NORTH DEVON - Helpful Holidays

NORTH DEVON
Croyde Bay
North Devon: its coast is perhaps the most varied of all, from
Hartland Quay with its tremendous cliffs and multi-coloured rocks
like dinosaurs’ backs, via car-free Clovelly village tumbling to the
sea, and the estuaries of the River Torridge (where Tarka lived) and
River Taw, and Braunton's wilderness of sand dunes (all good for
birdwatching), to the best sand/surf beaches in Devon at Saunton
(the West Country's best golf course too), Croyde (see above) and
Woolacombe, all the way to Exmoor.
Clovelly
Hartland Quay
The main town is Barnstaple - busy, thriving, not too big. The Tarka
Trail cycleway (bikes for hire) follows, very attractively, the River
Torridge from deep inland to the sea and on past Instow's good
beach and lovely cricket ground to Bideford. From Hartland
Point's lighthouse, great views to Lundy Island - and from
Ilfracombe ships (day trips) to it. In Appledore unusual ships are
built and its heart is very pretty. Elizabethan merchantmen sailed
from Bideford. Inland, woods and fields roll, sometimes steeply, with
streams, rivers and farms, almost totally unspoilt - as is most of the
coast. Its north-west, stretching from Hatherleigh to Hartland, is
Devon's least changed, least visited, least inhabited part, a country
of big fields, some forests, gently undulating, with long, long views
beneath big skies where old men in their vegetable gardens look up
as a car passes. Holsworthy is the main (very small) town, with
square, market, firm purpose. The River Tamar rises in the Tamar
Lakes (watersports, fishing). The roads are straighter and less
high-hedged than most in Devon - and emptier.
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. . . charming chapels . . . . . . and a magical mill
NORTH DEVON
East Down: peaceful hamlet (good
food pub) in beautiful, hilly,
wooded-valley farmland, 1 ⁄2 mile
from Arlington Court (Nat. Trust
house, park and garden, former
home of Sir Francis Chichester's
family, excellent horse-drawn vehicle collection). Exmoor National Park, 3 miles; superb sand/surf beaches at
Woolacombe, Croyde (see page 34) and Saunton (superb golf, too), 8 miles; spectacular coastal scenery
at Lynton and Lynmouth (see page 27), 9 miles; Barnstaple, pleasant, busy, old town on the River Taw
estuary (birdwatching), 6 miles. Riding stables, 8 miles; nearest shop, 3 miles.
... in East Down hamlet, a short walk from the good food pub, the Old Chapel - a detached, former Methodist chapel - has
been converted with flair. It is the owners' holiday home and, as such, filled with extra perks (toys, games, books) and comfort.
Outside at the back, a south-facing, enclosed, paved suntrap patio (barbecue, table/benches); in front, a sitting-out area
and terracing - good country views. Inside, small hall (downstairs loo) leads to good-sized main hall; large family kitchen
(dishwasher, microwave) with long pine table/chapel benches, fine collection of antique plates on the wall; down a few steps
to a big utility room with washing machine, tumble drier, fridge-freezer; dining room with glazed elevation overlooking the
patio; spacious, pretty, triple aspect L-shaped living room with French windows to patio, stone fireplace (open fire), CD, radio.
Upstairs, four bedrooms - double with beams, three arched windows, TV, en suite bathroom (suite) and separate double
shower cubicle; one twin bedroom; another twin bedroom (one bed 2'6"); and a cosy little room with single pine bed; bathroom
(suite plus bath-power-shower).
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West Down: peaceful, friendly
village (lovely church, good food
pub, shop/PO) of mostly old
cottages, some modern housing,
3 1 ⁄2 miles east of Woolacombe's fine
sand/surf beach. Ilfracombe - small
resort town with cove beaches,
spectacular cliff scenery, harbour
(boat trips), about 3 1 ⁄2 miles. Croyde
(one of the finest surfing beaches in
Devon), 6 miles. Saunton, fine
beach and superb golf, 7 miles.
Exmoor National Park, about 8
miles.
Blakewell: a narrow lane leads to this hamlet in a lovely, quiet,
stream valley 1 1 ⁄2 miles from Barnstaple - busy town (leisure
centre/indoor swimming pool) on the River Taw estuary. The
great North Devon sand/surf beaches (Saunton, Croyde,
Woolacombe), about 8 miles; golf at Barnstaple and
superb golf at Saunton; fly-fishing locally; nature reserve
(birdwatching), 5 miles; Exmoor, about 8.
