The Old Cow Byre is a unique hideaway in a tranquil valley, less than 20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast's stunning beaches. Perfect for a romantic break. Lounge on the balcony floating over your own private wildflower meadow. Have dinner watching the sun sink behind the valley. Sit round the woodburner for cosy evenings in, or round the fire pit outside wrapped in blankets. Discover country pubs with beer out of the barrel. Take walks from the front door or along the South West Coast Path.
We renovated the Byre and launched it in Spring 2021. The oldest part of it was built at some point in the 1800s and was home to cattle and hay bales until a few decades ago. It’s light and airy and has stunning views over beautiful Devon countryside (part of the magical Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
OUTSIDE BALCONY AND GARDEN: You step out of big bifold doors onto a south-west facing oak balcony – you can watch the sun peep over one side of valley in the morning, and slowly set over the other in the dusk.
The balcony has a comfy rattan sofa and cushions to sprawl on, a Weber gas BBQ (for easy all year round use) and a Fermob bistro table for romantic dinners lit by deck lights. Down the steps from the balcony is your own private outdoor space – filled with wildflowers from late spring. The only sound to disturb you will be the bees and butterflies foraging around you. You also have a firepit surrounded by tree stumps.
THE SPACE: Inside, the Byre is set out on one level, with 3 steps up into the bedroom. It’s furnished with all you need, whether it’s a last minute weekend break or a 2 week holiday.
The bedroom has a super king bed with a Millbrook handmade mattress for the comfiest night’s sleep, an antique chest of drawers, hairdryer and a full length mirror.
There is a Devol handmade kitchen with dishwasher, electric hob, fan oven, microwave, washer-dryer, and fridge with ice box compartment. And most important – an expresso maker (expresso coffee provided!) so you can have the perfect morning coffee sitting on the balcony. There is loads of great local produce if you want to cook some special meals – from meat to fish to honey and veg. We leave a list of recommendations of the best local farm shops and pick your own fruit and veg farms. Plus info on the best take out food.
The sitting room has an Esse woodburning stove and is furnished mostly with things we’ve chosen from local antique markets. Curl up with a book in front of the stove on the leather club chair after a winter walk, or make tea on the stove and relax on the sofa looking at the views. There are plenty of logs for you. There’s also a smart TV, some board games, a reclaimed pine dining table. And all your crockery, glasses and cutlery are kept on an antique work bench.
There is central heating with big radiators throughout so it’s always toasty if you don’t want to rely on the stove!
The bathroom has a vigorous shower above the bath, plenty of luxurious towels and under floor heating.
The cottage is next to our farmhouse but completely separate. You have your own private outside space which is not overlooked.
There’s parking for 2 cars right outside the front door.
