Sennen Cove: England's most westerly beach, and a superb one (dog-free) long sand/surf horseshoe one mile (cliff walk) from Land's End (see left), sheltered by headlands, wonderful at sunset. Beside it, tiny unspoilt village with pub, shop or two, launderette, good craft centre in old 'round house', life-boat station, thatched cottages behind pretty harbour. Nearby, romantic ruined cliff-top mines; Land's End airfield (sight-seeing trips). Penzance (see page 4) 10 miles.

Front door leads into big friendly dining/family/games room with flagstone floor (rugs), mahogany table seating 9, sofa, CD player, old fireplace (ornamental) with priest's hole; off this, smaller drawing room, comfortable and elegant with stucco frieze, shuttered window, wood/coal burner in stone fireplace, and Broadwood upright piano (tuned). Both these rooms look on the garden. Door from dining room to excellent fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer); also downstairs, a large bathroom (suite plus bidet and shower unit) and separate loo (where the tumble drier lives). Upstairs, four bedrooms - all with arched windows overlooking the garden - one 6' double with bathroom (suite plus bidet) next door, another double (5'), one with double bed and single bed; the fourth bedroom is twin with excellent double power-shower-room (suite) en suite.

... 1^½miles from St Just in the hamlet of Dowran, a detached, double-glazed granite barn, down a little-traffic lane in high farmland. It is upside down to take full advantage of the views south to Carn Brae. Front garden with lawn (table/chairs, barbecue) and pretty flower beds; large raised lawn at the back adjoining open fields. Inside, porch/utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, fridge/freezer). Fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, oil-fired Rayburn plus electric cooker) off which an alcove with double sofa bed and TV; three bedrooms downstairs - double (5') with en suite shower-room (suite), twin, and bunk bedroom (3' beds); bathroom (suite). Upstairs, the impressive living room (stereo CD, wide screen TV/video, books, games) takes up the whole floor; exposed granite walls and beams to apex, four windows and two sets of French windows (one with balcony) all add to the feeling of space and a huge Cornish stone fireplace (woodburner) reaches up into the rafters. Central heating and electricity included.

... sculptor's studio converted with great imagination and flair, attached to the owners' house on the side of a shallow valley at the end of a lane (last 1Ž4 mile rough). Own sheltered enclosed garden (lawn, rocks, fuchsias, furniture). Immediately behind, a heathland hill 11Ž4 mile walk over it (superb views) to Zennor Quoit (prehistoric), 2 to Zennor. Inside, open-plan, beautifully light, one wall all picture windows (to garden), ceiling to apex, skylights, plants, pictures, white paint, pine; comfortable. Living (CD player and sofa bed) and dining areas divided by tile-topped breakfast bar from excellent fitted kitchen (microwave, fridge/freezer). Big bathroom (suite plus power-bath-shower, washer-drier). Two bedrooms, small twin on ground floor and, up pine stairs from living area, gallery double small room, big bed (5') overlooking and open to the living area. Central heating and electricity included.

... one mile seaward of Rosudgeon is Acton Castle, commanding the peninsula between Stackhouse Cove (200 yards walk away, low-tide sand) and Prussia Cove, in 'an area of outstanding natural beauty'. While on St. Michael's Mount in 1772, the romantic but rheumatic seaweed expert, John Stackhouse, spotted the site for his wedding present to his betrothed, Susanna Acton. Built of granite, Grade II listed, it has formal gardens and lawns, terraces and sunken garden with ponds (NB. very shallow) and sensational sea views, including of St Michael's Mount. Private roughish drive to it. Farmland all round. Coast path. The castle is now divided into high quality apartments. We have five.

... and very close to Lamorna Cottage (see above), a ground floor studio for two people. Neatly renovated; small, but an excellent base. Entrance from Teetotal Street into fitted oak kitchen (microwave) with breakfast bar, beyond which the living area with comfy sofa, rugs, nice pictures. Double bedroom with soft uplighters. Internal shower-room (suite). Central heating and electricity included.

Telephone numbers: Helston/Lizard Peninsula TIC: 01326 565431

... also (not pictured) at the far (and dog-free) end of Gwithian Towans, about 300 yards from the beach, with glimpses over dunes to the sea, a small neat detached wooden beach house; small enclosed grassy area outside with chairs, table. Inside, light, bright, decorated in blues and white; living/dining room; small well-fitted galley kitchen (washer-drier, microwave); shower-room (suite, power-shower); two small bedrooms - one twin, one double, both cabin bed style (cupboards beneath beds). Payphone. Heating and electricity included.

... and another neat little beach house (see right), about 300 yards from the beach; sea glimpses; small enclosed lawned area in front (table/chairs). Inside, light living/dining/fitted kitchen (squishy leather sofa, microwave) with some views of the sea; double bedroom (4'); good-sized shower-room (suite). Z-bed available.

... and behind Q431S, a recently enlarged beach house (see left) with good views to St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse. At the back, a neat grass garden with patio and picnic table/benching step over the low fence to the thrift flowering dunes. Recently added comfy living room (CD/cassette/radio) on the seaward side with sea views on two sides and patio doors to garden; roomy fitted kitchen/diner (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer), wood laminate floor and rugs. Two bedrooms pretty blue/white double en suite to shower-room (which also has access from hall) and single plus 2'6" bunk beds; separate loo/washbasin.

Trevaunance Cove (good pub, craft workshops) is one of Cornwall's best coves, with splendid sand/surf beach between cliffs; wonderful coastal walking (see St Agnes, page 12).

... in Trevaunance Cove hamlet, a recently renovated 19th cent. end-of-terrace cottage, 200 yards from the beach and the excellent good-food pub. It is set well back and almost hidden from a minor road by a long, mostly grassed front garden (table/chairs). Inside, well and attractively decorated. Entrance into slate-floored fitted kitchen/dining room (microwave) with pine dresser; utility room (washing machine, extra fridge). Cosy living room (some low beams) with woodburner and window seat looking out to the garden. Upstairs, two bedrooms - double, and a room with bunks. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Great for family holidays, or romantic out of season breaks for two. No smoking. Heating and electricity included.

The house is set back a parking space (yours) depth from the street. A few steps up to a tiny walled front terrace (tables/chairs - good for morning coffee, watching the world go by). Inside, downstairs, old oak beams and screens, lots of good and interesting pictures/plates - all attractive and cosy. Front door to hall with grandfather clock, leading to very comfortable living room with open fireplace, TV/music system, and bar (you can stock or can be stocked for you). Semi-divided from this room by an ancient oak screen is a 'quiet' sitting room with piano, books, games, etc., and across the hall the dining room with table seating 17. All this downstairs area is more or less open-plan.

The kitchen is commercial and user friendly (gas hob, double electric oven, dishwasher, three microwaves, freezer). Utility room with sink, washing machine, tumble drier, and ice-maker. Downstairs loo/washbasin. Panelled sauna/jacuzzi room with American spa (five people), and Swedish style sauna. Games room. Back door leads to sheltered, decked terrace (barbecue) and 5 car parking spaces.

Upstairs, seven bedrooms on two floors. All have tea making facilities, hair dryer, a telephone with intercom, satellite TV, and downstairs is a master video recorder which can channel to all bedrooms. Six of the bedrooms have en suite shower-rooms (suites). Most furniture is satin walnut or old pine; pretty decor.

The building has a current Fire Certificate.

... and next door to P358F but separate, also off the private lane leading to Trevose Head, with big enclosed garden (furniture), a detached former coach house, brilliantly converted, well-equipped and smart; much comfort and good furniture/paintings, double-glazed. Lovely sunny slate-floored conservatory (wicker furniture, arum lilies, wrought iron dining table/chairs); smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); double bedroom (6' or twin) with bay window; shower-room (suite). Steep stairs (handrail) up to a really lovely large living room, full of interest, with fireplace ('living' electric fire), antiques, paintings, beams, colour. Telephone. No children. Heating and electricity included 2 May to 26 Sept.

Superb sand/surf beaches (at least seven separate ones) chain the shoulders of Trevose Head (above). Dunes (building-free) back most of them, rocks/low cliffs divide. Behind these, a good, not-too-testing golf course and its nice club house which is also a country club offering temporary membership for golf, tennis, swimming (pool) or just sociability.

... detached bungalow set back from the A389 road at the top of Little Petherick (Padstow side), all shiny as a new pin, especially on the inside. Sunny glazed porch with comfy chairs looking over rose-filled front garden and road to fields beyond. Living room with large window to garden, ornamental stone fireplace and 'coal effect' fire. Good-sized breakfast/dining room with Agamatic oil-fired cooker, storage cupboards/working surface, steps down to fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, back-up electric cooker). Three bedrooms: master double, twin and a single, all looking over the good-sized enclosed, lawned back garden. Bathroom (suite plus shower), separate loo. Central heating and electricity included.

Edmonton: hamlet consisting of former stone quarrymen's cottages (no working quarry near now), excellent family good-food pub. Little-used lane runs one mile down to the Camel estuary (bird watching) and 'Camel Trail' (cycle-way). Wadebridge (lively small market town with plenty of shops, cinema, pubs/hotels, and new leisure centre with indoor pool), 2 miles. Riding nearby. The splendid Trevose peninsula beaches, 7½ miles.

... two pretty terraced stone cottages looking out over the Camel estuary with Padstow in the distance. They open from a courtyard of cottages on three sides, the pub on the fourth. At their back a large open lawn area, good for ball games.

Kingfisher Cottage: front door from courtyard into kitchen/dining/living room (washing machine, microwave) with pretty blue and white comfy sofa and chairs (distinctly nautical feel), far end with slate fireplace (wood/coalburner), glazed door to lawn; stairs up to two bedrooms with pine furniture and fresh-coloured fabrics ­ twin and double with lovely estuary views. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No smoking. Heating and electricity included.

Lavender Cottage: front door from courtyard into kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave) with, as name suggests, pretty lavender theme to décor, stylish and smart, leads via archway to comfy living room with fireplace (woodburner, stereo cassette). Upstairs, two bedrooms ­ double with long and lovely view to Padstow and twin (2'6" beds) ­ and nice internal bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No smoking. Heating and electricity included.

St Kew: little village amid trees in a valley, off the beaten track, with fine mediaeval church, famous for its stained glass, and ancient pub. 9 hole golf locally. The sea at Port Isaac/Port Gaverne (cove beach), 3½ miles, or Rock (sandy beach, watersports, sailing school and St Enodoc golf course), 6½ miles. Camel Trail, 4 miles.

...Tretawn is a handsome detached Grade II* listed 16th/17th century manor house surrounded by 2 acres of garden and scrunchy gravel forecourt, forming part of an estate which is still managed by its Cornish family owners. Doubtless only the Cornish language was heard within its walls during those early centuries and probably a few barrels of fine French brandy were left in its secret places, safe from the Customs men - a time when everyone from magistrates to tin miners were involved in a little alternative income! Completely redecorated, refurbished in 2002 and made very comfortable. It is about 2 miles from St.Kew and 100 yards back from the A39, with a huge lawn at the back (fields beyond) and excellent adjacent barns, housing the games area (table tennis, full-sized snooker table). About 300 yards away are 80 acres of private woodland to walk or cycle in. The River Allen flows through it ('tiddler fishing').

A fine open granite porch leads into the hall; to the left is the main living room separated from the hall by Elizabethan oak panelling, with granite fireplace (woodburner) and huge mullion windows (window seats). To the right of the hall is the 'snug' or reading room. Double doors lead from the living room to a substantial dining room and then to a smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer) with a Robin Hood green Aga which has both gas and electric ovens, also to boot room with door to garage, and loo. Running along the back of the house is a play area cum hall with a woodburner at the north-east end and chest of toys, children's books, etc., door to garden terrace (bench and seats), utility room with washing machine, tumble drier, sink and loo.

Two staircases (original spiral from entrance hall and custom built conventional at the back) lead up to seven bedrooms: four 5' doubles, three with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower)and one with child's small single room leading off, a truckle bed room and a triple room with a single and truckle bed. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Telephone, fax and printer. Central heating and electricity included. An exceptional family house with lots of room outside for energetic youngsters, very private, and a brilliantly convenient position for Rock, Port Isaac and Padstow. ¼ mile to pub, shop, garage.

St.Breock: tiny hamlet with mediaeval church, secret in woods, fields and narrow lanes above a stream valley, yet only a mile from Wadebridge. Padstow, 5 miles; the Trevose beaches (see page 15) and golf course/country club, 7 miles. Wonderfully peaceful and private base for a superb things-to-do stretch of coast.

... traditional stone cottage (end one of three) facing a sloping footpath leading down to the church: tranquil, surrounded by mature trees and frequently visited by pheasants sunning themselves. The cottage stands on land forming part of old priory gardens and has an original tall stone wall with bee boles (recesses for ancient straw bee hives) flanking one side of the south-facing back garden (enclosed). Front door with handsome galleon stained glass window into living/dining room (CD player), young and stylish. Fitted kitchen with tiled floor (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, dual electric/gas oven, gas hob, butler sink and wooden drainer), back door to garden. Stairs from living room to two bedrooms - one double (5') with lovely views, and one with a truckle bed. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). A gem of a cottage in a delightful spot. Vehicular access possible but not recommended. Parking 30 yards. Central heating and electricity included.

No Man's Land: a hamlet (just a farm and two cottages, the Saints' Way footpath from Padstow to Fowey passes by) down a lane, about 70 yards off A39 road, 3¹/2 miles west of Wadebridge. The Trevose beaches (see page 15), about 7 miles; Newquay, 11.

... one of two renovated 18th cent. cottages, attached at right angles. It is spacious, unpretentious, old-fashioned, but double-glazed. Vegetable garden, usually with flowers also (but no lawn), in front, and small paved area with original well (protected from suicidal children and/or adults). Farmland all round. Inside: small sun-room leads to hall, living room (open fire), dining room (open fire) and kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave). Upstairs, three bedrooms, two double, one twin; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Simple, basic accomodation without frills, but in a good area.

Bodieve is a tiny, dozy farming hamlet (no shop or pub, just a scattering of cottages) 2 miles from Wadebridge (lively small market town with plenty of shops, cinema, pubs/hotels) and 6½ miles from the sea at Rock (sailing) or 8 from Polzeath (surfing). At the end of the lane is the home farm. The Cornish milkman owners and his family have lived in the farmhouse for over 100 years; the owner was born there, as was his mother. They now live about 100 yards away and run a dairy.

... the secluded, detached farmhouse has been newly decorated and refurbished. It has a good-sized, sunny, enclosed garden (mainly lawn but small pond also), barbecue and patio area (table/chairs) to the side and back. Outside the garden, a stream and footpath run to the River Camel estuary (15 minutes walk). Very peaceful place, birdsong and occasional pheasants calling. Inside, all smart and comfy; a long house of one room width. Glazed porch into small hall off which - to the left - the fitted pine Shaker kitchen with double oven, ceramic hob, dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer and small breakfast table/chairs. To the right is the dining room (open fire, sliding doors to back patio), leading to the living room, which in turn leads to a double bedroom with en suite shower-room (suite). Stairs from the dining room lead up to two bedrooms - large double, and one with twin beds and full size bunk beds. Also a large bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Three bedrooms in all. Suitable for partially disabled - 2 steps. Phone for incoming and local outgoing calls. Central heating and electricity included.

Pencarrow: a great and beautiful Georgian house with magical gardens (magnificent and rare rhododendrons) and woods 2 miles north of Bodmin and 3½ from Wadebridge (lively small market town, cinema, pubs, hotels). The sea at Rock (sailing school, watersports, sand), Polzeath (surf/sand, dog-free), or Padstow (harbour town), 8 miles away. Riding stables locally; trout fishing on the River Camel; several good golf courses within 10 miles.

The house is comfortably furnished and spacious. Gates to sweeping drive/forecourt. Hall (slate-floored); drawing room (open fireplace); dining room; oak-panelled, book-lined study with two divan beds; bathroom (suite) next door; fitted kitchen with oil-fired Esse (extra) plus electric cooker, dishwasher, microwave, freezer; pantry (washing machine, tumble drier); small cloakroom (loo, washbasin). Two staircases lead to six bedrooms - one double, two twin (one with washbasin), one children's bunk bedroom, two single rooms (one with washbasin); four face the gardens (long farmland views). Two bathrooms (suites) and a shower-room (suite plus power-shower) upstairs - making four in all. Double garage (table tennis, chest freezer). Good atmosphere, good strong furniture (some antique). Payphone. Excellent place for family gatherings at any season. £100 Cautionary Deposit required.

St Endellion: hamlet with superb church (famous music festivals in August and at Easter), 1½ miles from the sea at Port Isaac (see below). Portquin, hamlet at the head of a 'fjord' (beautiful walks), 3 miles; Polzeath and Rock, 5.

... bungalow on a 160 acre farm ½ mile from St. Endellion, 1½ by footpath from Port Isaac, and 1 from pub. ¼ mile of farm-drive leads from road to bungalow. Owners' lovely old farmhouse (working farm which you are welcome to walk ­ cattle, sheep), 300 yards away; no buildings nearer. Own good-sized secluded lawn (table/chairs, barbecue). Unpretentious inside, good clean decoration; porch (with fridge/freezer) leads into fitted kitchen/diner (washing machine, microwave); smallish living room (open coal fire); step up to passage off which three bedrooms ­ two double, one twin ­ and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Long and lovely views over fields and woods with stream from kitchen and two bedrooms. A peaceful, private place in very easy range of a fine coast. Spring water. Suitable for partially disabled (2 steps, one quite high). Heating and electricity included.

Port Isaac: one of the two prettiest fishing villages on the whole north-west coast; old, bulging-walled and colour-washed fishermen's cottages in narrow streets on a steep hillside round a natural harbour between cliffs. More recent houses on hilltop above, but nothing brash and the old part remains very unspoilt. Port Gaverne (cove beach), ½ mile. Portquin (beautiful 'fjord', spectacular walks), 2½ miles. Polzeath (splendid sand/surf beach, dog-free) and Rock (watersports), 5 miles.

... about 250 yards up from Port Isaac's harbour, a delightfully restored and excellent semi-detached three-storey cottage. Slate-hung walls; long enclosed sloping garden with lovely sea views reached via steep steps (small children take care) and, important in Port Isaac, forecourt parking for one car (more nearby by arrangement, extra). Ground floor: living room with bay window, pastel colourings, Victorian open fireplace (free coal), bookcases; archway to dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, freezer), with slate floor, rugs; hall; downstairs shower-room (suite) with washing machine, tumble drier; back door to steps (narrow, handrail) to garden. Four bedrooms: on first floor, twin (pretty patchwork counterpanes) and large double; also bathroom (suite). On second floor (steep stairs, handrail), one single (good sea views) and one large double bedroom, both with dormer windows. Heating and electricity included.

St Mabyn: compact little hilltop village (pub, church, PO) above the River Allen (tributary of the Camel), 4 miles from Wadebridge. Golf at St Kew (1½ miles). Sea/sand/watersports/surfing at Rock, about 7½ miles, or Polzeath, 8; Port Isaac, 6½.

... Tregarden is mainly Elizabethan, Grade II* listed - one of those magnificent, utterly Cornish 16th and 17th cent. manor houses whose owners almost invariably took passionate part in the Civil War. At that time the Godolphins had it, whose Sidney, the poet, soon came to grief in a Chagford 'skirmish' - with Roundheads. Earlier it hosted the plotting of some of those heroic but hopeless Cornish marches against their English oppressors which usually ended with their leaders being hung or worse. In the more quiescent times since, it has remained Cornish owned, within its 1100 acre estate; has recently been carefully restored with the help of English Heritage, and made a thrilling place for a group or several families to holiday.

It is a mile from St Mabyn, a third of that unsurfaced but decent track. A 17th cent. arched gateway leads through the high walled (enclosed) garden - lawn, flowers, shrubs - to the granite porch. Outside the walled garden, plenty of space for playing/football kicking, a large pond, and - well set back - stone farm buildings, now used for hay only, one available for stabling by arrangement (paddock also). Fun fishing in the River Allen, ½ mile walk away; also riverside footpath.

Much of the original house remains; occasional Victorian influences; 20th cent. bathrooms/plumbing. Long farmland views south from most upstairs windows.

The floors are mainly slate with coir matting/rugs downstairs, and either carpet or polished floorboards with rugs upstairs. Plain decor, mainly white lime-washed walls, comfortable sofas, antiques and family paintings/artefacts.

Ground floor: granite porch with seats; slate-floored hall off which cloakroom (loo, washbasin) and lovely, gracious living room with huge granite fireplace (woodburner), log cupboard, 17th cent. plaster heraldic coat of arms, two large stone-mullioned windows with seats; dining room (ornamental fireplace) with refectory table seating 20 and stairs to first floor; big rumpus/TV room (games, toys, open fireplace, large stone-mullioned windows); next door, fitted kitchen (dishwasher, two microwaves) and proper slate-shelved larder (freezer); utility room (Belfast sink) and back door to a south-west-facing patio with barbecue. In the west wing (on left in picture) is a lovely library with open granite fireplace, lots of books, and double sofa bed. Shower-room (suite) doubles as a laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier), and there is a second kitchen (useful for early morning tea!), and back door.

Upstairs (two flights): nine bedrooms and one through room with sofa bed - four twin, four double, one single - four bathrooms, one with bath-shower, separate loo/washbasin. Four of the bedrooms are extremely large, one small - a single bedroom over the porch. All bedrooms have lovely views over the garden or countryside.

In detail, the bedrooms:

Twin - above library - west wing

Double with granite fireplace (ornamental) -

above library - west wing

Children's twin room at back - sloping ceiling

Double with granite fireplace (ornamental) - front of house

A through room - with sofa which converts into double bed

Twin - at the back

Double with Victorian fireplace (ornamental) - at the back

Smallish twin with Victorian fireplace - east wing

Small single with special tiny 'lookout' peep holes - over porch

Master double with four poster bed - east wing

Four bathrooms (suites); also separate loo/washbasin.

In all, nine bedrooms, four bathrooms, one shower-room, two separate loos. Payphone. Central heating and electricity included. Cautionary Deposit of £150 is required.

... and in St Mabyn (see page 19), a terraced cottage, surprisingly spacious inside. It is the middle one of three, converted from stables belonging to the pub (opposite) in 1900; church nearby. PO/shop and big well-kept playing field - swings, tennis court - 50 yards. Downstairs, big slate slab floors, rugs, beams and uneven walls. Living room with woodburner, good watercolours by supporters of the St Endellion Music Festival (Easter/August). Kitchen/dining room (small dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, solid fuel Rayburn, electric oven, cloam oven, butler sink, table/chairs, settle under stairwell, CD player). Back porch (fridge/freezer). Upstairs, stripped wooden floors (doors to match), rugs, rough cast walls, pretty fabrics - three bedrooms: double (washbasin), room with two single beds, and attic twin (2'6" beds) with room for children to play (books, games). Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower and bidet). The cottage has a small enclosed back garden leading to its garage.

Tintagel: very famous (King Arthur legends), very touristy, but tremendous coast ­ cliffs, coves, caves, sand and romantic castle/ monastery ruins on a windswept headland. Boscastle, exceedingly beautiful inlet, and Trebarwith Strand (surfing beach), 3 miles; Port Isaac, lovely fishing village, 7; sailing, other water sports, and good golf (St. Enodoc) at Rock, 12. Riding stables, 1 mile.

... in a quiet residential road in Tintagel, a very good double-glazed 'own home' bungalow with lawn gardens to the front and back (larger, enclosed, secluded, table/chairs, barbecue). Glazed porch leads to hallway; smart fitted kitchen (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); light, roomy, extremely comfortable living/dining room with pretty sofa/armchairs, Challen piano (tuned), radio/cassette player, ornaments and plants, which leads to large sunroom/conservatory (comfy furniture, pretty plants) and back lawn garden. Two bedrooms - one twin, one double; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable for partially disabled. Easy, comfortable, good quality base. NB. The owner's very popular cat lives in the garage. The owner, who lives down the road, comes to feed her.

St Teath: compact old Cornish village (PO/stores, pub, mediaeval church), 4 miles from the sea/cove/sandy beach at Port Gaverne. Nearest sea, 3 miles, including a 1 mile walk to magnificent stretch of roadless (but coast path) cliff/cove coast. Camelford (tiny town, essential shops), 3 miles.

Delabole: large village (pub, shops) two miles from the sea and famous for its immense slate quarry ­
visitable, spectacular. Tintagel, 3½ miles; Trebarwith Strand (surfing, low-tide sand), 2; Port Isaac/Port Gaverne, 7.

... modernised, spacious, fully double-glazed farmhouse side-on to B3314, 1½ miles south-west of Delabole. Smallish enclosed gardens side and back, well-hedged from road; excellent, sun-trap patio, barbecue; also large play area with swings, slide and Adventure Tower play equipment at the back, well away from road. Cosy living room with beamed low ceiling (beams less than 6'), granite fireplace (gas fire, cloam oven) and slate floor with rugs; sun-room/dining area; fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer). Off living room, steep narrow stairs lead to twin bedroom with en suite bathroom (suite). Gentler stairs off dining room to two double and one twin bedroom, and shower-room (suite). Four bedrooms in all. Tumble drier and storage space for bikes, surfboards, etc., in attached outhouse. Night store heating and gas fire included 30 August - 7 June.

Trethevy: tiny hamlet in sight of the sea on the north Cornish coast. Once a priory, dedicated to St. Piran (patron saint of Cornish tinners) with extensive lands, now a church, a few cottages and footpath to a holy well and 60' waterfall. Tintagel, 1 mile. Boscastle, 2 miles.

... stone cottage (one of five round a courtyard) converted from old outbuildings, part of which date back to 1400s. Footpaths radiate from access lane. About a mile to coastal footpath - a beautiful and not too difficult coastal stretch to Boscastle for the reasonably fit. Garden seat in courtyard. Inside: pleasant living/dining room with window to courtyard; small fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer). Loo/washbasin. Stairs up from living/dining room to three bedrooms - a double, a twin and one with bunks (distant glimpse of the sea), all pleasantly furnished. Shower-room (suite). No smoking. Heating included, first £5.00 electricity included.

... a very large semi-detached Edwardian house with far reaching views along the coast at the seaward end of Tintagel (see left), about 400 yards back from the coastal path, and about 300 yards to shops, cafes and pubs. Hardcore parking bay in front and a large private paved area at the back with games shed.

Inside, generous-sized rooms, lofty ceilings, picture rails and bay windows looking out to sea with great sunsets. Entrance porch (boots/ coats), front to back length hallway with floor tiles, leading to conservatory cum sitting room with sliding glazed doors to patio; also smaller living room at the front of the house with pretty fireplace (open fire) and coastal views (below). Large dining room with coir carpet, handsome marble fireplace (probably original, open fire), coastal views. Big, smart, newly fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, double gas oven, ceramic floor tiles) and utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, small freezer), loo with wash-basin.

Stairs up to first floor landing and three bedrooms, all with a double and single bed, one with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and a family bathroom (suite plus separate shower). More stairs to second floor and four more bedrooms - a double plus single with en suite shower (suite), two single rooms, and a double with washbasin. Seven bedrooms in all, most very spacious, some with armchairs and TVs and sea views. Good family house within walking distance of good pubs, cafes, restaurants and coastal footpaths. Central heating and electricity included. Cautionary Deposit £100.

Boscastle: famous village, beautiful setting. Two rivers pour out of steep woods, join, and meet the sea in an S-shaped fjord between moorland hillsides. Natural harbour; precious sanctuary on a cliff-coast in the sailing ship days. The village climbs the wooded valley behind, with many old stone cottages and handsome 'captains' houses. Very lovely cliff and wooded-valley walks. Pretty low-tide sand beach at Bossiney, 2 miles, or bigger, Trebarwith Strand (surfing), 5; Tintagel, 3. Pony-trekking locally.

... not many places where you can swim in your own indoor heated swimming pool (22' x 9', and 4'8" deep) to Handel's Water Music (piped from stereo next door). It and sauna are both within a detached house in its own garden (flowers, lawn, rockery, patio) on the hillside in Boscastle. Full of character and imagination, it is an 'own home' with nice paintings, prints, plates, indoor plants, books, games, stereo (CDs, tapes, radio, remote control), video selection; well-equipped. Long sea/headland views over the village from most windows. Small living room with Victorian open fireplace; large, hub-of-house kitchen/dining room, very well fitted (dishwasher, microwave, freezer, Welsh dresser) with French windows to patio; utility room (washing machine, Sheila Maid) and lockable door to pool; tiled shower-room (suite ­ next to swimming pool). Upstairs, three bedrooms: lovely master double (5' bed), light with two large windows (splendid views) and bathroom (suite) en suite, one twin (view), one single (2'6"); shower-room (suite). Phone for incoming and local outgoing calls. Good quality throughout. Electricity and heating included.

... in the old centre of Boscastle, a detached and very handsome Grade II listed Georgian house. Narrow walled front garden of mostly shrubs, and at the back, up steep steps (toddlers beware), a tree-sheltered patio (table/chairs) with summerhouse and grassed area (pictured above). Inside, comfortable and civilised. Porch and a slate-floored hall lead to living room with woodburner and a study/quiet room; dining room with big pine table/chairs, Esse stove; fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave), off which a shower and utility room with door to the side of the house, useful for storing surfboards, buckets, spades and rinsing sandy bodies! From the hall, stairs lead up to three good-sized bedrooms - one double and two twin. Bathroom (suite) and a separate loo with washbasin. Telephone. Central heating and electricity included. No smoking.

... and 2½ miles from Boscastle (see page 21) and ½ mile of good private drive from the nearest lane, a large Victorian stone barn converted into four good cottages amid the fields and woods where Thomas Hardy fell in love. It is on the side of the beautiful River Valency valley, within a 300 acre beef/cereal farm surrounding little St Juliot Church, restored by the young architect Hardy who married the rector's sister-in-law ('A Pair of Blue Eyes'). Footpath along the valley to Boscastle. The owners' farmhouse is ½ mile away. You are welcome to walk the farm. Reservoir fishing and riding, 5 miles. Milkman calls.

The cottages are all 'upside down', looking over a sunny courtyard (see picture) to their large lawned garden (garden furniture, gas barbecue), and games room (table tennis, pool, darts) with freezer, payphone, and laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier). Central heating and electricity included in all.

Little Gurras (on left in picture) has, upstairs, living/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave). Downstairs, two bedrooms - one double (washbasin), one bunks (washbasin) - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Sleeps maximum 4 including babies.

Over Park (next left in picture) has, upstairs, living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave). Downstairs, two bedrooms - one double (washbasin), one twin (washbasin) - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

Fox Park (second from right) has, upstairs, living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave). Downstairs, two bedrooms - double and twin, each with washbasin - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

Meadows (far right) has, upstairs, living/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave). Downstairs, two bedrooms - one double (washbasin), one twin (washbasin) - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Sleeps maximum 4 including babies.

... at the top of Boscastle (see page 21), 800 yards up from the harbour, a little modern semi-detached house, cosy and comfortable, just right for two, brilliantly positioned for access to coastal footpath and good food pub (400 yards).
A few steps from the parking bay at the back of the house down to the patio (picnic table). Useful porch for walking boots; entrance to living/dining room and kitchen (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer). Stairs from living room up to gallery double bedroom with a glimpse of the coast. Back downstairs to bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Non smokers preferred. Heating and electricity included.

Pencuke: tiny hamlet of dwellings clustering around a green in the parish of St.Gennys. Crackington Haven (see right), 2 miles; very quiet and peaceful.

... off the green, an attached cottage with distant sea views across a wooded valley and meadows. Private, quiet, with a fenced lawn garden (picnic table/benches, barbecue). Visitors welcome to wander over the owner's fields down to a small river. Inside, living (woodburner)/dining/kitchen (microwave), comfy with beams and whitewashed walls, porch to garden. Two bedrooms - double and twin (pine furniture and pretty fabrics). Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Shared use of separate laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier, extra). Payphone. Heating and electricity included.

... also at the top of Boscastle village, a light and pleasant detached bungalow with distant views of the sea, 400 yards from an excellent pub and 800 yards up from the harbour. Neat front garden and an enclosed sunny back garden (table/chairs). Inside, living/dining room with windows to the back and front, music centre, decorative slate fireplace (coal-effect electric fire); well-equipped fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer). Three bedrooms - a roomy double, a twin with views of back garden, and a single. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Heating and electricity included. Suitable for partially disabled. Comfortable and convenient at any time of the year.

Crackington Haven: cove hamlet with low-tide sand beach (dog-free), pub (good food, sea views), and cafe/ shop, between tremendous cliffs 4 miles north of Boscastle, 11 miles south of Bude (see below right). Not spoilt. Beautiful, rugged, sea-bird-watching coast (path) to walk. This is Hardy's 'A Pair of Blue Eyes' country. Riding/ pony trekking, lake and sea fishing, surf hire nearby.

... a mile up from the cove in the hamlet of Higher Crackington, a light and comfortable double-glazed detached bungalow in a quiet lane close to the friendly village PO/stores. Distant sea views from some rooms, Lundy Island visible on a clear day. In front, a gravelled drive and shrubs; at the back a good-sized and very pretty enclosed lawned garden (table/chairs, barbecue). Inside, neat, well-equipped; living room with CD/cassette/radio, books, games and videos, ornamental Cornish slate fireplace ('living flame' electric fire). Fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave); dining room; useful garden/play room with toys and games and for boots and coats. Three bedrooms - double, single, and one with bunks. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Central heating and electricity included. Suitable for partially disabled. Good value. No smoking.

Poundstock: hamlet with church 1½ miles from the sea (cliffs) and 2½ miles from sand/surf at Widemouth Bay; Bude, 4 miles. Rolling farmland all round. Cinema and garden centre, 1 mile. Shop, 2 miles.

... a mile from the hamlet, an excellent single-storey, double-glazed cottage facing its own large lawn-garden beside the farmhouse of a big (320 acre) busy dairy/sheep farm. Large, clean, high-walled forecourt (with flowers) separates it from farm buildings. Friendly owners are happy for you to feed the ducks, watch the milking, and to show you round the farm. Small lake for coarse fishing. Woodland walks.

Inside, the cottage is well-equipped, well done, mostly polished wooden floors throughout. Porch (garden chairs, sun umbrella) leads to hall; off it, large living room with open fire and big window; fitted kitchen/dining room (microwave); larder (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier). Two bedrooms, one double, one twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Altogether good quality and friendly. Suitable for partially disabled. Telephone.

Week St Mary: a good community village (fine church, pub, shop/PO) deep in winding lanes and rolling farmland, 4½ miles from the sea (cliffs) near Poundstock. Long sandy (excellent surfing) beach at Widemouth Bay, 5 miles; Bude (see below), 7 miles. Good golf, pony trekking.

... on the western edge of the village, a pretty semi-detached traditional cottage facing a neighbour's neat garden through which access is gained. To the front a walled garden area with bench to catch the morning sun, at the back a shrub-filled sheltered garden ­ all enclosed. Entrance porch; width-of-cottage living/dining room with beams, inglenook fireplace (woodburner, old bread oven); galley fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave); bathroom (suite with shorter-than-average bath). Open wood stairs up to two bedrooms - double and twin. Dear little cottage, 100 yards from village pub. Electricity included.

Bude: small resort with two magnificent sand/surf beaches, enormous natural sea water bathing pool, lots of grassy running-about space behind them, and canal through middle for boating, coarse fishing and swans. Shops, tennis courts, excellent indoor swimming pool and sports centre, golf course, riding stables - is an easy walk from everywhere. It also seems friendly, communal. Surfing tuition and equipment available. Superb cliff-walking coast.

... brilliantly positioned - 200 yards walk across grass and dunes from a magnificent beach and boat trips, and 100 yards from shops - a ground floor flat in large Victorian terraced house beside a cul-de-sac (private parking). Small enclosed front garden (sea views).

Inside, spacious rooms, well-decorated, convenient. Hall; big
living/dining room with dining table in bay window (sea views - just); newly fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, double oven, separate hob). Three bedrooms - one double plus two single beds, another double with shower and washbasin, one twin. Cloakroom with loo/washbasin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Payphone. Central heating and electricity included. Suitable for partially disabled.

... and about a mile up from the beach and pub and 250 yards from the PO/shop at Higher Crackington, a newly renovated and enlarged detached 1920s house, sheltered by a hedge surrounding its enclosed garden. Lovely lane/footpath through wooded valley to pub and beach. Inside, very spacious living room with big fat comfy sofas, open fire and bay windows looking over hedgerowed meadows; equally large fitted kitchen/dining room (microwave, fridge/freezer) with sliding glazed doors to garden and archway to smaller sitting area; hallway to two downstairs bedrooms - double with en suite bathroom (suite) and twin; shower-room (suite); utility room (washing machine, tumble drier). Stairs up leading immediately into an 'attic' room - again large and roomy with three single beds. Three bedrooms. Non smokers preferred. Central heating and electricity included. Excellent house for family groups. Suitable for partially disabled.

Yeolmbridge: little village just into Cornwall (and once in Devon), with pretty bridge over the River Ottery in almost visitor-less rolling farmland 2½ miles north of Launceston (historic hilltop town with Norman castle, 'leisure centre' - indoor swimming pool, tennis, gym - and golf course). Approx. 15 miles to the sea at Widemouth Bay, Bude (see page 23) or Boscastle (see page 21). Golf and riding, 2 miles; River Tamar (salmon/trout fishing), 4 miles; coarse fishing locally; more fishing on the farm. Nearest shop, 2½ miles; pub, 1.

