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Old Dairy Barn - Challacombe

Exmoor, Devon
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
Dogs allowed 2
4
star
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Complex of properties
Enclosed garden / patio
Hot tub
Internet access
Working farm
Pub nearby
Shop nearby
Parking on site / nearby
Decorated for Christmas
Towels included
Travel cot available
Highchair available
14 more

At a glance

  • Set within open countryside and 1500 acres of farmland, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside views
  • Enjoy a day at the beaches of Saunton, Woolacombe and Croyde, before dining al fresco using the outside wood burner with cooking facilities
  • Soak up the fantastic views in the private wood fired hot tub or enjoy the local pub only 2 minute drive away
Property code: 83062

There are some good private walks over the farm with wonderful scenery and these can start right from your front door. Get up on the moors for a truly wild landscape, wildlife and great views. Herds of red deer can frequently be seen grazing on the moor, and for the bird watchers, there are buzzards, kites, snipe and woodcocks to be spotted. The Old Dairy Barn is located only a short walk from the small village of Challacombe, with it's exceptional and unusually named local inn - The Black Venus. With plenty of recommendations, you will need to book, as it is not very large and very popular with both locals and visitors and regularly voted best pub in North Devon. There is also a small village shop which sells lovely pasties, cream teas and is a handy place for essentials and local produce. Discover the string of sandy beaches on Devon’s north coast, including Woolacombe, Saunton and Croyde. Other attractions include Exmoor Zoo, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, and Watermouth Castle with its family-friendly attractions. Or visit the pretty sister towns of Lynton and Lynmouth which are often referred to as Little Switzerland with their famous cliff railway.

Originally part of a much larger farming estate, the family run beef and sheep farm on Exmoor is situated in the pretty village of Challacombe within Exmoor National park. Tucked away up a newly tarmacked, private lane lies this lovely detached, stone barn conversion with the light and airy kitchen and living areas on the first floor. From the kitchen, a glazed door opens directly onto a secure, private garden with an area of decking complete with BBQ, wood fired hot tub and garden furniture. The kitchen is equipped with gas hob with electric oven, coffee machine, microwave, integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher.  Adjoining the kitchen is a small utility room with a washing machine and a sink for washing those muddy walking boots. The living area is open plan to the kitchen and enjoys lovely views over adjoining farmland. There is a gas 'wood effect' stove and some exposed stonework which adds to the character. The bedrooms and bathrooms are located on the ground floor, 1 step down leads to the master bedroom having an ensuite shower room with basin and WC. Both bedrooms have 'zip and link' beds that can be configured as either super king/king or twin beds. (Please request at time of booking.) Both bedrooms have sufficient space for a travel cot. The family bathroom has a walk in shower, bath, WC and sink.

Venturing outside from the kitchen area is a large decking area with outside seating for everyone, where you can sit and enjoy the views. The enclosed and dog secure lawned garden is great for children and your dogs to play in. There is now a newly installed wood fired hot tub to de-stress and relax, plus an outside wood burner with cooking facilities for al fresco dining.

The property also features private off-road parking for two cars.

  • 2 bedrooms – 2 super-king-size-zip-and-link (which can be made up as twins on request at the point of booking)
  • 1 en-suite shower room with shower and WC, and 1 bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC
  • Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, coffee machine, fridge, freezer and dishwasher
  • Utility room with washing machine
  • Travel cot and highchair available
  • Smart TV and DVD in the lounge
  • Enclosed garden with seating, gas BBQ and outside wood burner (logs included)
  • Wood burning hot tub (logs included)
  • Private parking for 2 cars
  • Please note, stone steps lead up to the front door
  • Shop and pub within walking distance
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 2 dogs allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £25. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

Rachel Loosemore

This property joined our collection in 2021 and is managed by Rachel.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 27 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 stars4.9
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 stars4.9
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Neil, 25th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Karl, 4th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This was our first visit to Old Dairy Barn and we were absolutely blown away by how beautiful the place is! Lyndsey and Mark have been incredible hosts, truly making us feel at home from the moment we arrived - the welcome hamper was the best we've ever had! Old Dairy Barn has been the perfect base for us to explore all of what North Devon has to oRead moreffer, thank you both so much for an amazing week! Hide

Reviewed by Catherine, 21st March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old Dairy Barn did not disappoint. The kitchen was well equipped, the lounge had comfortable sofas and the beds were excellent, so comfortable with first class bedding. A welcome basket greeted us containing a bottle of wine, cake, milk, eggs, bacon, honey, butter and bread. The enclosed garden was ideal for the dogs. Walks from the property acRead moreross the fields or to the nearby reservoir were good. The owners were friendly and helpful without encroaching on our privacy. Hide

Reviewed by Tracey, 22nd November 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The old dairy farm was brilliant can highly recommend this cottage .The walks from the front door to the moors and the reservoir are well worth a visit .The welcome gifts were absolutely wonderful honey ,bacon ,cake ,eggs ,milk and bread 1st class. The garden was totally secure for dogs. ,the hot tub was a bonus.Very lovely welcome from our hosts MRead moreark and Lindsay . Hide

Reviewed by Ed, 27th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Really great accommodation. Well equipped and very comfortable. Bed was surprisingly comfortable. Enjoyed the peace and quiet and being around the farm animals. Hosts were really helpful, warm and friendly and a wonderful, very generous basket full of goodies awaited us on arrival. Enjoyed walking around the farmland. Our dog was very welcomed too.Read more The local pub was excellent. We would not hesitate to rebook when back in the area. Hide

Reviewed by Lesley, 20th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was beautiful, very cosy and well equipped. Beds very comfortable. The wood fired hot tub was a bonus. Great place to take your dogs on holiday with the safe enclosed garden which had access to open fields to run them in.

