Log Cabins to RentFor gentle wooded valleys, breathtaking open moors, and a stunning coastline, Exmoor offers numerous opportunities for walking, mountain biking, cycling, climbing, canoeing or sailing. Not forgetting horse riding and fishing or simply visiting the wonderful host of pubs available.
In a beautiful tranquil location within 300 acres of a working sheep farm, this barn is ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and providing a peaceful base to relax, unwind and commune with nature. Visitors are welcome to explore the inspiring walks directly from the grounds. Further walks and other outdoor pursuits including riding and fishing can be enjoyed within the splendour of the Exmoor National Park, just 2 miles away. The facilities of the market town of South Molton, known as the Gateway to Exmoor, are 4 miles away and include the historic pannier market, antique shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants as well as a local supermarket. There are some excellent beaches within 22 miles. Enter the barn into a hallway and to your left is the kitchen which provides all you need to prepare delicious meals. Dine at the farmhouse style table, in the cosy lounge area or on the large terrace. A few steps lead from the kitchen up to the lounge/diner area, which has high apex ceiling and lovely windows for enjoying the views, and comfortable seating surrounds the wood burner and Smart TV. Completing the ground floor is the bathroom. Heading upstairs is a character king size bedroom and a twin bedroom, both with grassy, rural views. Both bedrooms benefit from a pretty en suite shower room each too. Heading outside the stunning views will captivate you. Enclosed and private, dine on the terrace and enjoy your tranquil surroundings whilst the children play on the terrace. There is also direct access to enjoy the field beyond which is shared with the next door holiday cottage and is occasionally used by the owners sheep.
Bordering the scenic Exmoor National Park, this 300 acre working sheep farm is surrounded by lush countryside, meadows and valley views, making it the perfect location for a peaceful escape in rural Devon. In the local area there are many farm shops and pretty villages, with three wonderful country pubs within 4 miles. If you wish to venture a bit further, this property is the perfect base to explore the dramatic North Devon coastline, the quality surfing and sandy beaches of the golden coast around Woolacombe and Croyde, or the spectacular high cliffs and hidden coves of the Exmoor coastline can all be accessed within a scenic 22 mile drive. This bright and airy reverse level property feels like a home from home and has lovingly kept much of its original character. The first floor open plan lounge/kitchen/diner is full of character features alongside stunning countryside views, creating a cosy and welcoming space, and is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy together. Throw a couple of logs on the wood burner in the lounge area for a cosy evening in. On the ground floor you'll find two charming bedrooms, one twin and one double room, both with delightful arched windows. The double bedroom has a step in the middle of the room, and there s a stylish family bathroom on this floor too. Heading outside the stunning views will captivate you. Enclosed and private, enjoy your tranquil surroundings whilst the children play on the lawn.
At an elevation of 1000 feet, this converted Cowshed affords lovely views over the Barle Valley and to Dartmoor. It is a perfect location for those wishing to walk or cycle the awe inspiring landscape of Exmoor with fantastic trails to explore directly from the door. Dulverton is only 3 miles with its shops, butcher, bakery, supermarket, cafes, restaurants, and pubs and the Exmoor Pony Centre is just up the road (0.3. miles). Explore the seaside town of Minehead (19.5 miles) home of the West Somerset Railway, or further along the coast are the long sandy beaches of Woolacombe (35 miles) and Croyde (37 miles). Other places of interest include Tarr Steps (4 miles), the pretty village of Porlock (17 miles), and the medieval village of Dunster (16.5 miles). Enter this single storey property into a hall, which leads into a light and airy open plan lounge/kitchen/diner with original stone pillars and a vaulted ceiling. There is a comfortable seating area, TV and countryside views. The well equipped kitchen has all the facilities you could need to cook a lazy breakfast or a delicious family meal. There are two bedrooms, a master king size bedroom with an en suite shower room and a twin bedroom. Completing the accommodation is a bathroom. Heading outside to the enclosed courtyard, there is a raised veranda with garden furniture, it is an ideal space in good weather with views over the surrounding countryside. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the communal garden.
Exmoor Stables is a fully accessible, gorgeous property in the heart of the picturesque Victorian village of Lynton in north Devon. Lynton is perched high above the pretty village of Lynmouth and elegantly connected by the famous Cliff Railway. This brilliant conversion of humble stables offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms and fantastic living spaces. It comes with a lift should you have anyone disabled or with mobility issues with you and it is an outstanding base to explore the delights of north Devon.
Surrounded by spectacular panoramic scenery in an area known as ‘England’s Little Switzerland’, Lynton offers a selection of independent shops, tea rooms and cafes. The Lyn and Exmoor Museum offers interesting exhibitions where you will learn about Exmoor life and the railway which opened in 1890. Lynmouth is a pretty harbour that nestles beneath the cliffs, a tranquil retreat sprinkled with quaint fishing cottages. Two rivers, the East Lyn and the Hoaroak, come together at Watersmeet. Lynton lies in an area of incomparable beauty with bracken and heather clad sweeping hills and valleys that nestle between the cliffs. Rivers wind their way through deeply wooded valleys to the sea, occasionally interrupted by tumbling waterfalls. This is the Exmoor of Lorna Doone, the novel by RD Blackmore. Exmoor is a paradise for walkers, horse riders and fishermen. Not far away, you can head to Porlock, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, the famous South West Coast Path, Hangman Cliffs, the amazing beaches of Broadsands, Wild Pear, Tunnels and Barricane, Lee Bay, the Woolacombe beaches, Putsborough Sands, Croyde and the magnificent Saunton Sands.
