Two lovely big houses in Devon's Blackdown Hills, Higher Westcott (sleeping 16) and Dairy Cottage (12) are situated on an old farm that dates back to 1520. Recently converted from ancient buildings, the houses are beautifully rustic in character, decorated in warm whites and muted Farrow & Ball tones. They have large bedrooms with comfortable beds, modern kitchens, open plan living areas and new bathrooms. Higher Westcott looks out over farmland while Dairy Cottage overlooks an orchard at the front and countryside to the rear. Hired either individually or together, these properties make great venues for family holidays. The beaches at Beer, Branscombe and Sidmouth on the Jurassic coastline are only half an hour away. There are antique shops in Honiton, delightful rural pubs to combine with walks and bike rides, and the cathedral city of Exeter a fascinating day out.
Higher Westcott has also been used very successfully for weddings – a marquee for up to 150 guests can be put up on the football field, and full catering can be arranged.
Higher Wescott has a large, open plan living area with exposed beams and alcoves, comfortable sofas and armchairs, an open fire, and a large, well-equipped kitchen with a dining table for 16.
The bedroom layout consists of three double rooms, each with additional bunks or single beds. Then there are six triple rooms (one set of bunks plus one single) and one twin room. There is plenty of flexibility, and extra Z-beds available as required. The bedrooms have plenty of space and both houses are re-carpeted throughout, the thick underlay giving them a homely feel.
Family entertainment includes a games room (with table football, pool and table tennis); a large football field; a full size trampoline and swing ball. There is a TV and an extensive library of DVDs. Children can enjoy collecting eggs from chickens on the farm.
Utilities in each house include a cooker, fridge/freezer, separate freezer, dishwasher, microwave and laundry room on site (washing machine and tumble dryer).
There is an indoor swimming pool available for guests' use at a local campsite, a mile away (£1).
Linen is not provided unless by prior arrangement and electricity is paid for at cost price.
Higher Westcott's sitting room makes an ideal meeting room if required.
A small, rural farm location, down a country lane, five minutes' drive from the village of Sheldon. It is a 25 minute drive to the coast. Online grocery deliveries are available from Tesco or Waitrose, six miles away. The nearest pubs and restaurant are four miles away.
Airport: Exeter (20 mins)
Station: Tiverton Parkway (15 mins)
There is masses to do with children in this part of Devon, including:
• Jurassic Coastline World Heritage Site (25 mins)
• Sidmouth (30 mins)
• Cathedral city of Exeter (25 mins)
• Exmoor and Dartmoor (both within easy reach)
• Riding stables in Sheldon
• Donkey sanctuary (25 mins)
• Powderham Castle (30 mins)
• Diggerland (15 mins)
• Crealy Adventure Park (20 mins)
• Farmers' markets (frequent)
• Local walks
• Cycling routes
Higher Westcott
£595 to £995 per week
Dairy Cottage
£485 to £825 per week
Out of season price for a minimum of 15 people costs £39.50 pp per week.
Christmas/New Year hire 2011: £825 per week (Dairy Cottage) and £995 (Higher Westcott).
Duration of stay: from 2 nights to 30 days.