Take a Devon boy, a tech startup, a tumbledown pub and a vision for the future, and you get The Collective at Woolsery: a restoration project breathing life back into a little rural village. When Michael Birch heard that The Farmers Arms in Woolsery, where he spent childhood summers, would be turned into flats, he and his wife Xochi set their sights on restoring it. Once word got around that these two young tech entrepreneurs would be taking on the 350 year old pub, locals began to offer up other businesses and buildings in need of tender loving care. Now there are 4 guest rooms, 3 cottages, a pub, a village shop, a chippy, and 150 acres of farmland, transforming the village into an idyllic place for guests to stay and locals to thrive.
Mingle at the bar, peruse the goodies in the nostalgic village store (built by Michael's grandparents), and enjoy the fresh seasonal produce - from the collective's own Birch Farm - being served up in ingenious ways at the beloved pub. Then, after a day of exploring the stunning local scenery, tuck yourself into one of their lush beds. Couples will love the Shop Rooms and Suites, with their tasteful period styling and well-placed windows, while families will appreciate the larger cottages where modern tricks and quality craftsmanship combine. Laid back, casual yet oh-so-efficient service completes the picture to make this a treat you'll want to rebook time and again.
Highs
- Relaxed yet efficient and friendly service from the mostly local team
- The young chef is knocking out reinvented pub classics and unforgettable breakfasts with the finest ingredients
- The finish on everything is second to none and every detail is carefully considered, from underfloor heating to swanky lighting
- Birch Farm is leading the way with sustainable, forward-thinking planting and growing – look out for seminars in the Potting Shed
- The Collective was awarded Michelin One-Key status
Lows
- Kids and dogs are only welcome in the cottages
- Downstairs rooms in The Old Smithy face the road and there can be some noise
- If you don't get on with tech, you might find the gadgetry a bit intimidating
- Be prepared for stairs up to the Shop Suites and Rooms
- There are no twin rooms in the Cottages, only doubles
Best time to go
This corner of Devon is lovely year-round. The rooms and cottages are cosy through the winter; May through September are the best months for enjoying mild stomps along the coast and the wonderful beaches nearby. You can never count on the weather in the UK, so no matter the season, be sure to bring gear for rain or shine.
Our top tips
While the cottages are self-catering, we recommend enjoying at least one meal at The Farmer's Arms. Book their epic homestyle Sunday roast if you can; or try as much as you can by opting for the Birch Farm Tasting Menu.
- Luxe Village Stay
- 4 rooms, 3 cottages
- Restaurant & bar
- Kids welcome in cottages
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
Located above the J. Andrews Shop & Post Office, the four glamorous Shop Rooms and Suites are tastefully styled in mid-century decor, with playful colours, rich fabrics, statement wallpaper and well-placed windows for people-watching and stargazing. The Shop Suites are slightly larger and share a generous terrace that gets the morning sun – perfect for enjoying your breakfast hamper. Shop Suite 1 in particular stole our hearts for its retro-feminine charm, with a reimagined avocado bath, divine scalloped double vanity and swoon-worthy curved red velvet sofa. All are spacious and sun-lit, with a well-priced minibar and an ensuite bathroom with elegant tub and separate shower. Expect a few stairs, especially in Shop Room 4 and Shop Suite 1.
The three cottages are ideal if you need more space, or are travelling with kids or dogs. We stayed in the rustic, industrial-styled Old Smithy which sleeps 2 adults in upside down accommodation. From the pub, you walk through a courtyard garden into the open plan kitchen-living space; then trot downstairs to find a further bathroom and vast master bedroom. With its underfloor heating, kitchen island and panel of light switches for every room, this is far from your granny’s country cottage.