... a mile from the village, ¼ of it private farm drive, is Cullacott, considered by English Heritage "the most important mediaeval house in Cornwall", unique in its preservation, Grade I listed. Built in the 1400s, it was embellished by the Tudors, including with wall-paintings (damaged but still fascinating), has a mediaeval Great Hall rising two storeys high to its roof. Till 1700 the farmhouse of wealthy families, it became a farm-worker's cottage, even a stable. Neglect spared it dreadful 'improvements'. With help from English Heritage, the owners, whose farmhouse is 200 yards away, have sensitively restored it. They have also very carefully divided the house into two cottages - the (original) Long House and the Tudor Wing.

The Long House has porch leading to typical longhouse through-passage; to one side, 'the parlour' - living/dining room with inglenook open fireplace, mullioned windows/seat; kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), back door. Across the passage is the Great Hall rising high to its roof, a Tudor mural facing you, huge open fireplace, Coat of Arms of Henry VII, refectory table (seating up to 12) and harmonium. Boxed in 'trip stairs' (mediaeval security!, handrail) from living room up to landing, three bedrooms - one double, one with double and single bed, one twin - and shower-room (suite) and bathroom (suite). Also oak staircase curves up from through-passage.

The Tudor Wing has a most lovely 'parlour' - big room with living/dining area, windows both sides, big open fireplace and 1579 plaster frieze; fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), small lobby, and bathroom (suite) downstairs. Upstairs, two bedrooms; through the ancient, studded door and up the spiral slate staircase into an enormous and lovely bedroom with double and single bed and beautiful oak floor (rugs), which leads into a twin bedroom with high trussed ceiling and door via steps to garden.

The house stands square-on to the cobbled former farmyard. On its other side, a long terrace (tables, chairs) and big garden (lawn, flowers, pear tree) with long lovely views down over the owners' farm (which you are welcome to wander) to woods and the river where you can fish for brown trout and salmon and the hardy bathe.

Morwenstow: high hamlet with fascinating church (legendary 19th cent. vicar), great pub, tea rooms, at the head of a steep-sided combe to the sea (cliffs). Close to the highest cliffs in Cornwall (see below). National Trust owned cove beach, 2½ miles. Good pony trekking nearby, sand/surf and golf at Bude (see page 23), 7 miles.

... a detached 'upside down' stable conversion with superb sea views down the combe in a quiet spot at top of the long gravel drive to the large well-kept gardens (mainly lawn, fine trees) of the old vicarage, built in mid 19th century by Rev. Hawker (he who introduced Harvest Festivals and help for shipwrecked mariners); the vicarage's chimneys are models of the towers of churches he had known. Footpath to the coast. In front of the cottage is your own garden. Three stone steps up to entrance. Inside, slate-floored hall, lime-washed walls. Downstairs twin bedroom with en suite bathroom (suite plus
hand-shower) and French windows opening on to footpath. Stairs from hall to landing
off which living/dining room with polished wood floor and Art Deco low arched windows (fabulous valley-sea views), fitted kitchen in Shaker hues (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer), and two bedrooms - double with small en suite shower (suite) and Velux window, and double (5' bed) with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). In all, three bedrooms, three bath or shower-rooms. No smoking. Payphone and use of three-quarter-size billiard room (by arrangement) in owner's house. Central heating and electricity included. Excellent conversion, in exceptionally beautiful surroundings.

Gooseham: hamlet a mile from the sea and highest cliffs in Cornwall in a remote, untouristy yet beautiful area. Long empty combes lead down to unspoilt beaches (low-tide sand). A place for walking (coastal path), riding (stables nearby), bird-watching. Bude (see page 23) and Clovelly, about 11 miles. Morwenstow (see above), with fascinating church in lovely position, 1 mile. Trout/coarse fishing, sailing and windsurfing on the Tamar Lakes, 5 miles.

... a mile from Gooseham and 2 from Morwenstow, an extremely comfortable and, inside, attractive double glazed cottage (converted barn) beside a 100 acre farm (to wander), well separated from the farm buildings, so no mess/mud. Pretty enclosed garden (rockery, sloping lawn, pond). Good decoration, a lot of character. Hall; downstairs loo with basin; large living/dining room with woodburner (logs included October­June) at its centre, beams and exposed stone, French windows to patio/garden; fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave, radio). Upstairs, two bedrooms (clock radio), one double (washbasin), one with three singles; nice views. Bathroom (suite). Payphone for outgoing calls. Central heating and electricity included. No children under 6 but pre-crawling babies welcome.

Inside, both have slate flagstones or polished oak floors with rugs; beams, some low ceilings, in-keeping furnishings, the colour washes as they would have been. Washing machine, tumble drier in adjoining building. Electricity included in summer months. Use of owners' freezer. Very peaceful, comfortable, friendly place: total intrigue and delight for anyone interested in historic buildings. Together they can sleep 12 people.

Port Navas: creek-side hamlet wrapped warmly in trees, hidden in lanes, and facing the sun, completely unspoilt; flowers, stone cottages, sailing boats: beautiful, in a beautiful area. Oyster farm which you can see over, buy oysters and mussels. The river-wide creek leads into the Helford River, and beside it a lane to lovely Glendurgan and Trebah Gardens and Helford Passage (sandy beach, boat hire) where pedestrian ferry to exquisite Helford village (nice pub). Many other cove beaches nearby. Nearest shops/pubs, Constantine (large village), 1½ miles; Falmouth, about 6 miles.

... a stone's throw from the slipway, at the head of the creek (see arrow above), two 18th cent. adjoining Grade ll listed cottages, recently superbly renovated by the owners who use them as their own holiday home. Was once a pub called The Jolly Sailor. Behind lies a sunny, stream-bordered back garden (tables/chairs, barbecue), games room (table tennis amongst others). Both cottages are stylishly decorated and furnished to a high standard, with local prints and artwork. TV reception is poor, but there are screens and video players (and videos) and lots of games, books and CDs (for young and old alike) provided in both cottages.

The Jolly Sailor (main picture) is part stone and cob and part slate-hung, with traditional sash windows and views over the front garden towards the creek and Yacht Club (free membership). Front door to hall, off which large living/dining room with comfy sofas, inglenook fireplace (woodburner), and CD/cassette/radio, door to garden; cloakroom (loo/washbasin). Hand-built Shaker-style kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer). Stairs from the hall to three bedrooms - double with fine walnut furniture, cream linen and views to the creek, pretty twin (antique beds, good views), and one with ship's cabin beds (2'6", no ladder, best suited for children). Clever use of space in the bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) with a Japanese bath which is square and deep, also separate stylish shower-room. Small enclosed garden to the front (barbecue) and the lawn area immediately behind the games room.

Chestnut Cottage (smaller picture) is a smaller, cosier, traditional cottage behind The Jolly Sailor. Comfortable living room (CD/cassette/radio) with big granite inglenook fireplace (woodburner), low ceilings, original beams, window seat and door to garden, off which light, hand-built, Shaker-style galley kitchen/dining room (washing machine, microwave, gas hob) in creams with door to garden. Smart, beach-inspired bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Upstairs, two bedrooms - a lovely double with uplighters and prints, and twin with high window and pretty linens. Behind the cottage there is a sun-trap patio and a path leads in 20 yards to your own separate garden (table/chairs, barbecue).

The cottages are ideal for two families or any party of 10 (insulated connecting doors). Use of tumble drier (in games room). Central heating and electricity included. No smoking.

Cornwall's 'Med': here is Cornwall at its warmest, most sheltered; of creeks and tidal waters penetrating deep inland, deep in woods, silent except for bird-song; of wonderful gardens growing things that live nowhere else outdoors in England (marvellous in rhododendron, camellia, magnolia time, from March to end of May especially); of sailing boats everywhere decorating the sea; of harbour villages where the light is Mediterranean - dazzling in the sunshine. And really very little that is ugly has been allowed to be built. Here is Truro, Cornwall's (small) capital, with its 20th century cathedral; Falmouth, resort town and cargo/cruise ship/yacht port, superbly sited; and the glorious Helford River. Trewithen, Trelissick, Glendurgan, Trebah, Heligan (Lost Gardens of), and Caerhays are among the finest gardens. In the very middle of Cornwall, Lanhydrock house is very special, so is its garden. Not the greatest area for beaches, but good sandy ones near (Veryan and Porthscatho, in St Mawes, and around Falmouth and the Helford River's mouth). Not to be missed is St Just-in-Roseland's churchyard; nor ­ within easy reach ­ is The Eden Project (see South Cornwall, page 31).

Telephone numbers: Truro TIC: 01872 274555

Falmouth TIC: 01326 312300

National Trust HQ in Cornwall: 01208 74281

... and in Port Navas (see page 25), a former boathouse, now the whole of the top floor is yours to enjoy (ground floor remains a boat-shed/garage); two tiny gardens (barbecue) behind. Mooring for boats up to 20' straight in front. Inside, it is bright, light. Living room (woodburner) opening to long wooden balcony with chairs (lovely views down the creek and of 'messing about in boats'); dining room (microwave, fridge/freezer); fitted galley kitchen; utility room (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier); loo. Three bedrooms, double, twin, and a small single. Small internal bathroom (suite plus power-bath-shower). Bad TV reception. Phone for incoming calls. Best for four people. Heating included.

Falmouth: Cornwall's largest town (but still relatively small), port and resort, marvellously sited beside one of the world's best, biggest and most beautiful natural harbours, Carrick Roads - the heart of wooded-creek Cornwall. Brilliant place for sailing/boating, beaches, sight-seeing or garden-visiting holidays. Sheltered sandy beaches (with good parking), rock pool beaches, masses of yachts/other boats (ferries, creek cruises), a castle built by Henry VIII, maritime museum, lots of shops, restaurants; lively. New National Maritime Museum opened 2002. The last working sailing fleet in Western Europe dredges oysters. Golf, tennis; many pretty villages and sub-tropical gardens (Glendurgan, Trebah) nearby. Port Navas (see page 25) and the beautiful Helford River, 5 miles; Penzance, 25. This is one of Cornwall's mildest, most luxuriant and varied parts.

On the very edge of Falmouth, as the town fades into countryside, is Swanpool, a few houses round a pretty, sheltered sandy beach with café and restaurant, car park and, behind, the pretty fresh water pool (with swans) after which the hamlet is named. An easy walk (about 20 minutes) into Falmouth along the coastal path for a drink and a view over some of Cornwall's most beautiful coastline. Golf, ½ mile.

... overlooking Swanpool beach with magnificent views and within 30 yards of the sand is this semi-detached house. The friendly owners built it themselves and live in the other half. Patios (barbecue, table/chairs) and terraces almost down to the sea, with the lowest terrace a secluded sun-trap shielded by vegetation - a little grass and tender plants in this warm and sheltered part of Cornwall. Inside, large sun lounge with wooden ceiling and huge picture windows leads into comfy open-plan living/dining room (gas 'woodburner', stereo system, videos, books, CDs) and smartly fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, combination microwave, freezer, gas hob). Downstairs, two double bedrooms, one with en suite shower-room (suite), and another separate bathroom (suite plus shower). Upstairs, two further bedrooms - smallish double, and a room with a single and captain's cabin bed and space for a further camp bed (for children); and shower-room (suite). In all, four bedrooms, three bath or shower-rooms. A delightful place: warm, comfy, excellent at any time of year. Payphone. Central heating and electricity included.

Paved courtyard with picnic table; granite steps up to tiny garden with river views. In front, fields slope gently to the river where sheltered picnic spots (little beach) on the shore beneath trees, and small boats can be launched (slipway nearby) or tied ­ no speedboats allowed this far up river. Lots of birds (including swans, curlews), animals (foxes, badgers). Farmhouse and three other old cottages nearby.

The owners' holiday home for 30 years, the cottage is very much a family home, recently well-renovated, spacious. Living room with old stone open inglenook fireplace, comfy chairs, grandfather clock, light with good-sized windows (wonderful views) and many pictures, books and paintings. Dining room with oak table and chairs, and fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) at one end. Bathroom (suite, 4'7" bath plus bath-shower). Upstairs, three bedrooms ­ one double with dressing/cot room and loo/washbasin en suite, and two twin (one with 2'6" beds, zip-linked) ­ and another bathroom (suite). Electricity included. Payphone.

Mawnan Smith: village (good food pub, useful shops/PO) a mile from the sea at the mouth of the beautiful Helford River (see above, page 25). Falmouth, 3½ miles. Wonderful walks; beautiful Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens, about 1 mile.

... about ½ a mile from the village, along a lane, is Trerose Farm Cottage, attached to the 250 year old farmhouse of a 200 acre dairy/beef farm, in the same family for generations and home to a young friendly farming couple. Recently renovated and refurbished, the cottage has its own enclosed garden (table/chairs, barbecue) and distant views of Falmouth Bay. Hall; living room with woodburner in stone fireplace; farmhouse style fitted kitchen/dining room (washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with views of garden. Downstairs bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Stairs from living room up to two bedrooms - double with sea views through trees, and a twin. Useful shed for surfboards/bikes. ½ mile to Durgan beach on the Helford estuary. Payphone. Heating and electricity included.

... a mile from Port Navas (see page 25), along the same lane as S420S, a handsome, attached, early 19th century granite farmhouse with mesmerising views along Frenchman's Creek and woods; no buildings in sight. Own mooring 200 yards distant. At the back, overlooking Helford River, a large sun terrace (just right for those 'sundowners') with steps down to a huge lawn garden, good for energetic ball games. Fine open entrance porch to hall; width-of-house living/dining room with big sash windows (glorious views) and French windows to terrace, sensible family-friendly furnishings, walnut table and chairs (best for 6), granite fireplace (open fire); excellent farmhouse fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave) with pine table and chairs in middle, polished marble worktops, beams, huge granite inglenook with oil-fired Rayburn (plus electric cooker), limestone floor, pretty dresser full of blue and white china, chest freezer in hall. Upstairs to landing and four bedrooms, all elegant with crushed velvet curtains and lovely pieces of antique furniture ­ three double and one with two singles. Pretty blue and white bathroom (suite plus hand-shower); also civilised garden loo. A great place to 'chill out'! Heating, electricity and oil included.

... and 2 miles outside Falmouth (see left), near Budock village (pub, shop) and 1½ miles from the sea at Swanpool, coast path, and reservoir fishing (trout or coarse), a Georgian house ­ former residence of
the Bishop of Exeter ­ in its own pretty good-sized, enclosed garden (table/chairs) with sloping lawn and paved barbecue area, within a 170 acre arable/dairy farm (you are
welcome to watch the milking). The owners live in the back of the house. Inside, well-decorated, good-sized rooms with high ceilings, window shutters. Dining room (morning sunshine) with bay window, ornamental fireplace; living room (also sunny); downstairs shower-room (suite); fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer). Upstairs, large landing, five bedrooms (three with good sea/creek views) ­ good-sized double with en suite shower-room (suite), one twin (washbasin), another double (washbasin), and two singles (one with washbasin) ­ and bathroom (suite). Two week bookings only in high season, discount for smaller parties out of season. Spring water. Non smokers preferred. Central heating and electricity included.

St. Mawes: one of the most beautifully, warmly situated seaside places in Cornwall; a good-sized village (shops, pubs, at least one good hotel), mainly of old, sea-facing cottages, with harbour, sandy beach, and well-preserved Henry VIII castle, at the end of one of the two prongs of the lovely Roseland Peninsula. It looks across the mouth of the Percuil River (a sheltered yacht anchorage) to the green fields round St Anthony Head, and over Falmouth Bay to Falmouth and the mouth of the Helford River. Pedestrian ferry to Falmouth and cruises on Carrick Roads, its great natural harbour. Sailing school (dinghies). Slipway. Fishing trips by arrangement. St Just in Roseland (see below),
2 miles.

... high behind the harbour and village centre, about 200 yards up steps then short steep hill, a welcoming and comfortable cottage with views across the water to St Anthony Head. Small enclosed patio. Entrance porch for coats, wellies, buckets and spades; large living/dining room with open fire, polished wood floors, comfy sofas, CD/cassette/radio; small fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave). Upstairs, two bedrooms - one pretty twin with washbasin, and a roomy double (6' double or twin) with two big windows and lovely views. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Folding bed available. Parking for two cars.

... and ½ mile from the centre of Falmouth (see above left), 500 yards from the yachting marina, an excellent apartment looking over the boat-filled Penryn River estuary to pretty Flushing village (superb views), on the second floor of an Edwardian house in road of similar houses. Shared front lawn garden, small courtyard at back. Inside, very 21st century, light, roomy, with wood floors, rugs, pastel colour-wash walls, maritime prints and other nautical touches. Living/dining/fitted kitchen, estuary views from big windows. The living room area has white leather sofa and contrasting blue sofa, kitchen area fitted in ash (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, split level electric oven and gas hob, breakfast bar). Glazed doors open to large hall/landing (stairs down to front door), making extra room for play area. Three bedrooms - one twin and one double, both with en suite shower-room (suite), and master double with double glazed doors to balcony, estuary views, and connecting door to bathroom (suite - a lovely large room with marble steps up to hydro-therapy bath). Payphone for outgoing calls. Lock-up garage. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included. Excellent place to stay at any time of the year.

St Just in Roseland: tiny village (no shop) 2 miles from St Mawes (see above). It is famous for its wonderful churchyard, begun by a 19th cent. vicar, which, luxuriant with flowers and shrubs beneath magnificent trees, winding paths, little lawns and pools, exquisite views and ancient tombstones, slopes down to the church and a silent creek. Nearby yachts rest on a shingle bar. Beyond, in the distance, are yachts racing and Falmouth. One of Cornwall's most exquisite places.

... in the village, above the churchyard, creek and coast path, a detached bungalow with views over the Fal estuary (Carrick Roads), screened by shrubs from a lane. Steps up to a large lawn garden at the back; patio (table/chairs) to the front. Inside, polished floorboards, light paintwork and large windows give the house a very pleasant feel. Living/dining room with superb estuary views (open fire, CD/cassette/radio, books, games) and door to patio; fitted kitchen (microwave, oil-fired Aga, electric hob) through to tile-floored utility room with washing machine, tumble drier, fridge/freezer and still lots of room for surfboards, wetsuits, bikes. Three bedrooms - double and twin (2'6"), both with estuary views, and one with full-size bunks. Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower); separate loo/washbasin. Non smokers preferred. Central heating and electricity included. Telephone. Charming, peaceful place.

Veryan: little wooded-valley village (pretty, good pub) a mile from the sea in one of the loveliest, most Mediterranean parts of Cornwall. Undamaged country all round and National Trust protected coast of cliffs, headlands, coves, sandy beaches, tiny fishing villages; close inland, the wooded creeks of the Fal estuary. St. Mawes (see page 27, small resort, sailing, boat trips, castle, wonderful views to Falmouth) and Mevagissey (see page 30), both 7 miles. St Just in Roseland's wonderful churchyard, 5. Truro, 10.

... 1¹_/4 miles from Veryan towards the sea, a fine detached stone cottage with pretty garden (lawn, table and benches, flowers, trees, hedged) secluded down private road/track (last 100 yards rough) a mile walk across fields from the magnificent Carne/Pendower sandy beaches. Used by the family as their much loved holiday cottage for years; jolly atmosphere; fitted bespoke kitchen with lots of equipment (dishwasher, washing machine, fridge/freezer, oil-fired Aga and electric cooker); living and dining room (open fires). Upstairs, three bedrooms (all with sea views): one double (5' bed, washbasin), one twin, through to another twin (washbasin). Bathroom (suite). Also shower-room (suite) downstairs, just outside. Payphone. Two week bookings only in high season. Central heating and electricity included.

Porthscatho: small fishing village (good pub, some shops) at the entrance to the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. Beach with rocks and some sand (dog-free); bigger sandy beach, ½ mile; superb cliff walks/scenery; tremendous views. St. Mawes (see page 27), 5 miles.

... 100 yards from the beach in the oldest part of the village, a fisherman's cottage, semi-detached, with enclosed front garden (lawn, patio and invaluable space for three cars on paved, enclosed drive). Lovely sea views from nearly all windows. Inside, very attractive, well-decorated and cared for, enjoyed by the owners as their holiday cottage for years. Glazed porch; hall; spacious, light (four windows) living room with large open fireplace, books, maps, comfy sofa/chairs, leading to downstairs bedroom with two single beds; dining room (circular pine table); fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, nice china); downstairs shower-room (suite), and back door to paved yard (space for surfboards, etc.). Upstairs, three bedrooms, all with sea views ­ one double (6' bed), one twin, one single plus folding bed. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Four bedrooms in all. Payphone. Excellent cottage. No smoking indoors. Suitable for partially disabled.

Tregony: largish, rather handsome old village (nice shops, pub, restaurant) on the River Fal (fishing), conveniently central and within easy reach of a very beautiful coast. Pendower beach (see Veryan, left), 6 miles; Portloe and Portholland (tiny fishing villages) and the lovely wooded-creek area around St. Michael Penkevil, all about 4; Mevagissey and Truro (cathedral city), about 9; St. Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula, about 11.

... in the middle of the village, tucked away in a quiet courtyard some 50 yards from the public road, a neat, double-glazed, trouble-free cottage; own good-sized, enclosed and secluded garden (lawn, trees, garden furniture) about 30 yards away down a path. Inside, good quality. Little hall leads to living room with bay window and pretty Victorian fireplace (ornamental); fitted kitchen/dining room (washing machine, microwave, double oven, ceramic hob). Upstairs, two bedrooms, one double, one twin; fully tiled bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Cream tea on arrival. Telephone. Heating and electricity included. Good little cottage. Non smokers preferred.

... also 1¼ miles from Veryan and 50 yards past the cottage described above, at the end of the lane, a strong, typically Cornish 17th cent. farmhouse, comfortably furnished: a splendid family house in excellent situation. Small front garden, and ½ an acre of mown grassy space (table/chairs). Lovely views, the sea ½ mile away just visible from the upstairs windows; Carne and Pendower beaches a mile walk (the two merge at low-tide to give a mile of sand). National Trust land surrounds the house to a mile radius. Very private: only the occasional farmer herding sheep passes by. Living room with open fire; dining room (slate-floored); fitted kitchen (dishwasher, fridge/freezer); downstairs cloakroom with loo, washing machine, tumble drier; and 10 paces from the kitchen door a shower-room (suite plus power-shower), ideal for sandy bodies!. Upstairs, four bedrooms, one double (kingsize bed), three twin. Bathroom (suite). There is another, lockable room with all manner of tools, work-bench, deckchairs for your use, or non-use, according to mood. A friendly place, family owned, family used. Payphone. Heating and electricity included.

... and on the south-western edge of Tregony, set back from the A3078, a traditional stone cottage (middle one of three). Paved, fenced garden to the front and a patio with steps up to sun terrace (very private, table/chairs, barbecue, but not suitable for toddlers) at the back. Inside, amazingly roomy, white painted ceiling beams, white walls, pretty 'Chelsea Garden' fabrics. Living room (CD/radio/cassette player) with 'snug' at one end (bean bags, child-size table/chair, books, games), dark blue suite and 'living flame' fire, glazed door to patio. Smart, well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, freezer) with solid wooden table and chairs. Upstairs, three bedrooms: double (at the back), twin (washbasin) and bunk room (washbasin). Attractive blue and white bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). More books/games in cupboard on landing. Phone for incoming calls. Central heating and electricity included. Parking for one car.

Boswinger: hamlet 2 miles from Gorran Haven (see right) and ½ mile via fields or road from a sandy beach and the coastal path leading in 2 miles to Porthluney Cove and Caerhays Castle (renowned shrub gardens). Nearest shops and pub in Gorran village, 1 mile. Mevagissey (see page 30), 3½ miles; St Austell, 10.

... in the hamlet, an exceptional detached, south-facing, double-glazed, converted cart house in a designated 'area of outstanding natural beauty'; wonderful sea views of Dodman Point (from 'dead man' after the giant who met a sad end here). Own enclosed garden - terrace with stream, pond (fish), coastal views; sloping lawn for playing; small, low-ceilinged, basic games barn (table tennis). Inside, light, spacious with big windows, pine doors, original beams, curved walls, exposed granite. Slate-floored hall with beams to apex and palms; three steps down to dining room with ornamental Victorian tiled fireplace, floor to ceiling windows; large living room with huge inglenook fireplace (electric 'woodburner'), CD player, books, games, toys, floor to ceiling windows and French doors (outstanding views) to patio (barbecue, table/chairs); fitted limed oak kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, freezer, ceramic hob, radio), breakfast table/chairs, back door; useful drying/utility room (washing machine, tumble drier); cloakroom (loo/washbasin). Four bedrooms: master double with large en suite shower-room (suite), and small single downstairs. Upstairs, two more bedrooms - large double with 6' bed (can be separated to 3' twin), and twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Parking for 2 cars. Phone for incoming calls. An extremely comfortable cottage in a brilliant position. Suitable for partially disabled (3 steps). No smoking indoors. Central heating and electricity included.

Gorran Haven: unspoilt fishing village, very pretty, a tight cluster of cottages on the hillside around the harbour, still with good practical shops (baker/grocer, butcher, hairdresser, PO) as well as restaurant and pub. 2 miles south of much bigger Mevagissey. Sandy beach in the harbour; others more secluded within 1½ miles; St. Mawes (sailing), 10 miles; Truro (cathedral city), 15 miles; nearest town: St. Austell, 9 miles. Lost Gardens of Heligan, 2½ miles. The Eden Project, about 12 miles.

... end-of-terrace, split-level, 17th cent. stone cottage - formerly a pilchard press/old bake house - 200 yards up from the harbour (see arrow). Entry from narrow street into pine dining/fitted kitchen (tumble drier, microwave). Two bedrooms on this floor, both with lime washed panelling - one small double with marble washstand and old wooden floors with rug, one twin plus bunks (2'6", can be curtained off). Stairs down to good-sized living room (some exposed stone/ceiling joists) with large stone fireplace ('living flame' fire), pine-panelled wall, tiled floor with rug, and books; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); utility room (washing machine). No sea views, but from 20 yards along footpath to beach there are brilliant ones.

... and halfway down the hill between the village green and the Post Office, and about 500 yards from the sea, a secluded, detached bungalow in its own spacious garden
(barbecue), south-facing with views towards the harbour (but no sea view). Inside, bright, light, lots of windows, well-decorated. Glazed porch overlooking garden leads to the large, comfortable living/dining room with alcove fitted kitchen (dishwasher, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with utility area (washing machine). From this room all others radiate: three bedrooms - double with en suite shower-room (suite, small corner basin), twin, and a single; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable for partially disabled (4 steps).

St. Ewe: pretty little shopless village (nice pub) tucked away in farmland, 2½ miles inland from Mevagissey. The magical Lost Gardens of Heligan, 1 mile. St. Austell (busy small town, the 'china clay capital'; golf, tennis), 5 miles. The Eden Project, about 8 miles.

... a well-renovated 200 year old cottage beside the village square (market cross, churchyard entrance). Enclosed garden (lawn, rock-shrubs, table/chairs, barbecue) behind. Living/dining room with beams, ornamental inglenook fireplace, map, pictures, prints on walls, pine dining table and dresser; fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave); downstairs shower-room (power-shower, suite); back door to garden. Carpeted downstairs, rugs and varnished floor up. Steep stairs (handrail) to two bedrooms, twin (pine bed, washbasin) leading through to double off which is the bath, disguised behind louvred-doors, technically in a cupboard (sounds crazy but actually very clever!).

Porthpean: tiny village (pretty church) by the sea (St Austell Bay), 1 mile south of St Austell (busy town, china clay 'capital'): small sand/rock-pool cove beach between cliffs. Golf, ½ mile. Attractive little working port at Charlestown, 2½ miles (less by coast path). Mevagissey (see page 30) and Lost Gardens of Heligan, both 4 miles. The Eden Project, about 5 miles.

... 150 year old end-of-terrace cottage (formerly the postmaster's) with sea views from upstairs, facing a small square in Porthpean village about 500 yards up from the beach (steep hill). The cottage has recently been renovated with care and style. Front door into pretty and comfy living/dining room (books, pictures, CD player); small, well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer). Upstairs, two bedrooms, both with sea views - a pretty double, a single with extra bed stored beneath it. Bathroom (suite). Good cottage. Membership of local sailing club by arrangement. Heating and electricity included.

Mevagissey: very famous fishing village and, despite the gift shops, still among Cornwall's most magical, the most Mediterranean of all around its big busy harbour in the sunshine. Boat trips (fishing); fishing also from the pier or, way out, for sharks. Sandy beaches, ½ mile, beyond the headlands. Cliff/headland walks; plenty of shops, pubs, restaurants. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (very special), 1½ miles. St. Austell (town), 6 miles ­ golf, tennis.The Eden Project, about 9 miles.

... a remarkable and delightful, large and castellated, vaguely villa-like, absolutely 'one-off' early 20th cent. (with additions) house, called Polpier, in a wonderful position, looking down on Mevagissey harbour and out to sea. Palm trees and a very sheltered heated swimming pool (40' x 20' and 3'6" to 6'6" deep, available 18 April to 31 October) in its 1.6 acres of extremely private, un-overlooked and intriguing garden - terraced lawn with flowers/shrub borders and seats close to the pool, pretty rose/lawn/rock garden with yew trees, toddlers' pool, barbecue, various greenhouses, hard tennis court (modest), and, down a steep wild-flowered orchard and steps, a little walled garden with camellias, climbers, ornamental pool and charming 1950s sculpture by Emile Hartmann.

Off a steep lane about ¼ mile from Mevagissey's centre/shops, gates lead to the house's good-sized forecourt. Paved terrace along the front of the house; steps from it down to the lawn and pool (unfenced). Inside, spacious, civilised. Porch leads to lobby, downstairs cloakroom (loo/washbasin), hall, and lovely big connecting (arch) drawing room and formal dining room (seating for 8), both pine-floored with rugs, big sea-view picture windows and open fires; the dining room's bay window has doors to the terrace. Next to it is a fine sun/breakfast room with table seating 12, also with super views and doors to garden. Across the hall, the newly fitted kitchen (dishwasher, fridge/freezer, Aga, electric oven); off it, utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, Belfast sink) and old-fashioned pantry; small bar to make you smile, complete with rotating ceiling lights; and very large games room with table tennis and mini pool table.

Upstairs, several rooms have balconies. Two staircases (main one from the hall, other from near the bar) up to six bedrooms - three are double, all with 5' beds: master double with the best view of all from its bay window and the balcony, en suite bathroom (suite) and dressing room; another double with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower), dressing room, sea and farmland views and door to balcony; and third double with washbasin and village views; and three twin bedrooms, one of them with en suite bathroom (suite), sea/village views and washbasin, another with sea/village views, washbasin and door to balcony, the third with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower) and looking out to the back. There is another bathroom (suite). Maid service available. Phone. £500 Cautionary Deposit required. A fantastic place for a holiday. Central heating and electricity included.

Polperro: classic fishing village - one of Cornwall's most famous (see left): tiny gap in the cliffs, very pretty harbour, narrow streets, old slate-roofed cottages, pubs, restaurants and shops, traffic (except essential) banned. Boat/fishing trips. Spectacular coast-path walks. Looe, 5 miles.

Good-sized and secluded garden (little lawns, hedges, trees, flowers, patio with table/chairs, barbecue) behind the house. Inside, small hall; comfortable living room (woodburner, CD/radio/cassette); dining room (pine table, chairs, Welsh dresser with pretty plates, huge ornamental fireplace with bread oven) leading to kitchen with oil-fired Aga plus electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and back porch; from dining room, door to utility room (washing machine, tumble drier), shower-room (suite), conservatory (hatch to kitchen), and garden. Upstairs (from hall), three bedrooms - two double, one twin room (with 2nd TV); bathroom (suite); and door to patio and garden. Telephone for incoming calls.

Pelynt: village (pub, several shops) 3 miles from Polperro (see above) and Looe (river-mouth fishing port turned small resort ­ sandy beach, sailing). 'And shall Trelawney die, here's twenty thousand Cornishmen will know the reason why'. This is where he was born and ­ some 300 years ago ­ did die.

... two miles from Pelynt, two pretty detached stone cottages deep in a wooded valley 3½ miles from Looe, with only sounds of birds and bumble bees to interrupt the peace. Footpath to pub (1½ miles, take torch!) along the river valley and through woods. Family donkeys and dogs are extremely friendly and happy to accompany you over owners' 54 acres which encompass St Nun's holy well; its waters are reputed to cure insanity and all visitors are supposed to leave a gift of a 'pin', in this context a pin of ale for the farmer!. Heating and electricity included in both.

Barn Cottage: easy access ramp up to patio and pretty shrub filled lawn garden (furniture) with superb valley views. Entrance hall; beamed living room (open fire), chintzy fabrics, handsome dresser, French windows to garden; fitted kitchen/diner (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer); downstairs loo/washbasin. Stairs up to two bedrooms ­ double with 2'6" single (lovely valley views) and twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

Hobb Cottage: to the front, a low granite wall topped with quartz encircles a pretty flower-filled sun-trap garden. Entrance to hall, loo/washbasin; neat fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer); living/dining room with attractive high beamed ceiling and open fire (lovely valley views); stairs down to double bedroom and shower-room (suite).

South Cornwall: between the tidal rivers Tamar and Fowey and south of Bodmin Moor is inland Cornwall at its most gentle and lovely: wooded valleys deep between sheep and cattle-grazed fields; tidal creeks; exceptionally pretty Lerryn is on one of them. Most of it is delightfully by-passed by main roads. On the coast are long sandy beaches (Whitsand Bay), high headlands and sandy coves at the foot of cliffs (Lantic Bay) to walk to, a classic fishing village (Polperro). From Fowey ­ historic port and still busy but small and attractive ­ you can go on river and coast boat trips: regatta in August. From Looe ­ river-mouth fishing village/resort with sandy beach ­ you can shark fish and sail. Round here Daphne du Maurier lived and wrote. A branch line railway chugs pleasantly from Liskeard to Looe. Don't miss the Musical Instrument Museum near St Keyne. Just to the west is Cornwall's star modern attraction, The Eden Project, worth a once-a-year visit into the future indefinite, and Lanhydrock, a very lovely National Trust house and garden. Beyond them begins the extraordinary and spectacular china clay country, good for a visit, not a stay. You should go to Cotehele, beside the Tamar, too.

Telephone numbers: The Eden Project: 01726 222900

Looe TIC: 01503 262072

Fowey TIC: 01726 833616

Tywardreath: pretty village (excellent pub, shop/PO, award-winning butcher, fish'n'chip shop, fine church with the best peal of bells around), a mile from Par (small china clay port) and its unexciting but sandy beach. Featured in Daphne du Maurier's 'House on the Strand' which is what the name means. Polkerris (very pretty ex-fishing hamlet with small harbour, beach and good pub at the foot of a combe), 1½ miles; Fowey (historic and attractive little river-mouth port), 3 miles. Fine cliff walks to Gribbin Head (coast path). Nearby (though not visitable) is Daphne du Maurier's former home, Menabilly (where 'Rebecca' happened), and there is an annual du Maurier literary festival in Fowey during May. The Eden Project, about 2½ miles.

... in the centre of the village, in a quiet residential road, a charming semi-detached 19th cent. cottage, once home to local mine workers, now thoughtfully renovated into a warm and comfortable place to stay. Small, mostly paved front garden; lovely larger lawned garden with camellias and rhododendrons; behind, herb garden and patio area ideal for evening drinks (table/chairs, barbecue). Inside, living room; kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, gas-fired Aga and two burner electric hob - no other cooker), door to back garden and shed with washing machine. Upstairs, two bedrooms - double and a twin (linkable). Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). No children under 16. Central heating and electricity included.

St Keyne: little village with marvellous (working) musical instrument museum and 'holy well' in beautiful, wooded, hilly farmland 2 miles south of Liskeard and 4 from the sea at Looe. Dobwalls' acclaimed 'family adventure park', 3 miles; Polperro (see page 31), 7 miles.

... a mile from both St Keyne and Duloe (village with pub and shop), on a hillside overlooking a beautiful deep valley, is this split-level detached barn conversion. Own very sheltered sun-trap patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and enclosed garden, and you are welcome in the owners' 3 acres of sloping and terraced garden (many rare plants), orchard and wild-life area (pond, koi carp, butterfly plants); their conservatory, made-over as a mini Eden project, features on the BBC 'Winter Flying Gardener' series. Inside, attractive, light and roomy, double-glazed, 'upside down'. Large, length-of-house living/dining/fitted kitchen with original scissor beams roof and hayloft opening (glazed), 'living flame' gas fire, the kitchen well-equipped (microwave, freezer, ceramic hob). Downstairs, two bedrooms, both attractive with doors to patio and garden - double (pink and peach) and twin (yellow and gold); good-sized bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Also washing machine and use of owners' tumble drier. No smoking indoors. Central heating and electricity included. A delightful place at any time of the year.

