The Property

Set above the tranquil waters of the River Tamar, Danescombe Valley House is an elegant Victorian residence that embodies the quiet grace and enduring craftsmanship of its era. Originally built in the 1850s as a private fishing lodge for the Ashburton family, and later serving as a small riverside hotel, this distinguished Grade II listed home has been beautifully restored to its former splendour. The result is a house that marries period refinement with the comfort and sophistication expected of a modern country retreat.

Danescombe Valley House occupies a commanding position on the edge of the historic village of Calstock, gazing southwards across the river towards the wooded slopes of the National Trust’s Cotehele Estate. From dawn to dusk, the light plays across the water and woodland, casting reflections that shift with the tide. The famous Calstock railway viaduct forms a striking backdrop, a reminder of the valley’s heritage and its enduring connection to the wider world.

Approached along a quiet lane, the house’s handsome stone elevations and graceful verandas set the tone for what lies within. French windows open from the principal rooms to a broad Terrace and wraparound Balcony, each providing an ever-changing panorama of river, garden and sky. Inside, the accommodation extends to over 3,400 square feet, unfolding across three generous floors.

The Ground Floor is arranged to balance elegance with practicality, beginning with a welcoming Reception Hall that leads into the Dining Room and Kitchen. The former Hotel Bar area now serves as a charming Study, yet it retains the original counter and fittings that speak to the building’s storied past. The Kitchen is fitted with a dual-fuel range and offers access to a Boot Room, Utility Room and Cloakroom, making this a home as well suited to family life as it is to entertaining on a grander scale.

On the First Floor, a spectacular Reception Room stretches across the breadth of the house, with French doors opening on three elevations to the wraparound Balcony. From here, uninterrupted views extend over the river and the ancient woodland of the Cotehele Estate beyond. Two Double Bedrooms complete this level, one with an En-Suite Bathroom.

The Second Floor accommodates three further Double Bedrooms, each with its own En-Suite. The Master Suite is particularly impressive, offering a Dressing Room and a luxurious Bathroom complete with a freestanding copper bath, twin basins and double shower. From every window, the views remain a constant presence — ever-changing, always captivating.

Externally

The Gardens are a particular feature of Danescombe Valley House. Painstakingly landscaped and planted for year-round interest, they make full use of the property’s exceptional riverside setting. A network of paths leads through the Gardens to a series of Terraces and secluded Seating Areas, each offering a unique perspective of the river and surrounding countryside. The Front Terrace, which wraps around the house, is accessed via granite steps rising from the lane and provides an ideal vantage point for outdoor dining or quiet reflection.

To the side of the house, there is an Off-Road Parking Area with steps leading up to the Boot Room entrance, as well as access to a Store and Boiler Room. One of the property’s most distinctive features is its direct water access via a Galvanised Landing Stage with a platform suitable for dinghy or kayak storage. Steps lead down to mooring piles designed to accommodate a boat of up to 25 feet, allowing owners to take to the water at most stages of the tide.