more about this place...

Originally the house was 2 forest cottages. Knocked together they make a roomy and welcoming family home. There is plenty of space for prams, bikes, dogs etc and it is well fenced to contain most small and active beasts (2 or 4 legged!).

Inside

The owners, an artist and photographer (both have roots in iconic British home and fashion brands), have decided to share the house for the first time. They came here from London to draw breath and slow down. 

Like most of the house, the style in the kitchen is pale, earthy, warm and simple. The wooden floor could tell many stories. I think I saw a hoof print in it…? The table easily seats 8 and there is a 1960’s light-blue formica-topped table that is the perfect add-on, so another 4 people can join in meals.

Just off the kitchen is a huge, light bedroom with a giant 4 poster Super King bed that takes centre stage. The room was used for years to store harnesses.

The sitting room is built for comfort. The sofas, giant foot stool and chairs have all hosted many a night of story telling around the fire. None of it is pristine but it’s all clean, tidy and built for relaxing. A workmanlike oak and glass wall, splits the room so that jigsaw enthusiasts, card players and artists will feel like they have their own space. There are another 4 seats here too.

There is a large hall and a downstairs loo – the walls of which will give you some hints toward the owners very social life. The hall is normally used for storing top-notch road bicycles… the sort of sleek beasts that don’t like being outside at night. You’re most welcome to bring your own.

There are 3 bedrooms upstairs. The main bedroom is big and has a white floor, windows out to the fields and stables. It has smart ensuite bathroom with separate shower, double sinks and a loo. You can easily fit a camp bed and cot in here (provided). Next door is a small double, 5ft, which has some classically equine ‘Thelwell’ print curtains. The 3rd bedroom is also big and has 2 dormer windows to see into the National Park. There is a robust oak 4 poster, canopied in a beautiful old bird print. Another camp bed is provided. You can fit a cot in here too (BYO second cot if you need it please).

The family bathroom upstairs has a large bath, sink and loo. Open the windows to see up the gravel track and any wildlife passing by.

Outside

Through peak summer months, at the bottom of the garden field you’ll find an extra bedroom. A railway carriage hut. It’s rough luxe camping. Deep bed, pristine sheets, a pot-belly stove and kettle…open it’s front back doors wide and bathe in ancient trees, green silence and stars. The wild ponies will interrupt you as they drink in the quiet stream that flows here. The Railway Carriage is only available for a max of 4 weeks a year and is already booked for 2021.

The garden area has changed since pictures were taken in 2020. It’s been refenced and doesn’t include the field with the Railway Carriage unless you are renting it. Instead, there is a grassy yard area under huge oak trees behind the stables. There is a camp fire area here, the trampoline, and a separate field further back for children to play in. It’s a larger area than it was before – approx 1.5 acres.

There is plenty of space here for families to roam, without leaving the property. BUT you’d be mad not to. The National Park borders on all sides. Odways means the joining of ways at a cross roads. There is a gravel ford on the old track that runs parallel to the garden and if you follow it into the forest, you’ll end up in places with evocative names: Tantany Wood and Moon Hill. Walk for an hour and you’ll reach, well known and loved ‘The Pig Hotel’, perfect for lovely meals and high tea.

Family

This place is perfect for children to explore and go wild. If you want to achieve muddy knees, then this is the place! There is a small selection of toys in the house, a cot and highchair. The trampoline is large but unfenced, so only use it at your own risk. Children might also like using the manual (not electric) pottery wheel here. Some clay is provided. Please note, this is a no DVD house and the TV just has Freeview. It’s not hugely reliable either. There are plenty board games and cards here for you.

We like to be brutally honest…

This is a very quiet area but the neighbours up the track (there are no others) do run a small forest farm and from time to time you will hear tractors and farm machinery working. This is normal day to day life farm living. If you think this might bother you, please don’t book to stay here.

Accessibility

There are 2 small steps up into the kitchen and there is a bedroom on the ground floor. However there isn’t a bathroom downstairs. Do bear that in mind.

BYO Horses in summer. 
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You are welcome to bring your own horses. The shelter and field is ONLY usable June, Jul, Aug and early Sept if the weather is dry. Cost is £25 per horse. The field is 1 acre and has meadow grass. It is pretty weed free. The fencing is good but there is barbed wire fencing down 1 side. The wild ponies cannot touch noses with horses in the paddock, but the neighbours horses can. The stable is 12 x 12ft and is  £80. There is only one. Please bring your horse bedding, hay etc.