HARTLAND ABBEY COTTAGES

Blackpool Mill Cottage & Bear Cottage, Stoke

BLACKPOOL MILL
The 15th century cottage is situated in a sheltered valley, a stone’s throw away from a remote Atlantic cove. It is approached by a private track through woodland which quite suddenly opens out to reveal a view of the cliffs and the sea, with the cottage below the gorse by the Abbey stream. It’s unique position makes it a wonderful place to relax, enjoy the natural surroundings, and escape from the pressures of modern living; there is no telephone or television! A mobile telephone, if you must, will work from the top of the cliff - 5 minutes steep climb - but you would not find a more spectacular place from which to telephone! The cottage has was used as a film location for Rosamunde Pilcher’s ‘The Shell Seekers’ with Vanessa Redgrave and Maximillian Schell heading a star studded cast. 

Download our Blackpool Mill Brochure (87kb)

The beach, with it’s rock pools, sandy gullies and unique cliff formation, is always interesting and at low tide prawns, mussels, limpets, star fish, crabs, lobsters and fish are to be found in the pools. They are also wonderful natural paddling pools for children. The sea is very clean and excellent for bathing and surfing, in the right conditions. Very few other people can get to the beach as their only access is from the coastal footpath. In good weather, evening barbecuing on the beach, with the sun setting over the sea, and cooking your day’s catch, is magical. The only two lights to be seen are from the lighthouses on Hartland point and Lundy Island.


The cottage remains largely unmodernised. The downstairs is beamed throughout and the sitting room has a huge open fireplace. The kitchen is open plan with the stairs leading upstairs from the middle - a popular place for children and pets to sit in anticipation of their next meal! There is plenty of hot water, an oil fired Rayburn, an electric cooker, a fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and a larder. Central heating is included (Oct-April). Logs provided.

ACCOMMODATION Upstairs: 2 kingsize doubles, 2 twin bedded rooms, 1 with extra bed: Downstairs: Sitting Room with large open fire. Large kitchen with oil-fired Rayburn, electric cooker,  fridge/freezer and larder,. Bathroom, basin and lavatory.

LINEN IS NOT PROVIDED except duvet covers. Please supply your own King size and single sheets, pillowcases, towels, swimming towels, bath mats and tea towels.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

Blackpool Mill was the location for Barton Cottage in Andrew Davies' adaption of Sense and Sensibility shown in January 2008. The BBC art department totally transformed the outside of the cottage and much of the interior flming was done in the studio. All the exterior filming was done here and the cottage really did look fantastic!
For further details look at our press release page[view link]

BEAR COTTAGE

The Bear is a 16th century (or earlier) detached cottage in the heart of Stoke, a small hamlet between Hartland and Hartland Quay in one of the most unspoilt parts of England. In the early 18thC it was, for a short time, a hostelry when Hartland Quay had had its licence withdrawn for rowdy and drunken  behaviour ! The hamlet of Stoke consists of a few cottages and the beautiful church of St Nectan, called ‘The Cathedral of North Devon’ due to its huge size and tall tower, once used by wreckers to entice ships onto the rocky shore whose captains believed it to be the lighthouse!

The Bear has been extensively renovated to provide comfortable accommodation all year round. The cottage is part of the Hartland Abbey Estate which lies 3 miles south of Hartland Point and is within easy walking distance of the coastal footpath. Guests are able to enjoy the stunning coastline with its huge cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky coves and views to Lundy Island. Surfers enjoy the big rollers at Hartland Quay and other coves nearby and there are plenty of beaches suitable for children within a short distance. Hartland has very good small shops, fresh fish nearby, a fruit and veg delivery and we do ask guests to support local stores wherever possible. On booking we send guests a list of local shops, pubs, restaurants, attractions etc. Hartland Quay has a good pub overlooking the Atlantic which is great fun for lunch or in the evening. Historic Hartland Abbey is close by; Clovelly is only 5 miles away with its cobbled street, donkeys and lovely harbour. There is wonderful walking from the front door; wildflowers abound in spring and early summer. 


ACCOMMODATION (sleeps 8)
Upstairs
Double room with kingsize double bed, ensuite shower, w.c. and handbasin. 2 twin bedded rooms, 1 bathroom with bath. w.c., handbasin.

Downstairs
Slate floored entrance hall leading into panelled inner hall. Half panelled sitting room with large open fireplace with woodburner, TV and DVD. V. small, children's room or snuggery. Half panelled double room with kingsize double bed, bathroom with bath, shower, w.c., handbasin. Kitchen equipped for 8 people with Rangemaster electric cooker, double sink overlooking garden, dishwasher, microwave, fridge freezer, pine table with seating for 8. Back door area with washing machine and tumble dryer, hanging for wet clothes, gumboots,wetsuits etc. 


Grassed garden with outdoor seating for 8. Off road parking for 2 cars but plenty of room in lane at front of cottage for cars. Central heating for winter/early spring months. All bedlinen provided but guests must bring their own towels and swimming towels. The cottage is let Friday –Friday; guests must vacate cottage by 12pm and not arrive before 4pm so the cottage can be thoroughly cleaned between lets.

Download our Bear Cottage Brochure (197kb)

AOUND AND ABOUT

The walks from the cottages are wonderful in all weathers; the beautiful rugged coastline combines with a profusion of wild flowers, butterflies and birds in summer, and bracing winds and huge seas in winter. Hartland Quay with it’s hotel and superb cliff scenery, Hartland point and lighthouse, Hartland Abbey and Gardens and St. Nectan’s Church are all within walking distance; Clovelly, Welcombe and Morwenstow are slightly further, but well within a day’s walk. Hartland with it’s Post Office, farm shop & cafe, general stores, antique shop, interesting craftsmen, artists, woodworkers and potteries is also easily walkable. There is also a wonderful farm shop at Woolfardisworthy about 15 minutes away by car; a little further away, Bradworthy has very good shops. There is absolutely no need to go near a supermarket unless you want to!

There are many other beautiful beaches within easy driving distance; there are houses and gardens open to the public family attractions, excellent pubs and restaurants and, of course, tea rooms! Hartland Abbey has delicious cream teas. Boat trips can be taken to Lundy Island from Clovelly or Bideford. Bideford, Barnstaple and Bude are all within 30 minutes drive: Exmoor and Dartmoor are approx 1 hour’s drive. Junction 27 on the M5 is approximately 1 1/4 hours.

BOOKING DETAILS

On receipt of a deposit of 25% of the weekly rent, your booking will be confirmed.
The balance is due one month before the holiday commences, on receipt of which further details will be forwarded to you, together with a helpful list of local services. The cottage is let from Friday to Friday. Please arrive after 2pm and depart NOT LATER than 10.00am, in order for the cottage to be cleaned between lets.

Please contact:
Lady Stucley, 
Affeton Castle, 
East Worlington,
Crediton, 
Devon. 
EX17 4TU. Tel: 01884 860225 Fax: 01884 861134 Email: hartland_abbey