Christian Holiday Bungalow, Torquay – Charming Sea Views, Sleeps 5

Christian Holiday Bungalow, Torquay — Named After a Medieval Abbey

This Christian holiday bungalow, Torquay, sits close to Torre railway station, itself named after the very settlement that gave the whole town its name. Torquay literally means “Torre’s quay”: in the twelfth century, the Premonstratensian canons of Torre Abbey helped build the original fishing quay here, and the name stuck long after the abbey itself fell into ruin. Torre Abbey was founded in 1196, when six white-robed canons arrived from Welbeck Abbey in Nottinghamshire, after William Brewer, lord of the manor of Torre, granted them land; by the time of the Dissolution in 1539 it had grown into the wealthiest Premonstratensian house in the whole of England. Its 800 Years Gallery today tells that whole story, from medieval canons to Georgian country house to municipal art gallery, using talking portraits and interactive displays housed in the very rooms the Cary family once lived in.

After Henry VIII closed the abbey, its buildings passed through private hands for nearly four centuries before Torquay’s own council bought them in 1930. Today Torre Abbey is recognised as the best-preserved medieval monastery in the whole of Devon and Cornwall, its medieval barn, gatehouse and ruined church sitting alongside a Georgian mansion built from the monastic stone — all just a couple of miles from the bungalow, and open to visit as a museum and art gallery. Its medieval tithe barn even has a footnote in national history: in 1588, following the defeat of the Spanish Armada, it was used to hold Spanish prisoners of war, and is still known locally as the “Spanish Barn” today, a small but vivid reminder of just how much history has passed through this quiet corner of Torquay.

Cockington, already mentioned above as a popular spot fifteen minutes away, has its own direct link to the abbey — and, intriguingly, the same family once owned both. The Cary family, who bought Torre Abbey in 1662, had already held Cockington Court since 1374, making them a single thread running through two of the area’s most significant historic sites for the best part of three centuries. Cockington’s parish church of St George and St Mary has stood since around 1069, making it one of the oldest churches in Devon, and from 1203 it was placed under the care of the Canons of Torre — which is why, unusually, “St Mary” was added to an existing dedication rather than the other way round. The church remains an active, welcoming congregation today, its doors open daily to visitors as they have been for the best part of a thousand years.

Between the abbey that named the town, the church it once administered, and the beaches, moorland and coastline already described above, this corner of Torquay offers rather more depth than its reputation as a seaside resort might suggest. Guests can walk from the bungalow’s own footpaths through woodland and along the coast path to Maidencombe, drive inland to Dartmoor and Haytor, or simply potter the couple of miles into town to see the abbey and its grounds for themselves — all within easy reach of a bungalow built for restful, unhurried self-catering rather than a packed itinerary.

This Torquay bungalow is perfect for:

Couples or families of up to five, with sea views from the master bedroom and easy access to local beaches
Guests interested in Devon’s Christian heritage, from Torre Abbey to Cockington’s thousand-year-old parish church
Those in full-time Christian ministry, with the cost of one night deducted from a standard week’s stay
Walkers wanting easy access to the South West Coast Path, Dartmoor and Haytor
Guests who don’t need step-free access, since several stairs front and back rule out wheelchair users

Location

Swedwell Road, Torquay

How to get there:

Easily accessible by road with ample parking. Nearest train station is Torre which is 2.4 miles away.

Nearest Town:

Torquay

Local Area

The nearest shops are located on Barton Hill Road, local Tesco, Co-op and bakery (12-minute walk or 3-minute drive). There are endless takeaway restaurants and supermarkets all within a short drive (10 minutes).

This property is ideally situated to explore Devon. You can walk straight from the property into woodland and countryside via a network of local footpaths. If you wish, you can easily walk via lanes and woods to join the stunning South West Coastal Path which links you to local beaches such as Maidencombe and Watcombe.

Additionally, the property is located on the outskirts of Torquay which gives it excellent links to the South Devon Express way. You can drive quickly out to Dartmoor and visit popular places such as Haytor (30 Minutes). Or you can drive 10 minutes along the coast to the popular town of Shaldon and Ness Cove. Shaldon is a great place to go for breakfast.

In the opposite direction you can get to local popular places such as Greenways National Trust (30 minutes), Cockington (15 minutes) and Broadsands beach (25 minutes). The location is a great base for anyone wishing to explore Devon.

Facilities

We have a delightful 2-bedroom property available that would suit either a couple or a family wanting to explore the stunning scenery of Torbay and Dartmoor. With an incredible sea view from the bungalow and easy access to local beaches, this is a unique and exceptionally good value holiday destination.

