Guest Guide
This digital guide contains everything you need to know about the cottage, its appliances, the local area and what to do if something goes wrong.
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Our host number for WhatsApp or calls is 07886 337240. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need anything.
Check in or follow the Hansel Cottage Facebook page at facebook.com/hanselcottagedevon for local events, recommendations and beautiful photos. We love to see your dog photos and wildlife spots!
Check-in is from 4pm. If you need to arrive earlier, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Your keys will be available in the key safe at the property. Your access code will be sent to you separately. On departure, please return keys to the key safe.
Hansel Cottage is located in the hamlet of Hansel, near Slapton in the South Hams, Devon.
There is parking available in the parking area at the property. The EV charger (7kW) is also located on the driveway — please see the Utilities section for charging instructions.
- Empty the fridge and bread bin
- Ensure all crockery, glasses and cookware are washed or left in the running dishwasher
- Check all rooms for belongings — especially hooks on backs of doors, the downstairs coat cupboard and utility room
- Return books and maps to the bookshelves
- Log out of Netflix, Amazon Prime or any other streaming accounts
- Place all rubbish in black sacks and put in the grey wheelie bin
- Check the garden and remove any dog stools (place in a large black bin bag)
- Close all windows and lock all doors
- Return keys to the key safe
All rubbish must be in black sacks in the grey wheelie bin. Our private collection service recycles everything, but will not take loose rubbish. Rubbish is collected on Fridays.
Emergency sheets are provided in the utility room. If used, please wash, dry and return them to the same cupboard.
Hansel Cottage is a beautiful historic property in the hamlet of Hansel, near Slapton in the South Hams. It sits in a valley with wonderful views and wonderful walking directly from the garden.
The cottage features multiple living areas, a walled garden (very sunny in the morning), a large hillside garden with valley views, and an adjoining games room (the original pigsty).
Walled Garden — Accessed through the Dining Hall stable door, this garden is fully enclosed and very sunny in the morning.
Hillside Garden — Accessed from the kitchen or parking area. Wonderful valley views, wooded areas perfect for den building. Fully fenced for dogs. Some parts are steep — mown paths show the easiest routes.
Terrace — Very sunny from late morning until sunset. Surface is uneven in places — please take care.
Please stay away from trees in windy weather — rocky terrain means roots can be shallow.
- Games room (former pigsty) with pool table and table tennis
- Board games and toys in Dining Hall chest of drawers
- Maps and local interest books on the Dining Hall bookshelves
- Children's books in the small bedroom
- Hairdryers provided in every bedroom
- Bath and hand towel for each person (please bring own beach towels)
- Baby & children's equipment — high chair, fire guards, travel cot (large bedroom cupboard)
- Children's crockery in the pantry
- Bluetooth speakers in Dining Hall, Snug and Upstairs Sitting Room
- Barbecue in the old hog pen (bring your own charcoal)
- 7kW EV charger on the driveway
Pool shots must be taken carefully so as not to scrape and rip the cloth. Please supervise small children. Please do not move the tables.
The barbecue is in the old hog pen adjoining the garden terrace. You will need to bring charcoal. Please clean it with the wire brush while still hot. Barbecue implements are in the utility room. Note: the housekeeper does not clean the barbecue.
Cushions are in the pigsty games room. Please do not leave them out if rain is expected — they are not waterproof.
There are three locked cupboards containing owners' and housekeepers' belongings and supplies — nothing exciting!
Please report any damaged or worn items so we can arrange replacements. You will not be charged for normal wear and tear or minor breakages of china or glassware.
The water supply comes from a spring higher up the hill. There is a UV filter under the kitchen sink — the light indicates it is working and is checked weekly. Only water from the kitchen tap is safe to drink.
If large baths and long showers are taken close together, the spring may not replenish fast enough and there will be no cold water in the bathrooms. If this happens:
- Stop using water for 30 minutes
- Turn all cold taps ¾ on — they will splutter as the replenished tank forces air out
- When running freely, turn them off and use as normal
- Do not leave the cottage with taps open
The stop-cock (emergency water shut-off) is at the back of the cupboard under the hob in the kitchen.
Heating and hot water are pre-programmed. To boost either, use the controls in the dining hall. Turn the dial and click the centre to select hot water or heating, then turn to the desired setting and click to confirm.
Hot water is kept at 60°C to prevent legionnaires disease — please take care with hot taps.
Downstairs bathroom & ensuite: In winter, connected to central heating. If heating electrically: switch on at the fuse panel outside the room, then press the power button until it lights red. Use + / – on the control panel to adjust temperature. Rails switch off automatically overnight.
Upstairs shower room: Not connected to central heating. Use the labelled switch outside the room. Switch on at fuse panel, press power button until red. Also switches off automatically overnight.
Please switch off towel rails when not in use.
The fuse board is in the kitchen above the back door. The electric meter is located above the external kitchen door.
