Summary:
This charming 17th-century cottage in Bideford is full of original features & character. It sleeps 6 guests with 2 double bedrooms & a single room with pull-out, all sharing a family bathroom with bath/overhead shower. Downstairs, the cosy living room has a smart TV & large stone fireplace with a gas stove. Next door is a well-equipped farmhouse kitchen with an AGA and adjoining utility room. Outside, enjoy the enclosed garden with patio seating. Private gated drive with parking for 2 cars.
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the entire cottage. Please note, guests in the cabin have shared access to the driveway.
The Neighborhood:
Bideford is a pretty town on the North Devon coast with a fascinating history. There are a number of great places to stop and take in the river views, plus there are great pubs, cafes, and fish & chip shops that line The Quay. There is a beautifully landscaped town park at its centre, Victoria Park, which is home to a fabulous outdoor playing area for young children that includes a paddle pool (summer only). A number of high street and independent shops can be found on three main town streets: High Street, Mill Street and Grenville Street. The Burton Gallery has a growing national reputation as a place to see beautiful art and photography. The cottage is within walking distance to many of the town's best eateries. For good dining, we recommend The Italian Kitchen, Number Eight, The Mariners or Mill Street Brasserie.
The town straddles both banks of the River Torridge, linked by the old bridge, a sight to behold in itself. On the East-the-Water side, on the far bank, you can pick up the Tarka Trail which is a popular walking and cycling route snaking for nearly 100 miles around the North Devon region. Bideford is 2 miles upstream from the Atlantic coast at Westward Ho!, while Appledore and Instow is another lovely spot for those in search of sunny pints and fine food.
Westward Ho! is one of the best in North Devon, running parallel to a large nature reserve and golf course. It's a brilliant place to enjoy water sports such as surfing, swimming, paddle boarding and kite surfing - there are also places to hire kit. If you love wild beaches, the coastline heading westwards to Hartland has some great lesser-known beaches like Abbotsham Cliffs, Brownsham Beach and Hartland Quay – these are more for walkers than bathers however. For more sandy beaches head 15 miles around Bideford Bay to Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe - these are some of the UK's best beaches, especially for surfing and all in easy reach from the property.
Getting Around:
Due to the remote nature of Devon, a vehicle is recommended for getting the most out of your time here. Private parking for 2 vehicles is available on the gated driveway.
That said, Bideford has some great public transport links to Ilfracombe and Barnstaple and you can catch a bus close to the house. From Barnstaple, a direct train will take you to Exeter St Davids where there are regular trains to London Paddington, Bristol and Cornwall.
Other Things to Note:
At the end of the garden is a 1 bedroom cabin which is let separately. It is private and self-contained and does not overlook the cottage. Guests of the cabin have 1 space on the driveway.
Interaction with Guests:
We will be available via message, email and phone during your stay. Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