Liskeard: handsome and lively small market town in lovely country of deep wooded valleys, farmed hills, rivers and streams, about 6 miles from the sea at and around Looe (small attractive river-mouth port-cum-resort with sand beach and yachts). On main line railway. Just to the north is Bodmin Moor. Riding nearby. St Mellion golf course, 9 miles; other courses nearer. Fowey, very pretty historic river port, 21 miles.

... and on the very edge of Liskeard, with views over countryside, an annexe to the owner's Grade II listed house in a quiet residential road. Own enclosed garden (table/chairs, barbecue) and a private agricultural museum. Inside, surprisingly spacious; high ceilings, lots of light. Comfortable living room, ornamental fireplace with gas fire, good books, videos; fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave). Two bedrooms - one double, one single, both with clock radios. Bathroom (suite plus shower). Sofa bed available. Suitable for partially disabled. German and French spoken. Heating and electricity included.

Merrymeet: tiny village in farmland of rolling fields, wooded valleys, long views, 3 miles east of Liskeard. The sea at Looe, 10 miles; Bodmin Moor, 5.

... in a valley a mile east of Merrymeet, a little 'upside down' cottage with lots of character and 1½ acres of pretty bird-song garden (willow-tree-shaded lawn bordered by stream, table/chairs, barbecue), shared with owners. It is about 50 yards back and tree-screened from the A390 road. Outside staircase to porch; very appealing living/dining room with good comfy furniture, CD player, books, ornaments, and big window with lovely view of garden and fields beyond. Oak-pillared frame semi-divides it from galley kitchen (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, Aga plus 3-burner cooker, radio). Downstairs: hall; double bedroom with bathroom (bath plus bath-shower) en suite; separate loo. Glazed door to sun lounge. Folding bed available. Spring water. Friendly.

...in a wooded valley, rural and peaceful off a very quiet lane 1 mile south of Liskeard's centre, one of two cottages (the other is the owners' home) converted from a stone barn. They and another nearby cottage share an indoor heated swimming pool (30' x 14' and 3'6" to 6'6" deep) with changing room (shower, loo) 15 yards away. In front of the cottage is a neat enclosed garden. There is also a 'romping' field/paddock shared with two Shetland ponies, for energetic children or pets. Inside, comfy living room (woodburner), fitted kitchen/diner (dishwasher, microwave, freezer); stairs up to two bedrooms - a double and a room with two single beds. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Laundry facilities available. Comfy, central for touring, and quiet. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included.

Seaton: the river Seaton wriggles through beautiful woods down to the sea at Seaton, a hamlet with PO/shop, pub (good food), beach cafe, bistro and coarse sand beach. Country park nearby with butterfly garden, walks and children's play area . Next to it is Downderry (see page 33). 2 miles away a monkey sanctuary,

...200 yards from the beach, on the western edge of the village, a detached house built into the side of a hill with very peaceful wooded views. A garden (tiny pond) on various levels (not suitable for toddlers) sheltered enough for peach and grape with verandah (table/benches and barbecue). Inside, large glazed porch, comfy living room (radio/cassette) with view of garden, fitted kitchen/diner (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer), loo. Upstairs to two bedrooms - double and twin, both with pretty wooded views. Bathroom (suite plus separate shower). Narrow shared access to garage. Heating and electricity included. Comfortable and quiet in an unhurried area.

... and in off-the-beaten-track farmland, a mile from Trematon and 1½ miles from Saltash (shops, pubs) and a boat-filled creek, a strong, detached, stone Georgian farmhouse with small enclosed front garden, larger one (lawn, apple trees, sheltered) and patio (table/chairs, barbecue) to the side. Next door, big games room (pool table, table tennis). Lovely walks on the owners' almost 1000 acre estate - woods, farmland, little creeks off the Lynher estuary: very private; bird-watching. Map provided. Inside, comfy, well-equipped, attractive: good woodwork/doors. Large porch; hall; smallish living room (woodburner); hub-of-house dining/kitchen with polished wooden floor, good pine table, large granite fireplace (woodburner) and stereo (LPs/tapes/radio), the excellent two-part fitted kitchen containing dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, electric oven, gas hob, two-basin sink, cloam sink, fridge/freezer in pantry. Large downstairs shower-room (suite). Upstairs, three good bedrooms - large double with mini-woodburner and dressing room, one twin (both these with long beautiful farmland and estuary views), and one with two single beds; big smart bathroom (two washbasins, bidet, loo). Sleeps six including babies. Payphone. Tumble drier in shed just outside. Good at all seasons.

Trematon: little village (pub, no shop) 2½ miles, via the Tamar Bridge, into Cornwall, above the deep wooded valley of the Lynher River. Plymouth, 6½ miles; nearest sea/beaches, 11.

... and 1¼ miles from Trematon, in the hamlet of Elmgate, two excellent cottages created to a very high standard from barns by the delightful owners who live opposite. They are surrounded by fields and trees and set in a pretty courtyard (gas barbecue for each) with well stocked flower beds. The railway line runs in a deep cutting nearby (no direct access) so an occasional whoosh as a train passes. Swallows, starlings and Canada geese are regular visitors. Each barn is double-glazed, prettily furnished and decorated, and has use of a plastic-roofed heated swimming pool (32' x 16', up to 7' deep) hidden in trees nearby. Amazingly, its heat is generated from the owners' greenhouse. Also laundry room with washing machine and tumble drier. Heating and electricity included in both. A greatly appreciated place.

Merryfield Barn (on left of picture above and interior left) has a large split-level living/dining/kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, CD/radio/cassette player) with glazed back door to small patio area (table/chairs, barbecue). Downstairs loo. Upstairs, three bedrooms - double, twin and bunk bedroom. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

Bushel Barn (pictured below and on right of picture above) has a big kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave) which, when the barn is booked with Merryfield, can accommodate 12 people. Smallish living room (CD/radio/cassette player) with French windows to courtyard (table/chairs, barbecue). Single bedroom and loo downstairs. Upstairs, three further bedrooms - double, twin and another single - bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and door to private patio. Four bedrooms in all.

Downderry: seaside village (pub, shop) on a hillside 4 miles east of Looe (pretty river-mouth fishing town/resort). Beach of rocks, sandy patches. At its end, where a river leaves a wooded valley for the sea, is Seaton with coarse sand. Monkey sanctuary, 2 miles; golf, 4; Plymouth (via car ferry), 9, or via bridge, 14.

... 50 yards from Downderry's beach, a 250 year old former coastguard cottage, single-storey, on top of a low cliff but safely fenced. It is very simply furnished and old fashioned, but an ideal place to enjoy a real seaside holiday. You can even enjoy the garden (table/chairs) whilst watching the children play on the beach. Flagstoned entrance porch for buckets, spades and wellie-boots, small hall and cosy living room with open fire and bay window looking out to sea; fitted kitchen/dining room (microwave, fridge/freezer) also with sea views. Three bedrooms - all with wasbasins - a smallish double (4' bed), single, and single plus bunks; bathroom (bath with bath-power-shower, loo) with door to small back garden and original laundry with washing machine. Payphone for outgoing calls. Off road parking, 10 yards. Good fun for six people, probably better for four but excellent value. Electricity included.

... Sea Breeze is a semi-detached 1920s house in the heart of Downderry, 100 yards from shop, friendly pub and path down to the beach. Steps from road to front door and on up to patio (barbecue) and grassed area, but worth the climb for the sea views. Inside, living room with open fire and off it a tiled sun-room with panoramic sea views from Rame Head to Looe. Fitted kitchen/
dining room with dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/ freezer. Downstairs shower/loo. Upstairs, three bedrooms - double with sea views, single, and a 'cabin room' (small room with raised bed); bathroom (suite plus shower). Phone for incoming calls.

Whitsand Bay (pictured below left): a 5 mile stretch of sand and rocks, almost always uncrowded because no roads to the shore, between Rame Head and Portwrinkle (golf).

... about 1½ miles from Millbrook (see below), a little detached cliff house with splendid sea views to Rame Head and footpath down to beach (approx. 150 yds). Once a summer hut, it has been completely re-built and is now a fully insulated, double-glazed, comfortable home. About 150 yards of rough footpath ending in steps lead down to it from the road. Grass surrounds it. Porch, useful for boots and coats, leads into the living/kitchen/dining room - glazed sliding doors open to the patio with stunning sea views. Polished wooden floors, colourful rugs and a fully fitted kitchen area in light wood (microwave), pine table and chairs. On the ground floor, shower-room (suite) and pretty double bedroom. Stairs lead from the living room to a twin room with low sloping ceilings and play space for children, so two bedrooms in all. No children under 7, except for pre-crawling babies. No smoking. Electricity included.

Millbrook: old Cornish village (pub, shops) at the head of a creek off the River Tamar, a mile from the sea at Whitsand Bay (sandy beach, see above), Kingsand (see page 36), and Mount Edgcumbe Country Park (beautiful gardens, fine house, superb views). From Cremyll (good pub) 2½ miles away, pedestrian ferry to Plymouth (bus/taxi to city centre, theatre, Hoe, shops, etc.). Plymouth by car ferry, about 7 miles. Boating/bird-watching on the Tamar.

... ½ mile out of village, beside a lane in a farming valley, is Tregonhawke Farm. Part of the farmhouse is 16th cent. (bee boles can still be seen in the garden wall); the name means 'bodyguard'. The charming owner - a local historian, happy to take visitors on walks over her coastal SSSI land - has recently created a spacious and comfortable first floor apartment in a building attached to the farmhouse. It looks on and over (to farmland) a pretty, enclosed lawn garden with flowering cherries, in which you are welcome. Stairs to open-plan living/dining room/kitchen (microwave) with stripped pine floor, rugs, pine table/chairs, and four-poster double bedroom with en suite loo and separate shower cubicle. Good place for honeymooners, walkers and fishermen. The owner's son has coarse fishing ponds nearby. Payphone. Heating and electricity included. No smoking.

Crafthole: small village (pleasant pub, shop) ½ mile from the sea/sand at Portwrinkle (golf) on Whitsand Bay (above). Plymouth (via car ferry), 6 miles. Kingsand (page 36), 5½ miles; Antony House (Nat. Trust), 4 miles; Mount Edgcumbe Park and gardens, 6½.

...¹_/2 mile from the village, off a very quiet lane with farmland all round, an incredibly smart, sunny and light double-glazed bungalow with pretty flowerbeds all around, across the lawn (table/chairs) from the owners' bungalow. Magnificent long views over farmland to the River Lynher, mouth of the Tamar, and distant Plymouth from the garden, kitchen and double bedroom. Beautiful, very peaceful situation. Friendly owners. Inside, hall; attractive L-shaped living/dining room (gas fire, children's games, radio/cassette), stylish and well-equipped fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave, breakfast bar). Two bedrooms: one double with farmland views, one twin (2'6"). Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Central heating, gas fire and hot water included. Suitable for partially disabled (4 steps, handrail).

Antony: little village (pub, PO/shop, mediaeval church) with superb Queen Anne house (Antony House ­ Nat. Trust) just outside it, 3 miles into Cornwall from Plymouth (via the car ferry across the River Tamar). Close by is the beautiful Lynher estuary. Whitsand Bay (see above), 3 miles; Kingsand (see page 36), 5 miles.

... in the village, Trevidavean - 'the little cottage belonging to Vida' - has been in the same Cornish family for 250 years. Modernised, made smart, it is still characterful and pretty. It is semi-detached with its own garden and patio in front, from which views over a few Antony rooftops to the Lynher estuary, Tamar bridge, and even Dartmoor. Inside, mainly slate window-sills, beams, double-glazed, comfortably furnished. Slate-floored living room with fireplace and woodburner (logs extra); dining room with table seating six and glazed cupboard with old china/glass; archway to very smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, radio/cassette player) with breakfast bar in front of big picture window (view); hall; tiled bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Just outside, good-sized utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer, sink, space for windsurfing gear, etc.). Stairs from the living room up to two bedrooms - twin and larger double, light with two big floor to ceiling windows, one leading to a balcony with lovely view (sunbathing); and loo/washbasin. Payphone. Heating and electricity included.

Inside, the house is a beautiful family home; elegant without being frightening; comfortable, a happy feeling to it. Hall, off which the drawing room with three big windows, plenty of bookshelves, and a lovely marble open fireplace; a smaller living room/library, with TV/video, ornamental marble fireplace, bookshelves (good books) either side; corridor and glazed door lead to the terrace; marvellous dark emerald green dining room with fine marble (ornamental) fireplace, recessed arched alcoves either side with lovely plates, and dining table seating 10; smart kitchen with four door Aga plus double oven and four ceramic burners in the 'island', dishwasher, microwave, breakfast area with table seating 8, and glazed door to back lawn garden. Off the kitchen, utility room with washing machine, tumble drier, fridge/freezer, sink. Cloakroom with shower-room (suite). Payphone.

Stairs up to six good-sized bedrooms, all with washbasins (usually hidden away in cupboards). Lovely, large master double bedroom (above the drawing room) with 5'6" bed and splendid views of the garden and estuary; and, beside it, a smaller room with two single beds. Bathroom (suite). At the top of the stairs, two twin bedrooms with views over the garden; they share a large bathroom (suite). Off the landing, a twin and a slightly smaller twin room - these two rooms share a bathroom (suite). That is six bedrooms, three bathrooms, one shower-room. All very civilised and peaceful, a lovely home. Everything included. Cautionary Deposit of £250 required.

... the Lynher River estuary is one of the most peaceful in the West Country, its creeks, coves and mud-flats ideal hiding/nesting places for wading and sea birds. 50 yards from the river and ¹/₃ mile from Antony village (see page 34), beside a little creek, is Clift House, a large, strong, Grade II listed, 12th to 19th cent. farmstead of fascinating, part-monastic history. Recent renovation has made it a beautiful, comfortable family home. Terrace, lawns with children's play equipment, barbecue, orchard and other grassy areas around. Bring your own boat (shallow draught); many beaches to land at. Shore or boat fishing (bass, mackerel, flounder). Large outbuildings for your bikes, etc.

Dining room with window seat, gothic windows with original shutters. Splendid, large kitchen/dining room with window seat, big dining table, Poggenpohl fittings, four-oven Aga, cloam sink, dishwasher, combi-microwave, electric cooker, CD player, tiled floor; slate-slab larder (freezer). Studded oak door to beautiful, big and comfortable living room (enormous stone fireplace with woodburner, high beamed ceiling, flagstone floor with rugs); games room (table tennis, darts, books, toys) with enormous stone fireplace (ornamental). Downstairs loo/washbasin. Utility room (washing machine, tumble drier), and room with shower.

Two staircases up to five bedrooms: master double with lovely views over the estuary, dressing room/children's nursery, and big bathroom (suite plus hand-shower and bidet) separating it (two doors both lockable) from a twin bedroom; another large twin with ancient carved wooden door and plasterwork frieze; old fireplace with family crest in a room with double and single beds. Two more bathrooms (both suite plus hand-shower) ­ that's three in all. Hallway with books. And alone on the second floor, up steep stairs, the former chapel (maybe) with beamed ceiling to apex is now another double bedroom. All bedrooms are big, lovely, well-furnished, attractively lit. Payphone. An extremely well and attractively furnished house of great atmosphere in splendid setting. Cautionary Deposit of £100 required. Central heating and electricity included.

The exquisite adjoining fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are two of Cornwall's very best, something positively Italian about them, sheltered by a wooded headland at the mouth of Plymouth Sound; pebble-and-sand beaches, pubs,
essential shops. Canoes and windsurf boards for hire in Cawsand. Flower-boat ceremony on May Day. Whitsand Bay (big, sandy beach), 1 mile; Mount Edgcumbe Park (800 acres for walking) and gardens (beautiful) and pedestrian ferry to Plymouth (city amenities, theatre, cinema, Hoe, old Barbican area, harbours), 2¹/₂ miles. Plymouth by car ferry, about 8¹/₂ miles.

...virtually on Cawsand's waterfront, a three-storey terraced house, in the same family for years. Wonderful views from all front windows across the bay to Plymouth Sound. Gently modernised, made high quality, the house retains its family-owned atmosphere. Front door from pavement/narrow street to long hall; off this, good-sized double bedroom with excellent large en suite shower-room (suite); alcove with washing machine, tumble drier, freezer; and shower-room. On first floor: living room with bay window, ornamental fireplace (pretty tiles) flanked by arched recesses (books), CD/cassette player/radio, guitar, Casio keyboard, old piano, games, jigsaws; dining room/excellent fitted oak kitchen (dishwasher, microwave). On second floor: three bedrooms - master double (tremendous sea views, washbasin) and twin (washbasin), both with doors to the bathroom (suite), and bunk bedroom (great views, access to bathroom via another bedroom). Four bedrooms in all. Phone for incoming calls. From backyard (useful for sailboards, etc.) with outside loo/washbasin, 14 steep steps (handrail, childgate) up to two small sheltered patios (table/chairs, barbecue), pretty with rockery, fuchsia, rambling rose. Ground floor (only) suitable for partially disabled. Heating and electricity included. A very well looked after house.

... just 30 yards from the waterfront/beach in Kingsand, a charming utterly 'own home' little cottage (below arrow in picture above) with, hidden from the very narrow street behind big oak door, cobbled courtyard (flowers) shared with owner and her guests. Pub, 30 yards. Sea views from the living room and one bedroom window; double-glazed. Living room with lovely open fireplace, mirror, comfy sofa, antiques, lots of interesting paintings, plants, ornaments. Small, easy-to-work-in, well-equipped kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, double oven); utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer); steepish stairs to three bedrooms ­ one double with door to bathroom; another smaller double with starry ceiling to apex, and a single room, best for children, also with door to bathroom (suite with Victorian painted bath). Access to the bathroom from the smaller double is via one of the other bedrooms. Phone for incoming calls. Weekly parking ticket available by arrangement.

... in Kingsand, 100 yards from the beach, a large terraced house, part 18th century, with thick knobbly walls and exposed beams. Much family-loved, very comfy with good pieces of antique furniture but not grand. At the back, a fair sized sheltered sun-trap courtyard (garden furniture) on two levels (2' drop ­ beware toddlers!). Entrance doors immediately off lane into large square hall with comfy chairs; step up to living room with good sofas and huge stone fireplace (woodburner) with open access on either side to kitchen/diner (microwave) looking to courtyard. Basic bathroom (suite plus hand-shower ­ useful for rinsing wet-suits and sandy feet), with washing machine; back door to courtyard. Spiral stairs up to rambling landing and four bedrooms ­ double, large twin, small twin and single. Bathroom (suite). Phone (incoming calls only). Loading and unloading outside only, but car park only 30 yards ­ weekly tickets £9 - £14. Comfy family home in a stunningly pretty village. No pets from 18 July to 29 August.

Cawsand Fort - one of several forts built in the 19th century when Lord Palmerston was worried about the French - overlooks Kingsand and Cawsand (see page 36). It is about 200 yards by steep steps from the beach and shops, a bit further by curving road.

... in Cawsand Fort, a smart apartment for up to six people, with its own marvellous views (pictured) out to Plymouth Sound and over the village and clocktower in Kingsand. It is the owners' second home. The apartment is all on one floor; from a small entrance porch, stairs up to spacious, open-plan living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave) divided by a series of arches. In the living room, patio doors lead to a balcony with table and chairs. Some very interesting and historic pictures of the surrounding area, good books, lots of light. Three bedrooms - double and two twin (one with its own balcony). Shower-room (suite) and separate bathroom (suite). Telephone. No smoking. First £20 of electricity free.

... and in the heart of Kingsand (see page 36), an excellently renovated 18th century terraced cottage, about 150 yards from the beach, with a hugely long south facing lawn garden at the back ­ very private. Door from lane to hall; very pleasant living room looking to garden; dining room with pretty fireplace (open fire); stairs down to smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave) with buttercup yellow Rayburn (which runs the CH/hot water), also electric oven, stone floor, low beams (beware!) and doors to paved terrace and garden. Upstairs, three bedrooms ­ double with washbasin and ornamental fireplace, another double with corner shower, and a bunk bedroom. Snazzy purple bathroom (suite plus hand-shower) with roll-top slipper bath and ornamental fireplace! Also reasonably civilised outdoor loo. Loading and unloading outside cottage only, car park 60 yards (£9 - £14 pw) ­ if you are lucky, limited lane parking, 20 yards. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included.

Helland: hamlet with church in high farmland above the River Camel (fishing, 'Camel Trail'). Open moorland, 2 miles; Bodmin (town), about 3; the sea at Rock (sandy beach, sailing, watersports), about 10 miles, golf, 4 miles.

Inside, hall; good-sized living/dining room (open fire, CD player). Fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer). From hall, steps up to a twin bedroom and shower-room (suite). Upstairs, three more bedrooms ­ a double, twin and bunks. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Four bedrooms in all. Telephone. Central heating and electricity included.

Bodmin Moor: great sweeps of moor-grass rise to Rough Tor and Brown Willy, from a distance as like mountains as anything on Dartmoor; granite-walled sheep enclosures and incredibly isolated farms; weird rock formations; Jamaica Inn which smugglers kept quiet and Daphne du Maurier made famous; peaty pools (in one, some say, Excalibur was thrown) and big reservoirs (fishing, watersports); remnants of tin and china clay mining (both long ceased) and pre-history; lovely wooded river valleys round its edges. Not a National Park, so unprotected from soft-wood forest and wind-farm fiends; an interesting, bleak, lonely, and often beautiful place to walk, nonetheless. Blisland is one of Cornwall's prettiest villages; St Neot's village church has some exceptional mediaeval stained glass.

Telephone numbers: Bodmin TIC: 01208 76616

Camelford TIC: 01840 212954

Merry Meeting: hamlet in the lovely wooded valley of the bubbling high waters of the River Camel, a mile from Blisland (see page 39). Riverside walks and bike rides through woods and fields ('Camel Trail'). Open moorland (Bodmin Moor), 2 miles. The sea/beach at Port Isaac/Polzeath, about 12. Bodmin, 5 miles.

... beside a lane leading in 200 yards down to the river and 'Camel Trail', a former farmhouse recently renovated and made comfortable and welcoming by its owners. Fly-fishing in the Camel and de Lank rivers by arrangement. Small walled front garden (flowers, shrubs) and, to the side of the house, a small tree-screened grassy area for sitting out (table/chairs). Stone porch leads to living room with big granite fireplace (open fire) with bread oven, and spacious wooden-floored dining room with Aga in inglenook fireplace and window seats, off which a small fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer) with stable door to garden. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Upstairs, four light bedrooms - two doubles (one with 5' bed), twin, and single. No smoking.

Blisland: one of Cornwall's most attractive villages. Old cottages, pub, and mediaeval church with brightly painted screen, around a tree-shaded green in wooded, steep-valley farmland below the western edge of Bodmin Moor. Nearby is the River Camel (trout/salmon fishing, and start of the 'Camel Trail' cycleway). The sea at Port Isaac, about 9 miles, or Polzeath (great beach) and Rock (water-sports), about 12. Bodmin, 5.

'Harry', the largest and end cottage (picture above left) is 'upside-down' and split-level, and has quite magnificent room (picture left) upstairs - 42' x 17', all open-plan with high ceiling rising to apex, superb beams and other ancient timbers exposed, fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, gas cooker, fridge/freezer) at one end, the rest living/dining room with huge stone fireplace (woodburner), tuned piano, CD player, door to large lawn, and big end window looking to trees, fields. Downstairs, three bedrooms, double (four poster) with en suite bathroom (suite), twin, and room with bunks and single bed; shower-room and separate loo, both with washbasins; and slated hall leading to door to walled garden. N.B. The great upstairs room won a commendation from the Cornish Buildings Group.

The two smaller cottages (picture left) are also 'upside-down', spilt-level.

'Tom' (white door on right in picture) has open-plan living (woodburner, CD player)/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave, ceramic-tiled breakfast bar and worktop, gas cooker). Upstairs, two bedrooms, double and twin; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); and door to larger lawn.

'Dick' (in the middle) is slightly smaller. Open-plan living (CD player)/
dining/fitted kitchen (microwave, ceramic-tiled breakfast bar and worktop, gas cooker). Upstairs, two bedrooms, double and twin; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); door to larger lawn.

Each cottage has its own distinct character: nothing stereotyped. All relaxed, charming.

The cottage, called Tumrose Cottage, has its own good-sized enclosed lawn-garden and paved patio (table/chairs). Inside, all simple good taste, good quality, well-planned, efficient, light, pretty. Porch; glazed doors to open-plan living/dining/kitchen with deep bow window (seat) looking to garden, woodburner, old ceiling timbers retained, the kitchen very nicely fitted and equipped (washer-drier, microwave); door to passage off which two bedrooms, double and twin (2'6" beds), both smallish but very attractive with good pine furniture, pretty curtains, lights; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); second loo with washbasin. Barbecue available. Games room (table tennis, freezer). Central heating and firewood included. Suitable for partially
disabled.

... Higher Tumrose, the single-storey house (see above), is a barn conversion plus extension, detached, well designed and full of character: big rooms, good and comfortable furniture (some antiques), good pictures, and superb long views. Own terrace/patio (table/chairs), good-sized lawn divided from fields by ha ha; pretty sunken garden; all very secluded. Inside: hall; elegant living room with open fire, fine grandfather clock, bureau-bookcase (good books), games, French windows to balcony (superb views), and glazed double doors to big, comfortable, parquet-floored sun-lounge with tremendous views. Excellent, depth-of-house, well-equipped fitted kitchen/diner with dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/ freezer; dining table overlooking the terrace and garden. Four bedrooms: very large, light, master double (5' wide x 6'7" long bed) with Wilton carpet, another wonderful - and in bed - view via big bay window (window seat), and en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower); two twin rooms (one with beds zip-linked to make 6' double); and one single (2'6" bed); second bathroom (suite plus shower unit). Central heating and some firewood included.

St Neot: largish village with fine church (mediaeval glass), good pub, shop/PO and playing field on the southern side of Bodmin Moor (see page 38); Golitha Falls and a very pretty stretch of the River Fowey, 3 miles; water sports and trout fishing at Siblyback reservoir, about 6 miles; ancient stone circles near Common Moor, about 6 miles; the sea at Looe, about 15 miles. Main railway at Bodmin Parkway, 5 miles, or Liskeard, 5 miles.

... 2 miles from St. Cleer and one from open moorland (Bodmin Moor) is Merryfield Manor, a remarkable and splendid house - a latter-day 'manor house' (thick-walled, oak-beamed, Delabole-slate-roofed), granite-built with their own hands by its owners. Much appreciated for several years, it has its own private indoor heated swimming pool (available 8am - 10pm). It is 100 yards off a very quiet lane, beside a 114 acre farm (sheep, cattle, lambs in spring, organic) which you can walk.

Good-sized enclosed garden (flowers, shrubs, lawn, apple trees, barbecue, table/chairs) and gravelled forecourt. Across this is the indoor heated pool (30' x 13' x 5'9" - 3'6" deep), changing room (shower, loo, basin), and sauna. The house has oak front door; flagstoned hall; house-height, beamed living room ('great hall') with flagstoned floor (rugs), mighty granite fireplace (woodburner), lots of books, stereo/CD player, and 'minstrels gallery'; big dining room/excellently equipped and attractive kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer, solid fuel Rayburn plus electric cooker) with limed oak units, dark blue tiles, slate floor and big refectory table/benches, and door to patio and lawn. Five bedrooms: two downstairs ­ one twin designed for disabled people with shower-room (suite), and one with bunks. Upstairs, three bedrooms ­ master double with dressing room and en suite shower-room (suite), another double, and one twin ­ and bathroom (suite). Payphone. Central heating and electricity included. The extremely good owner lives nearby. Suitable for wheelchair bound people.

£75 Cautionary Deposit required here.

... and down the same farm track but separate from Merryfield Manor is Merryfield Farmhouse: same 114 acre farm to wander, keeping to the country code. It is 16th cent. with Victorian extensions, restored with much enthusiasm and flair by its owners, now an extremely comfortable, spacious home with - in a barn across the yard - its very own lovely indoor heated swimming pool (24' x 12' x 3'6"), sauna, shower-room (suite), and big games room with table tennis, pool table, darts. Garden (flowers, patio, barbecue); larger grassy lawn/play area behind.

Inside, it is well furnished, full of books, many 'own home' touches. Porch into large dining hall with lovely tallboy, other antiques, pictures, good dining table, door to garden; oak-beamed living room with enormous, granite lintelled fireplace (woodburner) and original bread oven, CD player; well-equipped fitted kitchen (microwave, small breakfast table/benches); utility room (dishwasher, washer-drier, fridge/freezer). Four bedrooms: twin downstairs with en suite shower-room (suite, disabled access). Via boxed stairs from the living room, double bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Up main staircase, two bedrooms - excellent master double (second TV, wooden floor/rugs) with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower, bidet), and single room with door to bathroom. Payphone. Central heating and electricity included. Suitable for wheelchair bound people. £75 Cautionary Deposit.

... 2 miles seaward of Holsworthy is Parnacott, a beautiful, mainly Georgian house (some parts 17th cent.), Grade II listed, in the same family since 1580 (Pepys was an ancestor), set in 32 acres of gardens, fields and trees, with lawn, mature rhododendrons, two dozen different old rose species, a pond (wildfowl) and woodland walks.

... an 'upside down' large detached stone barn converted in 2002, with lots of beams, polished wooden floors, good fabrics and space, at the end of about 200 yards of private lane on the Holsworthy side of the village; golf course, 2 miles. Delightful spot, absolutely tranquil and private with long farmland views. To the front, sun-trap paved courtyard (furniture, barbecue) and large lawn shaded by a mature beech, stream beyond (fenced but toddlers beware!) and ten acres to wander. Good-sized games barn to one side and charming owners' pretty cottage to the other side.

Inside, hall leads to three bedrooms ­ double with en suite shower-room (suite), twin, and one with two single beds ­ bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); good use of large windows in the hall make this light and airy. Upstairs to landing and living/dining room/kitchen with large vaulted ceiling and plenty of exposed beams, huge chimney breast (woodburner), large refectory table/chairs (far-reaching country views, books, games, CD/cassette/radio), attractive greens/blues/yellows in kitchen area (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer); double bedroom; separate loo/washbasin. Four bedrooms in all. Utility room outside with washing machine and tumble drier. Phone. No smoking. A great family house at any time of the year. Central heating and electricity included.

The cottage has living (sofa bed)/dining/kitchen (microwave, freezer, gas cooker) with door to own patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and shared garden. Two bedrooms - double and twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable for partially disabled.

The ground floor flat has living/dining room with glass doors to own patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and views over the garden to open farmland; fitted kitchen (microwave); two bedrooms - one double, one with two single beds (2'6"); bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable for partially disabled.

The upstairs flat is reached by own staircase leading up to cosy open-plan living/dining room (sofa bed)/fitted kitchen (microwave); double bedroom, prettily decorated, farmland views; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Own patio (table/chairs, barbecue).

Inside, very attractive, comfortable, well-maintained and spacious - all good-sized rooms. The porch/front door in picture is yours alone; big hall; peaceful, pretty drawing room with inglenook fireplace (woodburner) and French windows, overlooking the garden; dining room with big table seating eleven, leading to smart, well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); downstairs loo. Upstairs, four bedrooms, one double plus bunks (2'6") with shower-room en suite, one double plus 2'6" single bed (washbasin), another double (washbasin), and one twin (washbasin); bathroom (suite); also separate shower. Three loos in all. A much praised and enjoyed place.

... in Stoke, a detached, thatched, Grade II listed 16th cent. house with courtyard, enclosed garden (barbecue) and heated swimming pool (28' x 16' and 3' to 7' deep, available 10 May - 13 September). The garden is partly walled and peaceful with mature shrubs and an apple and big ash tree. Games room (table tennis, pool, darts). Lovely walks through Hartland Abbey's woods to the sea. A quiet, working couple live in the annexe across the courtyard.

Formerly owned by the Abbey, the house has been beautifully converted, lovingly restored, furnished. Slate-floored hall; comfortable, beamed living/dining room with inglenook fireplace (woodburner), music centre, Welsh dresser, pine dining table; very well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with tiled floor and stable door to back patio and courtyard. Off the kitchen, two steps down, twin bedroom (2'6" beds, 2nd TV); also downstairs loo and washbasin. Steep stairs (handrail) up to three more bedrooms - beamed master double with ceiling to apex, one with double plus single bed (2'6"), and a single. Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Four bedrooms in all. Payphone. Central heating and electricity included.

North Devon coast: perhaps the most varied of all, from Hartland Quay with its tremendous cliffs and multi-coloured rocks like dinosaurs' backs, via car-free Clovelly village tumbling to the sea and the estuaries of the rivers Torridge (where Tarka lived) and Taw, and Braunton's wilderness of sand dunes (all good for bird-watching), to the best sand/surf beaches in Devon at Saunton (the West Country's best golf course too), Croyde and Woolacombe, all the way to Exmoor (see page 45).

The main town is Barnstaple ­ busy, thriving, not too big. The Tarka Trail cycleway (bikes for hire) follows, very attractively, the River Torridge from deep inland to the sea and on past Instow's good beach and lovely cricket ground to Barnstaple. From Hartland Point's lighthouse, great views to Lundy Island ­ and from Ilfracombe ships (day trips) to it. In Appledore unusual ships are built and its heart is very pretty. Elizabethan merchantmen sailed from Bideford. Inland, woods and fields roll, sometimes steeply, with streams, rivers and farms, almost totally unspoilt ­ as is most of the coast.

Telephone numbers: for Tarka Trail bikes: 01271 372586

Barnstaple TIC: 01271 375000

Trips to Lundy Island from Ilfracombe/Clovelly/Bude: 01271 863636

... in the hamlet, a charmingly converted Grade II listed mill in an acre of truly stunning gardens with its own indoor heated swimming pool (16' square, to 5'6" deep, available Easter to October) in a separate building. The owners have created a most magical place to stay. You have use of 'the Boy's Circle' - where herbaceous plants and shrubs enclose a lawn with a statue of a boy in its middle - the orchard with old Devonshire apple trees, and a sheltered sun-trap patio (tables/chairs); the owners are pleased to show you the main garden on request. Inside, comfort and imagination. Three floors: on the middle floor living room with woodburner in a huge stone fireplace, wooden floor with rug, CD/cassette/radio, through to small hall with pine dresser. Loo with washbasin. Big conservatory with cane furniture looking to the garden, and fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer). Utility room (washing machine, tumble drier). On the ground floor, two bedrooms - four poster double with the original beams and millstone, TV, sofa and en suite shower-room (suite), and a canopied half tester double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). On the top floor, three further bedrooms - double with en suite bathroom (suite plus separate shower), twin (low beam) with glazed door to a small balcony, a pretty single - and a bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Altogether, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, five loos. No smoking. Telephone for incoming calls. Central heating and electricity included.

Berrynarbour: a particularly pretty little village (frequent winner of best kept village award) with church, good pub, PO/shop, tea rooms, whitewashed cob cottages, many thatched, a mile from the coast (cliffs, coast path, coves) and 2
miles from Combe Martin (see page 45). Golf at Ilfracombe (smallish resort town), about 2 miles. Woolacombe's great sand/surf beaches, about 7 miles. Exmoor National Park, 5 miles.

... in East Down hamlet, the Old Chapel - a detached former Methodist chapel - has been converted with flair. It is the owners' holiday home and, as such, filled with extra perks (toys, games, books) and comfort. Outside at the back, a south-facing, enclosed, paved sun-trap patio (barbecue, table/benches); in front, a sitting out area and terracing - good country views. Inside, small hall (downstairs loo) leads to good-sized main hall; large family kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) with long pine table/chapel benches, fine collection of antique plates on the wall; down a few steps to a big utility room with washing machine, tumble drier, freezer and second fridge; dining room with conservatory overlooking the patio; spacious, pretty, triple aspect L-shaped living room with French windows to patio, stone fireplace (open fire), CD, radio. Upstairs, four bedrooms - double with beams, three arched windows and en suite bathroom (suite plus double shower); one twin bedroom; another twin bedroom (one 2'6"); and a cosy little room with single pine bed; bathroom (suite); small drying room. Electricity included.

Croyde: large village following the curve of its wonderful sandy bay (regarded as Britain's finest surfing beach) with pretty thatched pub (well known for its good food), several beach shops and indoor heated leisure pool; original part mostly Georgian but many 20th century additions. Excellent golf at Saunton, 2 miles. Coastal path to Baggy Point (particularly good bird-watching). Barnstaple with its shops, theatre and restaurants, about 10 miles.

... a detached modern house at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac 500 yards from beach and pub. At the back, a neat, enclosed, secluded sun-trap garden with Saunton Downs beyond. Inside, warm and comfortable at any time of the year; hall with
shower-room (suite), front to back living/dining room (toy box, videos, books, CD/radio) with patio sliding doors to garden (picnic table/benches); white fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), door to garden and garage with washing machine, tumble drier and freezer. Upstairs (stairgate), three bedrooms ­ double, twin with great views to Baggy Point, and a bunk room. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No smoking. Heating and electricity included. A very family friendly home from home in a beautiful area.

