History meets contemporary at this stunning 2-bed conversion, with sea views and extensive gardens
Space & setting.
Years ago, this unique plot of land was home to author Henry Williamson, who wrote Tarka The Otter in the now-downstairs bedroom. He also built an Author’s Hut in the garden for inspirational interludes, which remains stuck in time, a tiny listed building with his old leather chair, taxidermy and collection of scratched ’78s. Just being in there will stir your soul. By contrast, the main house now appears thoroughly contemporary, with a double-gabled wood-clad exterior and stylish modern interiors. But it was actually all coaxed from the shell of the original house, an exacting architect-led restoration that took its current owner 6 years.
With Exmoor to the east and a string of golden beaches to the west (Croyde, Saunton), the location is phenomenal; you can see the sea through the tall Monterrey pines that cradle the property. Two double bedrooms make it ideal for 2 couples or a family who want clean, sea air and glorious peace. Kids will love making dens in the surrounding woodlands and rock-pooling or bodyboarding down at the coast; adults will love lolling in the field-like gardens. Or come for a secluded romantic escape, or even alone, to soak up the extraordinary history and character of this place, where owls nest and and wild hares leap.
“I’ve been coming to North Devon for 40 years — I always loved the wild romantic landscape, windswept and meandering. I used to stay in a small caravan at the foot of this hill and often wondered what was behind the windbent trees at the top. One day, I happened across the auction of ‘a writer’s hut and ’50s studio’ on the internet. I drove down from London the following day for the open viewing; I was the only person. It transpired this property once belonged to author Henry Williamson, and this local area was his inspiration for Tarka the Otter. In his ‘Author’s Hut’, the agent played me Wagner on his gramaphone (his favourite); I was enchanted.” Owner, Michael
He loves
“Being amongst nature. There’s an owl box at the side of the house, where chicks are born each year; you’ll hear their chirps when you stay. Have as many meals as you can outdoors as the views are incredible.”
We love
The natural light that floods the interior, especially beautiful early morning and late afternoon. And we’re mad about the Moroccan tiles in the downstairs bathroom.
You may not love
The beds can’t be twinned. The wind can be strong as you’re on top of a hill.
Sustainability.
The owner’s original dream was to be totally off-grid. Modified for convenience, it has its own water supply from a bore hole, uses an eco electricity supplier, and is built with high-level insulation so heating is rarely required.
Surrounds.
- Golden sandy beaches are 4km away. Go surfing (or watch surfers from The Porthole Cafe) at Croyde or head to idyllic Puttsborough and Saunton Sands.
- Sit in the garden on a blanket with the gramaphone playing ’78s, and read one of the books that was written here. Or just mooch in the Author’s Hut and soak up the atmosphere; jackdaws roost in the chimney.
- Spend a day walking on Exmoor or cycling the Tarka Trail, followed by local beers and a great fish stew at The Fox and Goose in Parracombe.
- The owner recommends nearby Lee Bay for quiet swims and crabbing in rock pools. At low tide, you can walk through the rocks to secret Sandycove beach, which is gloriously ancient and unspoilt.
- There are 2 pubs within walking distance, including The Rock, North Devon’s best pub.
- The area’s full of brilliant farm shops and independents. Buy local fish, meat and veg at St Johns Nursery to sling on the BBQ, or pick up wood-fired pizzas from the little shop at Croyde.
- As night falls, stargaze. This is a designated Dark Skies area, so the constellations and Milky Way are dazzling.
Specifics.
- Standalone converted studio house in private gardens
- Two kingsize bedrooms
- Travel cot to borrow
- Upstairs: walk-in shower bathroom; downstairs: full bathroom with rolltop tub and walk-in shower
- Downstairs: open-plan living area with dining table and sofa area
- Smart TV; DVDs, books, binoculars; and surround sound
- Superb kitchen; basic ingredients provided
- Large garden with BBQ and outdoor shower
- Kindling and firewood provided
- Beach towels
- Dog friendly
- Walk to pubs and a local shop (25 mins); drive to Croyde’s restaurants (4km)
- Owners available by phone; local caretaker
- Booking conditions: a 3-night minimum stay
- Remember to pack: a pint of milk to get you started (there’s a Milk’s Up vending machine a quick drive away for top ups); wellies in winter; bikes for the Tarka Trail; surfboards/bodyboards and wetsuits
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
Why book with Kip?
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