Charity House, Collaford Lane, Dartmouth

In the very centre of Dartmouth, opposite St Saviour’s Church and moments from the river, Charity House has watched the life of the town unfold for more than four centuries. Built in the early 17th century and Grade II listed, it is understood to have begun life as a Merchant’s House. Today, it remains every inch a building of character and presence, but one that has been thoughtfully updated for modern coastal living.

Over recent years, the house has been carefully reimagined by its current owners. Rather than dilute its history, they have chosen to work with it. The result is a home that feels spirited, contemporary and deeply individual. Charity House carries the easy assurance that comes with age. Its gentle quirks, softened lines and centuries of character give it a richness and individuality that newer houses rarely possess. Rather than feeling formal or overly restored, it has warmth, wit and a quietly confident sense of identity.

The home unfolds across generous and surprisingly versatile spaces. At entrance level, the Living Room is open, sociable and filled with natural light. It is arranged for the easy rhythm of everyday life, flowing through to a beautifully considered Kitchen where bespoke contemporary cabinetry and carefully chosen fittings bring a crisp architectural quality to the historic surroundings. This is a Kitchen designed as much for conversation as for cooking. Beyond, the Dining Room extends the Living Space and opens onto the enclosed Courtyard Garden via a full wall of bi-folding doors. Sheltered and private, it offers an inviting outdoor room at the centre of the house, equally suited to a quiet morning coffee or long summer evenings with friends.

On the ground floor, a more intimate atmosphere awaits. The Bar and Snug is one of the home’s most memorable spaces. Cleverly conceived and full of character, it has the easy informality of somewhere people naturally gather. It works beautifully as an additional Reception Room, a place for late evening drinks, or an occasional Guest Room. A separate WC and a substantial Store Room provide practical everyday convenience, with ample space for bicycles, paddle boards and the essentials of life by the water.

The Bedroom accommodation unfolds across the upper floors, where the scale of the home becomes especially apparent. Charity House offers four generous double Bedrooms, each with its own En-Suite. The arrangement lends a natural sense of privacy, with each room feeling calm, self-contained and comfortably removed from the rhythm of the living spaces below.

The Principal Bedroom is particularly inviting. Generous in proportion and filled with character, it has the atmosphere of a private retreat within the house. Alongside the En-suite Bathroom, an adjoining space with fireplace creates an additional layer of versatility. It works beautifully as a quiet Sitting Area, a Dressing Room or a dedicated Workspace, offering a little separation without losing the intimacy of the room.

Next door, another beautifully proportioned Bedroom is framed by a large leaded window overlooking St Saviour’s Church. The outlook gives the room a wonderful sense of connection to Dartmouth’s historic centre, while the decadent Shower Room introduces a more contemporary note, carefully balanced against the building’s period character.

On the upper floor, two further Bedrooms provide equally appealing sanctuaries. Each has its own distinct character, with modern En-Suite facilities and striking internal stained glass windows that bring colour, texture and a quietly playful detail to the upper level. The front Bedroom enjoys particularly lovely views across the picturesque church opposite and beyond to the surrounding countryside, a perspective that gently reminds you how closely town and landscape sit together here.

Charity House is a house shaped by centuries, yet entirely at ease with the pleasures of contemporary living in the heart of one of Devon’s most sought-after coastal towns.

The Little Details:

Postcode: TQ6 9DJ

Location: Conservation Area

Tenure: Freehold

Grade II listed

Council Tax: Band D

EPC Rating: N/A Grade II Listed

Local Authority: South Hams District Council

Access: 13 Steps to Front Door

Broadband Speed: Ultrafast Broadband available - up to average 1800mbps

Mobile Coverage: Good

Mains: Water, Gas, Electricity & Drainage,

Heating: Gas Central Heating

Parking: Unrestricted on-street Parking nearby - Ask Agent

Transport: Totnes (14 miles) or Paignton (8 miles) for mainline trains to London

A38 Devon Expressway - 20 miles

W3W: charm.episode.pallettes

About Dartmouth:

The vibrant port of Dartmouth has fantastic amenities that will keep the family content year-round. From Tudor buildings, arty side streets, brilliant restaurants and pubs, fresh seafood and of course, the Dart itself, you’ll never be short of things to do – or eat. Yachtsmen will be delighted by the local sailing facilities and the world-renowned Royal Regatta. On the town’s doorstep, you will find the South West Coastal Path and the South Devon AONB area, providing a huge range of walks with unbeatable scenery. You can also hop in a boat and explore Kingswear or take the kids or grandkids on the steam railway. Beach lovers will be unable to resist the pretty coves and the glorious dog and family-friendly coastline, which is a world-class attraction in its own right. Those with a romantic frame of mind will also be happy to know that Dartmoor is within easy reach of the town. The nearest educational institution is the Ofsted-rated Good Dartmouth Academy, which is both a primary and secondary school. Across the water, Churston Ferrers Grammar School provides 11-18-year-olds with an Outstanding education.

The Coastal House use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. The matters in these particulars should be independently verified by prospective buyers. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary planning, building regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested. Purchasers should make their own enquiries to the relevant authorities regarding the connection of any service. No person in the employment of The Coastal House has any authority to make or give any representations or warranty whatever in relation to this property or these particulars or enter into any contract relating to this property on behalf of the vendor. Floor plan not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. Coastal House Ltd Registered Office: 14 Mayors Avenue, Dartmouth, Devon,TQ6 9NG Registered in England & Wales: No 9447216

Garden

Courtyard Garden off the Dining Room at the rear

Parking - Permit

See Agent