Kipscombe Cottage

Devon

This cute cottage at the western corner of Exmoor is perfectly placed for exploring the rugged wilderness of the National Park.  The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife, find beautiful insects such as the Heath Fritillary butterfly and birds such as Kestrels, Redstarts and Swallows. With miles of footpaths all around, head out on walks or cycles from the door and see Exmoor ponies and Red Deer.

Once you’ve managed to pull yourself away from the sounds of nature outside, step through the front door and you’ll find a simply styled open plan living room, kitchen and dining area with a wood burning stove nestled into a traditional fireplace. The contemporary styling gives a clever nod to the outdoors too. Upstairs, there’s a double bedroom, single bedroom and shower room. Small, but perfectly formed, you’ll love coming back to this little retreat after a day exploring the area. Step out of the cottage, straight onto the moor and down to the wooded valley.

This western corner of Exmoor has narrow twisting lanes leading to incredible views, like the highest sea cliffs in England falling into the Bristol Channel below or wild open moors with red deer and Exmoor ponies and deep, steep-sided oak-lined combes. When you stay at Kipscombe the South West Coast Path is on your doorstep and you can explore the wild landscapes that inspired Wordsworth, Coleridge and Shelley on foot or by bike. Or ‘little Switzerland’ – the area around Lynmouth and Lynton, is around 3 miles away where the turrets of the Gothic architecture lend the area a very different feel. It’s also where you’ll find the nearest beach. And, just a short walk from the cottage you’ll find yourself at Countisbury with a pub, brilliant if you don’t fancy cooking.

Close to Foreland Point, Kipscombe is perfect for getting away from it all, but if you also need some time closer to civilisation, then both Minehead and Barnstaple are within 30 miles, with Taunton just over an hour away by car. Watersmeet with its crystal clear river tumbling down the gorge towards the sea is definitely worth a visit.