Oak

" Between coast and country ... a collection of designer cottages enjoying the best of both worlds "

Situated in a quiet and peaceful rural location on the edge of the pretty hamlet of Tawstock, these four attractive holiday cottages are only 7 miles from the nearest beach at Instow and conveniently close to all facilities at Barnstaple. The properties have been carefully converted from a range of old stone barns and beautifully refurbished in a fresh contemporary style. With the owners living in the original farmhouse, they form part of the traditional farm courtyard, though Park Gate is no longer a working farm. Each holiday cottage is individual in design, well equipped and comfortable, with attractive furnishing fabrics and great attention to detail. Each has patio doors from the living room leading to its own decked patio and lawned garden, perfect for al fresco meals white watching the sun set.
This is an excellent location for exploring the magnificent coastline of North Devon, from the ‘Golden Coast’ with fine sandy surfing beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton, to the rugged cliffs of Hartland Point. The coastal footpath offers superb walking with wonderful views of the dramatic shoreline, while inland the wild beauty of Exmoor waits to be discovered. Bideford Bay (also known as Barnstaple Bay), takes in its sweep Westward Ho!, Hartland Point and the beautiful village of Clovelly – much loved by photographers. Instow and the old ship-building port of Appledore shelter in the mouth of the Torridge estuary, and regular boat trips to Lundy (with its twenty or so full-time residents) can be taken from Bideford. Millcombe House on Lundy island, and the castle built by Henry III remain as testimonies of former inhabitants.
Casual cyclists who fancy a spin in the countryside under their own steam will appreciate the Tarka Trail, a popular flat route that is easy to manage and runs from Meeth near Okehampton. Taking its name from Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter – one of the finest pieces of English nature writing – it winds its way to Braunton and can be picked up at Barnstaple (just two miles from the cottages), which forms the centre of the figure-of-eight traced by the trail. The northern loop of the trail extends as far as Exmoor, passing through Williamson’s home village of Georgeham via the coast before heading back to Barnstaple.
For visitors with an appreciation of skilled artisans, the famous royal-appointed Brannams Pottery can be found just 1½ miles away. Here the skill of the pot throwers can admired, with the opportunity to purchase goods made on the premises. Definitely worth a visit, too, is the Dartington Crystal factory glass works (7 miles), where molten glass is expertly fashioned into unique works of art by the glass blowers.
There are plenty of places to visit nearby, including a number of family attractions and the famous RHS gardens at Rosemoor, all within a few miles. The nearby town of Barnstaple offers good shops and restaurants, a weekly market and pannier market, theatre, cinema and sports facilities.

• Elec incl
• Full gas CH incl
• Ample parking
• Shops 2½ miles
• TV
• Video
• Radio/cassette/CD
• Auto wm/tumble dryer
• M/wave
• D/washer
• Cot
• H/chair
• Garden with decked patio, and furniture
• Large shared communal lawned area
• Barbecue
• Play area with swings
• Tennis court
• Games room
• Cycle storage
• Duvets with linen and towels

More suited to a larger family group, careful thought and attention to detail has gone into giving Oak a cosy ‘home from home’ atmosphere. An unusual full length window in the main sitting area gives clear views of the countryside beyond and there is a large decked patio leading down to a lawned area, where pleasant balmy evenings can be enjoyed.

Two steps to main entrance. Spacious living room with gas ‘wood-burner’ in central fireplace and patio doors to decked patio. Three steps up to dining room and large modern fitted kitchen with large range and breakfast area. Two bedrooms; one double and one twin-bedded. Shower room/W.C. First floor: Four bedrooms, all with sloping ceilings; one double with en-suite bathroom/W.C., two twin-bedded and one bunk-bedded. Bathroom/W.C. with over-bath shower.

• Gas ‘wood-burner’ incl
• Range incl
• Freezer
• Additional cot