As you approach down the valley into Westcott Barton there is a sense of stepping out of one world into one less complicated, more tranquil, and altogether more suited to a time spent relaxing and enjoying a break. Although only 5 miles north of Barnstaple, and a short drive from many of Britain’s best beaches, we are wonderfully remote.

The valley is steeped in rural history and there has been a homestead here since Saxon times; it is even mentioned in the Domesday Book and was the home of the Chichester family during the 17th century. The family dominated this part of North Devon during its heyday of trade when nearby Barnstaple was a major port.

The main farmhouse building is a Grade II listed Devon longhouse around which a number of old stone barns are arranged as the nucleus of a large 90 acre former farm. Some of the barns have been redeveloped and offer ancillary accommodation to the Farmhouse. The Cottage across the farmyard is a recently redeveloped self contained holiday unit.

The gardens are beautiful traditional formal gardens, but  once outside the garden gate the valley follows the meandering stream through ponds, ancient tracks, woodland and hilly pastures.