Ilfracombe Country House, Ilfracombe

Devon. Sleeps up to 4

A charming 2-bedroom home set in inviting gardens, this property lies close to the town of Ilfracombe and the popular Watermouth Castle and theme park. Suitable for up to four guests, this Grade II listed barn has been skilfully converted and benefits from lots of natural light.

The pretty gardens offer privacy and space, with a lawn area that’s ideal for relaxing on a sun lounger. A cosy terrace features a large barbecue, dining area and seating, and there’s even a hammock for those much-needed siestas.

You will find the main living areas on the upper level of the barn, including a spacious lounge area with skylight, wood burner, comfy sofas and a Smart TV. There is a roomy, separate dining area with seating for six at the table, and an adjacent kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine and electric oven. Underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are available too.

On the lower floor, there are two comfortable bedrooms. The first has a super king-size bed and an en suite bathroom with a rolltop bath and shower. The second bedroom has two twin beds which can be converted to a super-king, and an en suite shower room.

With so many amazing beaches and coastal trails nearby, Ilfracombe Country House provides convenient storage for surfboards and bikes. There is also parking for two cars and an electric car charging point.

As one of the highlights of the North Devon coast, Ilfracombe is set around a lovely harbour and offers a range of good places to eat including a Michelin Star restaurant. You can experience the Victorian tunnels leading down to the beach or visit the big family fun park at Watermouth Castle, about 10 minutes’ drive from the town.

Down the coast are scenic spots such as Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe and, a little further, the fascinating village of Clovelly, Westward Ho! and the nearby town of Bideford.

The rugged North Devon coast is just part of what makes this area truly special. There are all kinds of places to discover, from quaint villages to harbourside towns and family attractions.

One not to miss is the fishing village of Clovelly. This privately owned village is a visitor attraction in itself. For a small admission charge, you can potter around the cobbled streets, visit museums, a church and pretty gardens, while children can enjoy a ride on a donkey. An inspiration to artists and authors, Clovelly is sure to inspire you too.

Many wonderful beaches line the North Devon coast. Don’t miss Saunton Sands, just north of Westward Ho!, or the sand dunes of Braunton Burrows. This is a fine place to take a walk, with lots of wildlife to spot along the way. Woolacombe, Ilfracombe and Combe Martin are among other popular choices for a family day at the beach.

Lynton and Lynmouth form another of the coast’s must-sees. One overlooks the other, with a spectacular Cliff Railway connecting the two. It’s a steep climb to do it on foot, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. Also in this area, you can enjoy all kinds of water sports, or perhaps a steam train ride on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.

North Devon is full of beautiful gardens. A short drive from Bideford, Tapeley Park is a lovely estate sitting on a hill above the River Torridge which attracts many walkers and garden enthusiasts. Near Barnstaple, the Castle Hill Gardens surround a magnificent, 18th-century mansion house and are stunning in their own right. RHS Rosemoor, near Great Torrington, is another garden which will impress, with a rose garden, arboretum, fruit orchards and much more.

The town of Bideford is one of the larger centres in the area, and offers a good range of shops and restaurants to visit, along with attractions such as the Bideford Railway Heritage Centre and the Burton Art Gallery & Museum. Nearby, you will also find The BIG Sheep and the Ultimate Adventure Centre, which are both great for family days out, combining wildlife with fairground-style fun and adrenaline-fuelled activities.

Another favourite in the north of the county is the Watermouth Castle Theme Park which offers a big range of thrilling rides and attractions such as Gnome Land. There is an actual castle on the site too, dating back to 1825 – perhaps its destiny as a theme park was in the stars, as the original owner’s grandson went on to build Europe’s first fairground ferris wheel.