The cottage is on a septic tank. Only natural waste and toilet paper can be flushed. Do not flush sanitary products, wipes (including "flushable" ones) or nappies. We will need to charge for any drain unblocking costs.
There is a dedicated 7kW EV charger on the driveway. It is strictly forbidden to charge from any other electrical outlet — this invalidates insurance and could overload the system.
To use: plug in both ends (you will need your own Type 2 charging lead), then scan the QR code or visit app.fuuse.io/pay/CS0018 to enter payment details. Charging begins once payment is accepted.
For issues contact us on WhatsApp: 07886 337240
Six emergency torches are plugged in around the house. They act as night lights and activate in a power failure. Please do not remove them or let children play with them. They have multiple modes — adjust with the side switch if the light is annoying.
The oven has a grill and two ovens. On the main lower oven, press the clock button for the heat to start working. The main lower oven is a fan oven.
Not all pans work on the induction hob. If the hob control buttons flash, the pan is not suitable. If you see a flashing E, the hob is too wet — dry it off and try again.
Use espresso coffee only (e.g. Lavazza Quality Rossa). Using other types could break the machine.
Instructions: Fill water vessel at back. Insert metal receptacle into espresso arm, click into place. Add espresso coffee and tamp down. Twist arm from "Insert" to "Close". Press power button on right side and wait for lights to stop flashing. Press single or double cup button for your shot.
The electrically heated Rayburn is switched on for winter bookings only. It is set to ambient temperature (setting 4) on a timer and switches off automatically overnight.
At setting 4, the top oven is ~140°C — ideal for slow cooking. To increase temperature, open the top left door and adjust the dial. Return to setting 4 after cooking. Use oven gloves at all times. Do not leave the hob on or the oven above setting 4 for extended periods.
Place two flat logs in the bottom. Build a jenga-style tower on top. Add fire lighters and light them. Open both air control sliders fully and leave the door ajar for 2 minutes. Close the door but keep sliders open. When fire is going well, close sliders to slow and intensify the burn.
Do not touch the pole lever at the back of the stove — this closes the chimney flue and will cause smoke to backfill into the room.
If leaving (going out or to bed), open sliders so the fire burns out quickly.
Pull both the Primary (right) and Secondary (left) air control levers fully out and leave the door ajar for 2 minutes. Close door but leave levers out. When the first log is well alight, leave the primary (right) at 50% out and push the secondary (left) in.
Adjust burn speed with the left lever. If leaving, pull the left lever fully out. Do not leave the right lever fully out — it can overheat the stove.
Only use logs from the courtyard log store. Logs stored in the garden are not seasoned and may produce toxic gases. Do not leave the log basket near lit stoves.
Switch on the wall to the left of the fireplace, and another on the right side of the stove. Can be used for atmosphere only (wood-burning effect) or with the fan heater for warmth. Do not leave the fan heater on when the room is unoccupied.
Both are in the utility room. The tumble dryer is a condensing model — empty the water tank between loads and remove fluff from the filter after each load. The washing machine manual is in the Dining Hall drawer.
Normal TV: Use the LG remote, press the top power button, then press GUIDE for programme listings.
DVD: Press Eject (Sony remote or on the player), insert DVD, press Eject again to close. If it doesn't autoplay, press the source button on the right side of the LG remote.
Smart Apps: Log into your own Netflix/Prime accounts via the Home button on the LG remote. Remember to log out at the end of your stay.
Speakers are in the Dining Hall (above the cocktail cabinet), the Snug and Upstairs Sitting Room. Press power and wait for the tone. Then hold the Bluetooth button to enter pairing mode. On your device, select "SoundCore 2". Please do not move the speakers.
The landline number is 01803 906644. Local and national calls under one hour are free. Any other calls must be paid for.
There is no mobile signal at the cottage. Walk a few yards up the road to get signal.
You can switch your phone to WiFi calling in your phone settings to receive calls inside the cottage over the WiFi.
Please do not leave phones charging overnight — it is a fire hazard.
- No smoking or vaping anywhere on the property
- No candles or naked flames inside the cottage
- No fireworks
- Keep noise levels down after 10pm and before 8am
- Do not charge vehicles from any outlet other than the dedicated EV charger
- Do not flush wipes, sanitary products or nappies
- Do not leave phones charging overnight
If you discover a fire, evacuate immediately and call 999. You may need to walk up the lane for mobile signal, or ask a neighbour.
Do not try to fight the fire unless someone is trapped.
The fire assembly point is at the top of the drive.
There are three exits:
- Front door (Dining Hall → front walled garden → white picket gate) — closest to first floor bedrooms
- Door to the parking area — closest to ground floor bedroom
- Kitchen door
Guests with limited mobility should use the ground floor bedroom (shortest exit route). All external doors have thumb turn locks — do not use mortice locks at night.
If fire traps you upstairs, retreat to the furthest bedroom and close the door to await rescue.
