A night at Tamarisks in Hope Cove

Come with us on our team stay

Last month, an excited group from the Perfect Stays team were lucky enough to spend the weekend at our magnificent property, Tamarisks. Nestled into the headland at Hope Cove in Devon, its eight bedrooms, six bathrooms and heart-melting sea views meant it didn't take long to tempt us with a team stay.

With the aim to enrich our understanding of both the house and the local area, we returned home armed with new recommendations and insights for our guests. Here's a snapshot of what we got up to...

Welcome to Hope Cove

Dating back to the year 1281, the historic village is tucked into a picturesque pocket of South Devon coastline, 12 minutes from Salcombe and half an hour’s drive from Bigbury-on-Sea. Once known for landing fresh pilchards, lobster and crab onto the shores of its beaches, Hope Cove is a relatively hidden gem that’s now loved for its calm waters and great local pubs.

Ready to enjoy everything it has to offer, a group of our Property Advisors, Guest Coordinators and Marketing team arrived on Saturday afternoon. Pulling up outside Tamarisks’ redbrick exterior and climbing the stairs to the terrace, it didn’t take long to notice the jaw-dropping sea view that spans the cove. Tamarisks sits high above the beach at Inner Hope, so it’s the perfect lookout spot to find your bearings and get a feel for the area. We dropped our bags inside and headed in for a welcome drink, the excitement sinking in that this was our home for the weekend.

Saturday spent exploring

Since Harbour Beach is so close to the house, we decided a walk was the best place to start. There's a path that leads straight from Tamarisks' parking area and down to the breakwater, so within a minute we had our feet on the sand, looking back at Tamarisks above us. Aside from a few locals walking their dogs (the beach welcomes them year-round), we had the whole stretch to ourselves. A safe spot for families, Harbour Beach is well-loved for paddle boarding in the summer months when the water’s flat and RNLI lifeguards are nearby.

Heading up the slipway at the far end of the beach, we then took the South West Coast Path that dips just beneath Tamarisks. It led us towards Hope Cove’s second beach, Mouthwell Sands, a smaller sandy cove next to The Hope and Anchor pub. Even in January, there were little ones out with buckets and spades, and walkers up high on the coast path, soaking in those incredible sea views.

Step inside Tamarisks

Windswept and rosy-cheeked, we returned to a full tour of Tamarisks, finding our rooms and quickly making ourselves at home. With eight beautiful bedrooms, six good sized bathrooms, an underground media room and a separate annexe off the main house, groups can choose to enjoy each other's company, or break away for some downtime.

We soon found our favourite spots in the house, with some cosying up in the window seat on the first floor, others chatting in front of the wood burner, and most of us standing out on the terrace, watching the tide retreat from the beach. A team of dog-lovers with furry friends back at home, we imagined the fun they’d have running across the sand, and falling asleep by the fire after a long day. Tamarisks is very dog-friendly, and with a secure grassy garden at the back, plus a suntrap terrace at the front, dogs have plenty of room to roam. 

A short stroll to dinner

Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for our dinner reservation. Wrapping up warm, darkness had fallen as we emerged from the house onto the main terrace. All there was to be heard was the cawing of Hope Cove gulls and the gentle sound of the ocean – a welcome accompaniment for our short walk.

Passing by the Lobster Pod Bistro, Hope Cove Gallery and a string of pastel painted houses, we followed the South West Coast Path for five minutes, before arriving at The Hope and Anchor. A St Austell Brewery pub, it has all the charm of a traditional Devon tavern, with contemporary interiors, a good menu, and friendly, attentive staff. For a small chocolate box village in January, we were almost surprised to see it bustling with life, as couples and families chatted around every table. Dogs sat happily in the warmth of the wood burner, and the hubbub continued throughout the night. The locals must know this is the place to be on a chilly Saturday.

Like all good things, dinner began with wine. We tucked into our sourdough appetizers and clinked glasses, before enjoying a selection of beautifully cooked dishes. Fresh mussels, grilled chicken and a hearty catch of the day emerged hot from the kitchen, all receiving high praise from our food-obsessed team. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, there’s also a suntrap terrace that overlooks the beach – perfect for tapas or grazing boards after a good coastal stomp. 

A few Tarquin’s and tonics later, the warmth of Tamarisks was calling our name. We took the short walk back up the coast path, popped on a playlist and settled in for the night. If you’re looking for a livelier evening though, The Cove were hosting a tap takeover from Penryn-based beer brand, Verdant, as revelers enjoyed live music spread across the two-tier bar.

Sunday brunch and fond farewells

Emerging from our bedrooms the next morning, the team gathered in the main living space downstairs – the heart of the home that inadvertently brings everyone together. The early birds among us took to the terrace with cups of tea, keeping an eye on the group of sea swimmers below. Braving the water in wetsuits, it made some of us regret not bringing our own. 

Tea sipped and croissants eaten, we then took to the coast path and walked to South Milton Sands. A National Trust site that’s reachable on foot within half an hour from Tamarisks, the long sweep of golden sand is dotted with rockpools, making it suitable for young children. It’s also home to the iconic archway, Thurlestone Rock, which juts out of the sea in the middle of the beach. If you’re visiting for watersports, you can kayak through the archway or hire windsurfers and windSUPs from Surfin’ Sam.

Passing by fields of sheep and with the sea by our side as we walked, we couldn’t resist stopping off at Beachhouse, a café based right on the sand. One of our favourite beachside eateries in the South West, it’s loved for its seafood platters and moreish hot chocolates. We’d recommend visiting in the summer months too, when dogs can bathe in the sunshine and hungry families can refuel before getting back in the water. Watching local boats as they swept through the bay, we stayed a while before setting off on our return route, muddying our boots and breathing in the Devonshire air.

We arrived back at Tamarisks to a sea-view brunch kindly cooked up by our management team. Hot buttered toast, fresh eggs and sizzling bacon were just what we needed for our journey back to Cornwall. Our last hour was spent soaking up the view from the window seat, reluctantly loading the cars with luggage, and visiting the media room that’s tucked beneath the garden. With its ceiling projector, PlayStation 4 and Yamaha sound system, it’s the rainy day den that teenagers will love when the weather takes a turn. 

Saying our goodbyes, we hit the road armed with guest-ready insights to share about Tamarisks, and a newfound love of Hope Cove. For either a quiet week away by the sea, or a busier itinerary exploring the ins and outs of the village, it promises an idyllic snapshot of Devon life. Great food, lovely beaches and everything within walking distance – it may just have something for everyone. 

With tempting availability still remaining, now is the time to take a closer look at Tamarisks and book your next holiday.

Image credits: All images used are our own.