... in Blakewell, a charmingly converted, Grade II listed mill in an
acre of truly stunning gardens with its own indoor heated swimming
pool (16' square, to 5'6" deep, available Easter to October) in a separate building. The owners have created a most magical
place to stay. Beautifully landscaped gardens, orchard with old Devonshire apple trees, and a sheltered suntrap patio
(tables/chairs). Inside, comfort and imagination. Three floors: on the middle floor living room with woodburner in a huge stone
fireplace, wooden floor with rug, CD player, books/CDs/DVDs. Loo (washbasin). Big conservatory with cane furniture looking
to the garden, and fitted kitchen/dining room (cream units, dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer). Utility room (washing
machine, tumble drier). On the ground floor, two bedrooms - four-poster double with the original low beams and millstone, TV,
and en suite shower-room (suite), and a canopied half-tester double with chaise longue and en suite bathroom (suite plus
bath-shower). On the top floor, three further bedrooms - double with archway (no door) to en suite bathroom (suite with roll-top
bath plus separate shower), twin (low beam) with glazed door to a small balcony, a pretty single - and a bathroom (suite plus
bath-shower). Altogether, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, five loos. No smoking. Phone for incoming calls. Logs included.
Good food pub, 1 mile. Fly fishing (adults or children) at trout farm nearby.
... in the centre of West Down, a
converted, Grade II listed chapel with
lofty ceilings and good use of modern
fabrics. To one side is an enclosed, gravelled, suntrap garden with patio (table/chairs, picnic table, barbecue) and, in front, a
paved area. Original solid oak door into an entrance hall with high ceiling, room for coats/boots, washing machine and
tumble drier, and loo/washbasin; large living/dining room (was the main hall) with wood floor, big comfy feather-filled sofas in
autumn colours, solid pine table and chairs, CD player, toy/games chest, stone fireplace (electric 'woodburner'), tall gothic
windows and, at one end, a large window recess; fitted kitchen at the back (breakfast table/chairs, dishwasher, microwave,
freezer); upstairs, three bedrooms - double (5' bed) with en suite shower-room (suite), another double, and one with two 4'
beds; bathroom (suite). Very well done, good and roomy. 100 yards to pub. Dog-walking field, 200 yards.
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Sleeps: 9
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NORTH DEVON: sandy surfing bay . . .
. . . beach or moorland base
Croyde
Heanton Punchardon: hamlet (church, some
ancient, but mostly 20th cent. dwellings) on high
land looking over soft, rolling farmland, 3 miles
from Saunton’s wonderful sand/surf beach and
excellent golf course. More superb sand/
surf beaches at Croyde (see left), Putsborough
and Woolacombe. Nearest good selection
of shops/pubs at Braunton, 1 mile. Barnstaple
(bustling market town, see page 32), 4 miles.
Exmoor, 10 miles.
… in Heanton Punchardon, a handsome, very spacious detached house, with lovely long rural views, quietly tucked
away in a cul-de-sac. At the front, open shrub/flower borders and wide driveway; at the back, about 1 ⁄2 acre of well kept,
mostly lawned garden with patio areas, approached from an enclosed patio over a little bridge spanning an ornamental pond.
Inside, comfortable and well furnished, with emphasis on quality. Hall with loo (washbasin); living room with exposed granite,
oak beams, woodburner and sliding doors to patio; large, south-facing conservatory (games, books, CD player) and dining
room, both opening to a small enclosed landscaped courtyard (table/chairs) beyond; large, smart fitted kitchen/dining room
(dishwasher, microwave) with sliding doors to patio; utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, fridge-freezer). From
hall, stairs up to landing and three bedrooms – double (5’ bed) with en suite shower-room (suite), and two twin; bathroom
(suite plus bath-shower). No smoking. An excellent home, well positioned for beach or moor.
Croyde: large village following the curve of its
wonderful sandy bay (one of Britain’s finest
surfing beaches, see above) with pretty thatched
pub (well known for its good food), several beach shops and indoor heated leisure pool; original part mostly
Georgian but many 20th cent. additions. Excellent golf at Saunton, 2 miles. Coastal path to Baggy Point
(particularly good birdwatching). Barnstaple with its shops, theatre and restaurants, about 10 miles.