... standing at the top of the hill above Combe Martin's steep valley, about 100 yards off the road and 2 miles from the town/pub, a unique house brilliantly made by the owners from a turn of the century bottling plant for spring water (sold to Fortnum and Mason). The house is on two levels and has own pretty garden and patio (barbecue) with terracing down to a small stream and ponds. Patio doors lead directly into a beautiful L-shaped living room (open fire) with picture windows looking over Combe Martin to the sea. Extremely well-equipped fitted kitchen with wood floor (attractive hand-made distressed units, dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, CD player). Utility room (butler's sink, loo, washing machine, tumble drier). Three bedrooms (all pretty) - one double with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower) and two twin, one of them with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower), the other with en suite shower-room (suite). Steps lead down to large entrance hall with door to garden (table/chairs). Payphone. Central heating and electricity included. A luxurious, delightful, and sensationally positioned place. However, because of an 'ancient spring-house' (door kept bolted), the terracing and the ponds, please beware very young children. Suitable for partially disabled.

... and in the middle of Combe Martin (see above), about a mile from the beach, a recently renovated detached Edwardian house. Peaceful, private, enclosed garden (table/chairs, barbecue) with soul-calming views over the surrounding hills and village. A brook circles its way around part of the boundary (well walled off) down to the sea. Gated steps down to parking bay but flat footpath to village pubs and shops (200 yards). Inside, comfy living room with big bay window to garden, attractive fireplace ('living flame' effect fire) and conservatory. Dining room (living flame' effect fire) with archway to well-equipped fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave) and door to back garden. Upstairs, two bedrooms - double (5') with single, and twin, both with lovely rural views. Smart bathroom (suite plus separate power-shower). Non smokers preferred. Electricity included.

Exmoor: exquisite National Park beside the sea: beech trees, sheep, wheeling buzzards and heather hills from many of which you look over the sea to Wales and its mountains. Below are the most gracefully carved of steep oak-filled valleys where rushing, bouldered little rivers are paddleable and the red deer spend the winters, and perhaps the most dream-like rose-covered cottage villages of them all. Porlock Vale is one of the most beautiful farmed bits of England, Dunkery must be ascended, the area of The Chains is wild and wonderful for walking or riding, the Oare valley an excellent place to take Granny for tea with a sunset drive afterwards through the Valley of the Rocks to Woody Bay (if you drive well). Minehead, the main town, is good for sandcastles, has a Butlins (and a good golf course and a harbour) and isn't too big. Dunster is very pretty and has a fine castle (inhabited, National Trust); Culbone church, one of England's smallest, is worth walking to.

Telephone numbers: Exmoor National Park HQ in Dulverton: 01398 323841

Minehead TIC: 01643 702624

... 2 miles from Combe Martin, 3 from Hunters' Inn in the beautiful Heddon Valley, and tucked away very privately along a good farm lane, a very smart 'upside down' barn conversion attached to a recently renovated Domesday Book farmhouse; good-sized lawn garden at the back. Hot tub in an outbuilding, large enough for 5, with changing room (shower) and patio furniture for eating al fresco. The owners have farmed here for four generations and have done the conversion with love and flair, repairing the ancient stone-work and combining character with comfort. Glazed double doors to slate-floored hall; stairs up to large attractively fitted kitchen/dining room and living room (both with distant sea views). Cross-beamed ceiling in dining room, large ornamental inglenook fireplace, glazed doors open to balcony and steps down to lawn garden (decking, barbecue); in the kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, slate-topped extractor fan, Mexican hand painted tiles. The living room has large stone fireplace and 'coal effect' electric stove; also upstairs, double bedroom with en suite bathroom (suite, 'room for 2' sized bath and conveniently side-plumbed mixer taps). Downstairs, two bedrooms - a double and a twin, both with en suite shower-rooms (suite). Three bedrooms in all. Utility room with washing machine, tumble drier, handbasin, plus room for coats and boots. Central heating and electricity included.

Parracombe: tiny village (great pub, mediaeval church with famous Georgian interior, PO/ shop) in a valley midway between Lynton and Lynmouth (see Woody Bay, below right), 8 miles, and Combe Martin (see page 45), 6 miles. This is steep, dramatic, deep-valleyed, farming, wooded and moorland country: very beautiful. Wide sandy beaches
at Woolacombe and Croyde, about 12 miles.

... 2 miles west of the village, utterly private in its own deep, typically Exmoor valley of a little river rushing through oak woods to Hunters' Inn and the sea at Heddon's Mouth, an 18th cent. farmhouse with integral indoor heated swimming pool (24' x 12' and 2.5' - 5' deep) surrounded by 10 acres of its own garden (barbecue), woods, orchard, three ponds (boat at your risk) and meadows. Lots of footpaths, leading via woods and stream or over the hill to Hunters' Inn and Heddon's Mouth.

The main part of the house is original; two wings were added later. Front door into hall with cloakroom (loo/washbasin); living room with a huge ox-roasting inglenook (open fire) and fine beams; second living room (approx 27' x 18') with open fire, grand piano (tuned), books, games, wood floor, French windows to terrace with wonderful views to the high moorland of Trentishoe Down. Pretty fitted kitchen (dishwasher, oil-fired Rayburn plus electric cooker, Belfast sink) with farmhouse-style table and chairs in centre; boot room (two microwaves, freezer); utility room with washing machine, tumble drier; scullery, leading to loo/washbasin; door to swimming pool. Dining room with solid oak refectory table seating fourteen. Stairs from hall up to six bedrooms, all with pretty views - master double with balcony, a double with 5' bed and washbasin, a double with single futon and washbasin, another double, and two twin rooms, three bathrooms (suites plus hand-showers), two with separate showers. Also a 'granny annexe' (internal access) - rather sweet little living/dining/kitchen (combination microwave and hob) from which steps down to double bedroom with en suite shower-room (suite). In all seven bedrooms, four bath or shower-rooms, two separate loos. Barn with table tennis and separate barn with pool table. Payphone plus phone/fax by arrangement. Spring water. Central heating and electricity included. A fabulous place for total privacy, peace and quiet. Cautionary Deposit £200.

From 4/1/03 - 19/4/03 inclusive and from 20/9/03 - 20/12/03 inclusive, maximum of ten only with terrace wing closed (terrace living room, one double and one twin bedroom, one bathroom, scullery plus integral access to swimming pool) leaving five bedrooms, three bath or shower-rooms and a separate loo. During these times, terrace wing very occaisionally occupied by owner, so whole house may be booked by special arrangement only.

Woody Bay: a superb bit of Exmoor coast (Nat. Trust) 2 miles west of Lynton (small cliff-top town). Oak-wooded hillsides above cliffs; rock-pool/low-tide-sand bays between headlands. Very few buildings, but civilised hotel/pub. Lovely walks (wonderful views). Slow road (via spectacular Valley of the Rocks) to Lynton and Lynmouth (harbour village, boat trips). Woolacombe's superb sand/surf beaches, 16 miles (decent road). This whole coast, from Minehead to Combe Martin, is, we think, the most beautiful in the West Country.

... among the oak trees, a cottage and an apartment made from a wing and first floor of owners' house (see arrow). Superb position, sea views straight to Wales from almost all windows and shared grass terrace (picnic tables). Both share a laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier) and payphone for outgoing calls. Spring water. Heating included. No children under 10. Both

The apartment comprises the upstairs of the main part of the house. Entrance hall (shared with owners) from which stairs up to the apartment. Large living/dining room; fitted kitchen (microwave); two bedrooms - one large double, one twin; bathroom (bath, bath-shower); separate loo.

The cottage is semi-detached. Entrance from patio to living/dining room ('living gas' fire); fitted kitchen (microwave). Upstairs,
double bedroom with bathroom (suite plus power-bath-shower) en suite.

Lynton: small cliff-top town/Edwardian resort in stunning scenery. Below - winding road and funicular railway connect - is Lynmouth (famous harbour village, boat trips) where two rivers pour from steep oak-wooded valleys. On Lynton's edge begins the very spectacular Valley of the Rocks. Marvellous walking country, valley or hill-top. Woolacombe (superb sand/surf beaches), about 20 miles (decent road).

... a detached cottage, its original part very old, 2 miles inland from Lynton in Bridge Ball, a cluster of traditional dwellings close to the Two Moors Way footpath in a beautiful wooded valley. A walkers' paradise - beside the bouldered rivers rushing through woods to the sea or up Hoar Oak Water to Exmoor's wildest part.

The cottage has a meticulously kept half acre garden (three ponds/mallard) flanked by a stream and wooded hills. Inside, living room (games/videos/music centre) with pretty sofa/chairs, stone open fireplace and French windows to paved terrace (garden furniture); dining room with slate floor and open fire; attractive slate-floored galley kitchen in Shaker hues (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer). Downstairs: double bedroom and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Utility room with washing machine. Door from the living room to steepish stairs up to two more bedrooms - double with cast iron bed and washbasin, and single. Bathroom (suite). Three bedrooms in all. Payphone. A charming cottage in a stunningly beautiful area. Suitable for partially disabled. Central heating and electricity included.

The road from Porlock (large village at the seaward end of the marvellous Vale of Porlock) to Lynmouth (little harbour village between steep wooded hillsides at the mouth of a rushing river) has perhaps the most spectacular views of any road in the South West - of the sea to Wales on one side, heather hills and deep valleys on the other. About 5 miles from Porlock, 7 from Lynmouth, a private lane takes you down half a mile of rhododendron-banked driveway, avoiding meandering pheasants, to the fine house of a family-owned 850 acre estate. You are welcome to walk the estate (adhering to the normal country code). Paths lead into the Oare valley of Lorna Doone legend, and to Culbone Church, the smallest in England. This is one of the most beautiful and romantic parts of Exmoor.

Lillycombe House, built in 1914 by the architect Voysey for the Countess of Lovelace who was widow of Lord Byron's grandson, is splendidly set looking down a deep combe and over the Oare valley and Weir Water to open moorland and Larkbarrow. The terraced garden is mainly of lawns (clock golf, basketball and badminton nets) with some flowers. There is a climbable tree, rope ladder, and 'den'. To the side are the former stables/garages and the farm manager's house.

The house is family enjoyed: some parts splendid with fascinating portraits and antiques. Overall it is a 'home', delightful and special, simply decorated, many typical Voysey touches, solidly built, Grade II listed. Oak front door to slate-floored hall with cloakroom (loo, washbasin). Short flight of stairs down to the former study (wood-panelled, shelves with books) and very large and lovely drawing room (splendid views over the gardens) with polished floors and rugs over, and recessed alcoves either end - one with the TV, video, CD player, one for peace and quiet with open fireplace - and French windows leading to a beautiful parquet-floored 'loggia' (sun-room) with windows on three sides (tremendous views), doubling as a playroom (table football, big box of toys), and with doors to terraces/garden. Next door, formal dining room with table seating 15 easily, two antique corner cupboards and dresser. Easy-to-work-in fitted kitchen with stainless steel worktops (dishwasher, microwave, two new electric ranges); walk-in slate-shelved larder; boiler room/back hall with plenty of space for boots, walking gear, etc.; cloakroom (loo, washbasin). Utility/flower room with second electric cooker; good drying room (Lazy Susan, washing machine, tumble drier, freezer).

From hall, stairs up to eight bedrooms - master double (5' bed) plus large ante-room/dressing room with old altar table; dormitory with four single beds; two twin rooms. All these have fine valley/moorland views. Also a double and a single room; and, up a short flight of stairs, two single rooms. All these overlook the front driveway/entrance. There are two bathrooms (suites plus hand-shower), two shower-rooms (suites).

Spring water. Payphone. Professional catering (dinners, lunches) by arrangement. A Cautionary Deposit of £75.00 is required. Central heating and electricity included.

Hawkridge: tiny, remote village with part-Norman church on the hillside close to the beautiful wooded valley of the River Barle (trout fishing). Hill farmland and moorland all around; excellent walking (the Two Moors Way runs close by) and riding; steep and dramatic Exmoor cleaves. Red deer like the area; so do foxes, badgers, hawks, buzzards and an abundance of other wild animals and birds. Tarr Steps (famous ancient/restored stone clapper bridge over the River Barle) and pub/very good restaurant set in a beautiful, remote wooded valley. Nearest shop in Dulverton (see page 48), 7 miles. The sea (the stunning Bristol Channel coast at Porlock), about 15 miles; the great sand/surf beaches at Saunton (fine golf course), Woolacombe and Croyde, about 30 miles.

... the cottage is spacious, south-facing, with enclosed garden overlooking the water meadows of the river Barle and towards a steep wooded Exmoor cleave (red deer). A wonderful setting: peaceful, birdsong and the sound of the river the only intrusion. Inside, bright and full of light with good-sized windows, reasonably high-ceilinged too. Hall, off which a downstairs shower-room (suite); big kitchen with dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, pine table/chairs. Dining room leading through an archway to the good-sized living room with open fire with recessed shelves each side, two big windows (seats) and French windows to the garden. Stairs from the living room lead up to three bedrooms - master double with 6' double bed (unzippable to 3' twin) with built-in wardrobes, a small twin (2'6" beds) with built-in wardrobe, and another double. Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Central heating and electricity included.

... a mile from West Anstey and a short walk from moorland, a marvellous detached roundhouse and barn converted into an excellent, spacious, carefully modernised cottage with outstanding panoramic views. A very private place, just the owner's house nearby. In front, a view-facing patio with benches/chairs. In front of that and to the side, a sizeable garden, mainly lawn. You have 120 acres of farmland to walk, stables available; direct bridle access to the moor. The owner, who lives next door, owns horses/ponies.

Inside, spacious, double-glazed. Entrance to large hall, dominated by a central staircase, ceiling to the apex. Off it, a utility/drying room (washing machine, tumble drier, Belfast sink). Shower-room (suite). Quiet room with piano, plenty of books, sofa (converting to 4' bed) and French windows to the patio. Steps up to living/dining/kitchen, the former roundhouse, with five floor-to-ceiling windows (uninterrupted views) plus two French windows, woodburner, sofas/chairs, wooden floor, dining area with large refectory pine table seating eight, and smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, oil-fired Rayburn plus electric burners). Upstairs, three bedrooms - double with 6' bed or unzippable to twin, small single room, and a room with double and single bed (2'6") with en suite bathroom (suite); bathroom (suite). Electricity included 28 March - 26 September. Telephone for incoming calls. Civilised. Best for no more than 5 adults.

Dulverton: attractive, busy, tiny town on the beautiful River Barle. Good shops, pubs, restaurant, galleries, mostly round a square, church at its head. HQ of Exmoor National Park. Beautiful drive up through ancient oak woods to heather moorland, 3 miles; riverside walks; Tarr Steps (famous ancient/restored clapper bridge), about 5 miles; sea/sandy beach at Minehead, about 15 miles.

... on the edge of Dulverton, about 400 yards from the square and on the steep side of the River Barle valley, a semi-detached cottage with big picture windows and light pouring in. With sensational views across the valley, the cottage has been carefully renovated by the artist owner. A zig-zag path with steps (20 yards) through the steep garden leads to it from the road below. Inside, comfortable and stylish with stripped pine floors and rugs and decorated in soft, subtle colours, with many of the owner's own paintings. Small hall, off which the light, bright dining room (ornamental fireplace) and smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer). Comfortable sitting room (Chesterfield, woodburner, CD/radio/cassette). Upstairs two bedrooms - a pretty double with wrought iron bed and a twin - both overlooking the river - and a bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Central heating and electricity included. No smoking. Phone. A lovely property at any time of the year ­ we would like to stay here.

Luxborough: lovely little village (pub well-known for its excellent food) of cottages, some thatched, in a steep wooded valley. The sea and good beach at Minehead (small resort town), 10 miles, or Dunster, 8 miles.

... on the edge of East Anstey a fine detached house very privately enclosed by two acres of beautifully kept gardens full of specimen plants, a productive kitchen garden, pond and croquet lawn, developed and loved for decades by the family whose home it is. Lots of space for ball games, relaxing, outdoor meals and interest for gardeners. Handsome porch; big height-of-house living room on two levels (one step) with splendid inglenook fireplace (woodburner), lovely old clock, big comfy sofa and chairs and French windows to garden at one end, and stairs up to a gallery full of bookshelves, a cot room, double bedroom with low 'A' beams, and bathroom (suite). Back on the ground floor, farmhouse style fitted kitchen with cherry red Aga plus electric cooker, table and chairs; two more bedrooms ­ both twin; bathroom with bath-shower; separate loo/washbasin; study with double sofa-bed leading to conservatory (cane furniture) built round a prolific grapevine and opening to pretty patio/rock garden. In all, 3/4 bedrooms. Real country living in a lovely old house.

... and a pretty and very private semi-detached 18th cent. cottage a mile from Luxborough and pub. Lovely setting on the banks of a stream that runs into the Washford river which meanders through the magnificently wooded, pheasant populated Brendon Hills down to Watchet. Lots of wild garden running along river bank - plenty of pheasants, and possibly a deer or two. Path over the lawn to French windows into big kitchen with table and chairs, dresser, butler sink and wooden draining boards (washing machine, microwave, CD/cassette/radio) and plenty of room for walking boots and coats. Spacious living room with beams and big inglenook fireplace (woodburner which operates central heating), books, videos and games. Wooden floors with rugs downstairs, carpeted upstairs. Door to stairs up to three bedrooms, all with farmed valley views - bunk room, twin with airing cupboard and plenty of wardrobe space, which leads through to a double (iron bedstead) with en suite loo and washbasin and windows on three sides. Separate bathroom (suite). No smoking. No TV reception, but screen and video provided. Central heating included. Payphone. A very lovely place for people more concerned with peace and comfort than smartness and all things modern.

Inside, the house is very spacious, comfortable, personal: many original paintings from 19th cent. Italian watercolours to 20th cent. pastels. Hall; large, prettily decorated living/dining room with dining at one end (table seating up to 16) and living the other (tuned piano). Behind this, a commercial kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, gas cooker, combination oven, two fridges, freezers) and outside laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier) shared with owners. On the other side of the hall, beamed sitting room with inglenook fireplace (woodburner), leading to playroom/games room (table tennis or half-size snooker table), and on to a bar (darts) with enormous inglenook fireplace (woodburner) with bread oven, and glass door to garden. Downstairs cloakroom with loo and washbasin.

Upstairs, off long corridor with antiques and many family pictures, are six spacious and pretty bedrooms all with lovely views, colour TVs, phones and tea trays - three double, one twin (zippable), all these with en suite bathrooms (suites plus bidets and bath-showers), plus another twin (zippable) and a small double (4' bed); also another twin (zippable) with washbasin and dormer window looking to the back (low ceiling). The last three share a bathroom (suite plus bidet and bath-shower). No smoking upstairs. Two folding beds available (extra). Seven bedrooms in all. Maid service available. Telephone. An excellent house for family gatherings, celebrations; a chef is available to cater for any number/standard by arrangement. Small wedding receptions possible also by arrangement with the owner. Especially good for weekend or mid-week breaks (M5 in easy reach). Extra cots/high chairs arrangeable (extra).

£150 Cautionary Deposit required.

Central heating, electricity, hot water and logs included.

Green and yellow boxes after each description = price band, see pages 121 and 122. For symbols guide see page 122. Also see Important Points to Note, page 117. Booking form is on page 119. 49

Wiveliscombe: attractive small old market town (shops, pubs, church, swimming pool, tennis) in gentle rolling, well wooded farmland between the Quan-tocks (see left) and Exmoor (see page 45). Milverton (very attractive large village), 4 miles; Wimbleball Lake (sailing, canoeing, fishing, nature trail), 7 miles; Clatworthy Reservoir, 3. Excellent pub at Fitzhead (walkable), 1 mile. Gaulden Manor (12th cent. manor house), 3 miles. Oak Manor golf course, 3 miles. Outdoor heated swimming pool at Wellington, 6 miles, or Taunton, 9.

... 2 miles from Wiveliscombe, off an almost traffic-free lane, a detached, Grade II listed, mediaeval long house, 15th cent. The setting is marvellous, noiseless, except for countryside sounds, fine views, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are 50 acres to wander with the manor house and former barns at their centre, plus a large, former cider apple orchard, soft fruit for picking and more formal two acre garden, mainly lawn (some sloping), and outdoor heated swimming pool (unfenced, 18' x 38' up to 6' deep). Large patio (garden furniture, barbecue). The house is glorious, a substantial and comfortable home of much travelled owners who live with stylish ease. Some excellent pieces of furniture, china and rugs from all over the world, but nothing pretentious, the contents fit the home, the 20th century merging with the ancient.

Front door to downstairs lobby and flagstoned entrance hall, beams. Original oak screen along flagstoned central corridor off which the family room with huge inglenook fireplace (woodburner), squishy sofas, large TV, video, CD player; drawing room - formal, elegant, pale colours, with another huge inglenook ornamental fireplace and fine stucco plaster ceiling (circa 1650), good paintings, excellent furniture; dining room (original kitchen) with the third and largest ornamental fireplace, dining table seating 10 and fine upright Steinway piano (tuned). Farmhousey, beamed, mainly pine kitchen, extraordinarily well-equipped - dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, four door red Aga plus electric cooker, Welsh dresser, breakfast table; back door to patio and garden. Utility room with another freezer, washing machine, tumble drier. Back quarry-tiled/beamed hall to door, boot room and shower-room (suite, double shower tray).

Two staircases up to five bedrooms, all facing the garden - a huge master double with 6'9" bed, TV, sofas; two twin (one with the original cruck beams); a fine Chinese bedroom with kingsize black lacquer bed/furniture, brilliant red quilted counterpane; and a double with pine furniture. A dressing/cot room leads to a huge bathroom with corner bath, separate double power-shower (suite); there's another bathroom (suite plus power-shower). Telephone. £250 Cautionary Deposit required. Maid service on request. A fine place. No smoking indoors. Central heating and electricity included. N.B Dogs in non-carpeted areas only.

The Quantock Hills and Somerset Coast: East of the National Park, across a plain of cornfield farmland (here's Stogumber), are Exmoor's sisters, The Quantocks. They are beautiful hills ­ high against the farming vales to either side ­ stretching from Taunton, Somerset's capital, to the sea at East Quantoxhead (pretty hamlet) near Kilve. Wooded, heather-topped, 'of outstanding natural beauty', like Exmoor they are home to the red deer and were to Wordsworth and Coleridge. Superb walks/rides, tremendous views (to Exmoor, Sedgemoor, the sea), 'deep romantic' valleys, pretty old villages. Near Taunton are the Lutyens designed Hestercombe Gardens. Several visitable vineyards around. Along the Quantocks' western foot chugs the private steam railway from Bishop's Lydeard to Minehead.

Telephone numbers: Taunton TIC: 01823 336344

Minehead TIC: 01643 702624

Stogumber: pretty little red-stone village (cobbled pavements, mediaeval church, good food pub, station on Britain's longest steam railway: Bishop's Lydeard to Minehead) between the Quantock hills (see page 50), Exmoor and the sea. Not far to exquisite villages like Dunster, the very beautiful coast west of Minehead (small resort, sandy beach), 12 miles, good reservoir trout fishing, and heather hills. The nearest sea: Watchet, 6 miles, and Blue Anchor (sand), 8. Taunton and the M5, about 12. Lovely country. Good local walks.

... just 200 yards from the pub, shop and PO is this 19th cent., Grade II listed cottage set back from the quiet road. Small front garden (path shared with neighbour), and pretty, enclosed, flower-filled back garden with patio (garden furniture, barbecue and little summer house). Porch for leaving walking boots. Living room with slate floor and rugs, attractive prints, big open fireplace, books. Curtained archway to small slate-floored dining room (dresser, pretty plates, CD/cassette/radio). Light fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer), door to garden. Upstairs, two bedrooms - a roomy double and a small one with truckle beds and stripped wooden floor. Bathroom (suite plus bath-power-shower). Phone for incoming calls. Charming cottage in delightful village. Heating and electricity included.

Trebles Holford: hamlet in beautiful wooded farmland a mile from West Bagborough (see page 52). Bishop's Lydeard (attractive village, start of private steam railway to Minehead), 3 miles. Many footpaths from the property; riding and coarse fishing locally.

... tucked away peacefully on the hamlet's edge, two good, warm, single-storey, red-stone cottages made from farm-buildings by the owners (he a master-joiner) close to their fine house. Each has small lawn with seats in front. Barbecue. Use of owners' washing machine, tumble drier. Two tortoises, aged 90 and 50, live in the garden. A much appreciated place. Granny-sitting available!

One cottage (pictured above) is detached. Hall; good-sized living/dining room (woodburner, CD player); well-fitted kitchen (microwave, oak units, ceramic hob, slow cooker, spin drier); two bedrooms: double with glazed door to small lawn-garden (picnic table), and twin; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable for partially disabled.

The other cottage (pictured left), attached to owners' house, has hall; living/dining room (woodburner, CD player) with French windows to small lawn-garden with picnic table; fitted kitchen (microwave, oak units, spin drier); two bedrooms: one double, one small single; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable for partially disabled.

Kilve: little village a mile from the sea on the slopes of the Quantocks (pictured page 50): pub, PO and shop, mediaeval church on the cliffs above the rocky beach, famous amongst fossil hunters. The M5 about 15 miles, Bridgwater, 12 miles; the sandy beaches at Blue Anchor, 10 miles, or at Minehead, 15 miles.

... a mile up the hill from the village, at the top of a steep no-through lane, a sensationally positioned detached house designed by Charles Spooner as a country retreat and with superb views to the Bristol Channel and Wales on a clear day. Immediately in front of the house, formal gardens with four terraces (summer house and barbecue on the second terrace) dropping down the hill, 18 acres of grounds, some parts woodland; stabling and tack room available for up to three horses and three ponies (by arrangement, extra). Many foot and bridle paths in the area; the garden at the back leads directly into the Quantocks.

The entrance leads into a flagstoned hall, with boot and coat rack, and lovely grandfather clock. Off this is a Victorian loo, washbasin and a sitting room with woodburner, bay windows with leaded lights, wooden floors, rocking horse, 2nd TV and video, CD player, lots of books, games and videos.

From the lobby, elegant living room with large open fireplace, oak bookcases and large Victorian sideboard, bay window overlooking the garden/terracing and view and door to garden, with breathtaking view. Through the small, brightly coloured dining room (painted floor and hand built dresser, large settle and views) to the well-equipped, easy-to-work-in kitchen with four door Aga plus electric cooker, dishwasher, microwave, Sheila maid (good for quick clothes drying), sliding doors to garden. Door to utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, larder fridge and freezer).

Upstairs, five bedrooms: from the first half flight of stairs a small passage with large window and cot leads to the master bedroom with double four poster bed and single bed, elegant stencilling, window overlooking the drive and views through trees to the sea. The second half flight of stairs leads to a landing and large double bedroom with four poster bed, washbasin, the best views in the house. This room and the master double share a bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Also off the landing are a twin room with a high window looking to the back and a bunk room through which is the third double bedroom, with coloured walls and door into smart shower-room (suite) which connects (door) with bathroom (suite, Victorian cast iron bath), to which there is also a door from the landing. So three 5' doubles, one twin and one bunk room, and three bath/shower-rooms. Their layout really isn't as confusing as it sounds and altogether this is an excellent, comfortable, interesting house for family gatherings, celebrations; alternative therapies (aromatherapy and Indian head massage), maid service by arrangement. Especially good for weekend or mid-week breaks (M5 within easy reach). £100 Cautionary Deposit required. Central heating and electricity included.

... at the village's top edge, 200 yards from the very good pub, are these two excellent cottages made from stables facing a sunny courtyard (tables/chairs) and swimming pool with solar cover (28' x 14', 3'5" to 7' deep), all tucked behind the friendly owners' fine former farmhouse. They share the owners' two acre garden with flowers and lawns - from which wonderful views over a lush farmland vale to the Brendon and Blackdown Hills - and good quality hard tennis court. Both cottages are light and attractively designed, decorated and fitted: locally-made woodwork, mostly in beech; good china, nice pictures, books.

The smaller, the Mouse House, has antique skis and murals on the walls of its good-sized comfortable living/dining/fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave). Stairs up to large pretty bedroom overlooking the pool and garden with 6' double bed (zip linked so can be twin), and bathroom (suite).

Vickery's Cottage, on left in picture, also has good-sized fitted kitchen/dining room
(washing machine, microwave) with fine old beams; small, comfy living room with good furniture. Upstairs, two bedrooms - one 5' double (or 2'6" twin) with pool/garden view, one single. Bathroom (suite).

Both are warm, all-year-round cottages. Additional clothes drying facilities in owners' house. No children under 10. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included. Discount if both cottages taken together, except at peak times.

Nether Stowey: large, attractive village where Coleridge lived and wrote (his house is visitable ­ Nat. Trust) and was visited by Wordsworth, at the eastern foot of the Quantocks (see page 50). Three pubs, essential shops plus remarkable second-hand bookshop; pretty street with stream flowing past tea shop, old cottages. The sea at Kilve (pretty, pebbly, fossils, good walks), 4 miles; sandy beaches (and good golf) at Cannington, 3 miles, Enmore, 5 miles, Burnham and Minehead, about 15 miles. Bridgwater (ancient town), about 16 miles. M5 about 9 miles, so easy access.

... one of four cob cottages about 20' back from the road and stream in the heart of the village. Originally a mediaeval meeting house, completely renovated by present owner, making a feature of beam-work and walling. At the back, a surprisingly large garden with plenty of room for ball games or just snoozing under fruit trees. Entrance to living/dining room, magnificent inglenook fireplace (woodburner, logs), huge, heavy ceiling beams, Bridgwater 'major' brick floor with rugs, under-stair recess for coats/boots. Neat fitted aquamarine kitchen (washing machine, microwave) with door to garden. Stairs up from living room to three bedrooms ­ double with shower recess, twin with original fireplace (ornamental) and low beams, and single (washbasin). Pretty white-tiled bathroom (suite). A charming cottage in a delightful village. Electricity included.

Thorne St Margaret: amazingly peaceful tiny hamlet (just a church, a few cottages, farmland, thick hedgerows, wild-flowers and song-birds) in totally unspoilt and most unvisited of Somerset countryside, yet only 5 miles from the M5, close to the little River Tone as it meanders from Exmoor to join something bigger. Good food pub, 1 mile. Wellington (fair-sized country town), 4 miles; Exmoor, about 15 miles; Taunton (county capital: cinemas, theatre, first-class cricket, racecourse, fine churches), 10. Golf, riding stables and coarse fishing not far.

... detached cottage (built in 1866), formerly the Sunday School, in the hamlet's centre, opposite the church (which does not chime); roses round its door. Tiny garden in front; good-sized split-level garden (enclosed and pretty) behind, with patio (table/chairs, barbecue). Long views from it to the Blackdown Hills. You are welcome to wander the owners' 170 acre farm nearby. Inside, comfortable, well-decorated, neat. Living/dining room with sliding doors to patio and larger garden; efficient fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave, radio). Two bedrooms, both with pine furniture: pretty double bedroom downstairs and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); steep stairs up to small twin bedroom (2'6"). Telephone. A peaceful, pretty cottage, much appreciated. Suitable for partially disabled. Non smokers preferred.

Somerset's Middle: on the west, the Vale of Taunton, that great and beautiful swathe of rich farmland ­ some of the richest in England ­ stretching west from Somerset's capital, south of Exmoor and the Quantock Hills and north of the Blackdowns, till it meets the hills of Devon beyond Wiveliscombe. Dairy cows in lush water-meadows, huge rolling cornfields, immense views, dark chocolate ploughed fields, luxuriant cottage gardens (roses), orchards, and the hedgerows alive with songbirds. The River Tone flows through it. Taunton (two terrific church towers and good county cricket ground), Wellington (good looking small town) and Milverton (extremely pretty large village) are its main centres.

It is wonderfully unspoilt and peaceful: comparatively few visitors even pass through it, let alone stop; to the north, the limestone Mendip Hills, a long bare ridge splendid for walking, ending in a peak, containing caves and Cheddar Gorge; in the middle, the positively un-English flatness of the Somerset Levels and Sedgemoor (where Monmouth enticed the West Country's farmers to be slaughtered for him ­ see Westonzoyland church where they were shut up) with villages on low hills like islands within it, streams lined with willows for making baskets, a bird sanctuary and Athelney where the cakes were burned, and ­ just off the flatness ­ Glastonbury with its tor and legends (and festival) and Wells with its tremendous cathedral; and to the east and south, the Hamstone country ­ that very beautiful area of rich, rolling south Somerset dairy farmland where almost every house/cottage is of the golden stone from Ham Hill, and every few miles you come across magnificent houses/gardens (some Nat. Trust) open to the public (Montacute, Barrington Court, Forde Abbey, to name a few) and exceptionally pretty villages with old pubs and splendid churches. Hinton St George is perhaps the loveliest Hamstone village; it has many rivals, mostly between Ilminster to the north, Crewkerne to the south, the Devon border to the west and Yeovil to the east. At Yeovilton is the excellent Fleet Air Arm Museum (including Concorde); Ham Hill has an Iron Age/Roman fort on its top, and Cricket St Thomas has a wildlife park. Few beautiful-country areas are so rich in interesting and splendid man-made things to see.

Telephone numbers: Taunton TIC: 01823 336344

Glastonbury TIC: 01458 832954

Wells TIC: 01749 672552

Wellington TIC: 01823 663379

Yeovil TIC: 01935 462991

Nat Trust: 01392 881691

Nynehead: a scattered village (fine church, village hall with skittles club/bar - temporary membership available) with a mixture of traditional and new dwellings deep in the Vale of Taunton, about 6 miles south-west of Taunton. Wellington, about 2 miles. Golf, 2 miles.

... an attached cottage, once a coach house to the large Victorian vicarage. Brilliantly easy access to M5 yet very peaceful. Pretty enclosed garden on other side of driveway (small pond) with huge horse chestnut tree and summer house storing garden furniture and barbecue. Shared use of owner's hard tennis court (racquets/balls available). Inside, quarry tile floor entrance hall, living room with pretty ornamental fireplace, wood floor, rug over, folding dining table/chairs. Fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer), pantry. Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Upstairs to two bedrooms (very roomy with distant views to Wellington Monument) - double and twin. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included. Comfy and convenient at any time of the year.

Hatch Beauchamp: little conservation village (pub, restaurant, garage/shop, pretty church where Colonel Chard of Rorke's Drift was buried) in beautiful, rolling farmland between Taunton (6 miles) and Ilminster (see page 55), 5 miles. A very central base for visiting great houses/gardens, hamstone villages, Exmoor, the Quantocks and Mendip hills, Sedgemoor; north and south coasts, both within 20 miles.

In front of the Cider House is your own private part-walled patio and you share the owners' lovely garden with summerhouse and pond (occasional kingfishers, herons and fish), and are welcome to wander the farm and woodland with its romantic remains of an 18th cent. landscape garden. Inside, the Cider House is spacious, comfortable, light, with antiques, pictures.

Downstairs, good-sized twin bedroom with en suite shower-room (suite), washer-drier. Upstairs, exceptionally nice, big, beamed, open-plan living (woodburner)/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) with fine views, and large, pretty L-shaped double bedroom with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Two bedrooms in all. Telephone. Peaceful, civilised. Everything included. No children under 8 years, but pre-crawling babies welcome.

Wookey: sleepy village (PO/stores, pub) on the edge of the Mendip Hills (splendid walking, bird-watching). Famous Wookey Hole Caves, 2 miles, Cheddar Gorge and caves, 8. Wells, 3 miles; Glastonbury, 8.

... peacefully tucked away on the edge of the village, a semi-detached limestone glebe cottage rather smartly renovated, facing a large rambling garden (shared with owner) from which gated route to the river. Inside, living room (some beams retained) with large fireplace (woodburner), polished wooden floor and French windows to open-sided porch (bench seating), perfect for morning coffee; excellent fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with Shaker style units, richly coloured tiles, and stone floor. Loo, washbasin. Upstairs, two bedrooms - double (ornamental fireplace) and twin, both with beams and en suite shower-rooms (suites). Telephone. Central heating and electricity included. Extremely comfortable, much appreciated cottage at any time of the year.

Babcary: little unspoilt village (pub, church), well away from the main roads, in beautiful Somerset farmland. Somerton (very attractive old small town), 5 miles; Lytes Cary (very fine 16th cent. manor house/garden: Nat. Trust), 3 miles; and within 10 miles, many other lovely houses/gardens nearby, plus Cadbury Hill (Iron Age fort, King Arthur legends), Yeovilton's Fleet Air Arm museum (Concorde), a national newspaper's 'pub of the year', Glastonbury, Sherborne, and much glorious, long-view country. Bath, 30 miles. Nearest shop, 1 mile.

... an 18th century, terraced, stone cottage with small, enclosed front garden (patio,chairs/table) and a tiny enclosed yard at the back. Inside, comfy, well decorated, many beams. Stable door to porch, front door into cosy living/dining room with large inglenook fireplace (open fire, bread oven), table seating 4/5, books, games, toys, CD/music centre; off it, a new Shaker fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave) with stable door to back yard. Bathroom; separate loo. Steep stairs (handrail, stairgate) from living room up to small landing and two bedrooms - pretty double and twin (2'6" beds), with sloping ceilings, eaves, windows. Phone for incoming calls. Heating and electricity included.

