Notes from the host
Brook Cottage
Property Summary
Brook Cottage occupies a superb position just above the delightful village of Challacombe in Exmoor National Park, with beautiful countryside views from both the front and back. The cottage sleeps up to 2 guests in one bedroom which has a king-sized, four poster bed.
Main Description
Brook Cottage in Challacombe was originally built as an agricultural dwelling. Some years ago two bedrooms were made into one spacious double aspect room. In addition, a sun-room and a downstairs cloakroom were added and comprehensive insulation installed. The wood burning stove was recently replaced.
Sleeps 2 guests in one double bedroom with a King-sized, four poster bed.
Spacious sitting room with dining area.
Wood-burner in the sitting room.
Upstairs bathroom. Bath with overhead shower, plus downstairs cloakroom with WC.
Sun-room attached to the sitting room.
Enclosed garden to the rear of the property with lovely countryside views.
Parking for two cars on the forecourt at the front.
Dogs welcome (2 max) for £15 supplement per dog.
WiFi and electricity included.
Logs for the stove are provided free of charge.
32" TV with Firestick.
Bed linen and towels provided.
Arrive from 4 pm.
Depart by 10 am.
The historical village of Challacombe is in a rural location in Exmoor Park, but within easy reach of Barnstaple, Lynton and the market town of South Molton. There are footpaths and bridleways from Challacombe to the moor and the surrounding countryside, making it ideal for walking, riding, cycling and sightseeing.
There is an abundance of wildlife in the area, with butterflies, birds, such as pheasants, buzzards and barn owls. The field behind Brook Cottage is farmland and you will see sheep or horses, or even cattle grazing outside the gate. Please do not feed the horses. There are roe deer in the woods beyond the field, so if you are very lucky your may see one or two. If you want to see red deer, you need to go up on the moors, although recently a couple of stags were sen on the hill opposite. On clear nights, the sky is spectacular.
Please note, mobile phone signal in the cottage is not reliable. We recommend using the internet provided for making WiFi calls.
It is possible to get reception if you stop at a lay-by on the way to the A399 (just over a mile from the cottage).
Indoor Description
Inside the front door is a small entrance porch ideal for drying coats and muddy boots. The kitchen is to your left as you enter, and the open-plan sitting room and dining area to the right. There is a cloakroom with WC downstairs. French doors lead from the sitting room to the sun-room that makes the most of the chance to sit and enjoy the lovely view over the combe beyond the garden. A sliding door gives access to a patio that is also reached by french doors at the West end and another sliding door from the dining area.
Upstairs is the large double aspect bedroom with lovely views. It has a King-sized four-poster bed and there is ample hanging space in the wardrobes and a chest of drawers. The bathroom is off the upstairs landing, which has a bath with overhead shower, hand basin and loo. Water heating is electric and controlled by a timer switch on the landing. The second bedroom is only used for storage of laundry and cleaning equipment.
The house is double glazed and well insulated. The wood-burner is very efficient at heating the cottage. Logs are provided; the log store is to the right of the front door. Plug in electric heaters are provided for additional heat should you require them. Please bear in mind that on chilly days, the best means of keeping the house cosy is the log burner.
There is a 32" TV with a Firestick giving Internet TV access.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Moorland Vets, Bratton Fleming 01769 572176
Webbers Taxi & Minibus Service, just down the hill 01598 763467
Challacombe Village Shop & Post office 01598 763229 Bratton Fleming Village Stores 01598 710410
Parracombe Community Stores (and cafe) 01598 763569
N D Joy Autos, Barnstaple. 07778 149699
(Mr Joy lives in Challacombe and can collect cars for emergency repairs)
Nearest Filling Stations are at Barbrook (Lynton) and South Molton.
Outdoor Description
Outside the sliding door from the dining area there is a small terrace with table and chairs that opens to the patio fronting the sun room. Two loungers are provided. A couple of steps go down at each end to the garden which is well enclosed by fencing. There are lovely views over the neighbouring fields across the combe.
Please ensure that dogs do not escape from the garden as horses are kept in the fields at the end and sheep are frequently grazed there. It is possible that cattle, both cows and a bull or bullocks may be grazed occasionally as well. Please note that the fields are connected and what seems to be an empty field beyond the gate may suddenly be busy with a flock of sheep.
There is a hose point at the front of the cottage for rinsing boots and muddy dogs.
Challacombe, though a tiny village, boasts a delightful little village shop and Post Office that stocks the essentials. Home-cooked frozen takeaway meals are sometimes available. For more particular supplies we suggest pre-ordering from your supermarket or going to the village shop in Bratton Flemming or the Pavillion Community Shop in Parracombe that also serves teas and light food.
South Molton is a charming market town eleven miles away that has a Sainsburys supermarket and the famous Pannier market on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda deliver to the area and all have outlets in Barnstaple.
The Black Venus Inn is very popular with locals and is known far and wide for its very good kitchen. You are advised to check for bookings as it sometimes fills up.
Parking
There is parking for two cars on the forecourt to the front of the property. We recommend reversing in, to make pulling out easier.
Pets Description
Well-behaved dogs welcome. Doggy blankets and throws can be found in the sunroom.
Please dispose of dog waste in the bin provided in the garden and make sure you check the garden before you leave.
Restricted mobility
This has not been completed by the owner.
Exit in case of emergency
font door or back doors.
Fire extinguisher inside front inner door.
Please note: The two smoke alarms are very sensitive and may be set off by as little as burnt toast.
To turn off the alarm the one at the head of the stairs must be pressed as they are linked.
Christmas / New Year
For the time being Brook Cottage is not available in the depths of winter.
The region
The historical village of Challacombe is in a rural location in Exmoor National Park, in Devon. It is five miles from the sea as the crow flies. The village is small but boasts a village shop and post office, and a fine local pub that also has a great reputation for its food. Although in the heart of Exmoor, it is within easy reach of Barnstaple, Minehead, Lynton and the market town of South Molton. There are footpaths and bridleways connecting Challacombe to moorland and the surrounding countryside, making it ideal for walking, riding, and sightseeing.