... a detached, modern house at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac 500 yards from beach and pub. At the back, a neat, enclosed,
suntrap garden. Inside, warm and comfortable at any time of year; hall with shower-room (suite), front-to-back living/
dining room (toy box, PlayStation 2 with games, videos, books, CD player) with patio sliding doors to garden (picnic table/
benches); white fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), door to garden and outbuilding with washing machine,
tumble drier and freezer. Upstairs (stairgate), three bedrooms – double, twin with views to Baggy Point, and a bunk room.
Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No smoking. A very family friendly home from home in a beautiful area. Arrival
after 4pm.
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Sleeps: 6
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Bath/shower: 2
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Sleeps: 6
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. . . enchanting gardens . . . . . . birdwatching quay
NORTH DEVON
Swimbridge: valley-village with spired church, pub,
PO, 4 miles from Barnstaple (North Devon's 'capital'
on the estuary of the River Taw - birdwatching, good
shops, restaurants) and about 6 miles from Exmoor.
Splendid sandy beaches at Saunton (superb golf,
surfing, dunes) or Instow (Tarka Trail biking, lovely
cricket ground), 10 miles, or, slightly further,
Woolacombe, Croyde (see page 34).
... about a mile from Swimbridge at the end of a short
gravel drive, two single-storey cottages and games room
made from ancient barns in the owners' (nearby) 15 acres of
gardens, wildlife ponds, meadows and woodland. Good
walks from the cottages. Each has its own private gravelled
area in front (picnic table and barbecue) extending to a
communal grassed ball-kicking/playing garden (gated).
The owners enjoy sharing their enchanting 6 acre garden
(open to the public several days of the year under NGS) with
visitors. There is nothing formal here; the garden has been
created from meadow and old farmyard over the last 16
years, dove-tailing sympathetically with the environment.
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Both cottages have high
beamed ceilings, deep solid
oak sills and their own access
to the games room (table
tennis, darts and coin-operated
tumble drier). Excellent for the
garden/wildlife enthusiast, a
delightful spot. No smoking.
The Stables - steps (handrail)
up to entrance to fitted limed-oak
kitchen (microwave, freezer)
with breakfast bar separating living/dining room (open fire, CD
player, dimmer lights). Two bedrooms - a double and a twin.
Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and washing machine.
B/A
Extra
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Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
Sat
Bath/shower: 1
Price:
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Fremington: large village (two pubs, awardwinning
quayside café, basic shops) beside the
River Taw estuary, 3 miles west of Barnstaple
(see page 32). Its ancient quay, which serviced
merchant vessels trading with Barnstaple, is now
a charming place to sit, eat and birdwatch over a
RSPB reserve. Tarka Trail cycle/walk way runs
through it. Good beach at Instow, 2 miles. Fine
beach and golf at Saunton, 7-8 miles.
… on the edge of Fremington, 150 yards along a farm track, one of two semidetached
cottages originally serving the farmhouse. It is now a completely
renovated, delightful cosy home, with long views to the estuary. In front and to the
side, a neat shrub/lawn enclosed garden with 2 steps down to a patio (table/chairs)
and the front door. Big flagstone floored porch with washing machine, tumble drier,
freezer and door to inner hall with old pine floor; pretty living room with view to
garden; large dining room with old Rayburn (not in use); fitted kitchen (dishwasher,
microwave). Stairs up to three attractive bedrooms – a double, a twin with pine
floor/rugs, limited clothes hanging space and lovely long estuary view, and a pretty
little single bedroom also with limited clothes hanging space; bathroom (suite plus
bath-shower). No smoking. Footpath down to the quay and café.
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Appledore: village (church, pubs,
fish ‘n’ chip shop, shops, PO,
galleries, maritime museum) of old
cottages and narrow streets at the
mouth of the Taw and Torridge
estuary, with a long tradition of boat
building and fishing. Fresh fish
sometimes available from the quay.
Beach across the water at Instow
for watersports. Huge sandy beach
and golf at Westward Ho!, 2 miles.
Trout/salmon fishing along the
Torridge and, beside it, the excellent Tarka Trail cycle track.
Bideford and Barnstaple (see page 32), 2 and 10 miles.
Sleeps: 5
Sat
Bath/shower: 1
Price:
Ref:
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The Shippon has steps (handrail) up to entrance to
fitted kitchen/diner (washing machine, microwave, fridge-freezer), archway to attractive living room (open fire, CD player,
dimmer lights). Two bedrooms - a double and a twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-power-shower).