Across the gravelled driveway is an open-fronted traditional barn with table tennis and log store. The garden, mainly lawn, is enclosed; next to it, fields with horses. Inside, The Cheese Barn is 'upside down', brightly decorated; lovely views to the hills. Hall, from which stairs (childgate at the top) up to splendid 40' long open-plan living/dining/fitted kitchen, mainly in terracottas and navy blues, with stone walls and beams exposed, ceiling to apex, French windows to small wrought-iron balcony (views), deep comfy sofas, woodburner, dining table for 8, fine fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, radio). Also upstairs, a small (extra) bedroom with single Z-bed, off which a shower-room (suite). Downstairs, three bedrooms - two double, one twin with door to garden - and a big bathroom (suite). Utility-cum-boot room with washer-drier, freezer, sink, door to garden. Phone for incoming calls. Central heating, electricity and fishing all included.

Barton St David: river-valley village (pub, 13th cent. church) in lush farmland and by-roads, 6 miles from Glastonbury (small town of King Arthur legend and mystic fame); Somerton, ancient and very attractive small town, 4 miles; Wells (superb cathedral), about 11; Bath, about 30. Village with shops and pub, 1 mile. Nat. Trust houses/gardens not far.

... on the edge of the village, a charming apartment, once a mill, straddling a stream. It is attached to but private from the owners' Grade II listed Georgian house. You have use of the lovely garden (table/chairs, shaded bench) and coarse fishing. Inside, spacious and elegantly furnished. Ground floor entrance to hall; stairs up to living/dining room with French windows and small balcony overlooking the garden, plenty of books and games, sofa bed. Fitted kitchen (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave) with breakfast bar and wonderful views. Double bedroom with beautiful 6'6" handmade bed, beyond which is a smaller room with a single bed. In this room you may be lulled to sleep by the mill stream underneath it. Bathroom (suite). A really special place to stay. No children under 8 except pre-crawlers. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included.

Ilminster: small town at the heart of the 'Hamstone country' - (see 'Somerset's Middle', page 53). Nearest sea, about 15 miles (Dorset coast). Very easy to reach: M5, 8 miles; A303 straight there.

The cottage has good-sized secluded lawn (table/chairs, barbecue), leading to woods and fields. Gothic leaded windows, pine-shuttered. Studded front door; little hall; downstairs loo/washbasin; two living rooms, one with open fireplace; and kitchen/diner (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave). Steepish curved stairs up to three bedrooms - one double, two twin ­ and big bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

... on the outskirts of Yeovil, at the end of a lane, a mile from Brympton D'Evercy, a delightful, semi-detached, 300 year old Hamstone cottage, Grade II listed. Pretty, partly terraced, enclosed garden shaded by a liquid amber maple tree at the back; also small front garden. Inside, beams, flagstone floors downstairs, oak floors up, rugs, inglenook fireplaces, stone mullion windows with leaded panes; much interesting memorabilia, African artefacts, designer curtains, antique furniture, good decoration. The artistic owner has retained and emphasised character. Small hall; off it, an extremely comfortable living room with huge inglenook fireplace (open fire), window seat, music centre; very atmospheric dining room with open fireplace, burr oak dining table/chairs, Welsh dresser, window seat, and hatch to the brand newly fitted, old pine kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, gas cooker, back door). Upstairs, three bedrooms - a most excellent and romantic master bedroom with very beautiful antique four poster (5') bed and beautiful drapes/curtains, a twin (washbasin) and a single, both pretty with good curtains. Bathroom (suite plus separate power-shower). A lovely home, warm atmosphere. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included.

Cucklington: lovely little hamlet of natural stone houses just into Somerset, with mediaeval church on a hill, overlooking the Blackmore Vale (wonderful views). 3 miles from Wincanton (attractive small market town with National Hunt racecourse), and 5 from very beautiful Stourhead (Nat.Trust), with its lakes ringed by rare trees, temples, statues and gardens. Other great houses/gardens - Montacute, Longleat, Kingston Lacey; genteel Sherborne, Bath and Wells all not far away. The south coast is an easy drive through countryside made famous by the novels of Thomas Hardy. Lovely, open, tree-speckled farming area, leading soon to the great sweeps of Salisbury Plain. Quad bike safaris can be arranged, golf, clay pigeon shooting and riding locally. London about 2 hours away. Railway station, 5 miles. Excellent pubs and restaurants locally.

... in a very peaceful place, on the edge of the Vale of Cucklington and in the 4 acre grounds and paddocks of the owners' home, two delightful, neat, single-storey, semi-detached cottages; both south-facing and with their own patio areas with table, chairs and parasol. A gravel drive sweeps around the lawn, past trees and shrubs and a small ornamental pond, to the cottages. All kinds of wildlife are frequent visitors; birds, foxes, deer. This is a super place from which to tour. Both cottages are suitable for partially disabled and share a laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier). No smoking indoors. Grazing for horses by arrangement. Heating and electricity included in both. Much praised by holidaymakers.

Willow Barn (left in picture) has spacious and comfortable living/dining room (CD player), separated by breakfast bar from a smart, well-equipped kitchen (microwave, fridge/freezer). Two pretty bedrooms ­ double and twin. Shower-room (suite) with heated towel rail.

Little Barn (right in picture) has comfortable, pretty, living/dining room with well-equipped kitchen to one side (microwave, fridge/freezer). Comfortable, pretty double bedroom with water bed and large fitted wardrobe. Shower-room (suite) with heated towel rail.

The mill was last operated in 1949. All machinery is secured and locked off. However, the mill workings can be seen on changeover day by arrangement with the owners.

Immediately in front is a games room (table tennis, darts). Paddock for football kicking nearby. You are welcome to wander the estate, and 300 yards of pretty walk away is a heated swimming pool (20' x 40' x 9' to 3' deep, open from 2 May - 27 September), co-operatively shared with the owners and occupants of the Gingerbread House (see above).

The miller's house is flagstoned on the ground floor, carpeted upstairs, its walls mainly white or colour-washed, beams, window seats, original shutters. Front door to long hall divided by a fine oak screen (c1620) from the original 'dwelling room', now the dining room, with gigantic fireplace - 10' wide with Victorian cast iron stove. Next door, a utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer, back door). Also on ground floor, fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) and bathroom (suite). On first floor (steepish stairs), big, beautiful living room with cast-iron Victorian open fireplace, windows both sides, lovely oak screen, and two twin bedrooms, one right above the mill race (you can see the mill wheel and mill pond from bed) with en suite shower-room (suite), one with lovely view. Steepish stairs (handrail) to the second floor, landing, and huge, beautiful master bedroom (5' bed) with ornamental fireplace. Also loo/washbasin. Three bedrooms in all. Electricity included.

We would very much like to stay here, but it could be dangerous (outside) for children: sensible children welcome under careful supervision.

Mariansleigh: incredibly quiet, few cars a day, probably more horses, tiny village in typical mid-Devon farming countryside south of the Exmoor National Park, 8 miles. The 'miles of sand' beach at Saunton Sands, and the spectacular Exmoor coast, both 20 miles away; but really best for those just wanting peace, skies dark enough to see all the stars, and good walking right from the doorstep. Pub and shop in Bishops Nympton, 2 miles. South Molton (unspoilt, lively small farmers' town), 4 miles.

... behind its south-facing garden from the lane that runs through the village, a warm and friendly, utterly authentic little detached cottage. Downstairs, smartly fitted kitchen/dining room (microwave, hob, separate oven) and spacious living room with big inglenook fireplace (woodburner), bread oven, beams (some low). Off the kitchen a utility room (fridge) and useful downstairs loo. Up steepish stairs, two pretty bedrooms - double and twin - and bathroom (suite). Outside, a heated woodstore and boot or clothes drying room (washing machine), useful after spring strolls or autumn rambles. Altogether a very comfy place.

Devon's River Country: Devon's middle. This is farmers' Devon. You come here to be amongst them: to walk and admire their beautiful, rich-soiled, hilly and wooded farmland and enjoy their excellent, proper pubs in usually hill-top, compact, unspoilt villages; and to fish for trout and perhaps salmon in the deep wooded and very beautiful valleys of the rivers Torridge, Taw, Tamar and Exe especially and for trout in reservoirs. Great, magnetic views of Dartmoor and Exmoor from most hill-tops, and it is an easy drive to both. But don't think a daily trip to the sea will be a doddle. Tiverton is the main town (you can go barging on its canal); Crediton, in its red-soil vale, and South Molton are the others. Both have proper, individual, useful, in some cases, unusual shops, for the local firstly. Cider is made at Winkleigh, and it's a good place for lunch. Hatherleigh is good for several things, including its market.

Telephone numbers: Tiverton TIC: 01884 255827

South Molton TIC: 01769 574122

Crediton TIC: 01363 772006

South West Lakes Trust: 01837 871565

... and a mile from Mariansleigh, in an area designated of 'outstanding natural beauty' and with lovely countryside views, a comfortable cottage attached to the owners' Georgian-style house; outdoor heated swimming pool (22' x 48' to 7'6" deep, available 23 May - 26 September) within a walled garden with summer house, and hard tennis court (racquets and balls supplied) shared with the owners. All yours is a large games room with full-size pool table, table tennis and darts. You also have your own lawned garden (steep at the end, toddlers beware) with table, chairs and barbecue. The cottage is single-storey, conveniently laid out with bedrooms and a bathroom at either end of the living area in the centre. Steps up to entrance hall. Big light open-plan living/dining room (sofa bed) with woodburner, and views across fields. Fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer). Three bedrooms - good-sized double, pretty twin, and a room with three single beds. Two bathrooms (suites), one with bath-shower. Extremely peaceful, friendly base in stunning country. Telephone. Heating and electricity included.

... a mile from Huntsham village, five excellent cottages made from a former granary and barns neighbouring the friendly owners' farmhouse off a very quiet country lane, with a superb indoor heated pool (30' x 15', shallow to 7' deep) with sauna, shower, loo, fitness room (treadmill, rowing machines and exercise bike) and large French windows to a big terrace (table tennis). Great place for a group of up to 22 to stay.

Two acres of grounds ­ mainly lawn with big children's play area (swings, mini tower & slide), pets corner, summer house with table football, and snooker table and safely fenced pond with occasional wild ducks. Lots of running around space in the top meadow suitable for rustic croquet, badminton or French cricket. The owners are also happy to arrange a variety of country pursuits and outdoor activites including horse-riding, sailing, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or more gentle hawk walks and nature trails.

Filtered spring water. Fax and e-mail facilities available (extra); laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier). Central heating and electricity included in all. Altogether an extremely peaceful, attractive and relaxed place to stay.

The Granary is detached (see above) with own large paved patio, and small rockery with steps to lawn. Hall; open-plan living/dining (woodburner)/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), attractive with beams, some exposed stone walls, and glazed doors to patio; and smart bathroom (suite plus bath-shower, bidet) downstairs. Upstairs (stairgates), two bedrooms, double and twin, both with long farmland views and pretty with good lighting, lots of exposed timbers. Telephone.

The Smithy is single-storey, double-glazed, extremely well done, very attractive inside. Large conservatory and garden, lawned and fenced with beautiful, very long, rolling farmland views over Huntsham to the Quantock Hills. Open-plan living (woodburner)/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer), and three bedrooms, all very pretty and high quality­ one double with en suite bathroom (suite) and two twin, one with en suite bathroom (suite), the other with en suite shower-room (suite). Telephone.

Attached to the Smithy is Ducks End, a neat smart cottage with good-sized living/dining room with woodburner and fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave). Double bedroom and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

Two other cottages are also single-storey, attached, 50 yards away. The larger, Long Barn, has own patio overlooking the pond leading to the lawn. Inside, hall; good-sized and pretty open-plan living/dining/excellent kitchen (dishwasher, micro-wave) looking to lawn; three bedrooms -- one double, one twin, and single plus extra bed if required; two smart bathrooms (suite plus bath-shower). Telephone. Suitable for partially disabled.

Pooks Corner is the smaller cottage. Entrance to open-plan living/dining/excellent kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), and double bedroom (6' double or twin) with smart en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable for partially disabled.

All

The Long Barn has own patio overlooking the pond and lawn. Inside, hall; large open-plan living/dining/excellent kitchen (dishwasher, microwave); three bedrooms - one double, two twin (one a truckle), and two smart bathrooms (suites plus bath-shower). Telephone. Suitable for partially disabled.

Pooks Corner, attached to the Long Barn, has entrance to open-plan living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), and two bedrooms, double and twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Suitable for partially disabled.

Swimbridge: valley-village with spired church, pub, PO, 4 miles from Barnstaple (North Devon's 'capital' on the estuary of the River Taw - bird-watching, good shops, restaurants) and about 6 miles from Exmoor. Splendid sandy beaches at Saunton (superb golf, surfing, dunes) or Instow (Tarka Trail biking, lovely cricket ground), 10 miles, or, slightly further, Woolacombe, Croyde.

...about a mile out of the village at the end of a short gravel drive, two single-storey cottages and games room made from ancient barns in the owners' (nearby) 15 acres of gardens, wildlife ponds, meadows and woodland. Each has its own private gravelled area in front (picnic table and barbecue) extending to a communal grassed ball-kicking/playing garden (gated). The owners enjoy sharing their enchanting 6 acre garden (open to the public several days of the year under NGS) with visitors. There is nothing formal here; the garden has been created from meadow and old farmyard over the last 15 years, dove-tailing sympathetically with the environment and has been featured on TV and in book, 'The Curious Gardeners'. Both cottages have high beamed ceilings, deep solid oak sills and their own access to the games room (table tennis, darts and coin operated tumble drier). Excellent for the garden/wildlife enthusiast, a delightful spot. Suitable for partially disabled (two steps up to entrance doors). Non smokers preferred. Electricity included in both.

The Shippon has entrance to fitted kitchen/diner (washing machine, microwave), archway to attractive living room (open fire, CD/radio/casette player, remote control dimmer lights, freezer). Two bedrooms - a double and a twin. Bathroom with three-quarter bath (suite plus bath-shower).

The Stables - entrance to fitted limed-oak kitchen (microwave, freezer) with breakfast bar separating living/dining room (open fire, CD/radio/casette player, remote control dimmer lights). Two bedrooms - double and a twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and washing machine.

Oakford: little village (church, shop, pub) on a hilltop above the very beautiful, winding and wooded River Exe valley (salmon, trout fishing), 3 miles west of Bampton (large, busy farmers' village) and about 6 from Exmoor's heather hills. Tiverton (old town, canal barging), 9 miles. The wonderful Exmoor coast, about 18 miles; the great Saunton/Woolacombe beaches, about 35 (mainly by fast 'link' road). Good restaurants not far.

... 2 miles from the village, Pykes is a mid 18th cent. cottage set in its own beautiful grounds, with no other houses in sight. A private drive through woodland, lawns and orchard, to a pond and very pretty front garden (good quality table/chairs, barbecue) with a stream running by; behind is more woodland with many unusual trees and rare shrubs. 10 acres in all to enjoy; lots of wildlife. Inside, highly civilised, comfortable, charming, beautifully presented with double or secondary glazing. Entrance through a conservatory to a neat, very well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, Aga, electric cooker; utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer). Spacious dining room with inglenook fireplace, bread oven and woodburner, good pine table and dresser. Large living room with comfortable sofas, chairs, patio doors to garden, and a staircase leading up to one of the twin rooms. From the dining room, main stairs lead up to four bedrooms - master double with en suite shower-room (suite), two with twin beds, and a single, all decorated in soft colours and good fabrics. Bathroom (suite). Payphone. No smoking. An idyllic place to stay, peaceful, private and civilised. Central heating and electricity included.

Cotleigh House is a lovely, elegant, comfortable, south-facing family house surrounded by beautiful gardens in the little-visited, well-wooded, hilly farmland and by-roads above the beautiful River Taw valley (fishing, see below). It is 1¹/2 miles from Chulmleigh, large village (once woollen industry market town) with several shops, pub, fine church, small swimming pool and short golf course. Railway station, 1 mile away. Riding stables (with another swimming pool and tennis) nearby, and not far to the 'Tarka Trail' cycleway and the RHS Rosemoor Gardens. South Molton (small market town, famous for its antiques), about 8 miles; Exmoor, 12; Dartmoor, 15. The North Devon coast sandy beaches at Instow, Westward Ho!, Saunton (superb golf, too) and Croyde, and the Taw and Torridge estuaries (bird-watching), 20-25 miles. Barnstaple (fair-sized town with 'leisure centre'), about 14.

Built in 1913, Cotleigh House stands in 7 acres of grounds, on a hill, with spectacular views from all front rooms over mid-Devon towards Dartmoor. 150 yards of private drive from the nearest lane leads to it. There are 3 acres of beautiful formal garden, five separate lawns, herbaceous borders, a bog, lily and hosta gardens, heathers and herbs, magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons, and plenty of football kicking space as well and a 4 acre meadow. The house is family-owned, loved, used, filled with good furniture, many interesting paintings, wall coverings, memorabilia. Everything is excellently maintained, inside and out. Superb atmosphere.

Entrance hall with grandfather clock and nice paintings; off it, oak-panelled sitting room with large open fireplace, stereo system (plays CDs and tapes), bay window, piano (tuned). Extremely comfortable drawing room with another bay window and 'living gas' fire in formal fireplace. Dining room also with fireplace ('living gas' fire) and bay window, two good dining tables seating 8 each, desk; large cloakroom (loo/washbasin). The three reception rooms have views over the front garden (see picture). At the back - but looking to pretty patio with statue and another big lawn - large, well-equipped kitchen, with huge Welsh dresser (bearing Portmeiron pottery - for use), gas Aga and electric cooker, dishwasher, big oval breakfast table, and big tiled utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, freezer, cloam sink). Another downstairs loo.

From the hall, fine oak main staircase up to wide passage/landing off which five bedrooms, all individual and appealing: lovely master bedroom with 5' Victorian brass bed with canopy, colour TV, washbasin; another double (5' bed); and a room with antique 4' brass bed and two singles, pretty in creams and greens. These three bedrooms all have bay windows, lovely views, are very comfortable and big, mirroring the reception rooms below in size. To the side is another double with lovely view over the back lawn to fields, with nice blue and white curtains (the bird room) and washbasin, and a 2'6" bunk room. There are two bathrooms, one with Victorian suite plus hand-shower, one with bath, basin; also separate loo with washbasin. Folding bed available. Back staircase.

Fishing: The River Taw is good for salmon, sea trout and brown trout. The owner is a keen fisherman, and fishing can usually be arranged with advance notice. There are also well stocked trout lakes within easy reach.

Altogether, this is a tremendously civilised, comfortable and peaceful place in a totally unspoilt and peaceful, as well as beautiful, part of Devon.

Cautionary Deposit of £200 is required. Payphone and answerphone by arrangement.

Witheridge: village in the very middle of Devon, small but the biggest for miles, so quite important for farmers: thatched cottages, two pubs, essential shops. Unspoilt wooded farming country all round. Trout and coarse fishing lakes not far. Tiverton (old small town, barging on its canal), 10 miles. Exmoor, about 13 miles. Dartmoor, 20.

The house has recently been carefully restored, refurbished, redecorated by its owners. Good period furniture, good pictures, uncluttered; high ceilings, wooden or tiled floors (rugs), big windows, light and delightful. Tiled hall; comfortable drawing room (slate open fireplace) with books, children's videos; another sitting room with tuned piano, games (including shove ha'penny), card table, cassette/radio; large dining room with big teak table, huge fireplace (open fire, bread oven); fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, double oven); study; lobby (freezer) with loo/washbasin, washing machine, tumble drier, back door. Two staircases (childgates, handrails), one from hall, other from dining room (steep/narrow - servants no doubt!) up to big sunny landing and four bedrooms, all sizeable - master double (carved 5' bed) with 2nd TV and en suite shower-room (suite), one with double (brass) and bunk beds, double with 5' carved bed and tremendous views, and a twin. Large and very fine bathroom (deep, Victorian ball-and-claw-footed bath, hand-shower, basin, bidet). Telephone. Excellent house of much character; very peaceful place, very private: no other dwelling anywhere near. Everything included. Good value.

Petrockstowe: little far-from-beaten-track village (pub) in farmland about a mile from the Tarka Trail near its start. The River Torridge (trout/salmon fishing), 2 miles; Sheepwash (famous fishermen's pub), 3; Hatherleigh (lively large market town), 4; Dartmoor, 11; the sea/beaches at Westward Ho! or Instow, about 15, or surfing at Bude, about 20.

Bickleigh: little village (two pubs, thatched roofs) popular with fishermen (trout, salmon) in the River Exe valley, 3 miles south of Tiverton (interesting old market town, good shops, canal barging, indoor swimming pool and sports centre). Riding stable/school, 3 miles. M5, 11 miles; Exeter, 12 miles. Dartmoor and Exmoor, both about 15 miles; the North Devon beaches around Woolacombe and the south coast (Exmouth's sandy beach or Budleigh Salterton), about 21 miles.

Inside, the house is unconventional, full of light, fun, interest, comfort, well-decorated; a home. Front door to hall; big comfortable living room with open fireplace, rugs, interesting pictures, ornaments, two big windows (seats) and half-glazed door to garden. Next door, enormous, width-of-house/hub-of-house and delightful kitchen/dining room (27' x 27') with five big windows, dining table seating 16 and smaller one, huge ornamental fireplace, pictures, CD/cassette/radio, two pine dressers, two Belfast sinks, oil-fired Aga, electric oven plus two burner hob, freezer, door to patio; walk-in slate-shelved larder with dishwasher, microwave. Off the hall, cloakroom (loo/washbasin, washing machine, tumble drier); and, down a few steps, lovely music/playroom (22' x 15'), high-ceilinged and very light, with Italian-tiled woodburner, grand piano (tuned), mini-snooker, children's books, colour TV, and ancient A-frame beams from which are suspended a flying aeroplane and monsters.

Upstairs: oak stairs from the hall to wide landing off which four bedrooms - splendid master double (5' brass bed) with sofa, three large windows, and en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower, big Victorian ball-and-claw footed bath), another double with en suite bathroom (suite plus separate shower), and twin. All these have garden/valley views. Also a double facing the front, with jolly red bathroom next door (suite plus hand-shower). From the landing a castiron Victorian spiral staircase up to two big children's bedrooms with velux windows - one huge with 4 single beds (2 beds 2'6"), one with three singles; bathroom (suite plus shower). Also a folding bed available. Six bedrooms, four bathrooms in all.

Also to rent with the house (at an extra charge) a little cottage for two with cosy living room (open fire)/small kitchen. Spiral staircase up to a pretty double bedroom (wooden beams, brass bed) with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower).

Electricity, swimming pool and logs all included. Telephone, fax, professional catering and maid service by arrangement. Cautionary Deposit of £150.00 required. N.B. Arrival time: not before 4 pm.

... and in Petrockstowe, beside a no-through lane close to the village centre and next to the church, a delightful 300-year-old detached cob and thatched cottage called 'Monks'. Sunken sun-trap patio with steps up to unfenced raised lawn (toddlers take care, barbecue); shed for bikes/surf boards. Bikes can be borrowed, but please mend punctures.

The cottage is light, well furnished. Well-equipped, newly fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer); living room with exposed beams, inglenook fireplace (woodburner) with bread oven, CD player; cloakroom (tumble drier); downstairs bathroom (suite). Stairs from the living room lead up to a large landing and three bedrooms - pretty double with en suite shower-room (suite), small bunk room, and one with two single beds. Phone for incoming calls. Central heating and electricity included. No smoking.

Sampford Courtenay: one of the prettiest villages in the middle of Devon with lots of thatched cottages, masses of flowers and fine church, good pub. In 1549 a rebellion against the new Prayer Book began here. Dartmoor and Okehampton (small town, golf, tennis), 6 miles. Exeter about 20, the sea (Bude, splendid beaches), about 28.

Winkleigh: could well be considered mid-Devon's best village ­ topping a hillside, old, tight-knit with square, unspoilt, unglamorised, with two restaurants (Pophams is one) people travel miles to. Several shops and pubs. Cider factory nearby. Iddesleigh (tiny, thatched village with the Times pub of the year 2000), 3 miles. Lake trout fishing, riding and golf not far. Dartmoor, 12 miles; lovely Rosemoor Gardens (RHS), 12 miles; beaches (Instow, Saunton), 22 - 25 miles.

... in the centre of the village yet peacefully beside a quiet, narrow street behind the friendly owners' Post Office/shop, a cosy 300-year-old cottage with own small, pretty, enclosed, walled and secluded patio/garden (raised flower beds, table/chairs). Inside, well-decorated, thoughtful, pretty. Good-sized, comfortable living room with windows both sides, window seats, beams, large inglenook fireplace with bread oven (ornamental); good, fitted, well-equipped kitchen/dining room (washing machine, microwave, double oven) with another former inglenook fireplace. Stairs from the living room to three bedrooms (low windows, child locks) ­ two double and one single room (smallish) ­ bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Heating and electricity included. Good value little cottage. Non smokers preferred.

... and about 50' away from J162S, separated from it by shrubs and flower-bed, a pre-Norman detached farmhouse which was completely renovated in 2002. Own lovely tree-shaded lawn garden to one side and uninterrupted views (no buildings) to Dartmoor. Access over owners' 210 wooded acres (rough shooting) ­ frequent sightings of deer. About 30' away is the indoor heated pool, shared with the occupants of J162S (above) and the owners. Gravel parking area. Inside, big living room with ox-roasting inglenook fireplace (woodburner), low beams, nice pieces of antique furniture, comfy sofas and chairs; conservatory cum breakfast room, archway to dining room with a lovely big granite inglenook fireplace (open fire); fitted kitchen with double oven gas range in inglenook; boot room and loo/washbasin. Stairs from back hall divide half-way up to landing and four bedrooms ­ two double with en suite bathrooms (suite - one bathroom has second door to landing), and two twin, one with en suite shower-room (suite). Gorgeous old house. Central heating and electricity included.

Crediton: ancient, busy, purposeful farmers' small town (good shops) in a beautiful rich red-soil vale. On the railway. Exeter and the Dartmoor National Park, both about 8 miles. The sea/beaches at Exmouth, about 20 miles.

... 2 miles from Crediton heading for Tiverton and set back from the A3072, three newly converted cottages, all very individually decorated and furnished and delightful, two in the wing of a beautiful Grade II* listed mediaeval manor house set, with its surrounding barns, in 20 acres of farmland, the third cottage, for 2, across the yard. Large pond and stream in the grounds. Beautiful, peaceful countryside all round, fields to roam (adhering to the country code). Bicycles for your use. Mile walk across fields to a pub. From Easter 2003 they will share a large indoor heated swimming pool.

The owners have spent a huge amount of time and effort making each cottage individual; the paint is lime washed; the wing is partly mediaeval, partly Georgian; the walls are hugely thick. Central heating and electricity included in all three. No smoking in all three.

Drake (arrow 1) is suitable for disabled people with ramp to sunny patio (table/chairs) and entrance into smart farmhousey new fitted blue Shaker kitchen/dining room with dishwasher, washing machine (use of owners' tumble drier), microwave, fridge/freezer, eye-level oven and four-burner hob in enormous inglenook fireplace (marvellous beam), original pine and slate floor, high ceiling, large pine dining table and chairs. Off this, the sunny living room with pine floor (woodburner), Welsh dresser, and downstairs twin bedroom with en suite shower-room (suite, small washbasin). Boxed stairs (handrail) from the kitchen lead up to two more bedrooms - that's three bedrooms in all; a marvellously large and lovely four poster double, and a twin in cornflower/mauve colours; small shower-room (suite).

Rook (arrow 2), at the far end of the wing has its own patio and shared garden and definitely the 'wow' factor. It is fun, cleverly decorated in bright jolly colours, its theme Africa (the owners lived there for many years). Big, high-ceilinged living/dining room with bright ochre lime washed walls, huge fireplace (woodburner), pine floors with rugs, Batik throws over squishy beige woven sofas, masks and ebony statues, dining table. Newly fitted kitchen with terracotta walls, moss green tiles, dishwasher, washing machine (use of owners' tumble drier), microwave, wall oven and four-burner hob. Stairs up to two bedrooms - small double with Moroccan décor and, behind a harem screen, a raised double bed (only for the agile - access from the bottom of the bed!), and a Safari-themed good-sized twin with mosquito nets and wall hangings. Shower-room (suite, power-shower). A very unusual and delightful cottage.

1

Drake and Rook cottages have interconnecting doors and the dining table in Drake can seat ten, so together they would suit a party of ten if required; soundproofed doors. In the high season, they are available for ten only; at all other times, either separately or as a whole. Prices for ten: 24 May-31 May = £1695.00 per week, 19 July- 30 August = £1978.00 per week, 20 December - 3 January 2003 = £1888.00 per week.

Yan's Barn (arrow 3), across the yard, is more modern in style, much use of wood, stainless steel, spot and downlighters, high ceiling exposing beams. Open-plan, very spacious. Entrance into smart, fitted kitchen (fridge/freezer) with dining table seating four. Utility room (washing machine, tumble drier), leading to a shower-room (suite). Short flight of stairs up to large living room with pine floor (CD player); another from the kitchen, down to big double bedroom with tiled floor.

Copplestone: one of those utterly Devon villages in rich, red-soil, cider orchard farmland, seemingly left behind by much of the modern world yet only a quick trip from the big towns and cities. Pub and shop in the village. Crediton (small town, supermarket), 5 miles; Exeter (cathedral city), 10; the south coast beaches (Dawlish, Exmouth), 25 miles; north coast (Saunton, Westward Ho!), about 35. 9 hole golf, 1 mile; vineyard, 2.

... a mile from the village, south-facing, sheltered in a little hole in the hills and with views towards Dartmoor to the south, is Elston Barton, an authentic 16th cent. West Country manor house, complete with huge beams, huge rooms, an oak screen in the hall. Wisteria and honeysuckle roll up the front of the house and beyond is a walled, mainly lawned large garden (barbecue, croquet). Inside, utility room (two washing machines, tumble drier, electric cooker, chest freezer, double fridge) with door out to garden; big family farmhouse fitted kitchen (dishwasher, Aga); hall; dining room with big inglenook fireplace (woodburner), dining table for 12 and CD player; living room with door to garden, books; downstairs double bedroom; shower-room (suite). Two staircases up to six further bedrooms, one double, two twin, two single, and a room with bunks (full-size but best for children) off one of the twins. Two bathrooms, one at either end of the house, one suite plus bidet, the other with bath, basin and bath-shower. Separate loo. Seven bedrooms, three bath or shower-rooms in all. A fine place for a holiday. Central heating and electricity included. Arrival time after 4 pm.

North Tawton; large, lively, farmers' village (square, all essential shops, three good food pubs, church) on the River Taw, in hilly red-soil farmland 6 miles north of Dartmoor (lovely views of it from nearby hilltops). Exeter, 15 miles; sandy beaches (Bude, Exmouth), about 26 miles.

... a mile from North Tawton, at the end of a no-through lane in the pretty valley of the River Taw, stone stables on two sides of a courtyard (former farmyard) converted into six very good, comfortable, relaxed cottages. The charming owners live in one of them. Thatched farmstead next door; otherwise just pasture land and the wooded river banks for a mile and more all round. Badgers, foxes about, lots of birds including kingfishers and spotted woodpeckers, otters seen; very few people. The river (fun fishing) is 150 yards away; coarse fishing, 2 miles. Many footpaths, including to pub (1 mile), and 'Tarka Trail' leading in a mile to Bondleigh - hamlet, thatched cottages, fine church.

All the cottages have their own patios (table/chairs) and barbecues are available. Across the shared garden (lawn, flowers) is a superb big indoor heated swimming pool (40' x 20', 3' to 6'6" deep, loungers, hammocks) with glazed doors to a good-sized patio (tables/chairs). Behind the pool, large flat area of field for playing (badminton). On one side of the courtyard (gravelled, white roses at its centre, no cars) is an upstairs beamed games room (table tennis, table football, bar skittles, other games/toys); below it, table and chairs in an open-sided cobble-floored former cart-shed. Beyond the garden are fields (mainly sheep) to wander and an orchard of old and varied fruit trees (swing, rustic croquet) with stream (good for picnicking).

The cottages are all individual in their decor and furnishings: high standard, lots of colour, attractive, well-equipped.

All are 'upside down' - living areas upstairs, light with good-sized windows, high ceilings exposing ancient beams and trusses; smart fitted kitchens; good quality everywhere, particularly comfy sofas. All are double-glazed, centrally heated, and have a woodburner, dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, food processor, CD player, cassette/radio and, in one of the bedrooms, 2nd (portable) TVs. Shared laundry room with two washing machines, two tumble driers, large freezer (for meals); video library; payphone. Fax, phone answering and e-mail service also available. Pretty linen and quilts on all beds. Filtered spring water. Alternative relaxation therapies available by arrangement.

Three of the cottages - Granary, Yeo and Tarka - have patios leading to the garden, lawn and pool, and face towards them.

Granary has, downstairs, hall and two bedrooms - one double, one twin (very pretty curtains) with French windows to own patio - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Upstairs, living/dining/fitted kitchen with full length windows looking towards the lawn, pool and fields. When both two bedroom cottages are booked outside school holidays, the larger cottages may be discounted for parties of 4 or fewer.

Yeo adjoins Granary and is similar to it. Downstairs, two bedrooms - double with French windows to own patio/garden, and twin - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Upstairs, living/dining/fitted kitchen with full length windows looking towards the courtyard and towards the lawn, pool, fields. When both two bedroom cottages are booked outside school holidays, the larger cottages may be discounted for parties of 4 or fewer.

Tarka is perhaps the most private of the cottages. Its goodsized horse-shoe-shaped patio looks towards the orchard. Steps from the patio up to very pretty living/dining/fitted kitchen with full length windows; also upstairs, a double bedroom with shower-room (suite). Downstairs, two bedrooms - one twin, one room with three single beds - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Three bedrooms in all.

The other two cottages (and their patios) face the pedestrian courtyard with views over it to hills and fields (sheep), and each has its own terraced garden (tables/chairs, lovely views to Dartmoor and the valley) across a track at the back.

Taw (an end cottage on the side of the courtyard opposite the games room) has, upstairs, big, sunny living/dining/fitted kitchen, double bedroom (particularly pretty quilt), and shower-room (suite). Downstairs, large entrance hall and two more bedrooms - one small twin, one big room with three single beds; bathroom (suite). Three bedrooms in all.

Shippon (next door to Taw) also has, upstairs, big living/dining/fitted kitchen, double bedroom, and shower-room (suite). Downstairs, entrance hall and two more bedrooms - one twin, one room with three single beds; bathroom (suite). Three bedrooms in all.

... all on its own, off a quiet lane and on a hill 2 miles from North Tawton (see page 62), a detached double-glazed bungalow, light and very smartly, cleanly decorated with quite stupendous views over cornfields and other farmland to Dartmoor. Reasonable-sized lawn garden (roses, patio, benches, picnic table); and you are welcome on the owners' 180 acre mixed farm a mile away, where you can watch milking (dairy herd), maybe help bucket-feed calves, meet lively ponies, and coarse fish (carp and tench up to 20 lbs) in a large pond. All relaxed and friendly. The owners do B & B in their farmhouse, and run a small tea room in their conservatory.

The bungalow has small porch leading to well-equipped fitted kitchen with breakfast bar (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); cosy living room (double sofa bed, extra) leading to a conservatory with tremendous, panoramic view; dining room; two bedrooms - one double (through the dining room), one twin; nice bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Mainly pine furniture. Payphone. Suitable for partially disabled. Very trouble-free.

Lewdown: village (PO/stores, pub, petrol station, butcher/crafts centre/restaurant) in rolling, wooded-valley West Devon farmland: very peaceful. Among the best views of Dartmoor (6 miles) are from round about it. Famous hotel/restaurant at Lewtrenchard (home of the Victorian hymn-writing Rev. Baring Gould), 1 mile. Dramatic Lydford Gorge, 6 miles. Launceston (historic town with 'leisure centre'), 7 miles; the north Cornish coast, about 25 (good road). Roadford Lake, 3 miles.

Cheriton Bishop: village (shop, two pubs, church) in rolling farmland 11 miles west of Exeter. Dartmoor,
5 miles. Sea/sandy beaches at Exmouth, Dawlish or Teignmouth, 21 miles.

Lawn (enclosed) with roses surrounds it; patio. Inside, much comfort, some lovely furniture. Porch; parquet-floored hall; comfortable living room (woodburner, CD player) with hunting prints; dining room with Sheraton table, chairs; very good, big, slate-floored fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with big pine table, oak units, bar/stools looking to garden/view; downstairs single bedroom/sun-room (also sofa bed) with en suite shower-room (suite) suitable for wheelchair bound people, and doors to patio. Upstairs (stairgate), two good-sized bedrooms, both with lovely views ­ double (5' bed) with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower), and twin (brass beds) ­ and bathroom (suite). Three bedrooms in all, three bath or shower-rooms. Telephone. Absolutely its own ­ and your own ­ place. Central heating and electricity included.

Broadwoodwidger: hamlet with church in the wonderfully undamaged, little-visited and beautiful rolling farmland of far-west Devon, 4 miles from nearest main road. One mile away is Roadford Lake. Lifton (village with famous fishermen's hotel/pub, shops), 6 miles; Launceston, 9; the sea at Bude, Boscastle, about 20.

