The East Devon Hideaway

Farmhouse

The Farmhouse has been restored with love and respect to the original 16th-century features, like the ancient stone walls, enormous fireplaces and oak beams. In parts, you can even see the original cob walls. With it being such an old building, there are low ceilings in two of the rooms downstairs - so be warned if you are tall!

A light-filled kitchen built for entertaining is ideal for families looking to come together over food, and a playroom and drawing room offer separate spaces for adults and kids. There are five bedrooms, one twin and four doubles (one with a super-king zip-and-link bed, the others kingsize). Three of the doubles are ensuite – one of them has a separate loo and a gorgeous free-standing bathtub in the room. Outside is a large lawned garden, a BBQ, an outdoor dining table, a sofa, a ping pong table, and lots of kids' games and equipment.

Every space is decorated beautifully. There's chunky wooden furniture, big heavy chests for storage, woven rugs and throws, and brightly coloured fabrics. We were particularly fond of the cottage-style windows and the botanical artwork; an installation of dried flowers hangs from the ceiling in one of the bedrooms - a lovely touch.

Cottage

The Cottage's main space is a light-filled L-shaped living area, perfect for two. A wood-burning stove warms you in winter, but in spring you may want to throw open the bifold doors to the lovely oak deck and enjoy the sunshine beaming over the wildflower meadow. Light up the BBQ for an alfresco lunch among the tranquil surroundings, all totally private.

The elegant bedroom is the oldest part of the building and has been carefully restored to create a calming and restful space. You get a super-kingsize bed and a large chest of drawers, though no wardrobe. The small but perfectly formed bathroom has underfloor heating, a bath and a powerful rain shower.

The galley kitchen is well equipped with all you'll need to cook a pizza or create a feast, including an oven and hob, a dishwasher and a coffee machine. Basic provisions are provided, as is fresh milk. We also got some lovely homemade flapjacks! You can head to the fantastic farm shop in Tytherleigh (4km) to stock up on delicious artisan foods.

Activities

• The stunning beaches of the Jurassic Coast are nearby, and there are enough to try a new one every day for fossil-hunting and frolics; buckets and spades are available to borrow
  
• There are at least three great walks from the property, and more across the picturesque Blackdown Hills
  
• Head to the River Cottage, 15 mins in the car, for eating or buying wonderful food. Or try the fine dining scene closer by at the Tytherleigh Arms (4km) – walk or drive
  
• Spend a day in Lyme Regis, with its pastel-coloured beach huts, cosy pubs, cobbled streets and medieval harbour known as The Cobb
  
• Drive to the pretty seaside village of Branscombe, then follow the coastal path down to Branscombe Mouth and along to the neighbouring village of Beer. There are stunning views along the way, plus pubs and tea rooms for pit stops
  
• Potter around Bridport, which has lots of independent shops, a Saturday market and the Alleyways art and vintage quarter
  
• Trinity Hill Nature Reserve, an area of lowland heath with marked trails and wildlife, is a short drive away (10 mins)

Kids

The Farmhouse is perfect for big families. Kids will be kept very happy with a trampoline, a tree house, a swingset, badminton and a ping pong table, plus a cosy snug with an enormous TV. And it's all only 20 mins from the Jurassic Coast for seaside fun. The Cottage is designed for couples and only has space for one child under 12.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Farmhouse has 4 double bedrooms and a twin bedroom with two single beds and two pull-out trundle beds, so it can sleep 10 adults and 2 children in total. A cot and high chair are available.

Cots Available

Distances:

• Airport: 40 minutes
• Hospital: 10 minutes
• Supermarket: 10 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The East Devon Hideaway is on a farm near Axminster, on the Devon-Dorset border. It's 12km from Lyme Regis and 50km from Exeter.

By Air
Exeter (43km) is the closest airport, or you could fly into Bristol (90km) or Heathrow (218km).

By Car
Drive towards Axminster, then follow your detailed directions (sent upon confirmation) to the farmhouse. If coming from the airport, see our car rental recommendations. There's free parking at both properties.

By Train
The nearest train station is Axminster (4km), which is served by South West Trains. Trains from London take approximately 3 hours. It’s a 10-minute taxi ride to the farm from the station.

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