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… in the heart of Appledore, approached along 20 yards of private footpath between old cottages, a 200 year old end-ofterrace
house, with lovely, long views over the estuary and only 100 yards from good food pub and the quayside (boat
trips/crabbing). Immediately in front of it, on the other side of the footpath (leads to neighbour’s vegetable patch), a super little
sunny paved and shingled garden with summer house, play-fort, tables/chairs, barbecue and glimpse of estuary. Inside, recent
work has made the house modern and comfortable. Hall; large fitted kitchen (5’9” doorway, dishwasher, washing machine,
tumble drier, microwave, fridge-freezer, gas hob/electric oven) with tables/chairs in centre; cosy living room (books, card
games, 5’9” doorway, best for 6) looking to little garden; steepish stairs up to landing and three bedrooms – one double with 5’
bed and ornamental fireplace, one with 3’6” bed and views across rooftops and gardens to the estuary, and one with bunk beds;
bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). More stairs up to attractive attic bedroom with double bed, lovely old exposed roof timbers
(mind head!) and en suite shower-room (suite). No smoking. Loading and unloading from street. Public car park, 75 yards.
Street parking possible. Good family house in a popular village with regular public transport connections.
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Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 7
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Bath/shower: 2
Price:
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NORTH DEVON: colour-washed cottages . . .
Horwood: hamlet with
church deep in winding
lanes between Bideford
and Barnstaple, both
about 4 miles; sandy
beach at Instow, Tarka
Trail cycleway, and lovely
Tapeley Park gardens,
about 5 miles. Nearest
pub, 1 ⁄2 mile; supermarket,
2 miles. The wonderful
sand/surf beaches of
Woolacombe, Croyde
(see page 34) and
Saunton, about 12-15
miles. Golf at Barnstaple,
superb golf at Saunton.
. . . walk abbey woods to the sea
... about 1 ⁄2 mile from Horwood, a wing of a handsome, detached house
converted from 16th cent. barns. Shared use of a large, walled, lawned garden
and children’s play area with 12’ recessed trampoline (for adults too!), swing and
toddler slides and own patio with table and chairs.
Entrance from garden into comfortable living/dining room, dresser one end and
window to garden the other end; small, neat fitted kitchen (dishwasher,
washing machine, microwave, fridge-freezer). Upstairs (stairgate), three
bedrooms: two double and a twin with pretty rural views; bathroom (suite plus
bath-shower). No smoking. Comfy all year round.
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Hartland: the attractive
large village (some
old, colour-washed
cottages, shops, two
pubs and, in a pretty
wooded valley nearby,
a lovely former abbey,
sometimes open) of
a remote, sparsely
populated, 'end of road'
and beautiful area,
defended by exceptionally
spectacular cliffs -
try Hartland Quay.
From the tower of the
very fine 14th cent.
church at Stoke (see right), you can see much of it. Coast
path. Great sea birdwatching. Lighthouse at Hartland
Point. Famous Clovelly (fishing trips), 5 miles. Bideford
(nearest town), Westward Ho! (golf/big beach), and
Bude (see page 166), all about 15 miles.
... a super, 17th cent. terraced cottage in the heart of Hartland village, seeming bigger inside than it looks from outside.
All smartly furnished, very well done. It was once the village sweet shop: in practical 17th cent. fashion, donkeys walked through
to the back to be shod, where now there is a lawned garden (good gooseberry bushes, pick your own) with picnic bench, and
shed with mountain bikes for your use (your risk). Door from pavement to living room (sofa bed) with inglenook (woodburner),
beams (height 6'3"), books/games, CD player; two steps up to roomy fitted kitchen/dining room with beams (height 6’1”), tiled
floor, dishwasher, microwave; utility room with washing machine, fridge-freezer, back door (7 steps up) to garden, and
separate shower-room (suite). Stairs up to two bedrooms - a double (5' bed), and a twin; bathroom (suite). No smoking.
Public car park (free), 50 yards. Arrival after 4pm and departure by 11am.
Stoke: little village with outstanding 14th-15th cent. church, 3 ⁄4 mile
from perhaps the most spectacular (and easily accessible)
cliffs in the West Country, at Hartland Quay (hotel/pub, rocky
cove beach with low-tide sand). Excellent sandy beaches at
Westward Ho!, Bude and Instow, all within 20 miles. For shops
and more pubs, Hartland (see left), 1 1 ⁄2 miles via pretty woodedvalley
lane. Clovelly (famous traffic-free cliff village), 5 miles.
