Hartpiece

Here is a fabulous big property to hire, comprising Hartpiece Farm (a traditional Devon longhouse) and the almost-attached Hartpiece Hall (a 17th century barn), both beautifully converted. Set in 90 acres of rolling countryside, Hartpiece has everything you could need for an extremely comfortable big group self-catering holiday. There are farm animals and lots of wildlife around for the children, walks from the door, a big hot tub, dining in the Hall for up to 30, a long outdoor deck and some of the best surfing beaches in the UK close by.

Although Hartpiece can be let as two independent properties, it works best as one large, peaceful place. It is ideal for weddings, has all the facilities needed for conferences, and also works for big parties interested in, say, gardening, golfing, or adventure activity.

The accommodation at Hartpiece Farm is perfectly in tune with what large groups are looking for in a holiday, particularly those with children of differing ages. You’ll find its two kitchens, patio decking, five French doors, and upstairs and downstairs lounges give everyone space to be together, or to slip away and spend some time alone. Early birds, fry-ups and teenagers' late-night telly can happily co-exist here!

There are idyllic views from the sundeck, three log fires, a hot tub, and chef-style kitchens.

There are nine double bedrooms altogether – five in Hartpiece Farm, four in the Hall. Most of these double beds are actually linked single beds, so they can be used as twins if necessary. All the bedrooms look out over the countryside.

There's also a summer chalet in the grounds, quite a basic wooden lodge, which has two single beds - the perfect hideaway for teenagers. In addition, you'll find two sofabeds in three of the communal rooms.

There are seven bathrooms, four of them ensuite.

These include a barbecue, lots of garden furniture, a large tack room for sports gear and a good laundry room.

The kitchens are very well equipped, with oak and slate floors, dishwashers, Pro Chef gas hobs and plenty of fine china, glassware and silverware. The water at Hartpiece is natural artesian well water, filtered through UV and laser filters.

Hartpiece is a registered organic farm, concentrating mainly on sheep, and the owners can always arrange to have an organic lamb or half lamb prepared freshly for you, or in the freezer upon your arrival given two weeks’ notice.

Local caterers are also available to prepare meals for your group, as much or as little as you like.

French doors open from the downstairs rooms onto a fabulous long deck, covered in parasols, where you can all eat comfortably on warm days. The hot tub room is a luxuriously modern wood and glass walled affair attached to the West Wing which you are welcome to use. There is no charge for exclusive property bookings.

Central heating is available throughout, with electricity provided at no extra charge. Crisp, ironed linen and towels are provided for an additional small charge. One basket of logs is provided, and you can always buy more.

Children are obviously very welcome, but please note that there are ponds and wildlife around, including farm animals. Well-behaved dogs are accepted, although not in the bedrooms.

Conference facilities: Hartpiece has a lodge house, accessible along a beautiful half mile private road. This lodge has a self-contained conference/classroom (30 x14ft) with an attached entry area for greetings, document handouts etc. A second, more informal room has Broadband connection. There’s an outside patio area and parking. The lodge sits on a hilltop in a mature, 2.5-acre garden looking down over the coastline.

There’s also a functioning workshop – the owners have converted a traditional stone barn into a 17 x 10 ft room with benches etc. This could suit arts and craft training groups, and is available on request.

In the village of Muddiford, on the edge of Exmoor and two miles from Barnstaple.

Airport: Bristol

Station: Barnstaple

You’ll find some of the best surfing beaches in the UK along this coastline, including Woolacombe (six miles) and Ilfracombe (eight miles). Both are traditional seaside resorts and great favourites with families.

There are eight golf courses within striking distance.

Other places to visit include Exmoor National Park; beautiful Arlington Court; the famous garden site of Rosemoor; and various idyllic fishing villages. Barnstaple is a busy market town two miles away with good theatres, fairs, clotted cream teas and a famous pannier market selling local produce, antiques etc.

Devon weather is remarkably clement, and seldom boring! South-facing Hartpiece Farm is a suntrap, and even on cloudy December days it’s often warm enough to sit outside on the deck. Listening to the rhythm of the rain on plate glass from the comfort of the hot tub, say the owners, is one of life's special pleasures.

Full weeks:

From £1,500 low season

From £2,100 high season