Horizon - holiday cottages in THURLESTONE

Horizon sits high above Thurlestone's coastline, a luxury penthouse apartment that feels like a seaside retreat with its own skyline. Set in South Milton, Kingsbridge TQ7 3JJ, England, this all-second-floor property offers room for six people and one well behaved dog across three bedrooms - a king master with en suite, a twin and a children's bunk. The layout suits families and small groups who want elegant living space, wide coastal views and a roof terrace for morning coffee or sunset drinks. The interior manages to feel airy without being sparse, and the communal landscaped gardens, including a sheltered sunken garden with barbecue, add a surprisingly private feel to shared grounds.

Coastal walking and beaches

The coastal path is practically on the doorstep - five minutes will find guests at sandy coves and dramatic headlands. Walkers will enjoy cliff-top routes towards Thurlestone and beyond, and dog owners will appreciate the nearby beaches that welcome well behaved pets outside of summer hours. For those who like horizon-themed adventures, the moods of the sea change fast - think Horizon Forbidden West-esque panoramas without leaving Devon.

Golf, pubs and local life

Thurlestone's golf club and the Village Inn pub are close by, the latter praised by many visitors for good food and a dog-friendly welcome. Local paths link to small shops and country lanes, so aim for a lazy afternoon exploring South Milton and nearby Kingsbridge.

Horizon is tucked in the South Milton area of Thurlestone, with Kingsbridge a short drive away and larger towns reachable by road. Neighbouring attractions include Thurlestone Sands, local golf facilities and coastal villages ideal for day trips. The postcode TQ7 3JJ places the apartment within easy reach of the South Hams' best walks and seafood pubs.

Parking for one car is provided on site, which helps if the family brings surfboards, although no trailers or boats are permitted in the car park. Public transport is limited - a car makes the most sense for exploring. The nearest larger towns are accessible by short drives, while walkers can leave the car and follow coastal paths from the door. For longer trips, regional rail and coach links run from nearby hubs in South Devon.

Horizon is an upstairs penthouse - all accommodation is on the second floor, so it may not suit guests with limited mobility. The gardens are communal, parking is for one car only, and smoking is not permitted. One well behaved dog is welcome. The property offers gas central heating and useful appliances, but guests should note the building is set on hilly terrain - shops and the pub involve some climbing.

Key amenities include: roof terrace with table and chairs, landscaped communal gardens with a sunken sheltered area and barbecue, WiFi, plasma TV and DVD player, music centre, utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, oven and gas hob, microwave, toaster and kettle. Bed linen and towels are supplied. Off-road parking for one car. The property mixes seaside charm with practical creature comforts, so families can load up the dishwasher and head out for the day.

Strictly no smoking. One well behaved dog permitted. No trailers or boats in the car park. Parking is limited to one space. Guests should respect communal gardens and noise levels, particularly in the early morning and late evening.

As a local guide would point out, Horizon is ideally positioned for anyone seeking classic South Hams scenery without sacrificing creature comforts. The penthouse lives up to its name with sweeping views from the roof terrace and lounge, making it easy to watch fishing boats or a dramatic sunset on the horizon. The layout - master king en suite, twin and children's bunk - gives flexibility for mixed groups, though larger families might find space tighter if everyone expects a separate bathroom. Practical touches stand out: a utility with washing machine and tumble dryer, a dishwasher with supplied tablets and an allocated parking bay that reviewers have called convenient. The communal landscaped gardens and sheltered sunken area give a sense of privacy despite shared grounds, and the Village Inn and local golf club are within easy reach for food and light entertainment. Not everything is spotless in every review. Several guests flagged issues that are worth noting. Jane (May 2024) and Marianne (Mar 2024) mentioned worn bedding and unclear boiler instructions, while Anonymous (Mar 2024) and others reported mattress comfort issues - some groups needed mattress toppers. James (Nov 2024) found the key safe awkward to access, and Belinda (Jun 2024) suggested updating the caretaker contact details after a power cut. These are legitimate concerns for guests who value pristine linens, flawless check-in or precise heating control - families with young children or older guests may want to check these details before booking. On the positive side, reviewers such as Colin (Oct 2025), Sue (Sep 2025), and Ann (Sep 2023) repeatedly praised the location, views and comfortable beds, with many describing short walks to beaches and coastal paths as a highlight. The rating pattern shows many five-star comments on location and cleanliness, balanced by a cluster of practical feedback about maintenance and instructions - overall a property with strong seaside credentials that benefits from a little extra attention to small details.

The guest feedback paints a picture of Horizon as a well-located, spacious penthouse with spectacular coastal views and sound practical facilities, tempered by a handful of recurring maintenance comments. In October 2025, Colin awarded five stars and said the property was "better than expected," praising comfortable accommodation and walking opportunities. Sue, in September 2025, also gave five stars, calling it "a fantastic holiday penthouse" with amazing views, though she warned that the area is hilly and might challenge elderly or disabled visitors; she also noted a stained carpet and a worn en suite toilet brush as small irritants. Brian William (Sep 2025) highlighted the excellent location and well-equipped nature of the apartment, noting comfortable beds and easy access to the beach. Carolyn (Jun 2025) and Amanda (Apr 2025) both gave five-star endorsements for high-end furnishings and spectacular views.

On the less flattering side, Jane (May 2024) and Marianne (Mar 2024) raised bedding quality and unclear heating instructions, while Anonymous (Mar 2024) specifically questioned mattress comfort despite the apartment's otherwise spacious feel. Michael (Mar 2025) gave four stars and praised the space but implied small issues remain, and James (Nov 2024) pointed out a fiddly key safe and limited remote controls. These comments suggest operational fixes rather than fundamental flaws - linens and mattresses might need refreshing, and clearer arrival and boiler instructions would reduce friction for future guests. The balance of ratings leans positive, with multiple five-star reviews that consistently praise location, views and overall equipment, but several mid-range reviews highlight the same practical points. Guests who prioritise views, space and proximity to beaches will likely love Horizon; guests who require step-free access, pristine bedding or flawless check-in should check specifics and raise questions before booking.