In a delightful village within Dartmoor National Park. Pet & children friendly.

The property is a Grade II listed thatched cottage, recently refurbished to a modern standard but in simpatico with its history, in a beautiful Devon village (Sticklepath, 5 miles from Okehampton) on the northern side of Dartmoor National Park. Access to the wonders of Dartmoor is out the back door, no need to drive! There is a leat (run off from the water mill at Finch Foundry) running through the front garden. Larger, formal garden at rear, then across the river by a private foot bridge to a further 2/3 acre within the property, with the river forming 70% of its boundary. The garden and surrounding countryside are a delight. There are over 1,500 bulbs in the garden providing a phantasmagoria of colour during the growing season. I even own a small island that you can visit when the river is low. The wiring has been updated and there is an installation and portable appliance testing report certificates (dated 17/2/20) available on request.

Entrance is through a solid door into the formal dining room. The kitchen has been renovated with a large electric oven, gas hob, slate countertops, and wooden shelves. Large back sitting room receives sun most of the day and provides a delightful view of the back garden. Sitting room has a log burner and, wood is provided free of charge (I grow it) to keep you warm and snug. Guidance on lightning the fire is provided in a separate document. Seating on chairs and sofa, and can seat 6+, and an informal dining area that can seat 8. We have most of our meals there because of the view. There is a 43in smart TV with an internet connection for your use. However, we are assuming you don't come here to watch TV. Sport shown at the Taw River Inn, 50 yards away, on a much larger screen.

Upstairs are 3 double rooms: 2 rooms with 2 single beds each, all 6 ft x 3ft (feel free to make doubles), and a one room with a Queen sized double, 5ft x 6 1/2 ft, with a portable cot if required. There is a large bathroom and a larger than usual bath with a delightful view of the garden. All linen is supplied and included in the rental fees, and you can use the washing machine and clothesline/dryer if required.

Outside the house but close by is a separate toilet as well as a laundry room with washing machine and a dryer, and a large fridge, and another shower with a pump and its own heat. So, we have 2 bathrooms, one outside from the main house, with the water independently heated for both.

You can enjoy the formal garden with 2 tables, and assorted chairs, and a couple of garden benches.
Access to the moor is across the foot bridge leading from the formal garden and through the field at the rear of the house. We have friends growing vegetables at the top of the field and you may be able to get some fresh produce from them. During the warmer weather we wade and sit in the river using the stone steps down to the river near the gate by the bridge . There are swimming holes further up the river closer to Belstone.

How I spend your money: Patti's Wood. I have been working over the last 3 years with a retired forester who lives in the village, turning my field into a wood. The field is approximately 4 acres and is across the bridleway from the entrance to the main property. The wood is dedicated to my wife and best friend of 40 years who died in late 2019. The wood has been planted with mainly native trees and shrubs, which include alders, poplars, beech, English oak, hazel, hawthorn, willow, etc. There are approximately 200 trees in situ. The wood is my own green initiative and established to absorb carbon dioxide and increase the habitat for local wildlife. I am funding the project through some of the money that you pay for accommodation. It is a gift to subsequent generations.

If you want to experience the charm of a large old house built in the traditional style, then welcome. It has all the mod cons you need for a pleasant stay including central heating and a well-equipped kitchen. Check the reviews from previous guests for an independent assessment.

Please note that this house is my main residence and I let it out when I am away for work or related matters. The block of unavailability, in Spring/early Summer, and late Autumn, is when I will be living there. The house has been available for short term lets from mid-1990, and we bought it from those owners and renovated it while living there.