kester-Double-1240x827-1-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Kester-Double-1240x827-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The tasteful decor is relaxed and traditional, from the gingham-clad lounge to the two bedrooms with their neutral simplicity.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Compton-Pool-13.jpeg" alt="indoor heated pool at Compton Pool Devon " class="wp-image-83314" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Compton-Pool-13.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Compton-Pool-13-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Compton-Pool-13-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The site itself is full of gentle, natural distractions that render it brilliant for an active couples or cross-generational stay. Take a dip in the indoor heated pool, have a knockabout on the tennis court, or work up a sweat in the exercise cabin. You could even try your hand at fishing in the well-stocked lakes of the eponymous Compton pool. We just admired their cute little faces over the hedge as we drove in, but in summer, you can even go on an organised alpaca walk.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Tennis-1-1240x830-1.jpeg" alt="tennis court at Compton pool Devon " class="wp-image-83315" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Tennis-1-1240x830-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Tennis-1-1240x830-1-800x535.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/Tennis-1-1240x830-1-768x514.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s also a large games&#8217; room with a pool table, air hockey, football and PS4s. If you are bringing teenagers (Kester has a twin room as well as a double) you could cheerfully avoid each other for days. Ooh, and super fast broadband with dedicated Wifi if you need to check in on work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/debbie-paul.jpg" alt="Debbie and Paul owners of Compton Pool self catering stay in Devon " class="wp-image-83317" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/debbie-paul.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/debbie-paul-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/debbie-paul-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/debbie-paul-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The owners, Debbie and Paul, who live on site with their son in the 11th cottage, are super-personable. It&#8217;s clear that they want you to have the best possible stay, and are on hand to answer any questions and help out wherever they can. Equally, years in hospitality have trained Debbie into the subtleties of leaving people to relax in peace if that&#8217;s what they prefer. </p>



<p>It&#8217;s a great place to be in nature while enjoying all mod cons, good for walkers and those looking to explore South Devon. From the back patio, the darkness and silence is a joy, as are the dark skies full of stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/churchhouse-inn.jpg" alt="The Church House Inn Marldon Devon " class="wp-image-83320" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/churchhouse-inn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/churchhouse-inn-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/churchhouse-inn-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/churchhouse-inn-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With Totnes and Dartmoor close by, you&#8217;re spoiled for choice for foodie treats. For pub classics, <a href="https://churchhousemarldon.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Church House Inn</a> at Marlden (above) and the <a href="https://www.bickleymill.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bickley Mill Inn </a>are your closest good go-to&#8217;s, while <a href="https://www.bluediamond.gg/our-locations/fermoys-garden-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermoy&#8217;s Garden Centre</a> is just at the end of the road for tasty takeaway snacks. Do grab some fresh milk direct from the South Devon Dairy just around the corner at Ipplepen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-feedinggoats.jpeg" alt="feeding goats at Compton Pool Marldon Devon " class="wp-image-83321" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-feedinggoats.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-feedinggoats-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-feedinggoats-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-feedinggoats-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Totally, not least because the two and three bedroom cottages all open onto the same back pathway overlooking the play area and the animals. It’s ideal for parents wanting the luxury of free-range kids, but safely, and for big kids too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG-FRIENDLY? </h2>



<p>Dogs are welcomed in most of the cottages, although sensibly not all.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>Accessibility varies as a lot of the cottages have narrow staircases to the upstairs. Bow is all on one level, while Rookery is an upside-down house enabling flat access to the upstairs. Maybe one for grandparents after a quieter stay with the younger household members downstairs?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/totnes-lanternparade.jpeg" alt="Totnes Lantern parade " class="wp-image-83323" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/totnes-lanternparade.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/totnes-lanternparade-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/totnes-lanternparade-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/totnes-lanternparade-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>All of the sights of Dartmoor are within an hour away, and you can be at the beaches of Torquay and Paignton in less than half an hour.&nbsp;In the evening we visited the vibrant Totnes Street Market to see the lantern parade, just minutes down the road, and returned in total darkness to the sight of something diving into the hedges down towards the lakes. Probably a rabbit, but I like to think maybe an otter? If the plentiful wildlife is too good at hiding just remember the pigs, goats and rabbits will always be happy to see you! There are packets of animal food thoughtfully provided in the cottages to help you make some furry friends.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-window.jpeg" alt="view from Kester at Compton Pool in Devon " class="wp-image-83324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-window.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-window-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-window-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/01/kester-window-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A relaxing, quiet, cosy off-peak stay. Take a quiet breather to yourself, catch up on work &#8211; or your book pile &#8211; or make full use of the facilities to focus on your fitness.</p>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>? With the accommodation ranging from single-bed Bow cottage to the Farmhouse with its four bathrooms and five double bedrooms for up to 10 people I&#8217;d say suitable for almost anyone. If you booked all the accommodation you’d have room for 56 &#8211; and the dogs!&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>? Those with more complex accessibility needs and in the busier summer months perhaps not ideal for those seeking an adult-only environment.</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: Prices vary throughout the year. Currently a three-night stay in Kester is a bargain at £542.50. Longer stays are even better value.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://comptonpool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Compton Pool Farm</a>, Compton, Marldon, Devon TQ3 1TA</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>Tel: +44 (0)1803 872241; info@comptonpool.co.uk</em></strong>.</p>


Review: A couple’s R&R at Kester, Compton Pool, Marldon

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