Woodland Cottages



	The History of Woodland Cottages. Woodland Cottages form part of West Woodlands- a 17th Century farmstead that was a working farm until the early 1970s. It was then that the listed farmhouse was modernised although the long run of barns set in the surrounding 24 acres remained largely untouched. In 1994 the 8 acre woodland to the north of the property was planted. In 2004 the listed stone and cob barns were sympathetically converted to form three high quality cottages facing away from the farmhouse all with outstanding rural views towards Exmoor.

Now a spacious 3 bedroom cottage, was originally the stock barn. The remains of the timbers which supported the mezzanine floor, where the herdsmen slept above the stock for warmth, can still be seen.

Also a spacious 3 bedroomed cottage, was originally the drying barn where hay and grain crops were dried out. The two sets of large, round pillars which supported the huge barn doors that were opened on dry, windy days, can still be seen on either side of the cottage.

Now a very comfortable 2 bedroomed cottage was originally two small barns – a shippon for the ploughing horses and a bull house and pen (for keeping the bull from the cows until he was needed!!). The patio outside Owl Cottage corresponds exactly to where the bull pen was.

Within the cottages many original features have been conserved – exposed stonework and timbers, the original barn openings and the use of natural, local and sometimes original materials such as timbers, stone and slate. That said, the cottages are extremely light and spacious and are very well equipped throughout.

All have fitted kitchens with dishwashers, washing machines, microwaves etc., CD player, T.V/DVD. Each is gas centrally heated with woodburner effect fires. Each has a large, private patio area looking out over our quite extraordinary views.

Set in the heart of the Devon countryside our visitors are able to enjoy very peaceful and unhurried surroundings as well as a great deal of space. A large lawned area in front of the cottage patios and our own 8 acre woodland makes Woodland Cottages an ideal and safe location for energetic children and dogs.

A number of good, local pubs and restaurants – all family friendly – are within a short drive.

The cottages are very well situated to explore and enjoy everything North Devon has to offer. The bustling town of Barnstaple, the picturesque port of Bideford and the historic town of Great Torrington are all nearby.

The beaches of Northam Burrows and Westward Ho! (20 mins) are ideal for children with vast areas of sand and clean water.- ideal for surfing and bodyboarding. Instow beach (15 mins) is loved by children, for it’s sand dunes, and adults for its picturesque location.

Our spectacular coastline with it’s famous surfing beaches (Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe) and quaint harbours (Clovelly, Harland Quay and Bucks Mill) is also close by. For those who like to venture further afield, the wonderful National Parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor are also very accessible.

There are a wealth of visitor attractions in the area – ranging from theme parks such as the Milky Way and The Big Sheep to Dartington Crystal and the world-renowned RHS Rosemoor Gardens