The romantic bolthole is set in a small hamlet in the Devon countryside, just 4 miles from Bideford. As expected, the area is awash with picturesque walking routes, and you’ll also be just 2 miles from the South West Coast Path. After a day of exploring, return to your rural retreat for a sundowner or a soak in the hot tub in the patio garden, which is fully enclosed for your canine companions.
The barn conversion is decorated in a contemporary style, with neutral paintwork and exposed woodwork creating a calm and relaxed ambience. The open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner has a choice of comfortable seating to snuggle up on, as well as a sleek kitchen area and cute dining table for sharing dinners for two. A door opens from here to the enclosed garden, so the hounds can potter in and out. Adjacent to the kitchen area is a handy utility room, where you can store walking boots and dog leads. When it’s time for bed, retire to the idyllic king-size bedroom, which boasts a vaulted ceiling, delicate soft furnishings, and an en-suite shower room. Outside, steps lead down to a fully enclosed patio garden, with a wood-fired hot tub, outdoor furniture, and far-reaching countryside views.
There are some charming fishing villages nearby, including Appledore (6 miles) with its colourful fishermen’s cottages and cobbled streets. Enjoy a dog walk around the village, perusing the quaint boutiques and galleries, before popping into one of the paw-friendly cafes for a coffee and a homemade cake. In summer, a foot/paw ferry carries you across the estuary to the sandy beach at Instow, which welcomes woofers all year. Alternatively, head to the popular coastal resort of Westward Ho! (4 miles), which has a 2-mile stretch of golden sand, many eateries, and traditional arcades and seaside attractions.