Who We Are
Galmpton Park Bungalows offers a unique holiday experience with its 46 privately owned freehold properties, nestled on the outskirts of Galmpton Village and overlooking the picturesque River Dart.
This peaceful holiday park is located within an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,’ as designated by the South Hams District Council, ensuring its landscapes are preserved and cherished.
The park is managed by Galmpton Park Bungalows Ltd, a company formed by the bungalow owners to oversee site administration and service procurement.
Ownership of key infrastructures like the site’s road and overflow car park is maintained by the company, enhancing the community's autonomy.
Ownership in the company is exclusive to bungalow owners, who make key decisions democratically, with each bungalow entitled to one vote. This ensures that all members have a say in the management and future direction of the park.
The operational aspects are handled by a board of volunteer directors, elected for three-year terms at the annual general meeting (AGM), with a rotating system to ensure continuity.
Financial contributions for the maintenance and services of the site are decided at the AGM, with members paying monthly fees to cover costs such as water, electricity, refuse collection, and grounds maintenance.
Electricity costs of each bungalow are metered and billed twice yearly, with standing charges and site lighting costs distributed equally among all members.
Explore the History of Galmpton Park Bungalows
Galmpton Park Bungalows, originally part of a larger site known as Bat Hill Camp, has a fascinating history dating back to 1944 when it was purchased from Devonshire Investment Estates. Initially home to tents and a handful of touring caravans, the site was named after the nearby Bat Well, a local water source for the community.
The landscape of the park began to change in the early 1970s when planning permission allowed for the replacement of caravans with 50 bungalows, constructed in two phases. The first 28 bungalows emerged swiftly, transforming the site into a burgeoning holiday estate. By the late 1970s, an additional 16 bungalows were built, with the total reaching 50 by the early 1980s.
In 1978, the site was officially named Bat Hill Holiday Estate and saw further development and community formation over the following years. The Galmpton Holiday Bungalows Association was established between 1978 and 1983, marking a new era of organised management and communal decision-making.
Significant milestones in the late 20th century included the separation of the bungalows from the adjacent camping and caravan site in 1991, and various ownership changes that saw the bungalows gradually sold to individual owners. A pivotal moment came in 2003 when the site was registered as a company limited by guarantee, known as Galmpton Park Bungalows Ltd.
Ownership structures and legal rights, such as the purchase of the central roadway in 2006 and the legal acquisition of the overflow carpark in 2016, further solidified the residents' control over their environment. Throughout the 2000s, adjustments like the approval for year-round occupancy underlined the evolving nature of the site, though it remains designated for holiday use per local council regulations.
This brief history, largely compiled by Martin Hartog from the memories of various owners, captures the communal ethos of Galmpton Park Bungalows.
Gill K, Worcestershire
I have owned my bungalow for over ten years now. It is a place for myself and my family to unwind and relax in peace and tranquility above the River Dart. The surrounding areas offer so many opportunities to experience the outstanding natural beauty of the countryside, coast path and beaches, away from the trappings of everyday life.
