Located near the picturesque churchyard in High Bray, Old Church House is a detached 16th-century country hideaway that exudes original character features including oak beams, stone fireplaces and multi-pane windows throughout. Set amidst the stunning North Devon countryside, this Grade II listed building provides the perfect base for exploring the dramatic moorland and coastline of Exmoor.
Comfortably accommodating up to 5 guests across three bedrooms, including one double bed, one twin room, and a single bedroom, this spacious cottage boasts a well-equipped kitchen with a large kitchen table, a family bathroom with shower over the bath, and a downstairs cloakroom with toilet and hand basin. The cottage-style garden with outside seating provides a peaceful retreat for guests to relax and unwind.
With heating, electricity, and Wifi included, guests can enjoy a cozy stay in the spacious living room with a wood-burning stove. Old Church House also welcomes up to 2 dogs (for a supplement of £30/dog per stay) and provides towels and bed linen.
Please note that as with many houses of this era, there are some uneven floors, low ceilings and beams in parts (the lowest beam is 1.78mx/5ft 10" and the lowest ceiling at 1.96m/6ft 5" – both in the kitchen). A minimum stay of 2 nights is required, and check-in is from 4 pm with check-out by 10 am.
FacilitiesOld Church House is has been refurbished throughout by the current owners yet care has been taken to retain many original character features, including oak beams, stone fireplaces and multi pane windows throughout. the cottage is comfortable yet traditional and, as with many houses of this era, there are some uneven floors, low ceilings and beams in parts. The lowest beam is 1.78mx/5ft 10" and the lowest ceiling at 1.96m/6ft 5" – both in the kitchen.
The front door leads into the central hallway with a bench seat/shoe rack perfect for muddy shoes, useful downstairs toilet and cloakroom space. Off the hallway is a spacious living room with an attractive beamed fireplace complete with wood burning stove, comfy seating to take advantage of the many books provided and views out onto the front garden or to the churchyard at the rear. The well-equipped dual aspect kitchen features a large kitchen table, oak units, large butler sink, electric cooker and hob plus a wood burning stove. The kitchen door leads onto to the garden and can also be used for external access.
Upstairs the galleried landing and the higher ceilings give a spacious feel. The three bedrooms are traditionally furnished in a mix of styles and are served by a family bathroom, comprising bath with shower over bath, toilet and hand basin.
A travel cot, high chair and stair gates can be provided on request. A selection of children's books and toys are also provided at the cottage.
Wifi, heating and electricity is included in the price of the accommodation. The cottages is heated with a mixture of electric radiators (storage, radiators and convectors) which can be adjusted to suit your preference plus wood burners in the kitchen and sitting room. A basket of logs and kindling will be left in autumn and winter for the wood burning stoves to get your started, further supplies can be purchased locally.
Bed linen and towels are provided, but please bring your own beach towels if you wish to take towels with you on day trips.
LocationBrayford is a peaceful village in the Bray valley, on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park -- a lovely base for exploring moor, coast, and countryside.
The River Bray runs through the heart of the village, which sits at a natural crossroads between Exmoor's wild open moorland to the north and the rolling green farmland of mid-Devon to the south. Stone and cob cottages, narrow lanes, and ancient hedgerows give Brayford the timeless character of a traditional Devon village. It is a quiet, unhurried place -- ideal for anyone seeking a genuinely rural retreat with easy access to some of the finest walking, riding, and fishing country in the south-west.
Village Amenities
Brayford has a community shop and post office, open limited hours, selling basic groceries and everyday essentials. The village also has a parish church and a village hall that hosts occasional events.
Nearby Shopping
South Molton, approximately 5 miles south, is the nearest market town and has a good range of independent shops, a Tesco supermarket, chemists, a post office, banks, and a twice-weekly pannier market selling local produce. Barnstaple, approximately 15 miles to the west, is the largest town in North Devon and offers full high-street shopping, supermarkets, a covered pannier market, and retail parks.