The East Devon Hideaway
Axminster, Devon, United Kingdom
From September to June, couples can stay in the Cottage, a deeply romantic and beautifully restored old cow shed overlooking its own wildflower meadow. Inside, it's light and airy, with a high-spec open-plan living space, a galley kitchen and a double bedroom. Outside, a superb wooden deck overlooks the meadow.
From June to September, you can hire the main Farmhouse for up to 10 adults and 2 children. This 16th-century, Grade II-listed building brims with history, all oak beams, huge open fireplaces, and a beautiful carved Tudor mantel. Fun fact: there's been a house on this very site since the times of the Domesday Book! Today's incarnation comprises five beautiful bedrooms with long countryside views, a garden filled with games, a treehouse, and multiple living areas for dining and socialising. And whilst it might feel remote, you're only a short drive from local pubs and a farm shop, and the beach at Lyme Regis is an easy 20-minute drive away. Heaven in Devon.
Highs
- A historic, beautifully restored house and separate cottage, both with wonderful views over the rolling Devon hills
- Delightful owners who are warm and friendly and keen for you to have a comfortable stay
- Located in an AONB, this is a very peaceful setting with stunning walks and hikes on the doorstep, yet Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast are only 20 minutes away
- All appliances are top-end, with underfloor heating in the Farmhouse kitchen and the bathrooms
Lows
- The Farmhouse is only available from mid-June to mid-September, while the Cottage is only available from mid-September to mid-June
- The owners live in the Farmhouse for most of the year so they'll be on site if you're staying in the cottage, but you get complete privacy with your own private space that's not overlooked
- Elderly guests or those with mobility issues should be aware that the Farmhouse is set out on various levels
- No dogs allowed
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Rentals
- Cottage for 2 and House for 10-12
- Self-catering
- All ages welcome in the Farmhouse
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
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
Babysitting:
With advance notice, owners Rob and Catherine can help find babysitters.
Baby equipment:
High chair
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Families Should Know:
Parents with toddlers should be aware that there are stone floors and open fireplaces in the Farmhouse, plus steps and drops in the garden, so little ones need to be supervised at all times.
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.
Airports:
- Exeter Airport 43.0 km EXT
- Bristol Airport 90.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 12.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests