These are a group of three cottages - Mallard's, Brambles and Otter's - situated in a truly rural location but just half a mile from the Bideford to Okehampton road. The renowned Tarka Trail is only 500m away which is a public footpath/cycle path built on the bed of the disused Okehampton to Barnstaple railway line. It follows the course of the River Torridge for much of it's length and joins up with the North Devon Coast Path at Bideford and Barnstaple.

The cottages are situated on the edge of a Shire Horse Washing pond and used to be part of the Smytham Manor Estate. This pond and the surrounding area are home to a myriad to of wildlife including our own breeding pair of Moorhens and more recently a family of Mallards.

The cottages have been converted from agricultural buildings to modern high standards yet retain a lot of their original features and charm like exposed woodwork and stonework. They are all centrally heated and have an excellent range of facilities including bathrooms with full size baths and showers. They also have modern well-equipped kitchens with sufficient equipment and cutlery etc for at least the number of occupants.

All bed linen and towels, with the exception of beach towels, are provided free of charge as is the central heating and electricity. Regrettably we have to make a small additional charge if you want to bring your pet with you.

The reception area/utility room is equipped with a washing machine, tumble drier and freezer. When reception is not manned the owners can be contacted on a free call on the payphone. Also to be found in the reception is the tools for the barbeque, though some fuel for this is provided guests are requested to replace what they use for the benefit of others. You will also find here a variety of games equipment.

The pond is fenced from the cottages to increase the safety for children and a play area is provided with swings and a seesaw etc. A picnic table is provided in the grounds for the use of guests.

There is ample car parking adjacent to the cottages.

The solitude of these cottages makes it an ideal venue to get away from it all and study nature especially the abundance of bird life.

Mallard's Cottage

Brambles Cottage

Otter's Cottage