The Collective at Woolsery

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

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. If you need to hire a see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.