... Middle Coombe is an outstandingly beautiful, 16th cent. Grade II* listed, semi-fortified, detached, thatched hallhouse (photographed in Pevsners), deep in its own gentle valley, amid large beautiful gardens, with spectacular views across 240 acres of organic working farm (Red Devon/Aberdeen Angus cattle) and recently planted orchard with old Devon varieties of cider apple, and mixed sustainable woodlands (ancient oak with double swing) with many rare plants, red and roe deer, badgers and foxes. There are extensive paths for walking or riding (4 mountain bikes available); swings, trampoline and slides for playing (stream/pond nearby, so small children must be supervised). Salmon and trout fishing on owner’s private stretch of River Exe, by arrangement. Winner of a gold award in the Green Business Tourism Scheme. 

Around the house are the former farmyard and barns. A renovated thatched cider barn for apple pressing doubles as a games room (table tennis, table soccer, half-size pool table) and venue for receptions and events. In front of the house is a protecting gatehouse (where the owners live) and, in between, an enclosed front lawn ideal for small children. At the back is a large, enclosed, private cobbled yard (once the bothy for servants) with massive open fireplace (gas barbecue, garden furniture – good for al fresco living/eating); beyond, south-facing sloping lawns (fruit trees) lead to a large enclosed garden with outdoor solar heated swimming pool (32’ x 16’ x 6’ deep/2’ shallow, available May to September) and summer house; hot tub available all year. The pool and gardens are occasionally and unobtrusively used by owners’ family. Livery stables available (hay and feed at cost).

The house has terrific atmosphere, with interesting photos in all rooms by photographer owner. A pathway leads through the garden to a porch (wellies) and corridor off which is the beautiful beamed sitting room – a marvellous room with Jacobean oak panelling, original window, deep oak window sill, big open fireplace, sofas, fine oak chest, CD player, door to walk-in drinks cupboard (ideal for hide-and-seek, too).

The dining room/kitchen is traditional with 17th cent. oak panelling, oil-fired Aga plus electric cooker, microwave, dishwasher, Sheila Maid, dining space for maximum of 16 people; next door, a proper walk-in larder (freezer, slate shelves). Across the hall, a book-lined living/children’s room with tuned piano, TV/DVD/video, toy box, dressing up chest, games, beanbags. Next door, up 3 steps, a twin room (or zip-linked 6’ double, access from one side) with en suite shower-room (suite plus washing machine, tumble drier).

From the back hall (more excellent books and grandfather clock), stairs lead to six bedrooms, mostly high-ceilinged, with fine exposed A or cruck beams, wooden floors and mattress toppers. They are:

a large room with a fine, high, Victorian 6’ brass bed and bathroom en suite (suite plus hand-shower);

a twin (or zip-linked 6’ double) with fine panelling plus washbasin;

a big dormitory-style room with a brass double and two single beds;

off this, a small single bedroom above the porch;

access through the dormitory to the very fine, large master bedroom with windows on both sides, 6’ pine bed, additional single bed, antique bureau and steps directly into a room with twin beds (or zip-linked 6’ double) and bathroom en suite (suite with large old bath plus bath-power-shower).

There is also a family bathroom (bath, bath-shower, basin) and separate loo.

And close to the house, adjoining the gatehouse and along a cobbled path, is a spacious ground floor annexe (33’ x 16’) suitable for people with mobility difficulties with step up into hallway (shared with owners) and another step into large bedroom (TV/DVD) with two double beds and two single beds (one 4'). Separate kitchen; shower-room (suite). The owners live above. 

Spring water. Pets allowed in kitchen and hall only. Professional catering, ready meals or meals in the owners' house available. Organic home grown vegetables in season and organic meat boxes, honey and eggs available to buy. Cautionary Deposit £400.

The house has a wedding licence and a renovated thatched cider barn seating 70 is available for receptions (please ask us for details).