Bideford, 15 miles.
... in Stoke, a detached, thatched, Grade II listed 16th cent. house with
courtyard, enclosed garden (barbecue) and indoor heated swimming pool
(28' x 16' x 3' to 7' deep) with decking (table/chairs) overlooking garden. The
garden is partly walled and peaceful with mature shrubs and a big ash tree.
Games room (table tennis, pool, darts). Lovely walks through Hartland
Abbey's woods to the sea.
Formerly owned by the Abbey, the house has been beautifully converted,
lovingly restored, furnished (some low doorways). Slate-floored hall
(6’ ceiling); comfortable, beamed living/dining room with inglenook fireplace
(woodburner), music centre, Welsh dresser, pine dining table; very
well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave,
fridge-freezers) with tiled floor and stable door to back patio and courtyard.
Off the kitchen, two steps down, twin bedroom (2’6” beds, TV); also downstairs
loo and washbasin. In a wing of the ground floor is a second living room
with inglenook (woodburner), double bedroom (TV) and shower-room
(suite). Stairs (handrail, stairgates) up to three more bedrooms - beamed
master double with ceiling to apex, one with double plus single bed, and a
single (2’6” bed). Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Tumble drier in shed.
Payphone. Suitable for partially disabled.
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Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
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Bath/shower: 2
Price:
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. . . ‘get away from it all’ cove . . . . . . swimming pool and jacuzzi
NORTH DEVON
Welcombe Mouth: cove with rocks and
sand at low-tide between spectacular cliffs
(great surfing) in one of the most ‘away from it
all’, completely unspoilt parts of the West
Country and designated an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is between
Hartland (see page 36), 10 miles, and Bude
(see page 166), 12 miles. Welcombe hamlet
(PO/shop, good food pub, craft shop) is
1 mile inland. Coast path, great birdwatching.
… a mile from the good food pub at Welcombe and
in total privacy, a single storey house with
superbly tranquil views to the sea at Welcombe
Mouth ( 1 ⁄2 mile). The whole area (mostly owned by
Nat.Trust and Cadbury Trust) is a haven for deer,
badgers, birds, butterflies and wildlife in general.
Approached along 150 yards of hardcore track, 3
acres belonging to it, mostly left to provide wildlife habitat. Flat grass area
with picnic bench looking down to the sea (toddlers must be supervised).
Inside, stylishly rustic with high, exposed roof beams and most rooms
enjoying great views. Porch for boots/coats with tumble drier; open-plan
living/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave) with oak floor, comfy leather sofas,
huge fireplace (woodburner), handmade oak table and glazed doors to
garden; utility room with dishwasher, washing machine and fridge-freezer.
Hall to three bedrooms – two double (both with 5’ beds with footboards) and
one with bunks (bottom bed 2’6”) plus single, all with composite flooring/rugs.
Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower) and shower-room (suite with powershower).
Spring water (tested). Suitable for partially disabled. Phone for
incoming calls. No smoking. Brilliant place for chilling out.
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Holsworthy: main town of this large, sparselypopulated,
unspoilt farming area: small but important,
down-to-earth yet lively with good market, attractive
square, shops, pubs. Golf course and ‘leisure centre’
(indoor swimming pool, badminton, roller skating).
Reservoir fishing, sailing, windsurfing in Tamar Lakes,
4 1 ⁄2 miles; river fishing not far. The sea/sand/surf/tennis/
more golf at Bude (see page 166), 9 miles.
Bradworthy: ancient, good-sized village
(church, pub, shops, café/tea room)
round a big square in the middle of
Devon’s least populated, least changed
farmland – big, gently rolling fields, huge skies – 4 miles from a main road, between the rivers Torridge and
Tamar, close to Cornwall. The Tamar Lakes (fishing, sailing, windsurfing), 3 miles; good sandy beach at unspoilt
Sandy Mouth (Nat. Trust), about 8 miles. More tremendous beaches at Bude (see page 166), 10 miles; unique
Clovelly, 8 miles; Hartland’s great cliffs, about 12.
