Beer is among East Devon’s most popular holiday hot spots, boasting a lovely beach where the small local fishing fleet lands its catch and a choice of friendly shops, bars and eateries to suit every appetite. Above the beach, the Jubilee Gardens are a favourite spot for picnics and panoramic sea views, but for a different perspective on life, take a tour of the Beer Quarry Caves, a mile from the village, which have a 2,000-year history of quarrying the famous Beer stone. Less than 2 miles east along the coast, Seaton is a must-see for fossil hunters, while a drive 2.5 miles in the opposite direction will take you to Branscombe, home to pretty thatched cottages, rolling countryside and a long sweep of shingle beach.
Built in the 1830s as accommodation for the headmaster of the village school and now owned by the descendants of infamous Beer smuggler Jack Rattenbury, this is a cottage with true character. Just half a mile from the beach and main village attractions, the building’s heritage is evident the moment you step into the lounge/diner, where beamed ceilings and a stone inglenook fireplace set the scene for fun-filled get-togethers with family and friends. A wood burner effect electric fire will add a warm glow to winter nights, and there’s a Smart TV with a DVD player for home-from-home entertainment, plus a rustic-style dining suite where all can enjoy food, drink and conversation in comfort. The period features continue in the adjacent kitchen and are complemented by a range of contemporary cabinets, counters and equipment. Follow the stairs to the first floor to find two restful bedrooms, each with space for you to unpack and settle in. The first has a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, the second has twin beds and an en-suite shower room. A further flight of stairs leads to a second-floor king-size bedroom, which also has an en-suite bathroom with a shower; the bed here can be converted into two singles if that would be more suitable.
Pretty stone walls enclose a small courtyard garden at the front of the property, complete with an outdoor dining suite. It’s a lovely spot to sit and watch the world go by.