I lived in Hartland as a child, some 55 years ago, in a house 2 doors down from the Square, so was familiar with the area. I was not disappointed, the house was very spacious and comfortable, with the large terraced garden that I remembered from my childhood home. Bottom terrace is very steep, not accessible to less active folks, but much enjoyed by the younger of our two dogs, retrieving her tennis ball.
I was apprehensive about having to park in the square or in the nearby free car park, worried that we might come home from a day out and be unable to park, but in the event we were always able to find a space, although the car park was always almost full. Able to park on the double yellow lines outside the door to load and unload, locals don't seem to take parking restrictions too seriously.
As said, the house is very spacious. As a couple, with two dogs, we mainly lived in the back rooms up stairs and down stairs, with the fabulous valley view. Useful outside gardeners toilet, as well as the one upstairs which is separate from the bath room, and has its own separate hand wash basin. Comfortable double bed in the back bedroom. Despite its location on the Square, backing onto the main Fore Street, there was little traffic or other noise, despite busy village pubs and chippy next door, very peaceful.
We were greeted on arrival by the key holder, and shown around, where everything was, and heating controls were explained to us. Kitchen was well equipped, but I would have liked a pair of kitchen scissors, and some pint glasses. I also felt that the heating was not quite as warm as I'd have liked. Although we were shown how to turn it on manually, this did seem to get overridden by the timer. Maybe I didn't fully understand. As it was, we were lucky to have a warm spell of weather. Log burner had a broken glass door, so we were not tempted to try it out.
Excellent Wifi, modern smart TV and DVD player, with a good selection of popular DVD titles. No paperback reading material though. Not that we spent any time watching TV though.
Dog walkers are spoiled for choice. Straight out of the house, down the Vale, of fond childhood memory, extend this walk by crossing the road at Hartland Mill, then returning by the other wooded valley, Pattard Wood. Or drive a couple of miles to the Quay, and walk the coast paths, to Spekes in one direction, Hartland Point in the other. Alternatively, park at Stoke, in the free car park by St Nectans church, walk down through the woods to Blackpool Mill, as made famous by 'The Night Manager', and 'Sense and Sensibility', returning via the Quay. Or park in the National Trust car park at Brownsham, walk down to Mouth Mills beach. Worth noting that for some bizarre reason, dogs are banned all year round from the rocky beach at Hartland Quay, despite being welcomed into the eating areas of eponymous hotel.
Hartland Abbey is well worth a visit. Dogs allowed in the gardens and wood land walks, decent café as well.
Just down the road, Clovelly is worth a visit, remembering that you have to pay to visit, via the visitor centre at the top of the village. This fee includes car parking. Or you could get creative, and walk in via the coastal path.
Nearest supermarket and filling station is the Asda superstore, on the approach to Bideford.
In summary, loved the house, loved the area, hope to return.