Ashton Cottage, Countisbury

Facilities
The newly fitted kitchen-dining room includes an under-counter fridge and under-counter freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and electric double oven and hob. Other equipment includes a toaster, kettle, cafetière, a variety of cookware, utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses. A dining table seats up to five guests.

Along the hall is a large utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, second sink, iron and board. A downstairs toilet is off the utility room.

The sitting room has a wood-burner (starter logs provided) and a wall-mounted TV.

Heating and electricity are included in the price. Central heating is provided by a biomass boiler and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. A basket of logs and kindling will be provided for the wood-burner in the cooler months.

Bed linen, duvets, blankets and towels are all provided — please bring your own beach towels if you plan to take them on day trips. Bedding is non-feather.

A small selection of non-perishable items such as salt, pepper and a few herbs and spices may be available on arrival. Washing-up liquid and surface cleaner will be provided, along with one or two toilet rolls per toilet.

Location

Countisbury is a tiny hamlet perched high on the Exmoor coast above Lynmouth, roughly two miles east along the A39. It has a 13th-century coaching inn, a historic church, and some of the most dramatic coastal views in Devon.

The hamlet sits at the top of the famous Countisbury Hill, where the road descends steeply into Lynmouth with gradients reaching 25%. This stretch of the A39 is one of the most spectacular drives in the country, with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales on clear days. The name Countisbury derives from a Saxon word meaning 'camp on the headland', referring to the Iron Age hill fort at Wind Hill nearby.

For everyday amenities, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are your nearest ports of call, just two miles away. Lynton sits on the cliff top and has a good range of shops, cafes, restaurants, a small supermarket, post office, chemist, and the Lyn and Exmoor Museum. The harbour village of Lynmouth sits below at sea level, connected by the famous water-powered cliff railway. Both villages have a welcoming selection of pubs, tea rooms, and independent shops.

The larger towns of Barnstaple (approximately 20 miles) and Minehead (approximately 20 miles) offer supermarkets and a wider range of services.