Holiday cottage/letting

I've done some research on this but am wondering if anyone knows of any decent vacation rentals in Devon. We are considering Torquay but want to visit and I am having a hard time coming up with anything that would be suitable for us and is of a doable price. Most things I come across look like they are targeting the super rich vacationers.

We are 5 people (two adults and 3 kids) and will be looking for something for probably a month in the summer (July). Ideas?

I don't know about super rich vacationers, but the prices you are likely seeing reflect that Torquay is a prime (south coast seaside) holiday destination (for the UK), and you're looking for an entire month during the height of tourist season there - during school holidays. It could also be that more affordable lets are already booked up for families on school holidays.

Just taking a wild guess, as I've not priced south coast self-catering places this year nor for south coast in July, but paying minimum of £500-750, per week, for what you're looking for - fairly normal. My guess may well be too conservative even. Tote that up for a month & it's a lot of money, yes!

We tend to visit in 'shoulder' season periods or go to less popular destinations to get more affordable self-catering holiday prices.

Good luck!

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186259-d754512-Reviews-Villa_Capri-Torquay_English_Riviera_Devon_England.html

We stayed at the Villa Capri in October for 180 pounds a week. I am sure it is a lot more expensive in July but it was a great price/best price we found in October. A lot of the people there at the same time were people that kept coming back. 

http://www.villacapri.co.uk/

You may have more luck going inland and choosing a property with fewer amenities, as Torquay in July is expensive. Perhaps include caravan parks as well?

I hate to tell you that you've left it very late to find somewhere for a whole month, as most places will be booked up for at least a few weeks during that period.

Most I know of do a maximum of 3 weeks, like Hoseasons or Cottages 4 U:

http://www.hoseasons.co.uk/
http://www.cottages4you.co.uk/

There are more, but can't think of them, off the top of my head.

I'm tending to agree with Mrs R and Fruitgum, but good luck. 

Most I know of do a maximum of 3 weeks, like Hoseasons or Cottages 4 U:

I know people who've needed a longer stay and were able to negotiate it. Letting agencies are more than happy to be fully booked for an entire month!

Beccarose, I know you said 'July', but you didn't specify if you meant this July or just a July sometime in the future. If you want something for this year, I'm afraid you're probably too late.

You will definetly be too late if it's for this year. When we did self catering in Jersey once, as soon as we came back we booked the same cottage for next year at roughly the same time, especially as you are going to west country...maybe try the other coast of devon...living prices are cheaper in West Country generally as well compared to the rest of the south coast, especially the east!

I know people who've needed a longer stay and were able to negotiate it. Letting agencies are more than happy to be fully booked for an entire month!

I should have clarified what I meant - the automated online systems tend to limit to 3 weeks - I am sure if you telephone the booking lines, extended stays beyond that are surely welcome.