History

The Cott Inn pub just outside Totnes (Grade II listed), is reputed to have been built during the reign of Edward II in approximately 1320 AD . It’s name was taken from the Dutchman, Johannes Cott, who converted the original cottages into a staging post for shepherds  and sheep on their way to ancient port town of Totnes. He is mentioned in the town records as being made a Freeman of Totnes in 1333.

It is one of the most famous thatched inns in the country and is believed to be the longest single licensed property in England. Did you know that when the thatch roof needs to be replaced it requires 3,000 bundles of reed! The thatch was last replaced after a fire in 1989, luckily the building was saved as was most of the original features some dating back many hundreds of years remained intact.

The Area

The Cott Inn is located in the well known village of Dartington which is within two miles of the ancient town of Totnes, some 6 miles from the seaside resorts of Torbay and 10 miles from the beautiful beaches of South Hams. Dartmoor is also in easy reach.

Dartington and Totnes are located in a part of south Devon known as South Hams and is reputedly one of the most scenic parts of England, described as the “pearls of the westcountry” stretching from Dartmouth and Salcombe in the south to Ivybridge and Totnes and parts of southern Dartmoor in the north and east.

Near by is Dartington Hall a 14th Century medieval  mansion, famous for art, drama and music and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Things of interest close by include the Dart Stream Railway and River Cruises, butterfly farm, the beautiful Buckfast Abbey and the Cider Press Shopping Centre.