Nestled in the leafy West Lyn Valley on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, the pretty hamlet of Lynbridge is less than a mile from the coast. There’s a period inn and local stores nearby, but you’ll find more in the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth (1.5 miles), the latter with an enchanting harbour and the two linked by a water-powered cliff railway which offers stunning views of the coastline as you glide up and down its 260m length of track. For more scenic thrills, head to the nearby Valley of the Rocks (1.5 miles), where the cliffs are some of the highest in Britain, or Woody Bay (3 miles), where a rocky cove is backed by steep, heavily wooded cliffs. Continue along the coast and you’ll reach Combe Martin (12 miles), a peaceful bay offering a safe place for all ages to explore rock pools, get afloat with kayaks and paddleboards or have a go at sea fishing. The South West Coast Path passes through the village, while just outside is the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, home to an abundance of exotic and indigenous wildlife and the very latest in dinosaur animatronics.
Dating from 1850, this detached cottage mixes original character with contemporary styling to offer all the comforts of home for a small family or group of friends. Access is off a quiet lane with no through traffic. Step inside and you’ll be immediately impressed by a rather grand living room where two spacious sofas suggest cosy nights in front of the TV or wood burner, and a well-thought-out kitchen/diner is where you can cook, chat and enjoy mealtimes together. Both ground-floor rooms have a door opening onto the garden so you can fully appreciate the peaceful setting of your holiday home, and a utility area adds to the extensive list of easy-living essentials that are provided. Stairs lead to the first floor where, to one side, there’s a spacious family bathroom with a beamed ceiling and stripped wooden flooring. At the other, two beautiful bedrooms create a sense of calm and quiet and have lovely valley views; one has a gorgeous double bed and the other has high-end bunks which adults or children could sleep in comfortably.
The terraced garden here is secluded and is a wonderful place to relax – you’ll hear the sound of the River Lyn flowing out to sea as you enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside. Keep a look out for the deer which are regular visitors to the valley too. A stone terrace above the garden is accessed from the living room and a sheltered patio ideal for alfresco dining is just off the kitchen so you have a choice of outside spaces to share or, perhaps, to indulge in some much-needed ‘me’ time.