Notes from the host
Appledore Barn East Trayne
East Trayne Holiday Cottages has three beautifully appointed holiday cottages, which have just been converted from two existing barns and enjoy unspoiled views across the fields giving way to the beauty of Exmoor in the distance.
Appledore Barn is the largest of the three cottages and it blends contemporary style with the retention of original features. These include exposed stone walls and feature barn doors with their beautiful curved RSJs which form part of each of the bedrooms and bathrooms. The unusual RSJs were originally constructed at Appledore Shipyard, which gives the cottage its name.
Appledore Barn accommodates up to 6 people, encompassing a Kingsize bedroom with ensuite shower room, a second bedroom with twin beds and ensuite bathroom, plus a sofa-bed in the living area. Both bedrooms have flat screen TVs, hand-painted furniture and comfortable mattresses.
The beautiful light and airy open-plan living area is on the upper floor of the cottage and affords views over our fields and towards Exmoor. The fully-fitted kitchen provides you with all modern facilities including dishwasher, induction hob, split-level cooker, full-sized fridge freezer and microwave and leads on to a dining area with traditional farmhouse table.
Relax in the comfortable seating area in front of the cosy log burner in the sofa, chair and snuggle seat. There is a flat screen Smart HD TV with Freeview, Blueray DVD player, selection of DVDs and Bluetooth speaker as well as a variety of books, cookbooks, board games. leaflets for local attractions and local newspapers and magazines that might be of interest.
The colour schemes have been designed to blend the earthy colours of the countryside with the calm blues of the ocean so that it creates a peaceful haven and escape from the world.
Externally you have your own private patio area with gas BBQ, seating area and plenty of space to enjoy morning coffee or a glass of wine as you take in the views to the countryside beyond.
Richard and I are happy amateurs attempting to work our 11 acres as a smallholding with the help of people who really know what they are doing including friends and neighbours. We have discovered what neighbourliness and community really means since moving to this area and whether it's topping our fields and hedges or the impromptu present of a barn owl nesting box you really get that heart-warming feeling that we are all in it together.
We are happy to share what we have learned so far and on Thursdays and Fridays, our landsman Robin will be happy to share his knowledge of our land and the broader area using his knowledge as a farmer, gardener and ex-National Trust warden.
Currently we have a growing flock of sheep and Spring gives you the opportunity to join us in lambing, bottle-feeding lambs, shearing and rolling fleeces.
Join us at feeding time for our micro pigs, Pinky and Perky. Come in the pen and make sure that they have a satisfying scratch.
Help us collect eggs from our brood of hens in the morning and wonder at the straight backs of our Indian Runner Ducks and why they don't fall over backwards (apparently they can do!).
Ducks, geese and a cheeky guinea fowl make up the rest of the contingent whilst you are guaranteed a warm welcome from our Sprocker puppy, Ruby.
Who knows what we might have added to the menagerie by the time you arrive!
All of the cottages enjoy fantastic facilities, over and above the stunning location, buildings and views.
Fully appointed kitchen with induction hob, split level oven, dishwasher and large fridge freezer and a wide range of crockery, glassware and utensils
Centrally heated throughout
Utility Room with washing machine
Washing line and clothes dryer
Bootwash
Secure cycle store
Log Burner with free logs
Smart HDTV, Freeview and Blueray DVD player
Bluetooth Audio Speaker
Flat screen TV in each bedroom
En-suite facilities in each bedroom
Free WiFi
Free car parking
Patio furniture and Gas BBQ
Towels and tea towels
Hairdryer
Complementary welcome pack of homemade and local produce
Coffee, tea, oil and spices
Complementary toiletries
Travel cot, stairgate and high chair on request
Portable BBQ and beach items to borrow
Umbrellas
Range of DVDs, books and board games
Local attraction information
Local magazines and newspapers
Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome
Every guest party receives a complimentary welcome hamper of breakfast items and local provisions to get your holiday started including bacon, pork or vegetarian sausages, our own eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, home made bread, preserves, juice, fruit, coffee, tea, milk. some liquid refreshment and a homemade cake.
We can also offer a range of other food delights, on request, to make your stay with us easy and extra special. We are happy to provide you with:
Tasty two-course homemade evening meal ready in your fridge on arrival with a variety of alternative options including chicken and leek, fish or cheese and potato pie, vegetarian or beef chilli, beef or vegetarian lasagne, chicken or vegetarian curry, vegetarian or pork sausage casserole, fruit crumble, sticky toffee pudding, summer fruit jelly and lemon posset or Southwest cheeseboard. Each meal is provided with all the trimmings and is made with love and care in the farmhouse.
Additional items to add to your locally-sourced welcome pack such as local fruit and vegetables, cheese, breads and cakes
BBQ treats on arrival or during your stay including burgers, sausages, chicken and kebabs, variety of salads, bread rolls, homemade pickles and choice of dessert.
Evening meal to come back to on any night of your stay
Picnic hampers and BBQ fare to take out with you on your days out
Catering for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. If you want anything prepared for arrival or during your stay, you only need to let us know.
Meet and unpack your supermarket order
We are here to take the stress out of catering for your holiday to make it as relaxing a time as possible for you.