... 2 miles north of Broadwoodwidger and one from Roadford Lake, an extremely well-converted coachhouse in the grounds of a lovely old small manor house. Well-kept lawns, sun-trap heated swimming pool (34' x 15', and up to 6' deep), summer house with barbecue area, one acre lake down in the woods, and 30 acres of farmland. All lovely ­ for wild birds and animals too. Inside, tasteful decoration and comfort; living/dining room (open fireplace); very well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, Rayburn plus electric cooker). Upstairs (stairgate), three bedrooms - one double, one twin, one with two single beds; bathroom (suite plus shower); separate loo. Payphone. Rayburn fuel and electricity included. Much recommended and appreciated. A very attractive and peaceful place. No smoking. Chest freezer in the garage.

Roadford Lake is a large (730 acre) and spectacular reservoir in the middle of beautiful, sparsely populated West Devon: just farmland and a few scattered farms around it. There is a small 'visitors' centre' open in the summer with café from which various walks (good bird-watching - heron, great crested grebe, duck, geese; disabled facilities and a wheelchair available). You can trout-fish, dinghy-sail, canoe and windsurf (sometimes, ask us). Boats, kayaks and boards for hire; instruction available.The 'visitors' centre', 3 miles; birdwatching hide, 1; nearest village, Germansweek (church), 1; shops and pubs, about 5. The sea/beaches (Bude, Boscastle), about 20 miles.

... near the top end of the lake and at the end of a no-through lane is this brilliantly renovated, mainly 17th cent. farmhouse. Set back and up a slope from the lane, so lovely views from all front windows. In front, superb large patio/terrace with flower tubs/hanging baskets, barbecue, at the back much lawn space with ancient oak. A wing of the house is devoted to an indoor heated swimming pool (21' x 10' x 3' to 5'6") with first floor viewing gallery, huge arched glazed doorway to second patio. Adjacent games/excercise room with sauna, rowing and cycling machines, bar billiards, table tennis, darts, shower and loo.

Inside, the house is beautifully decorated/furnished, light and sunny: ceilings beamed but not low; all slate floors with rugs downstairs; TV points in all rooms. Entrance (stable doors) from the terrace to small hall; living/dining room with marvellous inglenook open fireplace, window seat, CD player, and French windows to patio (chairs/table); reading room (woodburner in ancient fireplace); excellent, pine-fitted kitchen (pretty in blues and yellows, dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer, double oven, pine table, window seat) with back door to garden and stairs down (childgate) to the pool, sauna, etc; twin bedroom with door to pool viewing gallery and en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower); another downstairs loo/washbasin. Upstairs (childgate), three bedrooms - master bedroom (6' or twin plus day bed) with en suite bathroom (suite plus power-shower), double with en suite shower-room (suite, power-shower), and twin with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower), both latter with wooden floors and rugs. All have views of the lake and far beyond. Four bedrooms, four bath/shower-rooms in all. Payphone. Suitable for partially disabled (2 steps, ramps available).

This is a very high quality place in a very peaceful and beautiful setting. Central heating and electricity included. £100 Cautionary Deposit required.

Bere Ferrers: pretty little village popular with yachtsmen, near the tip of the peninsula separating the tidal rivers Tavy and Tamar. Waterside pub, fine church, PO. Larger Bere Alston (shops), 2 miles.

Weir Quay: hamlet on the wooded shore of the tidal River Tamar (lots of yachts, boats), 2 miles from both Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers (see above). Very pretty, extremely peaceful place. Victorians shipped locally-mined silver from it. Tavistock, small market town, good shops, theatre and Dartmoor, 8 miles.

... from Weir Quay, a single track road winds beside the River Tamar, and about 400 yards upstream and set back from the river is a house known as The Basket Factory. From a ruined Victorian weaver's workshop, it has been carefully and imaginatively restored to a good family house with a lovely sheltered private garden and private quay (access to the tidal river).

Inside, it's light, spacious, well furnished. Big farmhouse style kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, Aga, gas hob) with long pine kitchen table and French windows into garden. The hall doubles as a dining room, also with French windows into gardens. Big and elegant living room with granite fireplace (open fire) and doors to garden. Also, a TV room/children's play room (woodburner, games, books, children's videos, writing desk). At the back of the house, a utility room (washing machine, tumble drier) shared with the owners who live in a little cottage 15 yards across the drive and a shower-room (suite). Upstairs, five bedrooms - master double with en suite bathroom (suite), another double, pretty twin, two single rooms - and bathroom (suite plus hand-shower), all 'under the eaves' with limited headroom in places, but comfortable and well thought out. Overall a superb house in a brilliant location. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included.

Dartmoor

Lydford: village on Dartmoor's western edge, of Saxon origin and mediaeval importance (castle ruins), now famous for its gorge (Nat. Trust, very beautiful walk by the River Lyd with pools, boulders and waterfalls, deep in woods). Two good food pubs, church, shop; trout/sea trout fishing in the Lyd; riding stables locally. Sea/beaches, about 25 miles, north or south coasts. Roadford Lake, 9 miles. Tavistock (market town), 5 miles.

Ash Cottage (on the right in picture above) has small hall, off which a spacious living room with terracotta-tiled floor with rugs, comfy sofas, CD player, nice pictures, doors to patio. Well-equipped fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, gas hob and electric oven). Downstairs loo and washbasin. Stairs from hall up to three bedrooms - one double with views down the valley, and two twin, all prettily decorated and comfortable. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and separate loo. Central heating and electricity included.

Elm Cottage (on the left above) has an entrance hall off which a well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, gas hob and electric oven), and arch to good-sized living/dining room with terracotta-tiled floor with rugs, CD player, and doors to patio. Downstairs loo and washbasin. Stairs from hall up to three bedrooms - double, twin, single. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Separate loo. Central heating and electricity included.

Dartmoor: "the last great wilderness in Southern England". Great rock-tors top many of its often heather-covered hills. Marvellous for walking, riding, tor-climbing, picnicking, kite-flying, pony-trekking and, if you're at all energetic, not seeing other people. Just off its edge, amid woods, valleys and farmed hills, are many pretty villages (sometimes thatched) and very lively small towns. All is protected from caravans, tents and most ugliness by being in the Dartmoor National Park.

The half of the moor north of the B3212 is the highest and wildest; no villages within it, almost no cultivation. The half to the south has the most spectacular tors, best wooded river valleys, a few villages (like Widecombe, Buckland) in green-field 'oases'. The moor's eastern edge is the softest, most wooded, most popular: Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Lustleigh and Bovey Tracey are among its best villages, and the River Teign's is an exceptionally beautiful river valley.

The Dart(s) ­ two of them rise in the moor's middle and join at Dartmeet ­ is/are equally beautiful all the way to the sea at Dartmouth. Very lovely, too, are the valleys of the rivers Avon, Erme, Walkham and Tavy; Tavy Cleave, on the latter, is the western moor's most dramatic place. The quality of a pub can change so quickly we hesitate to recommend, but there are plenty of them; and of places to ride or pony trek. The National Park Headquarters is at Bovey Tracey.

Telephone numbers: High Moorland Visitor Centre - Princetown: 01822 890414

Bovey Tracey TIC: 01626 832047

Ashburton TIC: 01364 653426

Tavistock TIC: 01822 612938

... and 2 miles south-west of Lydford (see page 65) and 1 from its gorge, 400 yards of private farm-lane end at Burnville Farm, a lovely farmstead amid beech trees. It is on the side of a shallow stream-valley with supreme views of Dartmoor hills and tors, and to Brentor's peak-top church, from almost anywhere on the 250 acre working farm (direct moor access from it). There are sheep, cattle, ponies, a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, chickens, ornamental pheasants. You can "go anywhere" (owners) on the farm and help is most welcome. Stabling/grazing for your own ponies/horses, a small lake for boating, picnicking, with mallard, moorhen and usually Canada geese in spring; badgers and foxes about. Clay pigeon shooting and instruction, and mountain bikes (adults' and children's) by arrangement. Heated swimming pool (10m x 5m and 1m to 2.5m deep) and hard tennis court shared with owners. Fun badminton and volley-ball. In a barn, table tennis, 6' snooker table, darts, table soccer. Lovely walled vegetable garden. Fresh veg. available in season, and eggs. Golf and gliding, 2 miles.

For you to live in are the original stone farmhouse or a large Victorian house, 200 yards up the private lane, or a converted coachhouse, roughly midway between the two, or a converted barn a mile away. The extremely nice owners live nearby but out of sight.

The converted coachhouse (see above) was formerly the owners' home and is the closest to the heated swimming pool. Own heated games room (snooker, table tennis, table football, darts, CD player), lovely paved patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and approx. 1 acre garden (partly stepped or sloping, but with large level lawn areas, sand-pit, wooden play-house). Inside, delightful, well-decorated and furnished, mainly big rooms with many windows (original coachhouse openings). Elegant living room with big fireplace (open fire), big arched French windows, CD player; dining room with big ornamental fireplace and arched windows, slate floor with rugs, glazed door to patio; smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, larder fridge); maple-floored 'den' with woodburner, TV and video and French windows to forecourt; laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer, big Belfast sink); children's 'snug' with wooden floor, beanbags, toys; boot room, and downstairs loo/washbasin. Upstairs, five bedrooms - master double with en suite shower-room (suite), another double (mahogany bed), one twin, one single, and children's room with two sets of bunks; two bathrooms (suites). Payphone.

... and owned by the same family as the Coachhouse, Farmhouse and Guinea (see left and below), a mile away by car or a 10 minute walk across the farm, is the Red Barn, newly converted, highly successful, surrounded by its own enclosed garden with terrace at the back, double-glazed, centrally heated. It shares the tennis court, outdoor swimming pool and all other facilities at the farm; has splendid long views over farmland to the moor.

Front door to good-sized hall off which the very spacious, stylish beamed living room with windows all one side and doors to terrace, fireplace (woodburner), deeply comfy sofas, books, antiques and good paintings, wood floors with rugs over. Lockable door to an indoor plunge pool (15' x 8' x 3' - 'endless pool' with variable river flow for ambitious swimmers) and jogging and rowing machines in panelled room with glazed door to terrace. Pretty dining/fitted kitchen, well-equipped, excellent hand-made fitments (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer), pine dining table, glazed doors to little patio. Utility room with washing machine, tumble drier; downstairs loo/washbasin. All downstairs floors except living room have good terracotta tiles.

Upstairs, three pretty, very individual bedrooms, all with superb views - a double with 5' brass bed and en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower), another double with 5' pine bed and en suite bathroom (suite plus triple tray power shower), a twin with antique Victorian beds and en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Payphone. A really fine five star cottage. Central heating and electricity included.

The large Victorian house (picture left), called 'Guinea', has superb Dartmoor views from most windows. 200 yards from the farmhouse, farm-buildings, and owners' house, it stands above and set back from the private lane, with the lawn in front and gravelled patio (table/chairs, flower-tubs, brick barbecue) and another lawn behind ­ all enclosed. Inside, very spacious with high ceilings, fine arched stripped-pine doors, mainly pine furniture. Porch; big depth-of-house living room (open fire, CD player) with windows both ends; pretty dining room (cast-iron Victorian open fireplace) with antique table seating 8 (intimately) and large toy box; big, well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer) with dining/breakfast table seating 10, back door and porch to garden; downstairs bathroom (suite); also cloakroom (loo, washbasin, washing machine, tumble drier). Upstairs, five bedrooms ­ two double (both with moor views), twin (washbasin, garden views), and two bunk bedrooms (garden views) ­ and big bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Payphone.

The farmhouse at Burnville Farm (see left) - large, slate-roofed, 'listed' (with at least one leaded window for the connoisseur) - is in classic story-book situation amid barns and animals; own enclosed, secluded, good-sized garden (lawn, stream, beech trees), 20 yards away. Inside, small slate-floored hall; beamed, comfortable living room (CD player) with ornamental fireplace leading to large sun-room with pine furniture, pot plants; beamed slate-floored dining room with big granite open fireplace, pine dresser and large dining table/backed benches; fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) with ancient dough trough as scrub-topped table, pine dresser; wide quarry-tiled passage for boots, etc., and playing; laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer) leading to downstairs shower-room (suite). Upstairs, four bedrooms - one double (beds unzippable to make twin), one with double bed plus single divan (very large and lovely, some steps and distance from the loo!), one single (washbasin), and one with two sets of bunks (one 2'6"); bathroom (suite) and separate loo. Payphone. Barbecue.

We very much like this farm, the houses, whole atmosphere, and they have been much praised. Tremendous freedom and number of things to do for children and adults. Sumptuous evening meal menu. Excellent owners. Outdoor swimming pool available 16 May to 20 September, included in price.

Meldon: hamlet on Dartmoor's northern edge, close to Meldon Reservoir (trout fishing, windsurfing, sailing/canoeing), beautifully situated in a valley below the moor's highest peaks (Yes Tor, High Willhays), starting point for lovely walks including to remote and ancient Blacktor Copse. Okehampton (small town, golf, tennis, heated swimming pool, cinema), 2 miles. Sea/beaches at Bude, approx. 25 miles (good road).

... 3/4 mile from Meldon Reservoir, a detached cottage with own large secluded and pretty enclosed garden, on a 500 acre farm ­ cattle, sheep (calves, lambs in spring), horses. You are welcome on the farm, to participate or just walk. Stabling for 3 horses available (extra). Games room (full-size snooker table, darts, woodburner, music centre, piano, pianola), 100 yards away. The cottage has lovely views over its garden (lawns, flowers, table/chairs, barbecue, climbing frame, swing, slide) to fields/trees from all windows. Inside, front door to porch/sun-room; dining room with oil-fired Rayburn; living room (open fire); well-equipped, narrow fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with door to another sun-room and, off it, downstairs loo/washbasin. Upstairs (stairgate), three bedrooms ­ two double, one bunk ­ and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Central heating and electricity included. Friendly cottage and owners: proper farm.

South Zeal: handsome, lively old granite village, once coaching and industrial, in a valley on Dartmoor's northern edge, neighbouring Sticklepath, Belstone (see below left) and South Tawton (see below); famous and beautiful 15th cent. pub, village shops, Post Office. Start of many superb walks on the moor's highest part within 1 mile or so. Okehampton (golf, tennis, heated swimming pool, cinema), 5 miles; Exeter, 20 miles; the sea/sandy beaches at Exmouth, 30 miles, or Bude, 36 miles (fast roads).

... on the village edge, an extremely private detached cottage, set back from and above a lane (a few steps up) and hidden from the world by hedges. In front, two small lawns with flower borders; at the back, steepish terraced garden with patio (table/chairs, long views). Inside, living room with big granite fireplace (woodburner) and French windows to veranda and front garden; dining room leading to spacious fitted kitchen (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, freezer) with breakfast table. Upstairs, large landing with comfy seat, books and glazed door to back garden; three bedrooms - double, twin, and single; bathroom (suite); separate loo. Very relaxed and peaceful atmosphere; excellent base. No children under 2. Central heating and electricity included. Payphone.

Belstone: little high village (good food pub, church, shop, village green) on the very edge of the open moor, brilliant base for walking Dartmoor's highest hills and wildest

... the perfect escape: private drive off lane leads to a rose-covered, detached, thatched, mediaeval, Grade II listed single-storey Devon longhouse 100 yards from the open moor, all beautifully presented. Little front garden, larger enclosed one behind (furniture). Use of owners' big, interesting garden with petanque, ponds, ducks and poultry, garden seats and lovely countryside view. The cottage has been marvellously restored with great flair, unspoilt yet exceptionally comfy and 21st century. Small porch into a flagstoned hall (tumble drier); 2 steps up to very special living/dining room with huge oak beamed ceiling, massive granite fireplace (woodburner), original granite flagstone floor with rugs, comfy sofas, good paintings, radio/cassette player, window seats: a room to dream in. Small fitted kitchen (microwave); shower-room (suite). Two bedrooms - double with 5' four poster, one small with full-size bunk beds. Excellent fabrics, linen, all good quality. No children under 12. Suitable for partially disabled. No smoking.

South Tawton: old and pretty little village (good food pub, fine church and church

house) neighbouring South Zeal (see above)

and Sticklepath, about 3/4 mile from

each; Chagford (see page 70), 7 miles: Okehampton, 4 miles; Exeter, 20; sea/sand about 30.

... in the heart of this delightful moorland village an end of row ancient thatched cottage: thick knobbly walls, spiral staircase, very comfortably furnished. To the side a private garden, mostly lawn and shrubs (greenhouse) surrounded by trees. Inside, small entrance hall, surprisingly roomy living room with open fire, window seat and sofa bed (alternative sleeping only), step up to neat little kitchen/diner (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave), butler sink, modern wood draining boards and dresser. Steep staircase to landing and a very pretty 'buttermilk' twin bedroom and bathroom (suite plus hand-shower); more steep stairs immediately into equally pretty double bedroom with exposed ceiling 'A' beams and wood floor with rugs. A gem of a cottage in a beautiful little village, but because of the stairs not suitable for toddlers or anyone with mobility problems. No children under 4. Heating and electricity included.

... on the edge of Belstone village green, the former Post Office, a detached stone cottage newly renovated and delightful, owner used, owner loved. No garden of its own but plenty of grassy area immediately outside, stocks on the village green even, and an excellent good food pub nearby. Brilliant position for moorland walking. Inside, a comfortable cottage. Hallway, off which a light, three-windowed living room with curving walls, fireplace with granite lintel ('living flame' electric woodburner), sofa converting. Dining area with pretty stencilling on the walls, leading to a really smart newly fitted, hand-built slate-floored kitchen, Welsh dresser, Belfast sink, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, halogen hob, double oven and larder. Upstairs - two pretty bedrooms - one good-sized double, one small twin, both with fitted wardrobes. Bathroom (suite plus shower). Heating and electricity included.

Drewsteignton: exceptionally pretty small village on a ridge a mile from the most spectacular part of the River Teign valley (walks by the wooded river-banks or heathland). Thatched (mainly) houses round a square, church at its head; good food pub, restaurant, friendly PO/shop. Marvellous scenery; fishing; extraordinary Castle Drogo (National Trust); Chagford (see page 70), 3 miles; the open moor, 6; Exeter, 14.

... classic thatched cottage (terraced) by Drewsteignton's churchyard; garden - very small but pretty - front and rear. Charming, cosy living room with oak beams, open fire in enormous fireplace (bread oven), many pictures/prints, stereo CD/cassette player; fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); bathroom (white suite, separate power-shower). Upstairs (steep, handrail), two pretty bedrooms, one double,

one twin, comfortably furnished, both with washbasins. Separate loo. Central heating, electricity and logs included. Telephone.

... also on Drewsteignton's edge, two excellent 'listed' thatched cottages called Michaelmas and Gardeners, hidden from the lane, tucked away and sharing a heated swimming pool (32' x 16' and 3'7" to 7' deep, open Whitsun to late September) and pretty gardens including high-hedged formal scented-rose garden, paved patio with pergola and beautiful farmland views, croquet lawn, boules court, barbecue area, and, a little beyond, a fenced and mown avenue to a small spinney and an acre of pasture land. Shed for bikes, etc. Excellent owners, who live next door.

Michaelmas faces and opens on its own beautiful, flower-filled, high-walled, enclosed garden, with the heated swimming pool beside the paved patio (good garden furniture). Inside, antique-filled, colourful, beamed, charming. Door into an excellent, sunny, well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer), antique furniture, flagstoned floor. An arched doorway leads to the comfortable living room, with fine furniture, deep sofas, granite inglenook fireplace (woodburner), good pictures, CD player. Two staircases: one from living room up to two bedrooms - double (5') and single - and bathroom (suite); the other from dining room also up to two bedrooms - double (5') and single - and shower-room (suite, double-shower). Four bedrooms, two bathrooms or shower-rooms in all. N.B. no interconnecting door upstairs. Stairgate. Central heating and electricity included; also logs. Telephone.

... also by Drewsteignton's churchyard, a detached, thatched, Grade II listed cottage with its own tiny enclosed garden in front (patio). Inside, surprisingly spacious and light though some low ceilings. Mainly white/pale washed walls; pretty furnishings. Inside, hall off which beamed living room (mainly peach and green) with large inglenook open fireplace, books, CD player; down two steps to a 'quiet room' with children's games. Good-sized, newly fitted kitchen/dining room (washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, oil-fired Rayburn plus electric cooker). Stairs up to two bedrooms - lovely good-sized double (5') with ceiling/beams to the apex and windows each side of the room, and one twin; bathroom (suite). Payphone. A family used cottage with many pretty paintings, touches, homely things. Central heating, electricity and logs included.

... and in its own secluded, walled garden with paved and gravelled terrace is Gardeners, a perfectly delightful thatched beamed cottage, semi-detached from Michaelmas. A door through the wall leads to the swimming pool (see above) and another to the shared gardens. Inside, a fine, beamed living room with huge inglenook granite fireplace (woodburner), many antiques, comfort. Smart, well-equipped, fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, CD player). Stairs (stairgate) up to two bedrooms, both prettily decorated - a beamed, high-ceilinged, double room (5'), rag rolled in blue and cream, and a single in apricots and cream. Beamed bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). All beautifully presented and well done. Excellent standard, lovely old cottage. Good value; central heating and electricity included; also logs. Telephone. Altogether a well-maintained, relaxed, friendly place.

... and on Drewsteignton's edge, all the upstairs of the Georgian wing of a Grade II listed thatched house, stayed in by Montgomery in World War II. Good-sized enclosed garden (lawn, trees, barbecue, swing). Own ground floor entrance to hall; wide period staircase to landing. Comfortable living room (woodburner) with radio; fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, CD player); separate dining area. Two bedrooms - kingsize four poster double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and single room. Shower-room (suite). All rooms have views over the garden. TV point in double bedroom. Evening meal on arrival by advance arrangement.

Inside, all delightfully comfortable, highly civilised with really beautiful furniture, antiques, paintings. Small hall and stairs up to half landing off which a bathroom (suite with hand-shower, and washer-drier) and separate loo. Stairs on up to living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) - a smallish room, but very neat and organised. Three bedrooms - a beautiful big double room with 6' bed, lovely 'throw', goose feather pillows and duvet, and off it a large splendid bathroom (suite plus separate shower and bidet); another double, pretty but smaller; and a single. Spring water. Perhaps a bit cramped for five, better for less, but excellent value as everything is included. Telephone.

From Drewsteignton a long lane leads west, wonderful Dartmoor views from every hill-crest as you go. 13/4 miles along it, a tinier lane right takes you in 300 yards to a former farmstead on the side of a beautiful farming valley, and the former threshing barn and stables converted into three very good, very attractive cottages. All are double-glazed; good quality, comfortable furniture and pretty decor/fabrics throughout. On its south side, each cottage has its own enclosed 'deck'/patio (picnic table, barbecue); on their other side is the delightful owner's farmhouse, across the gravelled forecourt. No other habitation near. 8 acres of pasture-land to wander (long, beautiful views from it and some upstairs windows); pond (fenced) with call ducks, chickens (complimentary free range eggs usually available), fantail doves about. Stabling for your horse available.

The cottages are 'upside-down', the upstairs living/dining rooms rising high to the apex with fine beams, trusses, tie-beams.

The largest cottage, Great Cleave, was the threshing barn; has splendidly light 'great hall' living/dining room (27' x 18', woodburner) with gallery (armchairs, futon) and huge French windows (the former barn doors) to its 'deck'/patio. Off this room, large pine fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, double range oven, fridge/freezer), bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and stairs up to double (6') or twin bedroom. Downstairs, three bedrooms - double (5' bed) with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), twin, twin or 6' double - and another bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). So four bedrooms, three bathrooms in all.

Old Orchard (nearest in picture) is slightly the more spacious of the two other cottages. Upstairs, high, beamed, pine-floored (rugs) living/dining room with woodburner on slate hearth and French windows to its 'deck'/patio (see above), pine fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer), and cloakroom (loo, washbasin). Downstairs, two bedrooms - double (5' bed) with en suite shower-room (suite), and twin with full-length windows; another bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

Little Cleave (middle in picture) is very similar to Old Orchard: kitchen a fraction smaller, second bedroom with two single rather than 'twin' beds. Equally attractive.

Together the three cottages can sleep 16 and all can dine in Great Cleave. All have payphones, radio/CD players, lots of books, games, jigsaws, hair dryers, deck chairs, clock radios; all showers are power-showers. Central heating and electricity included.

An excellent, enormously appreciated place: peaceful, yet easy to get to (A30, 2 miles). ALL

Dunsford: little Teign valley village (thatched cottages, PO/shop, good pub), 4 miles down river from Drewsteignton (see left). Exeter, 8 miles.

In style and design the cottages are similar - double-glazed, ancient beams, comfortable, and both cottages have been made completely suitable for disabled (wheelchair bound) people: Stannah stairlifts. There is a payphone in each and heating and electricity is included in both cottages.

Hunting Down (end cottage in picture) has living room (woodburner); fitted pine kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, freezer); downstairs shower/cloakroom. Upstairs, three bedrooms - one double, one with two single beds and, up steep stairs from it, an open gallery/bedroom with three futons for young adults/children. Bathroom (suite). Own flagstoned patio (barbecue) and small south-facing enclosed garden/lawn behind with sand-pit.

Broady Park, the other cottage (next door), differs only in that there are only two futons in its young adults/children's bedroom,

A good, relaxed, friendly and peaceful place, far from crowds.

Chagford: one of the liveliest, friendliest, most popular and attractive large villages in Devon: nowhere quite like it. Well away from any main road. Pubs and excellent shops round its square: mostly old buildings; all in the shelter of high Dartmoor. Past it the River Teign (salmon, trout and sea-trout fishing) hurries through woods and meadows, a gorge, over salmon weirs, below extraordinary Castle Drogo (National Trust) and its lovely estate. Lots of walks; superb views. Well-equipped children's playground (swings, slide); tennis courts; swimming pool (solar heated), 1/2 mile. Excellent and beautifully sited cricket/football ground with fine pavilion/clubhouse. The open moor, 2 miles; golf, 3; Exeter, 17; the sea (beaches), about 20.

... extremely quietly positioned, hidden from the road but within 150 yards of Chagford's square, a detached bungalow surrounded by its own pretty, enclosed, spacious garden with lawn, shrubs, fruit trees, garden chairs, barbecue and lovely views towards the moor. Access to two adjoining fields. Inside, newly redecorated, light, spacious. Hall, off which comfortable living room with CD player and two large windows overlooking the garden and countryside. Good family dining/kitchen with Aga and table seating 6; utility room with electric cooker, dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, larder and back door to garden. Three bedrooms, all with lovely views over the fields to the countryside and glimpses of the moor: double with washbasin, twin, and single; bathroom (bath-shower/basin), separate loo. Suitable for partially disabled. Payphone. Heating and electricity included.

... (not pictured) quietly situated about 100 yards away from the square and well off any street, a well-equipped 'own home' double-glazed bungalow with own small patio (views to Meldon Hill), secluded and enclosed at the back. Large hall leads to smart fitted kitchen/diner (washing machine, microwave, freezer). Light, roomy and comfortable living room with nice furniture and door to patio. Two bedrooms - one twin, one double (2nd TV). Bathroom (suite). Shower cabinet. Separate loo. Suitable for partially disabled.

... and a listed mediaeval stone cottage - the main part of a Devon hall house - 60 yards off Chagford's square, its interior lovingly restored by its artist owner. Steps lead down to a small pretty enclosed front garden. Porch, hall. Small dining room. Steps down to well-equipped hand-built oak and pine kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, gas cooker) with terracotta-tiled floor, Belfast sink. Boot room with freezer, washing and drying facilities. Downstairs loo/washbasin. Door to small sunny courtyard (pots, tubs, table/chairs). Parking for small car. Comfortable sitting room with 17th cent. oak screen, granite inglenook open fire, window seat, books and games. Stairs up (steep, handrail) to three bedrooms, all pretty with beams - double (5'), single, and one (best for children) with two single beds, one of them 5' high. Shower-room (power-shower). Bathroom. Separate loo/washbasin. Good quality furniture including antiques; lots of pictures. No smoking indoors. Telephone. Central heating and electricity included.

... recently restored, c16th cent. listed cottage, until early this century a coaching inn (The King's Arms), set back from the square, behind a small enclosed paved garden and privacy-giving hedge. Large enclosed woodland garden available (swing), shared with owners. Inside, it is beamed, spacious, well-equipped, comfortable and pretty. Front door to hall-corridor, off which the rather elegant parquet-floored living room with marble fireplace (open fire); hub-of-the-house dining room with ornamental fireplace, pine dresser, books, games, leading to the smart fitted oak kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer, gas hob, electric oven, breakfast table). Down one step to the original 'snug' of the pub with small Victorian fireplace and back door to pretty patio with tubs/hanging baskets, chairs, barbecue, ideal for warm evenings. Downstairs loo/washbasin. Steepish stairs (handrail) up to a wide landing off which three bedrooms, all very light and prettily, individually decorated, with especially pretty curtains - master room with 'sleigh' double bed and day bed, one single, one twin; bathroom (suite). A good property, best for five people. Electricity included.

... about 50 yards from Chagford's square and 20 yards down a cul-de-sac pathway, two very old terraced cottages, both beautifully and skilfully restored - original windows, beams (some low) and slate floors retained. Just beyond the larger cottage, at the end of the path, is a very secluded patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and a former stable now a laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier). Both have stereo CD/cassette players. Heating and electricity included in both cottages.

The larger cottage has porch leading to slate-floored living/dining room with big granite inglenook fireplace (woodburner), grandfather clock and big pine window seat; fitted pine kitchen (microwave). Steep stairs up to two bedrooms - double (pretty curtains) and small single room divided from the corridor by the original wooden screen; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower - access via the double room). Phone for incoming calls.

The smaller cottage also has big granite inglenook fireplace (woodburner) in its living/dining/fitted pine kitchen (microwave). Steep open-tread stairs from this room lead straight into a pretty double bedroom with beautifully panelled and carved antique oak bed and other furniture, and small shower/loo/washbasin en suite. Sweet cottage: honeymooners.

... and about 150 yards from Chagford's square and hidden behind other houses from the road, a cleverly converted former stable. Tiny patio leading to secluded part of the owners' charming garden. Inside, small hall, off which cloakroom (loo, washbasin, washer-drier). Fitted kitchen/dining room (microwave, fridge/freezer) with original stone walls. Three steps up to living room with door to patio, original paintings and lots of homely touches. Upstairs, large landing with single bed, bathroom (suite), and double bedroom with beams to apex and lovely views over the garden. Remarkably peaceful for a cottage in the village. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included. Telephone.

The cottage is extremely well and prettily furnished, lit and decorated. Granite-pillared porch; cosy living/dining room with granite open fireplace (bread oven), Welsh dresser, windows on two sides; fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); downstairs twin bedroom (valley view) with en suite fully-tiled shower-room (suite). From the living/dining room, gentle spiral staircase up to a sitting room with books. Double bedroom (pine bed) with picture-window view, and big, smart bathroom/dressing room (suite). Central heating and electricity included. No children under 12. Telephone. Spring water. Suitable for wheelchair bound people.

From the terrace which stretches the length of the front, two sets of French windows lead into the main reception rooms of the house. On the left, a large L-shaped living room with deep comfy sofas, open fire, CD/cassette/radio, video tapes; off it a play room with big chest full of small people's toys! On the right, French windows lead out from the big, smartly fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, double oven) and utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, fridge/freezer) to the main terrace (wooden tables/chairs) with glorious views. In the middle of the house, the hall (payphone) and, off it, shower-room (suite). Upstairs: on the first floor, four bedrooms, all with brilliant views for miles and miles and solid pine hand-built beds: master bedroom with 4' twin beds (pushable together), double with additional single bed, another double, and large twin room (4' beds, TV) with en suite shower-room (suite). Two additional bath and shower-rooms on the first floor - one a large and beautiful bathroom (suite) with spa bath and separate shower (spotlights in the ceiling, a very glamorous place to bath). Up again to the top floor with the best views of all and two twin bedrooms (each with double futon also) and bathroom. In all, 6 bedrooms, 5 bath or shower-rooms. Central heating and electricity included. Cautionary Deposit £200. 5 acre paddock and stabling by arrangement. NB. Dogs permitted in the kitchen only. Parties of more than 12 by arrangement only. Discounts are available for parties of less than 12 who do not require the top floor. Please ask us for details.

... and a mile from Chagford, in a hamlet called Great Weeke ­ just a fine stone farmhouse and a couple of cottages in lanes ­ a charming, Grade II listed, detached, thatched and spacious cottage with large cottage garden (mainly lawn and fruit trees) and courtyard behind it, small front garden and field for playing. You are welcome on the owners' 146 acre beef/sheep farm. Inside: small hall with oak-panelled screen; living room (open fire, bread oven) with beams and oak panelling; pretty dining room with door to extremely well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, oil-fired Rayburn plus electric cooker); downstairs loo/washbasin. Upstairs, three pretty bedrooms ­ large double, twin, single ­ and bathroom (suite). Second staircase (semi-spiral) from living room also leads to the double bedroom and to another bathroom (suite plus bath-power-shower). Telephone. Central heating, electricity and logs included.

Small patio (table/chairs). Inside, a very well-equipped kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); step down into living room with woodburner and lots of books. Downstairs bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Stairs up to two bedrooms - double and twin. Loo with washbasin. Good rural accommodation with modern comforts. Heating and electricity included.

... 2 miles from Chagford (see page 70), 1 from the open moor, a thatched, detached, Grade I listed, mediaeval granite Dartmoor longhouse, stone mullion-windowed, full of history. The Civil War was fought through it, Roundheads besieged in the kitchen. Outside, 130 acres of farmland, a clean farmyard in front, a large mainly lawn garden behind.

Inside, full of character/complication. Granite porch; thick oak door to central passage, off which utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer); bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Living room with huge inglenook open fireplace, bread oven, oak floors, beams, window seat, windows both sides of room, stone mullion windows, terrific ancient screen panelling; 'quiet room' with leather chairs, books, games, jigsaw puzzle table; large farmhousey kitchen/dining room with brick floor, Aga plus electric cooker, dishwasher, microwave, refectory table seating 10, window seat, stone mullion windows.

Two sets of stairs to four bedrooms, wooden-floored with rugs, white-walled. Stairs from living room up to small corridor, the master double room (5' bed) with en suite bathroom (bath, bath-shower, basin, bidet, separate loo), twin bedroom, and bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). From the central passage downstairs, a spiral staircase leads to a large twin bedroom (dual aspect), and a double room that connects with the first twin room mentioned. A truly marvellous house. £100 Cautionary Deposit required.

The barn is set back and tucked away from the other houses, sheltered at the front by a granite stone wall with pergola and swing seat, and a good-sized lawned garden at the back (barbecue, table/chairs, play equipment for smaller children). Inside, much natural wood (beams, wooden floors with rugs, doors) and original exposed granite. Entrance to tiled hall; big living/dining room with floor to ceiling windows, large granite fireplace (woodburner), comfy sofas and refectory table seating 10. Three steps up to fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, double oven) with door to patio and floor to ceiling windows; useful drying room for coats and boots; downstairs bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); two bedrooms - one double with glass door to garden and one twin. Curved wooden stairs up to two more wooden-floored, good-sized bedrooms - master double with en suite shower-room (suite), and a large twin with two extra truckle beds and en suite loo (washbasin), both with velux windows with countryside views. Four bedrooms in all. Outside, a laundry room with washing machine, tumble drier and freezer (extra). Central heating included from 24 May - 13 September, electricity included all year. Spring water. Suitable for partially disabled. An excellent, extremely peaceful base for moorland walks or just getting away from it all.

... backing on the moor, 2 miles from Chagford in a very peaceful setting,

a superbly renovated detached and double-glazed cottage with its own enclosed garden, within the 15 acres grounds of the owner's country house and hidden by a high screen of rhododendrons. Nicely furnished in old pine, with original watercolours. Inside, porch and big hall. Large, light, slate-floored living room (woodburner, rugs, CD/cassette/radio, books, games, videos) with French windows to a small patio and lovely views of Meldon Hill. Dining room with large table, Welsh dresser and more French windows to patio (table/chairs and barbecue). Big fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer), and downstairs shower-room (suite) with washer-drier. Upstairs, three bedrooms, all with wooden floors (rugs) - master double (5' bed) with en suite shower-room (suite), another smaller double, and a twin. Separate bathroom (suite). Stables/paddock by arrangement. French spoken. Payphone. Spring water. Central heating and electricity included. No smoking.

... and 1 mile up the River Teign valley from Chagford, a delightful little cottage attached to the owner's house. On a hill, it has the most stunning views down over the wooded valley, where the river bubbles over boulders on its way down from the high moor. The garden (table/chairs, pond) slopes to the river, and you may fish from it for brown trout or salmon. Inside, the artist owner has made it pretty and welcoming with many original paintings and sketches. Entrance porch to living/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave, pine dresser) with patio doors running the whole length of the room and a balcony to enjoy the view. Cloakroom (loo, washbasin, bidet). Upstairs, large, light twin bedroom and a good-sized bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Use of owner's washing machine. Phone. No smoking. Heating and electricity included. Spring water.

Gidleigh: hamlet with 16th cent. church and pretty in trees, 2 miles from Chagford (see page 70), 3/4 mile from the open moor (then short walk to fine prehistoric stone circle and a lovely stretch of the North Teign river - swimming), and on the beautiful Mariner's Way footpath.

