With features dating back to the sixteenth century, a stay at this former farmhouse epitomises a Devon country retreat. Within the grounds, you’ve got a shared indoor swimming pool, games room and playparks aplenty for the kids. Feeding sessions at the animal enclosures take place in the morning where you can get close to the alpacas, piglets and pygmy goats. And there’s an honesty shop onsite too, selling delights like eggs straight from the farm, home-cooked ready meals and barbecue meat packs. If you want to explore the wider area, Combe Martin is a five-minute drive away with a couple of local pubs and a supermarket, and Combe Martin’s beach is just a ten-minute drive.

The home itself dated back to the sixteenth century and you can feel this history in the old beams, minstrel’s gallery above the living room and listed staircase inside. Decor touches like an old spinning wheel, suspended aviary and antique writer’s bureau bring that old-world feel back into the bones of the home and the living room is set around a traditional old stove set in stonework. The huge kitchen is designed farmhouse-style with a big range cooker and island in the centre surrounded by high chairs. The master bedroom features a carved four-posted bed and each bedroom is decorated with antique darkwoork furniture and Victoriana accents.

Outside a delightful surprise awaits. A bubbling hot tub overlooks the gardens and out to the rolling hills beyond. There’s also dining for the group on the patio, courtesy of a barbecue and perhaps a hamper of locally-sourced meat from the honesty shop onsite.

Home truths:
*This home is linked to a second home through a secret door, and both homes can be rented together for groups of up to 15
*One of the ensuite bedrooms is on ground level which may suit those with limited mobility
*In a remote location, having a car is recommended
*The terrace in front of the home can be used for unloading luggage and drop-off, but the car park is a short walk away
*Guests here have access to a shared swimming pool, children's playparks and the communal games room
*The laundry area is shared and you'll find beach toys and boogie boards in here you can borrow
*Your host can provide cots, high chairs and bed guards for free on request