Discover South Devon ~ Summer 2021
Summer 2021 ~ Accommodation
Written By Paul Potgieter
Long Barn Holiday Cottages
South Devon is widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in England, enriched by its quaint little villages, rolling hills, and stunning scenery.
As a child, I can recall holidays with my parents to Devon and the sheer excitement of the journey to another world in the countryside. Here my Father always compared the tranquillity to our usual busy and often noisy city routine. Certainly, my visit today with my daughter Anna, to Long Barn Cottages brought back many of those treasured childhood memories.
Nestled in the pretty hamlet of North Whilborough, Long Barn Holiday Cottages in South Devon offer the perfect base for self-catering holidays. With a beautiful, peaceful setting but also plenty to see and do in nearby towns and villages, an ideal balance of fun and relaxation for the perfect country break.
Arriving at Long Barn Cottages we turn left into the private on-site car park, situated next to a large field, with adventure play facilities for young children with a trampoline, trikes, swings, and space for football, cricket, or even a picnic.
As we walk towards the property, we’re met by Haley Reid, one of the owners, who is expecting us and agreed to provide us with a guided tour of their self-catering business. Hayley and her partner Geoff acquired the property in September 2020 and have created their unique style of presentation and comfort for families.
There are four cottages, on what was once a working farm, each with its own character, flagstone floors, exposed beams, and stripped antique pine, and depending on the size of your family you have a great choice, between Honeybag Cottage (sleeps 2 plus a cot), Huccaby Cottage (sleeps 6 plus 2 cots), Hameldown Cottage (sleeps 8 plus 2 cots), and then Long Barn Cottage itself (sleeps 13 plus 2/3 cots).
As we are shown around, the first thing that you notice is how immaculate and well-presented the cottages are. Each property has its own extremely comfortable furnishings and cosy lounge area to relax and for cooler months a log burner adding that cosy feel to the amazing relaxed country life experience.
The cottages have their own private garden or terrace and all four cottages share the use of a superb 10 metre indoor heated swimming pool and games area, simply an amazing experience for families to enjoy.
Days Out from the Long Barn Cottages
South Devon has some of the finest local attractions in the South West, including Crime Writer Dame Agatha Christie’s former home – Greenway, Dartmoor Otters and Buckfastleigh Butterflies, Kent’s Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Paignton Zoo, South Devon Steam Railway, and Sharpham Wine & Cheese.
You’re close to some beautiful walks through the unspoiled Devon countryside and if you and if you fancy dining out, there is a fine country Inn, The Bickley Mill Inn, a short distance away, serving excellent food, traditional beers, and a great selection of wines.
Food and Catering Choices
The cottages are well equipped for preparing your own food and BBQs are always great in the summer. There are also outside catering services available for that special occasion, using fresh locally sourced produce. Details of these services, together with recommended local pubs and restaurants.
Christmas Breaks
Christmas at Long Barn Cottages is something beyond special, the cottages all have fully equipped kitchens for preparing the all-important Christmas lunch and are festively decorated with a Christmas tree to leave the presents under. What better way to start your Christmas than a swim in the pool which is maintained at 29-30 degrees. The signs ’Santa please Stop Here’ will ensure the children know that he’s coming.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic holiday for two or a wonderful balance of relaxation and family fun, at any time of the year, or even a family Christmas you’ll never forget, Long Barn Holiday Cottages is certainly the place to be.
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