- Fire blanket in the kitchen
- Fire extinguishers at the top and bottom of both staircases
- Six emergency torches plugged in around the house
Our neighbours include people, farm animals and wildlife. Please be considerate of all of them. Keep noise levels down after 10pm and before 8am.
If any problems arise please let us know as soon as possible. We can often send tradespeople and replacement items within 24 hours.
Contact us via WhatsApp or call: 07886 337240
- Please do not leave dogs unattended in the cottage
- Dog bowls and towels are in the utility room — please wash any dog towels used
- We prefer dogs to be kept out of bedrooms and off furniture — use your own clean throws to protect furniture and bedding if needed
- Please close garden gates before letting your dog run around — there may be sheep nearby
- Remove all dog stools from the garden before leaving (place in a large black bin bag)
- There is a hose on the drive for washing muddy dogs — use the provided doggy towel to dry them
A mainly off-road route direct from the bottom garden gate. Turn left out of the gate and follow the lane down to the river. Cross the bridge and follow the track up the other side of the valley. At the tarmac lane turn right and follow along the valley to a second bridge. Cross and follow the track back up the hill. At the junction, turn left to return to the garden gate. About 30–40 minutes, steep in places.
- Slapton Sands and Torcross
- Strete Gate — our favourite: large, usually quiet, safely away from roads
- Beesands
- Mill Bay, East Portlemouth
- Sugary Cove, Dartmouth
- North Sands, Salcombe (low tide only)
- South Milton Sands, Thurlestone
- Bantham (low tide only)
- Bigbury
We do not know of any local pubs that are not dog friendly!
- Slapton Community Shop — nearest, closes 1pm most days. slaptonshop.co.uk
- Stokeley Farm Shop, Stokenham — great fresh produce. stokeleyfarmshop.co.uk
- Petrol station at East Charleton
- Dartmouth — Sainsbury's, Lidl, M&S Food, Co-op
- Kingsbridge — Tesco & Morrison's
- Totnes — Morrison's plus independent shops
Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream Parlour, 8 The Quay, Boat Float, Dartmouth — a family favourite. salcombedairy.co.uk
Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove — delicious cream tea with stunning sea views. hopecove.com
Gara Valley Loop (30–40 mins, steep)
Turn left out of the garden gate, follow the lane down to the river. Cross the bridge and follow the track up the other side of the valley. At the tarmac lane, turn right and follow along the valley back down to a second bridge. Cross and follow the track back up the hill. At the junction, turn left to return to the gate. Steep in places.
Park at Slapton Ley near the junction with The Line. Head towards Torcross — after the bus stop the path drops down along the Ley. Follow to the Torcross car park. Cross the road and follow the path back at the top of the sea barrier alongside the road. About 4km.
The car parks at Hope Cove and Bigbury-on-Sea are notorious for fining people for mistyping registration numbers, overstaying by a minute, or briefly entering without buying a ticket. Don't let this put you off visiting — but take care!
Hansel Cottage was built in the late 16th or early 17th century as a farm cottage for Hansel, the farmhouse across the lane. There is believed to have been a farm at Hansel dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, though it is not recorded by name.
Originally a three-room cottage (including the adjoining Dormouse Cottage, which probably housed animals), the cottage was extended in the 18th century with the kitchen wing and raised roof to allow for upstairs bedrooms. The wing containing the ground floor bedroom, bathroom and upstairs sitting room was added in the late 20th century.
For centuries the parking area would have been a busy farmyard. The neighbouring Hansel Barn was originally a milking barn, and the building housing the utility room and games room was the original pigsty.
On 12th November 1943, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon announced at East Allington Church that 3,000 people from six parishes in the South Hams (centred on Slapton Sands) were to be evacuated, along with their possessions, farm animals and equipment — to allow for US military practice assault landings.
The area was chosen for its close resemblance to the Normandy beaches where the D-Day landings would take place. Evacuation was to be complete by 20th December 1943.
Many local people had never left their homes before, yet in six weeks everything was moved. In moved 15,000 US troops, who engaged in battle preparation using live ammunition.
On 28th April 1944, German 'E' boats attacked the practising forces in Start Bay. Many Americans were wounded and approximately 700 were killed. There is a memorial at Slapton Sands, and a Sherman tank raised from the seabed in 1984 at Torcross.
The D-Day landings took place in June 1944. It is not known exactly what happened at Hansel Cottage during this period, but the previous owner found an American officer's revolver in the roots of a fallen tree.
The cottage has had several owners since the war. The previous owners held it for more than forty years, making many improvements including the newer wing. The current owners bought the cottage in 2021 and have made further updates including installing central heating and the second upstairs shower room. Future plans include new planting in the walled garden and restoration of the ancient orchard on the lower hillside garden.
Children might enjoy reading the Michael Morpurgo novel 'The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips', set in a farm near Slapton during this period — possibly this very one! There is a copy in the cottage.