... about a mile north-west of Bradworthy, a detached, single-storey house, converted from a 400 year old barn on a 20 acre
smallholding (pygmy goats, pony and donkey to pet and feed, two soppy dogs), over which you are welcome to walk. Lawn
with bench. Inside, well done, smart and comfortable, with lots of vaulted beams, exposed cob and stone-work. Living/
dining/kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer) with wooden floor and ‘living flame’ electric fire; two
bedrooms - a double with TV/video and en suite shower-room (suite), and a zip-linkable twin; smartly tiled bathroom (suite).
… 2 1 ⁄2 miles north of Holsworthy, you have all the lovely farmhouse
(except the ground floor to the left of the porch) of a
delightful farming couple’s 75 acre working farm, 1 ⁄2 mile of good
concrete private drive from the road. Quite large, very pretty,
enclosed garden (lawns, masses of flowers); large clean farmyard;
indoor heated swimming pool (24’ x 12’ x 4’ deep) and
a jacuzzi in the barn opposite the house, games barn (table
tennis, snooker table), adventure playground (swings, climbing
frame, children’s trikes). And you are welcome on the farm
and can feed the sheep and hens. Pony rides available nearby
(by arrangement). The sea/sand/surf at Bude, 10 miles, or
Sandy Mouth (excellent Nat. Trust beach), 14.
Inside, very attractive, comfortable, well-maintained and
spacious - all good-sized rooms. The porch/front door in picture
is yours alone; big hall; peaceful, pretty drawing room with
inglenook fireplace (woodburner) and French windows, overlooking
the garden; dining room with big table seating eleven,
leading to smart, well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher,
washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge-freezer)
with French windows to garden; downstairs loo. Upstairs
(stairgate), four bedrooms, one double plus bunks (2'6")
with shower-room en suite, one double plus 2'6" single bed
(washbasin), another double (washbasin), and one twin (washbasin);
bathroom (suite); also separate shower. Three loos in
all. A much praised and enjoyed place.
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★ ★ ★ 1 ⁄2
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
Sat
Bath/shower: 2
Price:
F
Ref:
K9
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★ ★ ★ 1 ⁄2
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 11
Sat
Bath/shower: 3
Price:
Ref:
Q R M273
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NORTH DEVON: Parnacott
Holsworthy (see page 37):
... 2 miles seaward of Holsworthy is Parnacott, a
beautiful, mainly Georgian house (some parts 17th
cent.), Grade II listed, in the same family since 1580
(Pepys was an ancestor), set in 12 acres of gardens
and grounds and surrounded by fields with lawns,
mature rhododendrons, two dozen different old rose
species, a pond and woodland walks. 1 ⁄4 mile of tree-lined
tarmac drive leads from a lane to it.
The owners’ interests (he is a teacher, she a Fine Arts
graduate) result in a superb, extremely comfortable
house/home with excellent family furniture and portraits
(Dryden in the drawing room, Lord Sandwich in the
dining room; no Pepys, but his assistant and relative,
John Creed, who helped him re-build the Navy after the
Dutch spoilt it). Big, square, high rooms with large
windows, beautifully decorated and furnished with
Colefax and Fowler prints among other, homely touches,
good books.
Hall with grandfather clock; sunny, peaceful, comfortable
drawing room with open fireplace, CD player and formal
dining room with lovely Welsh dresser, both with big
windows overlooking the garden; large, slate-floored
beamed children’s room with sofas, TV, toys, books/
games, dressing up box, glove-puppet theatre, children’s
videos, games console and pool table; very wellequipped
kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridgefreezer,
electric range-style cooker) and pretty
breakfast/sitting room (woodburner) with widescreen
TV; and from the rear hall a door leads to a ground floor
wing comprising a twin bedroom, shower-room (suite),
utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, fridgefreezer),
door to forecourt, and sunny small double
bedroom.
Two staircases - the main one gentle, elegant, three-tier
with sky-light - lead up to five more bedrooms: a
beautifully spacious and comfy master bedroom
(5' four-poster bed), with mahogany furniture, washbasin,
and south-facing views over the gardens; equally
beautiful twin (washbasin) also south-facing, overlooking
the garden; pretty 17th cent. (5’ bed with patchwork quilt
bedspread) with large bathroom (suite plus bidet) en
suite; twin (washbasin), wood-panelled to dado rail, with
connecting door (lockable) to another twin bedroom with
washbasin; second bathroom (suite plus instant shower)
and shower-room (suite, instant power-shower). Seven
bedrooms, four bath or shower-rooms in all. Mobile
phone (line for computer use by prior arrangement).
