Property Summary
A characterful 16th century cottage next to the pretty churchyard at High Bray, a hill top hamlet above Brayford, North Devon. Set in a remote rural community surrounded by farms & woodland with moors, wooded valleys, dramatic coastlines, rocky coves & sandy surfing beaches within a 25 mile radius.
Main Description
Old Church House is a characterful detached 16th century cottage sited next to the pretty churchyard at High Bray, a hill top hamlet above Brayford in North Devon. Perfect for walkers and families alike Old Church House offers a relaxing and comfortable base from which to explore this beautiful area.
Sleeps up to 5 guests in three bedrooms
One double bed; one twin bedroom; one single bedroom
Grade II listed building
Spacious living room with wood-burning stove
Well equipped kitchen with large kitchen table and wood-burning stove
Family bathroom with shower over the bath
Downstairs cloakroom with toilet and hand basin
Cottage-style garden with outside seating
Dogs welcome (maximum of 2) for supplement of £30/dog per stay
Cleaning charges 30£ per stay
Towels and bed linen provided
Wifi, heating and electricity included
Minimum 2 night stay
Arrive from 4 pm
Depart by 10 am
Overflowing with original character features and quirks including oak beams, stone fireplaces and multi pane windows throughout, Old Church House is a traditionally furnished period cottage sited next to church and church yard with grave stones clearly visible from the cottage.
As with many buildings of this era there are some uneven steps, floors, low ceilings and beams in parts (the lowest beam is 1.78mx/5ft 10" and the lowest ceiling at 1.96m/6ft 5" – both in the kitchen).
Old Church House has a strict no smoking policy which includes vaping materials and e-cigarettes. Candles, tea lights and ethanol burners are not permitted.
Indoor Description
Old Church House is has been refurbished throughout by the current owners yet care has been taken to retain many original character features, including oak beams, stone fireplaces and multi pane windows throughout. the cottage is comfortable yet traditional and, as with many houses of this era, there are some uneven floors, low ceilings and beams in parts. The lowest beam is 1.78mx/5ft 10" and the lowest ceiling at 1.96m/6ft 5" – both in the kitchen.
The front door leads into the central hallway with a bench seat/shoe rack perfect for muddy shoes, useful downstairs toilet and cloakroom space. Off the hallway is a spacious living room with an attractive beamed fireplace complete with wood burning stove, comfy seating to take advantage of the many books provided and views out onto the front garden or to the churchyard at the rear. The well-equipped dual aspect kitchen features a large kitchen table, oak units, large butler sink, electric cooker and hob plus a wood burning stove. The kitchen door leads onto to the garden and can also be used for external access.
Upstairs the galleried landing and the higher ceilings give a spacious feel. The three bedrooms are traditionally furnished in a mix of styles and are served by a family bathroom, comprising bath with shower over bath, toilet and hand basin.
A travel cot, high chair and stair gates can be provided on request. A selection of children's books and toys are also provided at the cottage.
Wifi, heating and electricity is included in the price of the accommodation. The cottages is heated with a mixture of electric radiators (storage, radiators and convectors) which can be adjusted to suit your preference plus wood burners in the kitchen and sitting room. A basket of logs and kindling will be left in autumn and winter for the wood burning stoves to get your started, further supplies can be purchased locally.
Bed linen and towels are provided, but please bring your own beach towels if you wish to take towels with you on day trips.
Outdoor Description
Outside and to the front is a cottage style garden. There is small secluded terraced dining area with barbecue to the side which is ideal for a relaxing drink or alfresco supper.
In the churchyard immediately behind the cottage there is bench seat which catches the afternoon sun and overlooks the churchyard.
Parking
There is room for one standard sized car to park immediately outside the house. This is not a designated space so may be occupied by others. Please note that the space is at the entrance to a lane which leads to our neighbours’ sheds so they may need occasional access to have logs delivered etc., so please be prepared to move your car if requested.
There is additional parking on the approach road to High Bray by the stone barn or in the layby by the Pound.
Pets Description
Up to two well behaved dogs are welcome on the understanding that they are under your control at all times, kept on a lead when in the churchyard and on local footpaths where there may be livestock, and that you clean up after your dog. Inside the house dogs must remain downstairs, stay off the furniture and may not be left unattended in the property.
Restricted mobility
As with many houses of this era Old Church House has some uneven steps, floors, stairs, low ceilings and beams in parts (the lowest beam is 1.78mx/5ft 10" and the lowest ceiling at 1.96m/6ft 5" – both in the kitchen).
Exit in case of emergency
Old Church House has a strict no smoking policy which includes vaping materials and e-cigarettes. Candles, tea lights and ethanol burners are not permitted.
Emergency evacuation plan
In an emergency leave the house by either the hall or kitchen doors.
Exit through the garden to the public area in front of the house.
Close internal doors behind you where it is safe to do so.
In the event of a fire evacuating the premises, rather than using firefighting equipment, is the safest thing to do.
Christmas / New Year
Old Church House is perfectly positioned for the magical candlelit Christmas Eve service at All Saints Church. Decorations can be provided on request.
The region
The parish of Brayford is situated on the south-western boundary of the Exmoor National Park within West Somerset and North Devon. It's an area of varied and inspiring landscapes from purple heather-clad moors, ancient forests and sparkling rivers to dramatic coastline, pretty towns and villages and home to Exmoor ponies, red deer and buzzards.
Brayford is in a highly picturesque location set in a steep sided valley bounded by green fields and woodlands. The River Bray, which rises on Exmoor, runs through the centre of the village before joining the River Mole near South Molton and the River Taw before flowing through Barnstaple to the sea.
High Bray, above Brayford gets its name from its situation on the brow of a precipitous hill. The church (All Saints) stands on the summit and commands fine views. It was rebuilt early in the 16th century and thoroughly restored in 1878.
