The Watch Tower

National Trust Holiday Property


The Watch Tower is a quirky holiday home, entered through a large wooden door in the side of Compton Castle, a fascinating building built into the curtain wall. From the moment you drive through the gates to this imposing castle, you feel like the lord and lady of the manor. The property is arranged over three floors and this holiday cottage has been carefully converted, retaining much of the character of this exceptional historic building. The castle is only open to the public from May to the end of October and is only open for three days a week, so there is a lot of private time at the castle. There are wonderful gardens to explore and the history is amazing. Compton is just three miles from inviting anchorage at Torbay, so would have been in the front line of any Spanish invasion. As Vice-Admiral of Devon, Compton Castle’s Sir John Gilbert (1533-96) played a leading part in marshalling ships, men and supplies to meet the Armada in 1588, while Sir John’s brothers provided ships for the English fleet. The fleet commanders, Sir Frances Drake and Sir John Hawkins, were both Devon men; their defeat of the Spanish Armada was one of the proudest moments in Devon’s maritime history. A rare survivor, this medieval fortress with high curtain walls, towers and a portcullis, set in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards, is a bewitching mixture of romance and history. Home for nearly 600 years to the Gilbert family, including Sir Humphrey Gilbert - half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh. There are many other places to visit close by, including Dartmoor with its dramatic tors and ponies, as well as Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Dartmouth which are worth a visit, and many other National Trust properties close by. Beach 8 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 4 miles and restaurant 100 yards.

Bathroom with over-bath shower (no toilet). Separate toilet. Steep, narrow stairs to first floor (rope handrail): Double bedroom. Steep, narrow stairs to second floor (rope handrail): Cosy open-plan living/dining room with electric woodburner and kitchen area.

• Electricity, full NSH, bed linen and towels included
• Freeview TV
• DVD
• CD
• Microwave
• Shared, lawned grounds with furniture
• Parking (for 2 cars)
• Welcome pack
• No smoking
• No children under 12 years
• NB: Pond in grounds