One of the most enjoyable things about running the Britain Express website is that I get to see (vicariously) some of the most picturesque and historic accommodation properties in the country as they get added to our accommodation guide. From timber-framed country inns to opulent historic houses, there's a tremendous variety to choose from.
One of the most enjoyable things for me is when I get to add a pretty thatched cottage to our listings. There's just something about a thatched cottage that evokes a sense of history, tradition, and a tie to our heritage. Here is a selection of some of the prettiest thatched cottages to come across my desk lately from the wonderful county of Devon.
1. The Old Forge, Illsington, Devon
Sleeps: 6
The Old Forge is a very pretty thatched detached cottage in the attractive Devon village of Ilsington. The cottage sleeps six people in two double bedrooms (one downstairs) and a twin, with two downstairs shower rooms. Parking is usually available on a quiet road nearby. The Old Forge is on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, just 4 miles from Widecombe-in-the-Moor and less than 3 miles to Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village (English Heritage).
2. Appletree Cottage, Bovey Tracey, Devon
Sleeps: 4
This picture-perfect thatched cottage in Higher Brimley is within the Dartmoor National Park and sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms. The rose filled cottage garden with a thatched summerhouse has outstanding far-reaching views to Bovey Tracey and Haytor beyond.
Inside are lots of original period features, including thick cob walls, original leaded windows, beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces. Shop 1 mile, pub less than 2 miles.
Like The Old Forge (above) Appletree Cottage is on the south-eastern fringe of Dartmoor National Park. Nearby attractions include the stately home of Ugbrooke Park (5 miles) and Compton Castle (8.6 miles).
3. The Cottage, Sampford Courtenay, Devon
Sleeps: 6
How many thatched cottages can boast their own swimming pools? The Cottage, in the Devon village of Sampford Courtenay, does.
This gorgeous, thatched 'chocolate box' cottage has an indoor pool and can sleep six people in three ground-floor bedrooms. Outside is a huge decked terrace with table and chairs, and panoramic views to Dartmoor over the owners' 205 wooded acres.
Nearby attractions include Okehampton Castle (3.4 miles), Finch Foundry (3.5 miles), and Castle Drogo (8.4 miles).
4. Little Gate Cottage, North Bovey, Devon
Sleeps: 4
This semi-detached 17th century thatched cottage is situated in the Devon village of North Bovey and can sleep four people in two bedrooms.
On the ground floor is a sitting room with a wood-burning stove and kitchen area, and a dining room. Outside is a private wooded garden across the neighbour's drive. With Dartmoor and lovely walks all around, Little Gate Cottage is a fabulous base for a Devon break. Up to two well-behaved dogs welcome.
This cottage is located on the south-eastern fringe of Dartmoor, just 4.6 miles from Widecombe-in-the-Moor, a village made famous in the traditional poem about 'Uncle Tom Cobley and all' going to the Widecombe Fair.
5. Meadow Thatch, Cockington, Devon
Sleeps: 6
This traditional thatched cottage is in the picturesque village of Cockington in Devon and can sleep six adults and two children in three bedrooms, with two bathrooms. The cottage is perfectly located for exploring the English Riveria. Off-road parking for 2 cars, with a shop 5 minutes away and a pub the same easy walk away.
Historic Kirkham House is just 1.7 miles away and Compton Castle about the same distance. Berry Pomeroy Castle (English Heritage) is 3.3 miles distant and Dartmouth Castle just 5.3 miles away.
6. Lower Barley Hayes, Great Torrington, Devon
Sleeps: 5
This pretty detached thatched cottage is situated in a secluded woodland valley near the Devon town of Torrington and can sleep five people in three bedrooms, with two doubles and a single with a small downstairs bathroom. Outside is a little cobbled front garden with bench, a terrace with table and chairs to the side and steps up to a wild woodland garden and orchard. There is off-road parking for two cars, and Bed linen and towels included.
The cottage is perfectly located for Rosemoor Garden (1.8 miles away) and the stately home of Tapeley Park is less than 8 miles away. Winsford Walled Garden is less than 10 miles distant while the picturesque fishing village of Clovelly is 12 miles.
(Hatherleigh)
Sleeps: 47
From: £3,479
(Lyme Regis)
Sleeps: 26
From: £2,318
(Torbryan)
Sleeps: 24
From: £2,775
7. Lobster Cottage, Dawlish, Devon
Sleeps: 5
The delightful 17th-century thatched and beamed cottage is perfectly situated for a coastal and countryside holiday in the tranquil Devon village of Holcombe. Two good pubs serving food are within easy walking distance. The cottage is full of character and is tastefully furnished, with a secluded, sunny patio and on-road parking.
Lobster Cottage is nestled between the seaside resorts of Dawlish and Teignmouth, both less than 2 miles away. Holcombe's own sandy beach is just a 5-minute walk. The historic house of Ugbrooke Park is 5 miles away and Powderham Castle is just 5.5 miles.
8. Thorn Cottage, Chagford, Devon
Sleeps: 6
This charming thatched cottage is in the popular Dartmoor town of Chagford and sleeps up to 6 people in three bedrooms. Thorn Cottage is chock full of original features, including an attractive granite fireplace in the lounge and beamed and sloping ceilings.
The large dining room with a wood-burning stove is ideal for entertaining and the boot room is perfect for drying wet dogs. There is off-road parking for two cars, and there is a village pub just 1/4 mile away.
Nearby attractions include Castle Drogo (3.4 miles), Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village (6.1 miles) and Okehampton Castle (8.3 miles).
9. The Thatched Cottage, Barnstaple, Devon
Sleeps: 6
This delightful thatched cottage rests in the outskirts of Barnstaple in Devon and can sleep six people in three bedrooms.
The cottage consists of three beautiful bedrooms and a bathroom. There is also a shower room on the ground floor. The cottage boasts an open-plan kitchen with a dining area and a sitting room with woodburning stove.
Outside is a stunning garden with patio furniture and a greenhouse at the bottom. There is off-road parking for one car. The Thatched Cottage is a very pretty home in an idyllic rural location. Fuel, power, bed linen and towels are included in the rent.
Nearby attractions include Marwood Hill Garden (4.3 miles), Arlington Court stately home (6.2 miles) and Tapeley Park historic house (6.2 miles).
10. The Long House, Sheepwash, Devon
Sleeps: 6
This delightful thatched farmhouse is situated on the owners' livestock farm, close to the Devon village of Sheepwash and can sleep six people in three bedrooms.
The cottage features a superb sitting room with original wooden beams and an inglenook fireplace with a woodburning stove, a spacious kitchen/diner and a snooker room.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms: two double and one twin, as well as a ground floor bathroom and a shower room.
Outside is a private garden with seating and off-road parking for two cars. Day tickets for fly fishing on River Torridge can be purchased from the local pub or the adjacent farm for around GBP 15 per day.
The Long House is well placed for Okehampton Castle and Rosemoor Garden, and Winsford Walled Garden is just 3.7 miles away.
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