... beside Gidleigh's church (bells once a week), a warm and comfortable single-storey wooden cabin overlooking the owners' sheltered, very beautiful garden (yours to enjoy) and set in 18 acres of land with wild flower meadows and a stream running through a wooded combe where kingfishers, badgers and deer may be seen. Three ponds hold brown trout and attract wild mallard. The cabin's exterior belies its interior. It is furnished to a high standard in a simple country style. Living room with woodburner. Fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave) with pine breakfast table and big drying cupboard for coats and boots. Very pretty twin bedroom with wooden floors and en suite bathroom with shower cubicle and separate loo. No smoking. Pre-crawling babies only. A very relaxed friendly place. Much recommended. Heating and electricity included. Suitable for partially disabled.

.... and on a farm a mile from Trusham and in a very beautiful position high above the River Teign valley with spectacular views over it to Dartmoor, three cottages converted from a long barn. 3/4 mile walk to Lower Ashton (good pub, PO/shop); golf and Canonteign waterfall, 3 miles.

3/4 mile of farm track (roughish in parts) leads to the cottages and the owners' Grade II* listed farmhouse. 112 acre mixed farm to wander; stream and small carp lake for fun fishing, River Teign (licence purchasable) for serious; heated swimming pool (21' x 40' x 7' to 3' - 17 May to end September); plenty of shared garden space; games room (table tennis, basic pool table), laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier, payphone). Superb views from almost anywhere, especially from the pool surrounded by sun-loungers and from the pretty paved patio/terrace (tables, chairs, flowers) outside the cottages. Good bird-watching. Logs for woodburner included.

Doddiscombsleigh: little village with famous pub/restaurant in lovely hilly and wooded farmland above the River Teign valley, 9 miles west of Exeter. Chudleigh (small town), 6 miles. The sea/beaches at Teignmouth/Dawlish, 14 miles.

... and up a private drive off a lane, 350 yards from Doddiscombsleigh's famous pub, an excellent cottage made from an ancient Grade II listed, detached cob barn across a gravelled forecourt from the owners' cottage; own small pretty garden in front with rockery and flowers; sun-trap small walled patio; and tiny enclosed lawn with picnic table, barbecue, and lovely farmland/woodland views. Use (with others) of private solar heated swimming pool 300 yards away.

Inside, beautifully converted, double-glazed, all sweet-chestnut floors. Large living room (wooden-floored with rugs, comfy furniture) with French windows to patio, semi-divided from a smart fitted kitchen/diner (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, freezer). Limewood staircase from living room to three bedrooms ­ excellent double with beams to the apex and en suite shower-room (suite), two twin (one smallish), all prettily decorated, beams exposed, Persian rugs. Bathroom (suite, pretty tiles). Use of owners' tumble drier. Peaceful place; lovely cottage; much recommended.

... and 3/4 mile from Doddiscombsleigh, tucked into the steep valley side and overlooking farmland, with a stream and small lake nearby (ducks, moorhens), a detached cottage newly converted from a barn, next door to but private from the owners' house. No other houses nearby, so plenty of wildlife to view on the valley side, including buzzards and foxes, and you are welcome to wander the owners' 11 acres surrounding the cottage (cows, chickens). Sunny and secluded decking (table/chairs, barbecue) at the back of the cottage, sheltered by a big oak and apple trees.

Cleverly designed, the cottage is on three levels, full of light and comfort with beams, some original exposed stone, hand-made wooden furniture and original paintings, some by the artist owner. Entrance by steps into tiled hall (space for boots and coats); very smart gallery fitted kitchen (microwave) overlooking the dining room (steps down) which has good views, small living area with sofa and glass door to outside; two bedrooms off the hall ­ a double and a twin - and shower-room (suite). The top floor is all the living room with beams to the apex, woodburner, pine floor with rugs, comfy sofas, CD/cassette player and super views. Spring water. Laundry service available (extra). No children under 3, except pre-crawling babies. No smoking indoors. Heating and electricity included. A very comfortable and tranquil place.

The Round House (arrow 1) is split-level: living room (woodburner) with French windows to terrace downstairs; upstairs, main entrance, fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), dining room (lovely views) and, within the round part, three bedrooms - double (5'), twin, and single; internal bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

The Haybarn (arrow 2) is also split-level: living/dining room (woodburner) with French windows to terrace, fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) downstairs; upstairs, main entrance, hall, and three bedrooms - double (5') with good views, twin, and single.

The Stable Cottage (arrow 3), the largest cottage, is 'upside down'. Upstairs, main entrance to big, comfortable living room with woodburner, pitch roof and exposed beams, fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer), and double (5') bedroom with en suite shower-room (suite). Downstairs (childgate), another double (5') and two twin bedrooms, and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Four bedrooms in all. Suitable for the partially disabled (one step).

Hennock: little village (pub) with a view, on the south-east edge of the Dartmoor National Park. From it the hillside slopes away abruptly, giving it immense views, almost to the sea. Bovey Tracey (see page 78), 2 miles; famous trout fishing reservoirs, 2; 'leisure park' with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, pitch-and-putt, 2 miles; golf, 3; open moor, about 5; the sea (Teignmouth/Shaldon, Dawlish or Torbay), 10.

The country house is full of history, a fine example of the period ­ stately quarters/servants' quarters, big beautiful rooms, open fires, stucco ceilings, original pine shutters, good staircase and acres of space. It has much of its original furniture, and is warm. Big hall, with pictures of the owners' ancestors - getting married, making hay. An enormous walk-in open fire in the lovely dining room with table ­ you can't stretch across it ­ seating 14, sofa, chairs, tulipwood side-tables; woodburner in the elegant, stucco-ceilinged drawing room with window seat, big TV and CD player; fitted pine kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, Rayburn, double oven gas range, larder fridge; utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, fridge/freezer, another sink); and downstairs loo. Upstairs, five bedrooms on the first floor, three of them at the front (view): two huge doubles (one with antique sofa, chairs, lovely marble fireplace (ornamental), one with inlaid mahogany bed, other antiques), and a single; two bathrooms (suites, one plus bath-shower), one shower-room (suite); and two more single rooms at the back. On the second floor, three bedrooms - two very large, low-ceilinged doubles (one with Art Deco furniture, the other with antiques/family mementos), and a small single. In all, eight bedrooms, three bath-or-shower rooms.

The whole house is a joy, in the same family for centuries, could not be more suitable for large family parties. With the farmhouse can sleep 19 (interconnecting door: utility room to kitchen). Daily cleaning (extra) by arrangement. Payphone. Farmer-owners live a mile away. Oil, gas and logs included. £150 Cautionary Deposit required.

The original 17th cent. farmhouse (on left in main picture and right) is equally charming, full of beams, character, stone fireplaces, exposed stone walls, tiled hall, all in keeping. Quiet living room (woodburner, Welsh dresser, music centre); centre-of-house dining room (woodburner) with pine dining table, dresser, leading to smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, double oven gas range, breakfast table); utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer); shower-room (suite). Upstairs: three bedrooms, one double plus single bed, two twin; bathroom (suite plus shower-unit). Payphone.

The cottage (on right in main picture and left) was converted from an 18th cent. stable. Warm, comfortable, beamed. Living room with all elm furniture, exposed stone wall, electric 'flame-effect' fire, music centre; very well fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, gas hob, electric oven) with table/chairs; back lobby with washing machine, tumble drier; downstairs loo/washbasin. Stairs up to two bedrooms: one spacious double plus single bed with en suite shower, one twin; pretty decor in both, low windows with safety catches. Bathroom (suite).

All taken together, the country house, farmhouse and cottage can accommodate 24. Price reductions for smaller

parties in low season.

Christow: village (shop, good pub, fine church) in hilly wooded farmland on the eastern edge of the Dartmoor National Park above the River Teign valley, about 10 miles west of Exeter. The open moor, about 9 miles; sea/beaches at Teignmouth/Shaldon/Dawlish, about 12 miles.

Bridford: little village (fine church, good-food pub, PO/shop) within the Dartmoor National Park, high amid lanes and

rocky hill-farmland a mile or so from the beautiful wooded River Teign valley and good fishing reservoirs (trout/bird-watching). Moretonhampstead (see right), 5 miles; the open moor, 7; golf, 2 miles; Exeter, 12. Sea/sandy beach: Dawlish, 15.

... a mile from Bridford and 100 yards off a narrow lane, a beautiful, historic, Grade II listed, thatched Devon longhouse and its single-storey annexe in 3 acres of the most tranquil and beautiful gardens and ponds, owned/loved by well-known local horticulturists.

The house (arrow 1), at one time a Quaker house, is very atmospheric, heavily beamed, charming. The gardens are outstanding with secret places for sitting, many interesting plants, grasses, a laburnum avenue, streams, a garden house with tables/chairs and lawn overlooking a big pond with mallard and moorhen: enchanting. At the back of the house an orchard leads to woods. Tawny owls abound; the owners tend and release injured ones back into the wild, some are tame and you may feed/see them.

Eight steps up to heavy oak door entrance. Inside, cross-passage hall, off which, the drawing room with huge inglenook fireplace (bread and proving oven, woodburner), stone mullion windows/seats, upright piano and spiral granite staircase (handrail); homely, centre-of-the-house kitchen with pine fitments, Aga, Belfast sink, dishwasher, microwave, slate floor, ceramic hob, pine table seating 12 and beams galore. Off this a garden room; next door the parlour used as a cosy room, with another fine inglenook fireplace (woodburner), bible cupboard, window seats/stone mullion windows, granite spiral staircase (handrail, childgate). Back porch; boot room; utility room (washing machine, tumble drier and big freezer) leading to shower-room (suite).

Upstairs, four bedrooms - master double (6' zip-link bed 7'3" long) with en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower); double (5' bed); twin and single (3'6" bed). Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower); also separate loo/washbasin. All the bedrooms are extremely pretty - beams, eaves, low windows with deep sills. Telephone. Spring water.

The house is available from 19 July to 30 August only and only in conjunction with the annexe, Ref: A34S (see below). Though they are joined, there is no direct access from annexe to the house. No smoking. Cautionary Deposit £100. Central heating and electricity included.

... and next door, the single-storey annexe, (arrow 2) with its own small garden, also has use of the lovely garden (see left) and 25 acres of hilly field (sheep, horses, ponies) and woods to wander. Stabling/grazing available.

Steps up to glazed porch (washing machine, tumble drier); good-sized, light and comfy living/dining room (books, toys); small neat fitted kitchen (microwave); separate breakfast area with window seat. Two bedrooms, both with garden views - one double, one twin. Tiled bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Folding bed. Use of owners' freezer. Spring water. No smoking. A very peaceful place.

... on the side of high Mardon Down, about a mile from Moretonhampstead and 200 yards up a private track (roughish) from the road, an extremely pretty cottage converted from a barn, separate from but adjacent to the owners' home. Seven acres of garden and woodland (table/chairs) shared with the owners and with lovely farmland views. Inside, a bright, almost Mediterranean style decor - terracotta, aquamarine, yellows and greens. Stable door to living/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave). Good-sized double bedroom with en suite shower-room (suite) and door to front courtyard. Use of owners' washing machine. Non smokers preferred. Suitable for partially disabled. Central heating and electricity included.

... within a splendid country estate on its own hill 3/4 mile from Moretonhampstead, a pretty detached stone cottage with its own enclosed garden (mainly lawn, beautiful copper beech, table/chairs, barbecue). 150 yard drive; lovely farmland views; situated in the grounds of the owner's fine Georgian house (out of sight), just one other cottage nearby. A relaxed, peaceful place.

The cottage, c1900, is light with well-proportioned rooms, made very comfortable with pretty and good quality curtains, furniture. Garden path to porch/front door; hall; living room (open fire) with antiques, books, good paintings; dining room; new fitted kitchen (microwave, gas cooker, electric oven), and excellent slate-shelved walk-in larder (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, freezer). Stairs from hall up to two pretty bedrooms - master double with en suite bathroom (suite, pretty Victorian fireplace - yes, in the bathroom!), and twin; another bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) across the corridor. Telephone. Central heating and electricity included. Lovely place.

... in the hamlet, a detached granite barn converted into an exceptionally good 'upside down' cottage close to the owners' former farmhouse. Everything is excellently maintained. Gravelled courtyard with table/chairs, barbecue, flower tubs, hanging baskets. Steps up to a little walled terrace (table/chairs) outside living room. Other steps up to lawn garden; 8 acres of fields to wander (good views). The owners are tropical orchid growers (Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalists) and you are welcome to visit their orchid house (about 2000 plants). Inside, downstairs, hall and two bedrooms - one double, one twin - both pretty and spacious (sofas) with smart en suite shower-rooms (suites). Upstairs (from the hall), delightfully designed living/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave, oak units, red tiled worktops) with woodburner, music centre (tapes, records, radio), and glazed door to terrace; also very large, pretty double bedroom (washbasin) with en suite bathroom (hip-bath, shower, loo); washer-drier and freezer on the landing. Three bedrooms in all, all en suite. Heating and electricity included. Spring water. Owners do B & B in their house.

North Bovey: postcard-pretty village (excellent restaurant, good pub, mediaeval church, no shops) with tree-shaded green in the beautiful wooded valley of the mini-River Bovey, 2 lane-miles from the open moor (around Manaton, spectacular) or Moretonhampstead (see page 75). Manor House Hotel's very enjoyable golf course, 1 mile. Good walks nearer.

The cottages have been well converted, beams retained yet light, mainly pine furniture and fittings (good quality), good carpets: all smart, fresh, well-maintained.

Manaton: little high village with pub, very pretty round its fine granite church, in perhaps the most beautiful part of the Dartmoor National Park; very close are some of its most spectacular rock tors (Hound Tor, Bowerman's Nose) and also lovely steep tree-filled valleys (Lustleigh Cleave, Becky Falls). Nearest shop, 5 miles. Popular with riders (stables not far); golf, 3 miles; Chagford, 6; the sea (Teignmouth/Torbay), about 15.

... in the prettiest part of Manaton, next to the church and lych gate, and overlooking the village green, a marvellously spacious, ancient, stone, semi-detached, thatched cottage, very light with many windows (most stone-mullioned) on both sides. Small, enclosed, south-facing front garden with thatched summer house (furniture). Inside, renovated tactfully and considerately. Stone pathway leads to porch and hall off which is the slate-floored, newly fitted, well-equipped kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, table, chairs, two window seats, Rayburn - no other cooker) and fridge/freezer in small larder. Unexpectedly large comfortable

living room with part exposed stone walls, fireplace (woodburner), CD/cassette/radio. Downstairs shower-room (suite). Stairs (stairgate) up to three good-sized bedrooms - twin with excellent dual aspect views over the churchyard to the open moor and the village green, a double, and another twin; bathroom (suite); and shower-room (suite). That's three bedrooms, three bath or shower-rooms. A peaceful cottage in a charming setting. Central heating and electricity included.

Aller Brook (on right in picture) has hall with downstairs loo/washbasin; good-sized comfortable living room (CD player) leading to very large, very attractive dining room/well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave) and back hall (freezer). Stairs from main hall up to four bedrooms - master double with 5' zip-linked bed (or 2'6" twin best for children) and extra TV with en suite shower-room (suite), two other doubles, and one twin (with 2'6" beds, linkable to make 5' double); bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). From upstairs landing, French windows to own patio/lawn.

Mill Cottage (on left in picture) has hall with downstairs loo/ washbasin; good-sized and comfortable living room (CD player); big, very attractive dining room/well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer, pine dining table/chairs, dresser, 'eyeball' ceiling lights). Stairs from hall up to three bedrooms - master double (extra TV, windows on two sides, looking to garden and courtyard) with en suite bathroom (suite, 5' bath plus bath-shower), another double, and one twin; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). From upstairs landing, French windows to own patio/lawn.

... and about 2 miles from Manaton, a converted barn attached to the owners' house: excellent views; access to the open moor. Outside, enclosed, paved area (table/chairs, barbecue), a lake for trout fishing and use of a small boat (both by arrangement). Entrance into comfortable living/dining room; fitted kitchen (microwave, fridge/freezer, gas hob plus electric cooker). Downstairs bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Stairs lead up to a spacious landing big enough for children to play and four bedrooms, all with long views - large double, twin, and two smaller doubles. Outside, utility room (washing machine, tumble drier). An easy-going, friendly place. No smoking indoors. Good value as everything is included.

... in a lovely situation a mile from Manaton, on a 200 acre farm at the entrance to spectacular Lustleigh Cleave, is the Grade l listed granite home of well-to-do mediaeval persons, considered the finest example of its type, an 'upper hall', in... well, the West Country certainly (there are, apparently, two others comparable in England). The Upper Hall has been marvellously repaired/restored and made very beautiful inside, an 'own home' furnished/decorated with tremendous flair and sense of history (but also comfort) by the owning family. It stands detached with own pretty enclosed garden - including sun-trap pergola/patio - on one side, courtyard/granite farm buildings the other (all basically mediaeval, Domesday Book). Oak outside staircase to oak arch/stable door and ante-room with view of Lustleigh Cleave past 15th cent. tracery; bathroom (suite) off it; then, via a lovely chestnut screen, to the splendour of the 'hall'. It rises to the apex with great oak beams, trusses, joists (many original), walls of ashlar granite or white (many paintings, original garde robe and piscina in situ), fireplace (woodburner) with massive granite mantel ­ a room very spacious yet immensely cosy for living and dining, with, open-plan to it, craftsman-designed fitted kitchen (microwave). At one end, elegant chestnut stairs up to gallery double bedroom: lovely view. On ground floor (back down the outside stairs), washing machine, tumble drier, freezer, woodstore, another loo. CD player. Telephone. Electricity included. You are welcome on the farm (stream, trout fishing).

... an end of terrace, thatched cottage, Grade II listed, thick walled, typical of this picture postcard village. Tiny front garden (seat) and an excellent much larger one with paved sitting out area (barbecue, furniture), big lawn, herbaceous borders, mature trees, and lovely views (evening sun) just across the minimally used lane that runs beside the cottage. Two bikes available for your use.

Inside, pretty, comfy, owner loved/used, warm colours. Living room in pinks and greens, huge granite open fireplace, tiled floor with rugs, music centre. Dining/kitchen with tiled floor, Welsh dresser, window seat, dining table seating 6, oak cupboards, Stanley cooker, combination oven, dishwasher, washing machine. Downstairs loo/washbasin, back door. Steep stairs (handrail) up to three bedrooms: a pretty double in green and white with wrought iron bed, window seat; a twin room with granite ornamental fireplace, window seat, pretty curtains, terracotta coloured walls; and a small single room with 2'6" bed. Large bathroom (suite). Phone. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included.

The cottage (arrow 1) called Tor Field is, inside, pretty, interesting, good quality, with excellent lighting, oak beams, some exposed granite, double-glazed, split-level. Hall; up some steps into comfortable living room (woodburner) with oak floor, French windows to forecourt; more steps up to extremely well-fitted (limed oak) kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave) with glazed door to patio; utility room (washer-drier, shower, loo). Upstairs, landing (lovely views), three bedrooms (all with washbas

... and on the western edge of Newton Ferrers off a no-through road and overlooking the River Yealm, a smart very '70s detached house with mooring and big windows enjoying gorgeous river views. Lots of steps wind up through a very pretty garden to the patio, but the climb is worth it for those views. At the back, a big gently sloping garden partly cut but largely allowed to be a haven for wildlife, with a footpath through the trees to the woods beyond. Entrance to pretty hall; light and spacious living room with 'living in the garden' feel about it, the sliding windows opening back, allowing access to the patio; good-sized fitted kitchen with cherry red oil-fired Aga (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, electric cooker); dining room; utility room with washing machine and tumble drier; hall and porch to back, adapted for children's play area with lovely old chest full of games and toys. Double bedroom with en suite shower and washbasin; separate loo/washbasin. Open wood staircase up to further two bedrooms ­ one with two singles pushed together (washbasin), and one with three single beds, through which you walk to the bathroom (suite ­ amazing '70s 'hidden loo'). Three bedrooms in all, each with a pretty view. Phone (incoming calls only). No smoking. Central heating and electricity included. Enchanting spot, great family house.

... and on the waterfront, below Noss Mayo's church in the heart of the village, a smart and comfortable detached family house with panoramic views of the Yealm estuary. Reached via steps down to the good-sized enclosed garden (table/chairs and barbecue) with lawn; more steps down to its own private quay. Inside, well-decorated, smart and comfortable. Side entrance to fitted kitchen (microwave, fridge/freezer) and breakfast room with pine table and dresser. Separate dining room; smallish living room (gas fire) but extending into a light double-glazed conservatory with cane furniture, overlooking the garden and with those wonderful river views. Utility room (washing machine, tumble drier) and shower-room (suite). Upstairs, three bedrooms - double, twin, and a room with bunks. Bathroom (suite). Phone for incoming calls. No children under 6. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included.

On its own, close to the tennis court, the cottage is double-glazed, 'upside down'. Three external steps lead up to the stylish living/dining/neat fitted kitchen (microwave) ­ a good-sized open-plan room, light (Velux windows) and pretty, with original beams (ceiling to the apex), stone walls, wooden floors (rugs), round pine table and fiddle-back chairs, bookshelves, plants. Pine stairs down to two bedrooms ­ one double, one twin, both with pine beds and fittings; internal tiled bathroom (suite plus bath-shower, corner bath).

... a lovely, elegant Edwardian detached house (much loved 'own home') with a beautifully kept garden front and back and long lazy views along the River Yealm, a few hundred yards from Newton Ferrers store. Twenty-four shallow steps down to entrance porch; spacious hall (loo/washbasin); buttercup yellow/blue width-of-house living room with handsome fireplace (open fire) and French windows to terrace with gorgeous views over the garden and river; superb fitted buttermilk kitchen/diner (dishwasher, microwave), tiled floor, polished granite working surface, and a clever innovation of a half conservatory on the garden side ­ a delightful room; utility room with washing machine, tumble drier and fridge/freezer. Stairs up to half floor with bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); few more stairs to five bedrooms: two double ­ one with en suite shower (suite), one with pretty ornamental fireplace ­ a twin, one with two 2'6" beds, and a tiny 'Winnie the Pooh' room with a 4' x 2' juvenile bed. A gem.

... and in the same place, high in farmland a mile from Noss Mayo (see Ref L220S description above for situation and facilities), is this south-facing 'upside down' cottage, double-glazed. Long views over the garden to farmland. Patio with furniture. Inside, large open-plan living/dining/fitted kitchen with ceiling to the apex (beams, spotlights, radio/cassette player, rocking chair, chair-bed, games, books, videos), well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, convection microwave, wok, picnic set, spin drier). Downstairs (childgate), three bedrooms ­ one double, one twin (with 2nd TV), one single (all with clock radios) ­ and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Good place to come home to in a very beautiful area. Payphone. No smoking. Heating and electricity included.

... and in the prime position in all Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo (see page 82), with superlative water/yachts/wooded hillside views, the River Yealm is the original hotel of Newton Ferrers (1898, built for a railway which never arrived) ­ so with first choice of site on the shore of possibly Devon's best, certainly its most sheltered and, with Salcombe, most beautiful yacht/boat place.

Now available for large-party catered for or self-catering holidays, it will accommodate up to 31 people in 16 bedrooms, but is basic-priced and very suitable for 20. Also it has a civil wedding licence (an extra £100 will be levied for this), and, if you wish, reception catering, full or buffet, is available for up to 100 guests and possibly more. The owner will be pleased to discuss all this with you. There is a per person charge for each wedding day guest over and above the 31 people the Yealm can accommodate overnight.

Steps from large forecourt (parking for 15 cars plus 2­3 boat trailers ­ others can be kept at Noss Mayo's quay) lead up to long (75' x 10') south-facing front terrace (tables, chairs, marvellous views). Another large terrace to the side (pergola, tables, chairs, barbecue, similar views), backed by a steep hillside of shrubs, fine trees.

From the front terrace, entrance to large glazed porch (table/chairs) and terrazzo-ed hall, off which depth-of-the-house living room (38' x 16') with high stucco ceiling, bay window (floor-to-ceiling windows, view), French windows to patio, and two open fireplaces. Across the hall, huge dining room with ten big arched windows (view), dance floor, cassette player, and tables/chairs (number adaptable to size of party). Off the living room, small ante-room/children's playroom (toys, games, extra TV) and large bar (26' x 28') with French windows to patio/terrace. Downstairs cloakroom (loos/washbasin). Commercial kitchen with central table, two large ovens, large grill, numerous burners (all gas), two microwaves, fryer (electric), and masses of other equipment; and utility room/washroom/pantry (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, freezer).

From the hall (payphone), a handsome staircase leads up to the first floor's nine bedrooms (sleeping 18) and six bath or shower-rooms and loos ­ as follows ('view' means beautiful one, to the front).

One double with en suite bathroom (suite) ­ view.

One with three single beds and en suite bathroom (suite) ­ side view over terrace to river and Noss Mayo.

One single with washbasin ­ side view, as above.

One double with washbasin interconnecting, via bathroom (suite) which they share, with twin ­ views from both. Door from this bathroom to big balcony ­ view.

One double with washbasin ­ at the back, no view.

One double (corner room, two windows, washbasin) with en suite shower-room ­ view.

One twin (washbasin) ­ at side, slight view ­ and one double ­ no river view ­ with en suite bathroom (suite) between and private to them.

For those bedrooms without own bathroom, there are bathroom (bath, basin) and separate loo on half-landing 10' along passage and 5 steps down.

The handsome staircase continues to the second floor's nine bedrooms (sleeping 17), three with en suite bathrooms (suites). Two other separate loos and a bathroom (bath, basin) on the second half-landing.

One double and one twin - with shared use of a bathroom (suite) between and private to them and sidelong views from low windows so unsuitable for children.

One twin with en suite bathroom (suite) ­ side view over terrace to river and Noss Mayo.

One twin room (two windows) with en suite bathroom (suite) and shower unit ­ view.

One single (washbasin) ­ view but highish window.

One double with washbasin ­ view.

One twin with washbasin ­ view but high window.

One twin with washbasin and one double with washbasin with bathroom (suite) between and private to them ­ both at the side, slight views.

Tea/coffee making facilities in all bedrooms.

There is a back staircase and the house has full Fire Department approval. Numerous 'Fire Exit' and other hotel-type signs remain: not aesthetic but sensible and compulsory. Total: 18 bedrooms, 11 bath or shower-rooms, 11 loos upstairs. Parties of up to 18 people have the ground and first floors: extra people sleep on the second floor. The price is set for 20 people, larger

parties are priced pro rata. There is a single room supplement payable to the owner.

Available all year. A Cautionary Deposit of £500 is required. Floor-plan available on booking. Weddings and receptions/parties by arrangement. Central heating and electricity included.

Short breaks (see Price List). Whatever your party's size, there will be no occupants except you.

Down Thomas: tiny village (PO/stores, pub), a mile from sandy beach and nearby golf course at Bovisand Bay, and 5 miles south of the centre of Plymouth with its theatre, cinemas, shops, Hoe, Barbican and history.

... on the edge of the village looking over meadows, a semi-detached early Victorian cottage, one of five forming a courtyard at the back. Pathway (20 yards) to own orchard with old apple trees (table/chairs, barbecue). Inside, smart, light and comfy. Modern, slate floor in living/dining room/kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer) with central work island-cum-breakfast bar, plump sofas, gas 'coal effect' fireplace. White-tiled and chrome bathroom (suite, shorter than average bath plus bath-shower). Upstairs, three bedrooms (shuttered windows) - two double (one kingsize) and a single. Handsome shower-room (suite). Central heating and electricity included. Good situation for both town and country.

... also in the Kingston, two marvellously pretty 18th cent. or earlier semi-detached cottages with communal terrace, but each with own entrance and enclosed private garden. Both are south-facing, partly slate-hung, and 200 yards from the good pub. Both gardens are delightful, unusual, with many interesting plants.

The Pottery (porch on left in picture) is beautifully restored: original beams throughout (some low ceilings), wobbly, colour-washed walls, delightful. From a quiet lane, entrance via the old herb garden with patio (table/chairs, barbecue) to utility area with washing machine, tumble drier, freezer, leading to shower-room (suite). Steps down to the well-kitted out kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave) with beams, small dresser, old pine dining table. Lovely large living room with Victorian open fireplace, old prints and books. Steep stairs (handrail) from living room up to two bedrooms - one double, one twin, both with very pretty drapes, curtains, and en suite bathrooms (suites plus bath-showers). Telephone. Heating and electricity included. No smoking indoors.

... on the edge of the village beside a quiet lane, the middle one of a row of three 300-year-old cottages, owner loved/used: recently completely redecorated; the cottage is environmentally friendly with low halogen lighting, humidifier sensors. Good-sized enclosed back garden, mainly lawn, with patio, garden furniture, barbecue and summer house. Tiny front area leads via stable door to comfortable living room with beams, large inglenook fireplace (cast iron stove with oil 'living flame' fire), Welsh dresser, many books, fine original paintings, videos, CD player; well-equipped fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer, ceramic hob) with back door to garden; downstairs loo/washbasin. Open-tread stairs up to two bedrooms - double with old panelling along one wall, and twin, both with pine furniture; smart bathroom (suite plus hand-shower and shower unit). Central heating and electricity included. Payphone. Two week bookings only in high season.

Studio Cottage, next door, is a charming old cottage with its own private secluded garden, patio with garden chairs, barbecue and small summer house. Entrance via a little footpath and stable door to utility room with washing machine, tumble drier and through to beamed dining room with original (ornamental) fireplace, old pine table, sofa, 2nd TV, books and games. Steps down to smart newly fitted kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, freezer and old pine dresser, and through to pretty living room with old fireplace (woodburner) and glazed porch leading to communal terrace and enclosed private garden. There are two sets of stairs. The first goes up from the living room to two bedrooms - twin and double - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). The second set of stairs is steep (handrail) from the dining room to a double bedroom with polished old floorboards, old panelling made from shipwreck timbers, and en suite shower-room (suite). All the bedrooms have pretty drapes. Three bedrooms, one bath, one shower-room. Telephone. Heating and electricity included. No smoking indoors.

... and at the top of the village, a detached modern country house, recently refurbished, sheltered and private. To the back and side is a large enclosed tree-filled garden (patio, barbecue). Inside, light, smart, fresh with Laura Ashley fabrics. Entrance to hall, few steps down into height-of-house living room (woodburner) with lofty ceiling, plenty of natural light, navy blue sofas, jasmine-white walls, glazed doors to garden; new lemon and white tiled fitted kitchen/diner (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with tiled floor, farmhouse table and chairs, CD player, glazed doors to garden. Three bedrooms on the ground floor - a zip-linkable 6' double with en suite shower, washbasin, and two with truckle beds, plus bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Upstairs, a pretty blue and white double bedroom and a gallery landing with day-bed, VDU/video, games/books - in total, four bedrooms plus gallery for alternative sleeping. Shower-room (suite). Telephone for incoming calls. No smoking. Central heating and electricity included. A great family house within a few hundred yards of an excellent pub.

... and in the centre of Kingston, a pretty Grade II listed thatched cottage (end one of four), 300 yards from the pub. Tiny raised-wall front garden with listed cobbled path, larger enclosed back garden with two steps up to lawn, table and chairs, useful shed for bikes, surf boards; gate to side lane and next door cottage. Inside, living room with attractive floral suite, beams and exposed stonework, large decorative stone chimney breast; fitted kitchen/diner with handsome wood-block floor (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer), stable door to useful boot/coat room opening into garden. Upstairs, two bedrooms - a double and a twin, 3 steps down to bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). No smoking indoors. Payphone. Electricity included. A very pretty comfortable cottage in a delightful village, welcoming any time of the year.

Ugborough: village on a knoll, clustered round its church, looking enticing, almost Italian, from the B road by-passing

it. Two good pubs: a shop or two. Ivybridge, 21Ž2 miles. Dartmoor

and golf, 2. Plymouth, 131Ž2. Nearest sea/

sand: Mothecombe or Bigbury-on-Sea, both about 10 miles.

...a mile from Ugborough, a former granary and, attached to it, a barn converted into cottages by the charming farmer-owners on their 70 acre sheep and arable/cereal farm. Help on the farm welcome, particularly with lambing Oct - Jan. Good, relaxed atmosphere.

The converted granary is double-glazed: contains much excellent, attractive woodwork. Glazed porch; very big, attractive, hub-of-house L-shaped kitchen/dining room with maple floor, lots of light, partly exposed stone, long dining table/chairs plus comfy armchairs, woodburner, 2nd TV, and kitchen fitted along one wall (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, freezer). Two bedrooms downstairs ­ one double, one (small) with cabin beds ­ and shower-room (power-shower, suite). Upstairs, living room with maple floor and rugs, long arched window at one end and French windows to a balcony; two more bedrooms ­ one double, one (small) with two cabin beds; and bathroom (tiled, suite). All four bedrooms are prettily decorated, all have orthopaedic beds. Payphone. Suitable for wheelchair bound people. £90 Cautionary Deposit here.

The converted barn next door (well insulated interconnecting doors) is single-storey, also smart and excellent. Small maple-floored living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, freezer). Two bedrooms: one double with shower-room (power-shower suite), one twin with bathroom (suite, washer-drier). Suitable for wheelchair bound people. £60 Cautionary Deposit here.

. . . yacht trips and picnics . . .

Diptford: village deep in lush South Hams farmland above the valley of the River Avon (fishing). Totnes (see above), 5 miles, Dartington Hall (arts centre, craft shop), 7; Kingsbridge (see page 92), 8. The sea (beaches) at Blackpool Sands, Bigbury or Thurlestone, about 11 miles; Dartmouth, 12; Dartmoor, 5. Very central for lots to see/do in lovely country. Nearest pub, 2 miles.

... 11/4 miles from Diptford, a south-facing detached, double-glazed cottage privately situated (own good-sized, enclosed garden, large south-facing patio, sheltered barbecue area) across farm lane from owners' fine farmhouse. Lovely farmland views over your garden.

The cottage is well-decorated; interesting paintings/prints, pine furniture. Good-sized living/dining room (open fire) with French windows to garden; well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, electric hob and wall oven). Upstairs, two bedrooms, a double and a twin. Bathroom (blue suite plus bath-shower) upstairs: shower-room (suite) down. Utility room (tumble drier). Friendly. Central heating and electricity included. Picnic and sail trips available on owners' yacht (registered skipper, extra).

Gara Bridge: hamlet in the deep and wooded River Avon valley (trout, salmon fishing), 2 miles from Moreleigh (see page 98). Lovely woodland/riverside walks. Kingsbridge, 5 miles; the sea (sandy beaches) at Thurlestone, about 8. Riding stables locally.

... in the valley, near the bridge, a double-glazed semi-detached converted 16th cent. toll cottage beside a B road. It is 200 yards from the river (picnicking, paddling, over 200 yards of private fishing ­ extra), and has well-kept enclosed garden with children's play area (swing, full-size trampoline, children's bikes, scooter, and excellent playhouse with toys), and games room (table tennis, pool, darts, exercise bike). The owners live next door. The cottage has a feeling of generosity ­ plenty of books, games, toys; 'own home' sense. Living/dining room (open fire) with pine panelling, exposed timbers. Up two steps to small breakfast area. Fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, gas hob, electric oven); loo with washbasin. Upstairs (stairgate), four bedrooms, one double (washbasin and TV ­ another in living room), one small single, one bunks, and another double (washbasin, TV) leading to small conservatory (chairs); bathroom (suite plus shower). Logs included.

NSH

E

R

L

D

HC BS

V

R

T

Extra

All

Star rating:

Sleeps:

Ref.

* * *

4

L223S

Bedrooms:

2

Bath/shower:

2

Price:

E

Together they can sleep 12.

...also a single-storey cottage attached to an old barn, about 17 yards in front of the other two. To the front, paved, stone-walled garden with peaceful views over the duck pond (unfenced) and meadows. Inside, good use of fine hardwoods, original beams and modern fabrics. French windows into living (woodburner)/dining/hand-built kitchen (washer-drier, microwave), hardwood floor with rugs, sofa bed, curtained doorway into twin bedroom with en suite shower-room (suite). Suitable for wheelchair bound people.

Loddiswell: little hillside village (pub, essential shops, church) above the beautiful River Avon valley, 3 miles from Kingsbridge (see page 92), 5 from the sea (beaches) at Thurlestone (page 93), Bantham or Bigbury.

The cider house has been converted with tremendous flair and style: 'upside down'. Farmland views from many windows. Small enclosed walled garden (barbecue) with wisteria-clad pergola over tables/chairs on one side, big sun-trap enclosed courtyard (table/chairs) the other, both full of flowers and pretty. Garden path to steps up to balcony (chairs), entrance to big, welcoming open-plan living/dining/kitchen with pine refectory table, beams, fireplace with ancient oak lintel (woodburner), elm floor (the wide-boarded former threshing floor) with rugs, the fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) 'custom built' from old pine. Four bedrooms (all with pretty and varied decor), three with bath or shower-rooms en suite: one double upstairs with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-

shower); stairs from living room down to one double (smallish, washbasin, door to courtyard), and two twin bedrooms - one

(6'9" ceiling height) with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-

shower) and door to courtyard, one with en suite shower-room (suite). Another shower-room (suite). Utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer). Central heating and electricity included.

