Yenworthy Cottage is a recently (2016) refurbished and re-furnished property that forms part of Yenworthy Farm, spectacularly set on the northern slopes of Exmoor National Park near the coast. Ideal for large groups of families and friends, this ‘Doone Country’ farm (which actually appears in the novel itself) once had its own mill, and the old water wheel is still visible today. It is located just a few hundred yards from the coastline, providing fantastic views of the Bristol Channel and offering direct access to one of the most scenic parts of the South West Coast Path, as well as to a secluded rocky beach via a rugged pathway.
Yenworthy is truly a walker’s paradise, and in addition to the incredible walking opportunities presented by the Coastal Path and found all across Exmoor National Park, 13 miles of footpaths can be explored just on the farm itself. The immediate area even boasts its own historic monument—an old Roman Fort at Old Burrow—and is a haven for wildlife, with four Sites of Special Scientific Interest, rare species of butterflies and trees, large areas of heather moorland, as well as thoroughly impressive cliff geology.
3 bedrooms (second floor en-suite king-sized master bedroom with shower, toilet, and hand basin, and two first floor twins)
Spacious ground floor sitting/dining room with two comfortable sofas, wood-burner, dining table with six chairs, and television/DVD player/CD player/iPod docking station
Ground floor kitchen with smaller dining table, recently fitted with all-new appliances including fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine/dryer , microwave, and oven with hob, plus toaster, kettle, variety of cookware, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery, and glasses
First floor family bathroom with bath, toilet, and hand basin
Large porch with plenty of space for storing boots
Wi-fi, adjustable biomass system-fuelled central heating, and electricity included in cost, plus basket of logs, kindling, and matches provided
Bed linen, duvets, blankets, and towels provided. (Please bring own beach towels for day trips)
Up to three dogs welcome (supplement of £15 per dog)
Enclosed gravelled courtyard and pretty lawned gardens with outside seating and fabulous views out across farmland to the coast
Situated almost exactly halfway (approx. 6 miles either side) between the charming villages of Porlock and Lynmouth, both well worth a visit and offering a range of local attractions and amenities, as well as 5 miles from the nearest sandy beach (Lee Abbey)
Available for week-long bookings as well as short breaks
Child-friendly accommodation with cot and highchair available
Non-perishable items like salt, pepper, oil and a few herbs or spices available, plus household sundries such as toilet rolls, washing up liquid, and surface cleaner
Parking for up to two cars available outside property. (Further space available nearby if needed)
FacilitiesThe first floor bathroom has recently been updated (2021) with a new large shower unit (the bath has been removed), plus there is a toilet and hand basin.
The second floor en-suite has a shower, toilet and hand basin.
LocationCountisbury 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, high street banks, and a wider range of services.