Daily domestic help and personal laundry service
available (extra).
Outside, barbecue, boules, soft ball, swings, sandpit,
and ride-on toys for little children. Table tennis in opensided
barn. Lots of outdoor space for playing. Bikes can
be hired locally (owners provide ‘best route’ map); riding
stables locally for all standards of riders; clay pigeon
shooting locally. Nana up the lane keeps tortoises and
squirrels which she is delighted for you to meet.
Altogether, a peaceful, elegant, gentle place with
friendly owners, there if you wish help, otherwise
unobtrusive. They live in a lovely cottage attached to
the side of the house (just visible on right in picture)
with own walled garden. Only 20 minute drive to
South West Coast Path and beautiful surf beaches
(body boards provided). Cautionary Deposit £300.
Suitable for partially disabled. Arrival after 4.30pm.
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Bedrooms: 7
Sleeps:
14 Fri
Bath/shower: 4
Price:
See page 213
Ref:
M274
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. . . indoor swimming pool . . . . . . absolutely tranquil
NORTH DEVON
The upstairs apartment (pictured below left) is
reached by own staircase leading up to
cosy open-plan living (sofa bed)/dining/fitted
kitchen (microwave); double bedroom, prettily
decorated, farmland views; bathroom (suite plus
bath-shower). Own patio (table/chairs, barbecue).
Chilsworthy: village 2 1 ⁄2 miles from Holsworthy (see page 37)
and its pubs and shops. The Cornish coast at Bude (see page
166) and its superb sand/surf beaches, 9 miles, or Sandy Mouth,
10. The Tamar Lakes (fishing, sailing, windsurfing), 4 miles.
Riding locally.
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Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2/4
Sat
Bath/shower: 1
Price:
CC
Ref:
M271
... on the edge of Chilsworthy, off a quiet lane, a single-storey cottage
and two apartments, all converted from barns, sharing an indoor heated
swimming pool (29' x 12' x 4' to 6' deep), 1 ⁄2 acre lawn garden (barbecue),
and use of washing machine, tumble drier (extra) in adjoining building.
The friendly owners live on the other side of the garden. High standard
conversions; a good, comfortable, friendly place.
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The cottage (above) has living (sofa bed)/dining/kitchen (microwave, gas
cooker) with door to own patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and shared garden.
Two bedrooms - double and twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).
Suitable for partially disabled.
★ ★ ★
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4/6
Sat
Bath/shower: 1
Price:
F
Ref:
M272
… and an ‘upside down’, large,
detached, stone cottage, with lots of
beams, polished wooden floors, good
fabrics and space, at the end of about
500 yards of private drive on the
Holsworthy (see page 37) side of
Chilsworthy; golf course, 2 miles.
Delightful spot, absolutely tranquil and
private with long farmland views. To
the front, suntrap paved courtyard
(furniture, barbecue) and large lawn
shaded by a mature beech, stream
beyond (fenced) and 10 acres to wander, including woodland walk.
Good-sized games barn (table tennis, darts, swingball, children’s ride-on
toys and toys for toddlers) to one side and charming owners’ pretty
cottage to the other side.
The ground floor apartment (see left) has living/
dining room with glass doors to own patio
(table/chairs, barbecue) and views over the garden
to open farmland; fitted kitchen (microwave); two
bedrooms - one double, one with two single beds
(2'6"); bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable
for partially disabled.
Inside, hall leads to three bedrooms – double with en suite shower-room
(suite), a twin, and one with two single beds – bathroom (suite plus bathshower);
good use of large windows in the hall make this light and airy.
Upstairs (stairgate), living/dining/kitchen with large vaulted ceiling and
plenty of exposed beams, huge chimney breast (woodburner), large
refectory table/chairs (far-reaching country views, books, games, CD
player), attractive greens/blues/yellows in kitchen area (dishwasher,
microwave, fridge-freezer); double bedroom; separate loo/washbasin.
Utility room outside with washing machine and tumble drier.
Phone. No smoking. A great family house at any time of the year.
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★ ★ ★
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
Sat
Bath/shower: 1
Price:
E
Ref:
M270
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★ ★ ★ ★
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
Sat
Bath/shower: 2
Price:
Ref:
K LL M6
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