The Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove

Nestled on the cliffs above the harbour beach at Hope Cove in South Devon, The Cottage Hotel is a family-run seaside retreat distinguished by its timeless charm and commanding views of the coastline.

For decades, guests have awakened to spectacular sea vistas, dined under sunset skies, and meandered straight into village life from the terraces and lounges overlooking the Cove.

Operating since 1973 under the Ireland family, the hotel combines warmth and continuity with a welcoming attitude toward all who arrive. Today, many of its rooms still open to the sea, and its lounges, bar, restaurant, and terraced outdoor areas remain central to its character.

What appears to many as a picturesque coastal getaway is, behind the scenes, the living setting of a rich, complex narrative. The daily rhythms, the staff camaraderie, the emergencies, the long summer days and quieter off-seasons—all form the tapestry of life behind the scenes. In A Good Scrap I Fear, William Ireland lifts the curtain on this world, inviting readers into the hotel’s heartbeat as much as its views.

The hotel’s website highlights features that echo through the memoir:

• Dining rooms opening onto view-filled horizons and guests catching the orange hue of Devon sunsets.
• A terrace for afternoon tea, afternoon dining, or just lingering over conversation.
• A restaurant that welcomes residents and locals alike, with classic menus, seasonal offerings, and a tradition of reserved tables for guests.
• A bar and lounge that offer both expansive views and cosy refuge, depending on time of day or weather.

These are not just amenities; in the book, they are settings where loyalty, character, and crisis unfold.

E: info@hopecove.com

T: 01548 561555

The Cottage Hotel
Hope Cove
Kingsbridge
South Devon
TQ7 3HJ