Rosehill Cottage welcomes groups of four in two double rooms, and has a bijou courtyard garden, while Hillside Cottage can accommodate up to eight in four beautiful double bedrooms. We adored the stylish master bedroom, and the kitchen here is designed with cooks in mind. A large walled garden that feels more like a gallery garden is the perfect place to unwind with a cup of tea.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Bluetooth sound system
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Toiletries
- Underfloor heating
- WiFi
- Wood-burner
Eating
Reviving the pub, the heart of many a rural community, was central to Michael and Xochi’s vision for this project. At the Farmer's Arms, locals and guests mingle in the snug rooms, or play pool with pints of local lager in hand. It's a relaxed yet elevated country pub feel, with rustic reclaimed tables, upholstered seating, animal heads and portraits on the walls, and servers happily weaving through it all, delivering stunning plates of food. We enjoyed a pork chop and trifle that were the stuff of dreams.
However, breakfast turned out to be the star of the show, delivered to our room in a hamper complete with silver cloches. Think stuffed portobello mushrooms, poached eggs, sourdough toast, and a side of sweet clover and vanilla yogurt with strawberry, toasted sunflower seeds and apple. The blackberry and mint juice was a palate punch we won't forget in a hurry. Like everything else here, it was a mix of old and new, heritage and invention, playful creativity and resourceful imagination.
If you love to cook, the kitchens in the cottages won’t disappoint. Designed with only the best appliances, you get high-tech gadgets (including a Sage coffee machine), a filtered water tap, and plenty of cookware and dishes. To stock up on quality local produce, just pop in to their shop next-door; or if you're feeling lazy, just order from Woolsery Fish & Chips and it will be delivered to your door.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Dishwasher
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Kids' meals
- Lunch by arrangement
- Oven
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Toaster
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- The South West Coast Path runs in a winding ribbon around the north Devon coast, with stunning views over rugged cliffs and beaches: we love the stretch around Hartland Point
- Or from the wreckers' hideout of Hartland Quay, wander down to Speke's Mouth waterfall, then inland to Docton Mill for a classic cream tea in idyllic English gardens
- Check out the nearby beaches: Saunton Sands (30 mins) and Bude (45 mins) offer endless sands for sunbathing and sandcastles
- Sandymouth’s National Trust beach is popular with surfers and lovely for a beach walk and collecting shells
- If you have a passion for sustainable gardening and growing, watch out for horticultural seminars from the lauded head gardener Josh Sparkes
- Visit the quaint village of Clovelly, a picturesque (and popular) cluster of whitewashed 16th-century cottages overlooking the harbour
- Wildlife lovers can catch a boat from Ilfracombe to Lundy island, where you can spot puffins, dolphins, grey seals and more
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Shopping / markets
- Stargazing
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Walking
- Wildlife
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome in the Hillside and Rosehill Cottages, and the pub has a kids menu and a relaxed atmosphere. While there isn't much for children to do in the village itself, there's plenty to explore within a short drive.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
Two-double-bedroom Rosehill Cottage is perfect for families with one or two smaller children (who don't mind sharing a bed). Four-bedroom Hillside Cottage is ideal for multi-generational getaways or teens who want their own space, with a garden the whole family can gather in. Both have fully equipped kitchens, living areas and outdoor space.
Cots Available
Baby equipment:
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities nearby:
Families Should Know:
The Suites and Rooms are adult only. There are no twin rooms in the Cottages, only doubles.
Distances:
- Shop: 100m (J. Andrew Shop & Post Office)
- Hospital: 40 mins (North Devon District Hospital)
- Airport: 1 hr 20 mins (Exeter)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Collective is tucked away in the village of Woolsery (often written Woolfardisworthy) in north Devon, between Bideford and Bude, and a few miles inland from Clovelly.
By Air:
Fly into Exeter (91km / 1 hr 20), Bristol (162km / 2 hrs 15) or - for a wider range of flights, London Heathrow (345km / 4 hrs).
By Train:
To Barnstaple (4-5 hrs from London Paddington) and then taxi (30km / 35 mins).
By Car:
It's 4-5 hrs' drive from London, or 2 hrs 30 from Bristol, via the M5 and A361-A39. Free off-road parking for each room or cottage.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Exeter Airport 91.0 km
- Bristol Airport 162.0 km
Other:
- Beach 6.0 km
- Shops 0.3 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km