The owners' farmhouse (available 19 July - 30 August only) is south-facing, 17th cent., hung with roses, wisteria, looking on its extremely pretty enclosed garden with barbecue area. Porch, into lovely dining room with huge oak table, two oak dressers with willow pattern china, old plates, pictures; living room with big stone fireplace (woodburner), comfy chairs/sofas, beautiful antique corner cabinet; downstairs single bedroom (antique brass/iron 3'6" bed); antique-pine fitted kitchen (2nd TV, dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer); utility room (Belfast sink, washing machine), through to tiny bathroom (hip-bath/shower, loo, basin). Upstairs, double bedroom (lovely view, another TV) with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); another bathroom (hip-bath, hand-shower, loo, antique basin); another double bedroom (washbasin) with curtained doorway to children's twin room (Velux window); bunk bedroom (antique washbasin). Five bedrooms in all. TVs in double, twin, kitchen, living room. Very much an 'own home' and delightful, full of attractive good things and good quality. Central heating and electricity included.

The cottage (available up to 19 July and after 30 August) has outstanding views to the river valley and beyond. Raised terrace/patio just outside on the view side and small oak-shaded lawn. Inside, light, pretty, well-decorated, comfy, good quality. Small hall; large living/dining room (beautiful view, French windows to terrace); little fitted kitchen. Upstairs, large double bedroom (beautiful view, extra bed or bunks available) with bathroom (suite, 5' bath) en suite. Central heating and electricity included. Use of owners' washing machine.

This farm is one of our most popular, happy-making places, and has been for years: an extremely relaxed, friendly, charming and beautiful place. The very nice owners live in the cottage when the farmhouse is booked.

... and on the edge of Loddiswell, a smart, new, double-glazed town house, 300 yds off a residential cul-de-sac. Built on three levels. Long farmland views from upstairs. Gravelled area in front and small enclosed garden (barbecue) to side and back. Inside, hall; bright, colourful living/dining room (CD player/radio, books, prints) with patio doors to garden. Well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave) with breakfast bar. On the first floor, two smallish bedrooms - one double or twin, one with two single beds - and bathroom (suite). On second floor, large double or twin with en suite shower-room (suite). Three bedrooms in all. No smoking indoors. Heating and electricity included. Much praised.

... and a mile from Aveton Gifford, two very special places to stay within what was once a small family estate: an exceptionally well converted barn and a remarkable Grade II listed former music room. 300 yards down a tree-lined track off a lane, they flank a large pretty enclosed sun-trap courtyard with fountain, flowers and flowering shrubs, shared with the friendly owners. Just outside the courtyard is a lawned walled garden (also enclosed) with camellias, fig and walnut trees, leading to another garden and six grassy acres with big trees to sit under, climbing frames, swings. Spring water. Use of owners' phone/fax.

The Barn - adjoining the owners' home and converted by them with enormous flair - is double-glazed, 'upside down'. Upstairs, a huge, high, stylishly and comfortably furnished open-plan living/dining room/fitted kitchen (35' x 18') with beamed ceiling to the apex, polished wooden floor (rugs), French windows (railing) overlooking the courtyard, woodburner, books, toys, games; stairs (stairgate) divide the living area from the dining/well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, microwave). Downstairs (French-feel tiled floors with rugs): hall; two bedrooms, both with doors to courtyard - double (6') or twin with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and a big room with 6' double or twin beds and single divan (cushioned when not needed) with en suite shower-room (suite, power-shower). Utility area (washer-drier, freezer). Central heating and electricity included. Warm and welcoming all year.

Aveton Gifford: old village (pub, one shop) beside the River Avon where it becomes tidal. Within 5 or 6 miles are several villages (Bigbury, Bantham, Thurlestone - see pages 90/91/93) on an excellent and varied stretch of coast: sandy beaches, coves, cliffs, golf courses, the Avon estuary (fishing, birds), pretty thatched-cottage village centres. Kingsbridge, 4 miles.

... beside a scarcely-used lane on a valley-side a mile north of Aveton Gifford, two barns excellently converted into two detached cottages on a 20 acre working farm. The jolly, welcoming owners live close by and do B&B. You are welcome on the farm (stationary vintage tractor to play on). Spring water. Payphone at the owners' farmhouse. A much praised place.

The larger cottage is 'upside down'. Steps up to enclosed paved patio (barbecue) with small walled pond (protected) collecting water which tumbles down a steep wild flower bank. Entrance to spacious kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave) and small ante-room with washing machine and tumble drier. Living room (woodburner) with high beams-to-apex ceiling and French windows to narrow balcony with long views over the surrounding countryside. Stairs (stairgate) down to three bedrooms - master double with en suite shower-room (suite) and its own private patio, pretty twin, and another double with patio. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). A well-equipped and comfortable cottage with a lovely atmosphere. No smoking. All fuel included.

The Music Room is magnificent: detached, huge and incredibly romantic, once home to concerts and recitals, brilliantly converted. Three steps up to entrance into open-plan living/dining/kitchen with vaulted stucco ceiling, four massive arched windows with stained glass border running the length of the room (46' x 19') generating light and colour, polished wooden floor (rugs), large open fireplace, Edwardian chaise longue, comfy sofa, books, CD/cassette player/radio; smart, discreet, fitted kitchen area (dishwasher, microwave); door to bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). The bedroom is the stage (up 3 steps), dramatically framed by swathes of creamy room-height muslin with 6' double bed, all stunningly presented and lit. No children. Central heating and electricity included. A wonderful and extraordinary place to escape to, any time.

... and next door, but completely separate, a smaller single-storey, converted barn. Own good-sized sun-trap courtyard with pond (fish, little waterfalls), barbecue, table/chairs, backed by a wild flower bank. Glazed door to light open-plan living room ('flame effect' electric fire)/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave). Passage off which two bedrooms - pretty twin (linkable to 6' double) with en suite bathroom (suite), and double, both with own TV and glazed door to courtyard. Shower-room (suite). A light, bright cottage and well-equipped. No smoking. Suitable for wheelchair bound people. Accessibility Scheme Category II. All fuel included.

The farmstead, stretching along the hillside, tree-sheltered, consists of a mediaeval manor house, farmhouse and several converted farm buildings, all Grade II listed. All are decently private from each other. There are four different properties for holidays; their three different owners live within the farmstead.

... you come first to an excellent cottage made from one end of the fine 15th cent. farmhouse/Devon longhouse with its own games room (table tennis, darts, adjoining loo/washbasin) in the dovecote barn (on left in picture). Small walled front garden (lawn, flowers, cobbled path, enclosed); large paved patio and lawn (walled, flowers, barbecue, views to Dartmoor) at the back. Field for playing (sea views), and footpath to the River Avon (see above). Inside, big, comfortable, living/dining room (woodburner, CD/cassette/radio); light, well-fitted kitchen/breakfast room (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, breakfast table, door to patio). Small hall with single divan bed (pretty with cushions), from which stairs up to two bedrooms - double (pretty garden views) with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and twin - and power-shower-room (suite). TV points in all rooms. Payphone. Welcoming, caring owners live next door. No smoking indoors.

... 100 yards or so further on in the farmstead-become-hamlet of Stadbury is this former stone farm-building well and imaginatively converted into a very light and spacious, detached, double-glazed cottage beside the owners' house. Large gravelled forecourt doubling as patio (table/chairs, barbecue) in front of the cottage: beyond this a field for playing. To the side of the cottage, large sheltered and sunny patio shared with the owners. Farmland views from all these and the full-length picture windows and matching door which form the cottage's whole front. You enter straight into very large and striking all-in-one living/dining/kitchen (32' x 23'), galleried and pillared, comfortable and well-lit (eye-ball ceiling lights) with CD/cassette player, the fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) along one wall; an ante-room leads to shower-room (suite) downstairs. Stairs (stairgate) up to gallery landing and two attractive beamed bedrooms - one with 6' double divan or (unzippable) twin beds, Velux window and pretty arrow-slit window (long view towards Bigbury), one twin with pine beds and Velux window. Bathroom (suite). Sofa bed available. Payphone. Suitable for partially disabled (2 steps). Central heating and electricity included.

Ringmore: extremely pretty village (old thatched cottages amid trees, flowering shrubs and little valleys, fine church, 'Journey's End' real ale pub), 3Ž4 mile by car from sandy beach or, by footpath, less busy cove and coast path. Bigbury-on-Sea (see page 90), 11Ž2 miles by foot, 3 by car. The Erme estuary, 41Ž2 miles. Shop with exceptional pasties, 1 mile.

... on the village edge near the church, a barn well and stylishly converted by the owners into a small single-storey cottage called Little Scypen, attached to their attractive house in their lovely garden. The owners are both keen gardeners, he a retired architect. The garden, a delight of exotic and beautiful flowers and plants, has been on TV and written about. You have your own small secluded sun-trap patio (seats, barbecue - NB. no other play space) and the owners are pleased to show you their main garden on request. Inside, very attractive hand-made furniture throughout, nice views from most windows; living/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave) with lots of original watercolours; two bedrooms - double and bunk bedroom (top bunk removable to make a single); bathroom (suite plus bath-shower, good tiles), and washing machine and tumble drier area. Very civilised and peaceful place. No smoking indoors.

... also in Stadbury, a barn and a stable, both very well converted - well-planned, comfortable, light, double-glazed. You can walk the owners' 150 acre farm, with heronry and badgers, running down to the estuary (landing stage).

... the stable - called 'Rhondda's' after the horse that lived there - has garden in front with hydrangeas and patio (table/chairs), and another larger, more private garden (picnic table) at the back. Inside, big light hall, attractive living/dining room with windows to both gardens, French windows to patio, double pine doors to fitted kitchen (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, good-sized table). Upstairs, three bedrooms - two double (one with small balcony and 5' bed) and a twin (also with small balcony). Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), separate loo/washbasin. Heating and electricity included.

Inside, very spacious, modernised, delightful; mainly coir carpeting. From the courtyard, entrance to large hall (children's games); step down into excellent, interesting, large living room (CD player) with French windows to patio; fitted kitchen/dining room with long pine table, walk-in fireplace and well-equipped (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer). Three bedrooms - double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), twin or 6' double, and twin; another bathroom (suite). Two folding beds on request (extra). Suitable for partially disabled (2 steps). Good value; everything included.

... the barn - called 'Swallows' because they nested there - has its own good-sized enclosed lawn and patio (table/chairs) in front; another very sheltered, sunny, enclosed garden with picnic table and barbecue at the back. Inside, big living/dining room with French windows to front patio, glass doors to back garden, and hatch to fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, breakfast table); downstairs loo/washbasin. Upstairs, three bedrooms with original ceiling trusses exposed - double with en suite shower-room (suite), twin and (small) bunk bedroom; bathroom (suite). Heating and electricity included.

No 2. Ground floor: the nearest to the Leisure Club and access to the beach. Big terrace (table/chairs, barbecue) and superb views to the south and west. Inside, pretty in yellow and blue. Living/dining/fitted Shaker kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, freezer) with circular dining table, cane chairs, two comfortable sofas, large screen TV, radio, stereo CD player, selection of CDs and videos, books, games, and glazed doors to terrace. Two bedrooms - double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-power-shower) and twin (plus child's single bed if required) with en suite shower-room (suite). Will accommodate five, but most comfortable for four. Payphone. No smoking.

No 5. Ground floor: big paved and partly covered terrace (furniture), superb views to the south and west. Inside, modern, stylish, bamboo floors, white walls, downlighters, DVD player, CD/cassette/radio hi-fi unit, stainless steel fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer), glazed doors to terrace, double sofa bed. Two bedrooms (both with radios) - one double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-power-shower), one twin with en suite power-shower-room (suite plus bidet). Selection of videos, DVDs, CDs, books and games. Telephone. An exceptionally good apartment.

No 6. Ground floor: big terrace (furniture, barbecue); superb views south and west. Terrazzo-tiled, underfloor-heated open-plan living/dining room/fitted pine kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer), the kitchen all along one wall, no breakfast bar, so the room feels very spacious; good white and blue sofas, downlighters, slightly Scandinavian, fine dining table, sliding glazed doors to terrace. Two twin bedrooms - one with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), one twin or single with en suite shower-room (suite). Telephone. Radio, games, books, puzzles.

Bigbury-on-Sea: village (PO/shop) with South Devon's biggest sandy beaches, stretching to Burgh Island (pub, famous and entertaining hotel, you can walk to it at low tide, go by long-legged tractor - 'cat' - at high). Good windsurfing; fine cliffs for walking and sea-bird-watching. Golf, 1 mile. Kingsbridge, 10 miles; Salcombe, about 15.

... and 20 yards from Bigbury-on-Sea's big and splendid sandy beach, and looking at Burgh Island over the low-tide sandy causeway, is this truly excellent and very greatly appreciated development of 29 high quality apartments of which we let 12, and, within the building, a very good private Leisure Club. The views over the sea to the south and west, and at low tide of a huge expanse of smooth washed yellow sand reaching to Burgh Island, are outstanding. The island's famous Art Deco hotel is fun to visit, the pub jolly.

All the apartments have those sensational views, are double-glazed, marvellously light, with large living/dining/fitted kitchens, glazed doors to balconies or terraces. The kitchens are mainly Neff, some Shaker, some smarter. All have breakfast bars unless otherwise stated. Smallish bedrooms at the back (no views) with good quality en suite, internal, tiled, bath or shower-rooms with heated towel rails. Electric heating, either underfloor or night store and convector fires. Most are suitable for the partially disabled (short walk from the car and 5 steps down to the lift). Parking for one car at the back of each property and some extra space for guests.

The Leisure Club, open from 10 am to 7 pm every day, has a fine indoor kidney-shaped swimming pool (40'x 20'x 4'6"), spa pool, sauna; extensive, well-equipped gym (treadmill, steps, cycles, Concept II Rower, heart monitors, and other instruments of torture). The smart bar provides coffee/drinks through the day and light meals served either in the Club or for you to take to your apartment. Comfy lounging area (sofas) and outside terrace facing the sea. After 7 pm the Club can be hired for private functions to use the pool, leisure facilities - dinners or buffets available. There are changing rooms, a shower and disabled loo, some videos for hire.

Prices include everything - linen, towels, heating, electricity and use of the Leisure Club facilities from 10 am to 7 pm.

The building is three-storey. The ground floor (but still high above the beach - see picture) apartments have big terraces, the first floor apartments have very good-sized balconies, the top ones have smaller balconies (room for four people to sit comfortably though).

. . . sunset terraces, sea view pool, sand of dreams, and you can keep fit if you want to . . .

No. 8. Exceptional - the best site of all. The ground floor corner apartment with a double aspect terrace three times the size of all other ground floor terraces; superb views, teak garden dining table/chairs, steamers, gas barbecue. Inside, hardwood floors with rugs in living areas; carpeted bedrooms. Furnished in pine; decorated in neutral colours and contemporary coloured fabrics, seaside themes. Good-sized living/dining room (sofa bed) and slightly recessed Shaker kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, radio/cassette player); glazed doors to balcony. Two bedrooms, both with sea views - one double (kingsize) plus single bed with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), one twin with en suite turquoise shower-room (power-shower, suite). Telephone. No smoking. Games for rainy days.

No 11. First floor: very good-sized balcony (furniture): superb views over the beach to Burgh Island and out to sea on either side. Living/dining/pale turquoise Shaker kitchen with wooden worktops (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer). In living/dining area, Canadian maple floors/rugs thoughout, stereo CD/ radio/cassette player, 14" TV, glazed doors to balcony. Two bedrooms - one double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), one twin with en suite shower-room (suite). Videos and CDs available. Phone for incoming calls.

No 13. First floor: very good-sized balcony (furniture): superb views over beach to Burgh Island and out to sea on either side. Living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer, radio/cassette player) with light oak Danish furniture and glazed doors to balcony. Two bedrooms - double (5'6" bed) with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and twin with en suite shower-room (suite). Selection of videos and games. No children under 4.

No. 17. The first floor corner apartment with the largest first floor balcony (double aspect): glorious views, teak garden dining table/chairs, steamers, gas barbecue. Good-sized living/dining/cream Shaker fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, radio/cassette player) with sofa bed and games for rainy days; pine furniture, pale walls, corn coloured carpet with rugs. Two bedrooms, both with excellent sea views - double (kingsize bed) plus single divan with en suite 1930s bathroom complete with porthole (suite plus bath-shower), and twin with en suite shower-room (suite). Telephone. No smoking.

No 19. Raised ground floor (no lift access): end apartment, far end from Leisure Club; superb south and west views (great for sunsets); big terrace (table/chairs, barbecue). Prettily coloured (misty blue carpet, peachie walls) living/dining/fitted light oak kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer) with pine dresser, leather suite, CD player, and glazed doors to terrace. Two bedrooms - double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower, window), and twin with en suite shower-room (suite). Selection of videos.

No 21. Top floor: pale wooden-floored living/dining/limed ash Shaker fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, CD/radio) with glazed doors to balcony (furniture). Two bedrooms - a double with 5' bed and bathroom (suite with jacuzzi bath plus power-shower), and twin with en suite shower-room (suite, power-shower plus bidet). No smoking. Telephone.

No.22. Top Floor: stunning sea views; stylish and fresh with excellent original seascape paintings (Scillonian artist). Living/dining/fitted creamy buttermilk kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with CD/radio/cassette player, books, games, the dining area with circular maple table and chairs beside sliding doors to balcony (6' x 10', furniture). Two bedrooms (pretty fabrics) - double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and twin with shower-room (suite). Telephone for incoming calls. No smoking.

No 25. Top floor: marvellous views, south and west. Living/dining/kitchen with glazed doors to enclosed balcony (furniture), fine Chinese rosewood dining table in dining area, CD/radio/cassette player, and especially smart, designer, maple and stainless steel kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer). Two bedrooms (pretty curtains, mainly limed pine furniture) - double (5' bed) with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), twin with en suite shower-room (suite plus bidet). Selection of CDs, videos, books, toys, games.

No 29. Top floor: end apartment, far end from Leisure Club (lift access by arrangement): superb south and west views (great for sunsets); big balcony (furniture). Buttermilk-walled, pale carpeted living/dining/fitted turquoise Shaker kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer) with glazed doors to balcony. Two bedrooms - double with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower, window), and single or twin with en suite shower-room (suite). Telephone. Selection of videos. CD/cassette player.

View from No 29

Kingsbridge: small market town - centre of the southern South Hams - with very attractive main street (excellent shops, good pubs, old buildings, good new leisure centre with indoor swimming pool) and waterfront (sailing and motor boats) at the head of the many-creeked Kingsbridge estuary (boat trips) leading to the sea at Salcombe. Tremendous variety of beautiful places and things to see/do within 5 or 6 miles.

... only a mile from Kingsbridge's centre and waterfront yet absolutely in country, huge barns beautifully, brilliantly, converted by an enterprising farmer and his artist wife into three excellent double-glazed cottages - Mixit, Fixit and Break House - plus an indoor swimming pool. You are welcome to fish (at half price) in the three well stocked coarse fishing lakes (tench, bream, roach and carp - 25lbs the largest, so far!). Superb indoor swimming pool (29' x 11' x 4' deep), changing room with shower-room (suite) all in the barn behind the two larger cottages and below the good games room with table tennis, pool table. At the far end of the swimming pool barn is the cottage for two. Payphone outside the pool building. Artist's studio available.

The cottages are beside a stream-valley meadow, separate from but near the farmyard (occasional cow-watching), with the owners' fine 16th cent. house in which they do B & B at the far end of the yard. Each cottage has its own patio (chairs, barbecue), tubs, troughs, stream; they share the large flat lawn beside and games room. Inside, the furnishings are colourful, pleasing; all original paintings; the rooms are bright, light and fun. Tiled floors mainly downstairs, bedrooms carpeted.

Break House (arrow 1 and picture right). Entrance via the excellently equipped smart fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer), with refectory dining table, back door to small sun-trap patio and the games room. Archway to the charming sunny living room with two sets of French windows (woodburner in granite pillared fireplace). Stairs to first floor. Downstairs, twin bedroom (French windows) with en suite shower-room (suite). Upstairs, three more bedrooms, all with twin or 6' double beds, two with en suite shower-rooms (suites), one with en-suite bathroom (suite) and French windows plus wrought iron railings. Two have lovely views over the valley. Four bedrooms, four bath/shower-rooms. Central heating and electricity included. Suitable for partially disabled.

Fixit Cottage (arrow 2) is attached to Break House and smaller; entrance from walled patio to well-equipped kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); downstairs twin or 6' double bedroom with en suite shower-room (suite). Stairs from kitchen (childgate) to lovely ceiling-to-apex living room (woodburner), with polished wooden floor, rugs over, French windows and wrought iron railings. Off it a 6' double or twin bedroom with bathroom (suite) en suite, French windows, wrought iron railings. Two bedrooms, two bath/shower-rooms. Central heating and electricity included.

1

2

Mixit Cottage (out of picture, interior above), converted from another barn, is at the far end of the (clean) farmyard, separate access beyond the owners' farmhouse with own small sitting out area and next door (well insulated) to the swimming pool and games room. Into the open plan living (woodburner)/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) with beams to apex and stripped floors with rugs over. Stairs down to a double bedroom (6' double or twin) with French windows and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No children except pre-crawling babies. Central heating and electricity included.

West Alvington: old village (pub) 3 miles from the sea (sand) and golf at Thurlestone (see page 93); Kingsbridge, 1Ž2 mile; Salcombe, 5.

The original farmhouse (front door, to garden wall in picture) has own walled front garden (enclosed); hall; large, newly refurbished and comfortable living room with 18th cent. replica of an Italian marble ceiling, lovely fireplace ('living flame' gas fire); fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave) leading to double-glazed sun/dining room opening to mown-grass playing/sitting area. Upstairs, three bedrooms, one with double and single beds and en suite shower-room (suite), one with three single beds, and one small bunk (2'6") room. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No smoking.

The cottage (far end, higher roof line) is 'upside down', newly refurbished. Own grassy picnic/play area. Steps up to glazed porch; large open-plan living/dining room with 'living flame' electric fire, looking south to lawn and fields, and fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave). Downstairs to three bedrooms, twin with en suite shower/washbasin room, one double and a single; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No smoking.

Thurlestone: one of the best places for a seaside holiday on Devon's coast. Horseshoe sand beach between unintimidating cliffs (lovely walks); beautifully sited seaside golf course; village with pretty old part (some thatch), PO/ shop, smart modern homes, not spoilt. Pubs. Tennis, windsurfing, sea-fishing. Splendid coast all the way from Bantham and the Avon estuary (bird-watching) to the great cliffs before Salcombe, 5 miles. Kingsbridge, 4 miles.

... brilliantly positioned, large, detached, family house with good-sized, enclosed, lawn garden (barbecue), 300 yards from the beach (surfboards for hire), a mile by foot/about 3 by car from Thurlestone village and overlooking a Nature Reserve (birds). Mainly double-glazed. Hall; living room (Baxi fire) with French windows to decked terrace; dining room with oak parquet floor; large fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, gas cooker, radio) with breakfast table/benches; downstairs lobby/loo/basin. Upstairs, five bedrooms: on first floor, large master bedroom with 6' double or, zippable, twin beds (washbasin), another double (washbasin), two bathrooms (one suite plus bath-shower, the other with bath, washbasin), separate loo. On second floor, one single and two twin rooms (one has 2'6" children's beds and washbasin). Tumble drier and freezer in adjoining building. Gas for cooking included. Payphone. Sleeps a maximum of seven adults.

... and 75 yards from Thurlestone's sea/sandy beach, is Neptune's Niche, a semi-detached cottage at the same south end as L204S (above), about a mile by foot, 3 by car from the village. In the other direction, lovely cliff-top walk to Hope Cove, 1 mile.

The cottage has glorious uninterrupted views over 'the Rock' and, at the back, looks on the Nature Reserve of Milton Ley (good bird-watching). In front, a large tiled sun terrace (barbecue) and outdoor heated swimming pool (33' x 17' x 3'6") and children's hot tub shared with two other cottages and 12 recently modernised apartments next door. Steps lead from the pool area to another sun terrace and from there directly to the sandy beach and rock pools. The swimming pool is open from the week before Easter until the end of September.

Inside, newly decorated, double-glazed, an 'upside down' cottage. Small hall and stairs to light, open-plan living (electric 'woodburner')/dining room/smart Shaker fitted kitchen (microwave, dishwasher, washer-drier, ceramic hob), French windows to balcony (table/chairs). Downstairs, two bedrooms ­ a double, and a single with truckle bed. Shower-room (suite plus power-shower). No smoking. Good place - excellent addition ­ brilliant for beach holidays/bird-watching. Heating and electricity included.

... on the edge of the village, a smart small apartment created over the owner's detached garage. Own private entrance from the gravelled car park. Outside steps lead over the roof garden (securely fenced, childgate, tables, chairs, flower tubs). Inside, everything light and bright, with pretty tiles. Double-glazed stable door leads to open-plan

smart fitted kitchen (microwave, spot lights)/living/dining room (sofa bed, radio/cassette). Double bedroom (sea view); en suite shower-room (suite, deep shower tray suitable for bathing baby). Use of owner's washing machine. A comfortable base for two, or four at a pinch. Greatly appreciated.

East Portlemouth: exclusive and historic little village across the sandy estuary from Salcombe (see page 95), the best boating/sailing place in the West Country. No pub but pedestrian ferry runs continuously from 8.30am to 5.30pm in the summer and half hourly in the winter (5 minute journey), and harbour taxi (until late in the summer), to Salcombe's shops, pubs, restaurants and other attractions.

... right on the beach and arguably the best positioned property in the West Country is Beach House Quay, a former boathouse/artist's studio and sail loft magnificently renovated and converted into a brilliant house. Included in the basic rate between April and the end of October are a 13' Dory motor boat, a 10' rowing dinghy and a running mooring. Various other craft - including a Laser, Gaff Lugger and Topper sailing boats, 15', 20' and 25' RIBs (RYA certificates required for 20' and 25') and LEGEND motor yacht - can be hired from the owners between March and Nov. Ask us for details at time of booking. Also a boatman available. Guests may have access to the pool, gym, sauna and jacuzzi of the Marine Hotel (just across the river); catering for small or large groups may be arranged. In fact, if you want to hold 'an event' at the Beach House a local caterer will bring the food to you.

Steps down from three private parking spaces lead to the double front doors, via waterfront terrace, and inside the house is as magnificent as its position. Under-floor heated throughout, it has a fitted oak kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer) with brilliant views and French windows to quay; big double bedroom with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and French windows to the terrace; twin bedroom (great view along the estuary to Smalls Cove), utility room (area for wet suits, washing machine, tumble drier) and shower-room (suite). Double boat shed and drying area. Up the maple stairs to a huge, high, light living/dining room (woodburner and CD/cassette/radio) with huge windows opening to a balcony with views across the estuary to Salcombe, down to South Sands and towards the Salcombe Bar. Piano, play station, books, games. Phone, fax and computer line. This room is the perfect place for entertaining, with the river as the backdrop, or simply sitting and watching the world go by. Off this, the master bedroom, with en suite shower-room and balcony. Brilliant views across the river. Also upstairs a marble bathroom (suite with bath-shower) and two more bedrooms, a twin and a bunk room. Five bedrooms in all.

Outside, private access to beach (low tide) and river (high tide), mooring (summer only) and large sandy garden surrounded by small wall.

Extra cleaning by arrangement. Central heating and electricity included. Quite exceptional: an amazing place.

No smoking. £300 Cautionary Deposit. Professional catering available if required.

... Bolberry House has been the heart of the 300 acre farm owned by a well-known, hospitable Devon family for generations. You are welcome to walk the farm, adhering to the country code; footpaths to Hope Cove (beach) and Nat. Trust coast.

The huge Victorian/Edwardian farmhouse is divided into two, each part self-contained. You have all the right hand part in picture and the good-sized, enclosed, front garden. Table tennis available and a large area for children to ride bikes. Inside is spacious, comfortable, smart, good quality throughout. Red-tiled porch, hall; elegant living room with big bay window; long narrow dining room seating 12; well-equipped, fitted farmhousey kitchen with Aga (plus electric cooker), dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, freezer, breakfast refectory table, pew and

Halwell: little village (church, pub) in rolling wooded farmland on the A381 road between Totnes, 7 miles, and Kingsbridge, 6. Dartmouth and the sea/beach at Blackpool Sands, also about 6 miles. Excellent golf course/country club, 3 miles; also 'leisure park' (activities, animals). Good central South Hams base.

Bickleigh Farm (on the right in the picture above) has large living/dining room with wooden floor, rugs, beams and big stone fireplace with woodburner. Slate-floored fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer, gas hob and electric oven) with original well, safely incorporated as an interesting feature, with a glass top. French windows and steps up to the patio. Downstairs loo and washbasin. Upstairs, three bedrooms - double (5') with en suite shower-room (suite), a bunk room, and one with a 5' double plus two singles with French windows leading to a good-sized paved patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and grassed area. Bathroom with Victorian bath (suite plus hand-shower).

Oak Tree (on the left in the picture above left) has living room with woodburner and beams, leading to a conservatory (pictured left) with cane furniture. Fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer, gas hob and electric oven). Upstairs, two bedrooms - four poster double (5') with exposed stone and woodwork and lovely views down the valley and en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower), and twin. Bathroom with Victorian bath (suite plus

bath-shower). Outside, a sitting out area (table/chairs, barbecue).

... and about 100 yards away from Bickleigh Farm and Oak Tree, recently renovated and refurbished, is another detached farmhouse (owner lives in a small attached annexe - on right in picture). Done with a great deal of care and attention to detail, it has an 'own home' feel. Farm track at the back, and to the front a large hard/grassed area for playing, with table/ chairs and barbecue; walled vegetable plot beyond, all surrounded by mature trees. Entrance porch; hallway; living room (open fire, CD player) with window to garden; dining room (woodburner),

polished wooden floors; archway to smart new fully fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer). Flagstone floors in hallway and kitchen (under-floor heating). Shower-room (suite). Upstairs

to five bedrooms - one double with Victorian furniture and

brass bed (5') and en suite shower-room (suite), another double in ochre and red with mahogany four poster bed (5'), two twin, and a single with truckle bed. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Can be used in conjunction with L2S and L3S for really large groups. Central heating and electricity included.

Moreleigh (see page 98)

Dartmouth: once a famous Elizabethan port, it still has the loveliest old town centre in Devon beside its harbour and broad wooded river, full of boats of all sizes. Many 16th/17th cent. timbered buildings (including pubs), narrow streets, pretty shops. Little beach beside the river-mouth castle, 1 mile; bigger one (Blackpool Sands see page 82 ), 2 miles. Boat trips up-river to Totnes or (car ferries) across to Torbay. Boats for hire (fishing); golf, 4 miles. Royal Regatta in August.

... and 4 miles from Dartmouth, in 225 acres of exceptional Devon countryside, is the Dartmouth Golf and Country Club, one of the best in the West Country.

We have two of the several cottages about its very fine 18 hole course and good 9 hole course. All the club's facilities are available to holidaymakers staying in them. They have free use of the indoor heated swimming pool (50' x 16' x 4'8" deep,

pictured above left), children's pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, putting green and well-equipped gym, and 25% discounts off green fees and prices in the excellent clubhouse's bar and restaurant. Available at extra cost are the massage parlour (Swedish or G5), beauty treatment, hairdressers, aromatherapy, solarium and exercise classes. Very close by is a 'leisure park' with 'adventure zones', falconry, and much else. The sea at Blackpool Sands, 4 miles.

Courtyard is a double-glazed, single-storey cottage on its own, with a small courtyard in front and a larger, enclosed, peaceful patio behind (barbecue, furniture). Two little steps up through the courtyard to the front door; small hall, off which the living/dining/limed oak fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, ceramic hob); French windows to patio up three steps. Two bedrooms ­ double and twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Payphone. Suitable for partially disabled (2 steps).

Willows is an end one of a terrace of three cottages, three-storey, double-glazed, with enclosed, sunny, south-facing back garden (barbecue, garden furniture). Small hall, off which an all-in-one living/dining/limed oak fitted kitchen with breakfast bar, dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, ceramic hob, ornamental fireplace and French windows to garden. Stairs (handrail) to three bedrooms: on the first floor, a double and a twin, and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); on the top floor, (slopey ceiling, beams) a twin with en suite bathroom (suite). Payphone.

... and the owners make this a marvellous place for 'Swallows and Amazons' activity or peace. Canoes and rowing boats available for 'messing about on the river'. Sailing available locally. Heated swimming pool (30' x 15', 3'9" deep); croquet lawn/bowling green; hard and grass tennis courts; 14' circular trampoline; oak tree-house, rope swings with tyres, sand-pit, 10 acre farm (woods with badgers/foxes). River fishing. Riding stables and good golf course, both 5 miles. Loads of space. Spring water.

The owners try to make your holiday special, and succeed, as repeat bookings show. All facilities, except the fuel, are included in the rent. Happy, easy-going atmosphere.

The larger converted barn (all in picture above) is on its own, some 250 yards from owners' house and from the cottages. It has ten bedrooms and ten bathrooms; a place to bring your children and their friends, and your friends and their children, and let the children do their own thing while you do yours (like, maybe, simply sitting on the broad terrace/patio in front or terraced lawn behind and enjoying the stunning view). It is two-storey but split-level, so ground level entrance (sliding glazed double doors - safety glass) both sides. Light rooms; light decoration. On lower floor, huge (approx. 30' x 15') dining/kitchen (fitted along one wall, dishwasher, microwave, freezer) in the centre; to the sides, two twin bedrooms - one with bathroom (suite) en suite, one with washbasin - three double - two with en suite bathroom (suite) - and single with bathroom (suite) en suite, and another bathroom (suite). On upper floor, huge (approx. 27' x 15') living room and, to either side, one double bedroom, two twin bedrooms, a single bedroom, and a separate bathroom - all the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms (suites) apart from one twin that has a washbasin - and own excellent games room (table tennis, pool, darts, 2nd TV) with particularly good view to the river, and its own loo with washbasin. All baths have shower attachments. Payphone. Also on ground floor, utility/drying/laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier). Double barbecue on patio.

This is an extremely good, warm place for short breaks/weekends in the autumn/winter/spring too: for bird-watching, artists, golfers or family gatherings/celebrations. The games room could be used for conferences. Extremely good local caterers available. Suitable for partially disabled. £150 Cautionary Deposit required.

The cottages are more basic, but have the same lovely views and outdoor facilities and, with the smaller converted barn (see below), share a games room (table tennis, darts, pool table) attached to the owners' house. Both are double-glazed and have own enclosed gardens.

One cottage has large porch; fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave); living room (open fire); and shower-room (suite). Steep stairs (handrail) up to four bedrooms; on the first floor, one double, one small double, one single; bathroom (suite). Stairs to attic room with double and single bed. Payphone.

The other cottage has living room (open fire); fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave); stairs down to a twin bedroom, and door to patio and garden. Stairs up from the living room lead to three more bedrooms, one double, one 4' double, one single. Bathroom (suite), separate loo. Payphone. Four bedrooms in all.

The smaller converted barn (its view above) is 'upside down' inside. Upstairs, all-in-one living/din-ing/well fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer) with lovely views down the valley from big window and balcony (picture above); cloakroom with loo/washbasin. Stairs down to two bedrooms - one double with doors to patio and en suite bathroom (suite), and one twin with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Payphone.

... in the hamlet, surrounded by its own enclosed shrub-filled garden, an 'upside-down' 1970s detached house, roomy, light and ideal for large family groups. Off the beaten track; good local walks. At first floor level, comfy living room (toys, books, games) with large glazed sliding door to balcony (pretty rural views); separate dining room (Welsh dresser, pine table/chairs); fitted kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer. Stairs (stairgate) out of living room down to four bedrooms - a double and two twin (all with French windows to garden), and a further twin (2'6" beds) with en suite shower-room (suite). Bathroom (bath, basin, bidet), shower-room (basin), two separate loos. Lobby with washing machine. Porch for outdoor clothes/boots. Phone for incoming calls. No smoking. Electricity included.

Stoke Gabriel: pretty and beautifully situated village (three pubs, PO, shops, restaurant, mediaeval church) sloping to a creek (boats) off the River Dart estuary. Sandy beaches on Torbay (Goodrington, Broadsands) and Totnes (very attractive old town on the Dart, pictured above left), each 4 miles. Brixham, good golf (Churston) and car ferry to Dartmouth, 5 miles.

... 1/2 mile out of the village, a pretty, semi-detached cottage on what was formerly the vicarage farm estate. It has been a family home and much loved for many years, now yours to enjoy. Hall; very comfortable living room (open fire), window seats, good books, nice pictures. Attractive French windows to traditional style dining room with oak dresser, gas fire, table and two fireside chairs, off which fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, gas oven and hob) with door to very pretty enclosed garden (table/chairs, small child-safe pond), and small cloakroom with loo. Upstairs, three bedrooms - big comfortable double, smallish twin in pink and blue, and a single (two steps down). Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). A very relaxing house in an excellent location. No smoking indoors. Central heating and electricity included.

Totnes

Dartington: little village (church) beside Dartington Hall (beautiful gardens, arts centre - concerts, films) and associated Cider Press (craft shops, restaurants), 2 miles from Totnes (pictured above). Buckfast and its abbey, about 4 miles; the sea/sandy beaches at Torbay, about 9.

... 1Ž2 mile from Dartington, in the tiny hamlet of Week (just a few thatched cottages/houses, fields a