Pear Tree Cottage

Why you'll love staying here

Pear Tree Cottage is a charming rural retreat set on a working farm in the picturesque village of Awliscombe, on the edge of the Blackdown Hills. Converted from the farm’s former milking parlour, it has been beautifully restored, retaining many original features and plenty of character while providing comfortable accommodation for families or groups of friends looking to explore the East Devon countryside.

The stone-built cottage is accessed via a private lane that winds through lush green fields, and guests are warmly welcomed with a traditional cream tea with freshly baked scones, homemade jam, and thick Devonshire clotted cream.

Inside, the open-plan living space is bright and airy, with whitewashed walls, terracotta tiled floors, and exposed beams creating an attractive backdrop to the stylish furnishings, while underfloor heating keeps the space cosy during the cooler months. Although compact, the fitted kitchen has plenty of storage and a full range of modern appliances, making it easy to prepare delicious home-cooked meals.

The living area has a dining table and plenty of comfortable seating arranged around a cosy wood-burning stove set within a red brick fireplace, the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring with a glass of wine and a film.

Completing the ground floor is a bedroom with an accessible wet room opposite, ideal for guests with limited mobility.

Upstairs are two further bedrooms. All three have been thoughtfully designed with restful nights in mind with a neutral colour palette, comfortable beds, and crisp linen. A second bathroom on the first floor offers the choice of both a bath and a shower.

Outside, a large enclosed lawned garden backs onto a small orchard which leads to open farmland and woodland. Garden furniture and a barbecue are provided, making it a wonderful spot for leisurely al fresco lunches or an evening drink while watching the sun set over the fields.

Guests also have access to the farm’s cider barn, which has recently been restored. The ground floor is used for producing apple juice, while the upper floor has been transformed into a games room, providing entertainment for the whole family.

The farm itself extends to almost 100 acres and has been in the same family since the early 1900s. It is home to a herd of Ruby Red Devon cattle and a flock of sheep, and children will delight in meeting the newborn calves and lambs during the spring. A track runs through the farm’s fields and woodland, offering stunning views across the valley and plenty of opportunity for guests to explore the landscape and keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife.

Just 3 miles away is the attractive market town of Honiton which has long been associated with lace making and pottery. Today it is better known for its twice-weekly market, antique shops specialising in furniture, art and second-hand books, and its wealth of independent shops, galleries, and cafés that give the town its lively character.