Notes from the host
Toad Hall
UPDATE: Complete new kitchen and bathroom fitted for 2020 . Underfloor heating in bathroom, slimline dishwasher in kitchen with Butler sink and Corian worktop. New solid oak flooring in kitchen and lounge. Emma mattresses on all beds
Set in a quiet valley, 1 mile from Bantham beach (voted best beach in UK and 6th best in Europe by Lonely Planet in 2015), one of only five log cabins at the site, Toad Hall is beautifully presented and equipped.
It sleeps 4 in a double and twin bedrooms (DVD player in twin room), and has a shower room, kitchen area (both of which were completely re-fitted in December 2019) with oven and induction hob, dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave and fridge with freezer compartment and a sitting/dining area with satellite TV/DVD, PS3, I-Pod/phone/pad dock and a selection of books, DVD's and games. There are electric wall-panel heaters in all rooms, underfloor heating in Bathroom and plinth heater in Kitchen.
Mobile phone signal is poor but there is a landline for guests to use if necessary. There is also now Wi-Fi internet access (but you don't have to tell your kids as it is all hidden away from view).
Outside is a small lawned and fenced area with picnic table. To the front of the cabin there is a decking area with table/chairs and parasol. There is also an external Butler sink for washing sandy/muddy shoes and wetsuits.
The cabins share a communal grass area, bordered by a stream running along the bottom of the valley. Toad Hall has 2 allocated parking spaces. Dogs are allowed (2 max.)
Buckland Park is situated on the road to Bantham and separated from Bigbury on Sea and Burgh Island by the beautiful Avon estuary. There is a seasonal foot ferry from Bantham to the Bigbury side.
It is possible to walk from the cabin to Bantham, either across the fields and public footpaths to West Buckland and down a quiet road to the village, or by walking up the drive, along the Bantham road for about 500 yds, turn right and join a public track which runs along the side of the River Avon to Bantham. The only steep bit is the driveway to the road, which is about a 5 minute walk.
There is a large car park at Bantham beach which is privately run by the Evans Estates. They charge £5 a day for parking but a weekly ticket is £20 and 2 weeks is £30. This is a lovely beach for children, surfers and kite surfers. There are lifeguards May - September. Dogs are allowed on the Ham, a large area of grass and scrub behind the dunes, and also on the beach at the western end - at low tide this is a large area of sand. They are not allowed on the main beach in summer.
Beach facilities are limited to public toilets however there is a mobile caterer in the grassy area behind the dunes during the Summer months that does a great selection of hot and cold food and drinks. You can walk to the village for the shop/cafe and pub. Evening BBQs are allowed on the beach.
Bantham Beach is great for snorkelling and rock-pooling as well as being one of the foremost surf beaches in the UK.
The valley that Toad Halls sits in has a huge amount of wildlife with a large variety of birds including Buzzards, plus rabbits, squirrels, weasels, shrews, moles, owls, bats, badgers and so forth (all seen from the property). Deer also sometimes cross the fields in the valley. In addition, the small farm at the top of the lane has Alpacas (Llamas), sheep, chickens and occasionally pigs (piglets).
During our recent visit there was a Spotted Woodpecker on the decking post plus we also found a Glow Worm in the garden (first I have ever seen!). Best of all, I spend 10 minutes kayaking off Bantham beach with a pair of Dolphins that came to within 20 feet of my kayak and with the water clear enough that I watched them swimming under the boat... exceptionally exciting!!
Due to the sloping site and steps to the cabin it may not be suitable for the disabled.
