So, another lockdown, which puts November out of bounds for holidays in the UK, but from December 2nd you’ll be able to enjoy Winter breaks in Devon at our beautiful holiday cottages on Stonehayes Farm. Our cosy cottages to rent sleep 2-6+ and make a great country retreat for couples, families and support bubbles.
There’s something very special about winter breaks in Devon; it’s a beautiful part of the country with miles and miles of beautiful open countryside and varied beaches, many without dog restrictions this time of year, so if you bring the pet pooch you’ll find endless opportunities for wonderful walks. Within half an hour of Stonehayes Farm is the Jurassic Coast where you can amble along the shore or high up on the clifftops at Sidmouth, Beer, Seaton, Branscombe, Axmouth or Lyme Regis. One of our favourite walks is on the South West Coast Path from Beer to Branscombe, and another is the unique Undercliff from Axmouth to Lyme Regis, taking in the nature reserve at Goat Island.
Inland there are several places to walk with viewpoints that give an incredible vista stretching for miles across the landscape; just up behind us is the Iron Age fort of Dumpdon Hill, a few miles away there’s Hembury Fort, Culm Beacon and Castle Neroche. All are well worth the climb, and besides, isn’t it just great to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a bit of exercise? Guaranteed to put a rosy glow in your cheeks!
If you’d rather not get the car out, well, that’s fine because here at Stonehayes Farm we have 15 acres of private land for you to explore, with walks down across the spectacular Otter Valley to the River Luv. Put your warm coats on, your hats and scarves and go and stretch your legs; come back and light the wood-burner, gather round with mugs of hot chocolate and a tray of hot buttery crumpets – just what you need. A nice hot stew might be just the ticket, made with fresh local ingredients from Dart Fresh who will deliver to the door 6 days a week. Settle down for an evening stretched out on the sofas watching a movie, then climb the wooden hill to Blanket Land for a peaceful nights’ dreaming beneath the duvet, snug as a bug.
The biggest of our holiday cottages in Devon is Pippinsands; this centuries old thatched longhouse was once the farmhouse at Stonehayes, but we’ve brought it right into the 21st century with all mod cons and gorgeous interiors. It all blends perfectly with the age old features, the big chunky beams and huge flagstones on the floor; the ambience is one of peace and calm, it’s welcoming, it’s warm and mellow. We’ve always thought that Pippinsands has a charm entirely of its own, one that speaks to you and gently whispers “Come on in, sit down. Be warm by the fire, make yourself at home.” There’s snooze space for 14 guests, but of course, we aren’t sure if that many will be allowed. Let’s see, but in the meantime, there’s plenty of room for 6, or more if your family or support bubble is bigger. You can sit in the window seats, admire the views, watch squirrels scamper on the lawns and even this time of year, relax in the private hot tub.
Our smaller Devon holiday cottages sleep 2-6 guests, although you can book as many as you like. The cosiest is Siskins Nook, once the apple store but now a lovely retreat for couples or for a family. Pipits Retreat and Wagtail Corner both sleep 5 in two bedrooms, and Dippers Rest, with three bedrooms, sleeps 6 people. What you’ll notice is the peace and quiet that pervades the cottages and the whole of Stonehayes Farm; it’s like a world of its own, shut off from the push and shove and the madness. You should come and see. With prices starting from just £215 for a 4 night midweek break it’s remarkably good value too!
It doesn’t take much to get organised for winter breaks in Devon, that’s the beauty of it. Pack your woolly jumpers and your thick socks, throw in some books and a couple of board games, get the snacks and goodies in and off you go. You might want to put your walking boots in the back of the car, and the dog, of course. We’ve got cots and highchairs and stairgates, so you don’t need to worry about that side of things, we’ve made it all easy for you, so a last minute winter break needn’t be a problem. Come on down, light the fire, warm your toes; come and take five. The only thing is you may not want to leave…
Check availability and book your winter breaks in Devon today!