Reviewed by Alex, 16th August 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We have visited the Old Dairy Barn on a number of occasions and its great to see the improvements the new owners have made, especially the resurfacing of the lane which is now perfect, the interior is refreshed and the hot tub and wood stove on the new decking were great touches. Will definitely be returning in the future. Its in a great rural locaRead moretion but all the North Devon coastal attractions are only a short drive away. Black Venus Inn is very close and the food there cannot be faulted. Hide

Reviewed by Cherilyn, 2nd August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Old Dairy Barn Challacombe was absolutely perfect and in the most beautiful setting. The quiet & the wonderful views from the barn was a bonus on top of the wonderful rooms & equipment. We were delighted by the generous & fabulous basket of goodies & more in the fridge. The bacon, butter, lemon drizzle cake and wine were amazing. All rooms were fanRead moretastic, comfortable beds with plenty of space. Kitchen, living & bath room all well appointed. Plus a garden and patio furniture. Thank You. Hide

Reviewed by Kate, 5th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Beautiful property, lovely location and fabulous hosts. We hope to return soon.

Reviewed by Julie, 28th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

All home comforts, very smart accomodation, good sized safe garden for the dogs

Reviewed by Philip, 31st May 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Our second stay here and will probably come again. Cottage is very comfortable and the garden for the dogs ideal and safe with lovely views. As before Lindsey came to see that all was well and also left a post card with phone numbers for any problems arising. (We had none!) Really good welcome pack. Always bring back another lemon drizzle cake fromRead more the local shop. Mark stopped to have a chat when we were walking our dogs up to the reservoir, which is well worth doing and easy going. Hide

Reviewed by Sarah, 17th May 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Absolutely beautiful inside and out. Owners etc are lovely people, friendly and helpful

Reviewed by Jennifer, 13th May 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Our second time staying here. Would highly recommend. The property is lovely and has everything you need, a good garden/patio and great views. Owners happy to help out if you need anything.

Reviewed by anthony, 3rd May 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Fabulous

Reviewed by Rosemary, 19th April 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very comfortable cottage and helpful owners set in wonderful countryside.

Reviewed by Robert, 29th March 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cottage, set in beautiful setting. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Reviewed by Carolyn, 15th March 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Terrific base to explore North Devon and Somerset, cottage is so well presented and the owners are exceptionally helpful and really forward thinking.

Reviewed by Adrian, 10th February 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This is the second time we have stayed at the same location. This time in the Diary Barn and under new ownership. On arriving the place was nicely stocked so no immediate need to go shopping. Lemon cake, tea, fresh coffee, milk, eggs, bacon, breakfast cereal, crisps, butter, bread and other items I've forgotten. Plenty of walks in the area and easyRead more access to Woolacombe and Saunton Sands. Hide

Reviewed by Phyllis, 22nd December 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

should be 5 star once again thankyou to the owners

Reviewed by Jillian, 3rd November 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Our third time at this cottage. Very comfortable, including the beds. The welcome pack was excellent!

Reviewed by Philip, 22nd September 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

First point- the track up to the cottages has been resurfaced so NO potholes in sight! The owners Lindsey and Mark are so friendly and take the time to make sure your enjoying your stay. The welcome hamper was the best we have ever received and much appreciated and enjoyed! Nice to have local items. Besshill farm shop is a must to visit. Our dogs lRead moreoved the outside space and we could relax knowing it was safe from escape. We will definitely be visiting here again without a doubt. Hide

Reviewed by Timothy, 15th September 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

An excellent, spacious and comfortable cottage in a very good location for exploring Exmoor and that part of the Devon coast from Barnstaple to Lynmouth. Plenty of space for two couples and a good outdoor seating area and gas barbeque. The Black Venus pub was only 10 minutes walk and serves excellent food.

Reviewed by Teresa, 7th July 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We have just got back from a lovely two week stay at Old Dairy Barn, Challacombe. As soon as we arrived at Old Dairy Barn we felt at home, from the delicious Lemon Drizzle cake, which was devoured quite quickly, to the Woolacombe handsoap! As people have said before, it is so quiet and peaceful even though it is on a working farm. Our dog loved watRead moreching the sheep coming out of the barn after they had been sheared . We had a mixed bag weather wise but that did not spoil our holiday. A***** Hide

Reviewed by Colin, 23rd June 2023

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Reviewed by Barbara, 16th June 2023

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Second visit to Old Dairy Barn and had another great stay. The cottage is spotless and in a really lovely spot. We had some great walks from the door out onto the fringes of Exmoor and it is easy to get to the heart of Exmoor from here. Also visited some lovely gardens and, of course, the seaside! Would highly recommend for a quiet and peaceful holRead moreiday. Hide

Reviewed by Robert, 26th May 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Jennifer, 15th May 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely cottage in a great location. Lovely and peaceful. The accommodation is really well equipped and thoughtfully set out. Good size enclosed outside space with large grassed area ideal for the dog. Short walk to the lovely little village and pub. We would definately stay again.

25 more
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Location

Static Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.

2 more properties at this location

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Stable Cottage - Challacombe

Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2

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To arrange group bookings across one or more of these properties, call our team to check availability and book.

1/3 Deposit

Take advantage of our deposit scheme when booking 9 weeks or more in advance.