Martin Cottage

Why you'll love staying here

Situated just three miles from Ilfracombe, Martin Cottage is a cosy rural retreat on a working farm situated on a picturesque headland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Well-equipped and comfortably furnished it’s ideal for a small family or couple looking to explore the North Devon countryside and coast.

Outside, the cottage benefits from a private patio garden with wonderful views towards the sea. Extending to 35 acres, the farm includes areas of woodland, a children's playground, a dedicated dog exercise field, and plenty of spots for a picnic. The farm is also home to alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and geese, and guests are welcome to help feed the animals during their stay.

Just 500 yards from the cottage lies the farm's private beach. At low tide, a wide expanse of sand is revealed, from where you can swim, fish, and walk round to Watermouth Harbour. The harbour offers seasonal moorings, while overlooking it is a Victorian castle with a family theme park, a collection of vintage musical instruments, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Nearby Widmouth Head is a superb vantage point for wildlife watching, with regular sightings of seals, porpoises, and dolphins.

Ilfracombe is a historic seaside town with a network of tunnels hand carved in the 1820s that lead to a series of rugged coves. Sadly, due to recent rockfalls, the tunnels are currently closed to the general public, but there are still plenty of beaches near Ilfracombe including Hele Bay next to Hillsborough Nature Reserve, and Lee Bay with rock pools and caves to explore.

From Ilfracombe harbour, boat trips depart to Lundy Island, an unspoilt granite outcrop with a 13th century castle, lighthouse, and an abundance of wildlife including feral goats, puffins, sika deer, and the endemic Lundy Cabbage, a primitive brassica with bright yellow flowers.

A little further along the coast is Woolacombe Beach, consistently ranked as one of the best in the UK, with a three mile stretch of golden sand, beach huts available to hire, and water that’s excellent for both swimming and surfing.

Exmoor National Park can be reached in just under 20 minutes, renowned for its open heather moorland, wooded combes, towering coastal cliffs, picture-postcard villages, and iconic free roaming ponies. Hike to the top of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in the park for views as far as Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons.

There is a village store at Berrynarbor and a handful of pubs serving food within walking distance, but, due to the farm’s secluded location, a car is required for other amenities and days out. Guests should also note that WiFi can be patchy at times.