The elegant stone and slate facade of Exmoor Stables gives you a hint of the stunning conversion within. The double glazed giant front door opens and you step across the natural slate floor to a world of wood, elegant furnishings and homely ambience. Beams rise high above you and an ash wood staircase curves upwards to the first floor. The living room boasts a huge fireplace with a wood burning stove, comfortable sofas and chairs and some lovely vintage pieces. The kitchen is eat-in with a lovely large central table and painted farmhouse chairs. The chef in your group will be delighted with the kitchen and its excellent appliances. It is a wonderfully sociable space where you can bring the generations together or spend time with your favourite friends. You can also choose to dine alfresco on the private patio in the garden. A separate utility room is home to laundry appliances plus it is a good space to tidy up your mucky pooches. This is a dog friendly house and you can bring up to three pets.
Upstairs, you will discover four bedrooms, two in each section. The first floor is accessible via a wheelchair lift if necessary. All of the bedrooms offer superbly comfortable beds, all beautifully dressed with crisp cottons and delightful soft furnishings. One is a four poster, one a kingsize and two offer twin beds. There are two excellent bathrooms on the first floor and an accessible wet room downstairs.
Exmoor Stables is located in the lovely Victorian village of Lynton. The Lyn and Exmoor Museum is found in St Vincent’s Cottage, a very interesting tale of life in Exmoor and the history of the railway. Lynton and Lynmouth owe a great deal to Sir George Newnes, who lived on Hollerday Hill above Lynton. His mansion burned down in 1913 but in 1887 Newnes and Thomas Hewitt began to lay a nine hundred foot twin track up the steep gradient. This unique, water operated, cliff railway was opened in 1890 and apart from needing a new track in 1908, it operates today as it always has. Later, Newnes became involved in building a light railway from Lynton to Barnstaple and the first train ran in 1898. The route crossed Chelfham Viaduct and was the largest narrow gauge railway viaduct ever built in Britain.
Lynmouth sits below the cliffs full of pretty fishing cottages which line the narrow street down to the quay and the Rhenish Tower which was built in the late 1850’s by General Rawdon to store salt water to supply his house with sea baths.
The astonishing Valley of the Rocks is just over a mile from Lynton. This dry valley was created during the Ice Age and enjoys spectacular weathered rock formations with names such as The Devil’s Cheesering and Ragged Jack. You will spot many goats scrambling amongst the rocky outcrops.
The Victorian fishing lodge at Watersmeet is run by the National Trust. The surrounding area boasts dramatic waterfalls, spectacular autumn and spring colour, numerous walks and over six hundred miles of marked footpaths. Exmoor enjoys an abundant wildlife including ponies, sheep, red deer, falcons, buzzards and rare merlin.
Combe Martin is a fabulous seaside resort with dreamy sandy coves, some of the UK’s best rock pools and a fantastic selection of cafes, unique shops, pubs and restaurants. Combe Martin hosts many events celebrating its heritage and quirks including its annual Hunting of the Earl of Rone ceremony, a Pagan festival. The wonderful South West Coast Path runs through the village offering astonishing views and access to beaches and beauty spots that you may not otherwise see. You can hike to Great Hangman, the tallest sea cliff in Britain or take the two hundred and thirty steps down the Golden Cove. You can enjoy the the calm waters of the bay on a boat, kayak or stand-up paddle board.
Wild Pear Beach and Broadsands Beach are two of the most beautiful, secret coves in the area. Wild Pear is reached via a dramatic descent from the coast path and is an idyllic, protected cove. Broadsands Beach was recently voted the ‘Happiest View in the UK’ with its special curved bay, turquoise sea, rock caves and trees. A network of tunnels hand-carved in the early nineteenth century lead to the wonderful Tunnels Beaches with their Victorian tidal swimming pool and sand and shingle private beaches. Barricane Beach boasts exotic shells, a delightful cafe and glorious sunsets. Lee Bay is a fabulously secluded spot looking out to the Bristol Channel. It is often called ‘Fuchsia Valley’ due to its bright red flowers. Woolacombe Beach is a three mile long sandy wonder that has been voted the ‘Best Beach in Britain’ and it is only twenty minutes from the resort. Putsborough Sands are on the south side of Woolacombe offering glorious surf and views of the headland. Just around the Baggy Point headland is the very pretty village of Croyde with its famous surfing beach. Backing the fabulous Saunton Sands is the impressive Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Coasteering is a popular thrilling sport with many experienced Coasteering and Adventure Sports companies operating at Watermouth Harbour, the next bay along from Combe Martin. Brave participants enjoy climbing over dramatic rocks, jumping into the sea, swimming through gullies and exploring caves. Horse riding on Exmoor is also popular with the Dean Riding Stables.
The National Trust’s Arlington Court and Carriage Museum is a great day out with formal Victorian gardens, ponds, deer, plenty of space for picnics and an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles. It is a gem on the edge of Exmoor that has been in the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The gardens enjoy herbaceous borders, a fountain, walled kitchen garden and a conservatory brimming with exotic plants from around the world. There are pleasure grounds with gorgeous views, a wilderness pond and a deerpark wood. The old kitchen tea room is lovely and offers tasty treats. There is also an excellent second hand bookshop. Watersmeet is a dramatic river gorge and ancient woodland with a National Trust tea room set in stunning surroundings. You can treat yourselves to delicious Devon cream teas and be captivated by the amazing landscapes and woodland trails.
Another popular trip is to Lundy Island which lies ten nautical miles off the coast. The ferry leaves from Ilfracombe Harbour taking you to this delightful island with its wildlife, big skies and gorgeous scenery.
The pretty, historic fishing village of Clovelly is worth a stop. It was once owned by the Queen of England and clings to the four hundred foot cliff where there is no traffic. Steep cobbled streets tumble down to its ancient fishing harbour and 14th century quay.
