Mortuary Cottage

Barnstaple, Devon

Fortunately Mortuary Cottage never lived up to its melancholy name. It was once earmarked as a keeping place for air raid victims during WW2, but was never needed. Despite its name, it feels extremely homely and inviting inside with traditional slate floors, low beamed ceilings and a warming log burner. 

Its setting is quite dreamy too, with the River Yeo passing the cottage and the parkland of the Arlington estate unfolding before you. It’s not unusual to see red deer grazing on the grass nearby during the autumn months. A gently inclining three-mile stroll will lead you to the main house at Arlington Court, where you’ll receive free entry. 

The cottage is just six miles from the bustling town of Barnstaple, where you can pick up local produce from its quality farm shops. You’ll be close to the coast too, with Saunton and Croyde just a 30 minutes’ drive. But the best way to explore the north Devon coastline is by bike. Join the Tarka Trail, a 30 mile, traffic free cycle route that follows the area’s old railway lines.