The property includes a spacious lounge and fully fitted kitchen and bathroom. There are two double bedrooms, one of which has an extra single bed to accommodate a fifth person. However, if you wish to visit just as a couple, the price will reflect not using this room. In the master bedroom you will wake up to a beautiful sea view each day and views across Torbay.

Outside the house there is a spacious back garden and a driveway at the rear of the property with parking for one car. There is ample road parking if you have more than one vehicle. All bedding is provided, but please bring your own towels.

The house has full self-catering facilities, and a TV and Wi-Fi facilities. Additionally, there are several stairs for access to the property both front and back, so regrettable this is not a wheelchair accessible property.

Additional Photos

Click to enlarge

Dining table with six chairs by a large window overlooking a vibrant cityscape; TV in the corner, lamp and books on shelves, and a beige armchair in a cosy living room—perfect for relaxing after exploring Torquay or enjoying a peaceful stay at your Christian holiday bungalow.

A bathroom in a Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay features a washbasin, round mirror, glass-enclosed shower, towel rails, and a window with a striped valance. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, it also includes a cupboard above the toilet and plush towels hanging near the shower and washbasin.

A kitchen in a charming Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay, featuring turquoise cupboards, a stainless steel sink, a cooker, microwave, kettle, and toaster. There’s a window overlooking a garden with a clock above it, while a potted plant and washing-up liquid sit by the sink.

A cosy kitchen in a Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay, featuring blue cupboards, a large window overlooking a garden, sink, microwave, kettle, toaster, fridge, and wall clock. Neutral walls and tiled floor complete this inviting space.

A small laundry room in a Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay features green cupboards, a washing machine, white worktop, tiled floor, and a door leading to a hallway with a mat. A bottle of detergent sits on the counter near wall sockets.

A neatly made bed with a patterned quilt sits next to a window with a city view, filling this Torquay Christian holiday bungalow with sunlight. The room is further brightened by white fitted wardrobes and soft beige carpet.

A small bedroom in a Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay, featuring a single bed with folded towels on top, a wooden chest of drawers with a lamp, a white wardrobe, a chair, and a window offering views of houses and greenery outside.

A cosy bedroom in a Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay, featuring a double bed, white wardrobe, shelving unit, small bedside lamp, and a window with beige curtains overlooking a grassy garden.

A terraced back garden with a lawn, shrubs, and pathway complements this inviting Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay. Steps with handrails lead up from a concrete patio, while a wooden fence borders the tranquil garden. The sky is overcast, adding to the peaceful ambience of this coastal retreat.

A grassy back garden with a stone border, bushes, shrubs, and a wooden fence in the background offers a tranquil retreat reminiscent of a Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay. The foreground features a patch of gravel and gentle shadows dancing across the lawn, creating an inviting outdoor space.

A panoramic view of a sunny countryside field near a Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay, with trees on the edges, rolling hills in the background, and a blue sky with scattered clouds overhead.

A grassy hill in Torquay overlooks a sprawling cityscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds, with distant water and greenery visible on the horizon—an ideal view from your Christian holiday bungalow.

A sunlit, grassy field near Torquay overlooks rolling hills with scattered houses and trees under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape is lush and green, evoking a peaceful rural setting—perfect for a relaxing stay in a Christian holiday bungalow.

A panoramic view of Torquay at dusk, with rows of houses and trees in the foreground—including a charming Christian holiday bungalow—and a large body of water with hills in the background under a cloudy sky.

A coastal scene at sunset with calm water, a rocky shoreline, and the sun low in the sky, partially obscured by clouds, reflecting brightly on the sea—just steps away from a charming Christian holiday bungalow in Torquay.

Costs

1 to 2 people £80/night + £45 cleaning and Laundry
3 to 5 people £100 / night + £55 cleaning and Laundry

Discounts

If you are in full-time Christian ministry, book for a standard week and the cost of one night will be deducted. For example, a couple staying a week will cost £525 rather than £605. A family of 2 adults + 1-3 children staying for a week will cost £655 rather than £755. Additionally, please get in touch if booking outside of peak season and term-time as sometimes discounts are available.

Energy Provision: All included in tariff.

Availability

Available all year round.

Arrival and Departure times:

Arrival anytime from 3.00 pm, Departure before 11.00 am please.

Booking arrangements:

During school holidays Saturday to Saturday bookings please. Outside of school holidays, open to any enquiries, minimum 2-night stay.

Pets: Sorry – no pets please.

Contact the Owner

If you are interested in making a booking, or you would like further information, please get in touch using the following contact details:

Name: Peter Clayton
Phone Number: 07759 464737
Email Address: pete@togetherchurch.co.uk