Summary
Tucked away near the beautiful village of Berry Pomeroy on the edge of wild Dartmoor near the trendy town of Totnes in coastal south Devon, this comfortable self-catering barn is a haven for a family or romantic escape. With its warming rural chic aesthetic, open fire and sumptuous bedrooms overlooking rolling hills, this is country living on modern terms.
The Space
Carve through the winding country lanes to reach this sublime self-catering idyll near the south Devon coast. Tucked into a private garden, this barn conversion is a sanctuary of low beams, exposed stonework, wooden shutters and nature-inspired interiors.
At the Old Coach House, you’ll savour the simple things. Warm textures, sheepskin rugs and jewel-like tones pair with wooden furniture to bring about a contemporary rural aesthetic that soothes and relaxes. For those wanting to close the doors on the outside world, simply settle by the fire with a bottle of red and let the days blur in one.
The classic Rayburn in the kitchen keeps you toasty in winter months. Come summer, you can cook using the separate hob and oven, and idle away whole afternoons picking apples, raspberries, strawberries and gooseberries in the pretty garden. The water is super-pure too, thanks to the reverse-osmosis drinking water system.
Upstairs, two bedrooms offer respite. Climb into the custom-made cast-iron king bed (which requires its own steps!) in the master bedroom and drift off into a peaceful sleep under the vaulted ceiling and ancient beams.
Relax in the spa-like bathroom, which is accessible from the landing as well as the main bedroom and has a luxurious bath and separate shower.
A spacious second bedroom has zip-and-link beds depending on your needs which means it can be set up as a super king or two single beds for your stay. This bedroom also has its own en suite shower room.
Guest Access
Fresh Escapes will provide access details to the property exactly 48 hours before your check-in time. You’ll have exclusive use of the property.
The Neighbourhood
Spend your days exploring the local walks, Dartmoor and the south Devon coastline, and your evenings at the local pubs and restaurants. Choose from home-cooked classics at the Albert Inn in nearby Bridgetown. Over in Totnes, Ben’s Wine and Tapas does a mean line in small plates. For a celebration and relaxed fine dining, head to Gather. The Waterside bistro does lovely locally sourced dishes, while delicious coffee and treats can be found at the Curator.
Nestled within gorgeous South Devon countryside between Totnes and Marldon is your local village, Berry Pomeroy. It’s certainly worth a visit for its eerie castle, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in England.
Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect romantic ruin with a colourful history of intrigue. Begun in around 1560 and ambitiously enlarged from around 1600, the castle was never completed. Abandoned by 1700, it became the focus of blood-curdling ghost stories, recounted in the English Heritage audio tour.
Walkers will love the nearby beautiful woodland. Within a short drive are Totnes Castle and Dartmouth Castle, making it an ideal day out for families.
If you’re after a breath of fresh sea air, the south Devon coastline is about 15 minutes' drive away. The long golden stretches of Paignton beach and Goodrington Sands are family-friendly and beautiful at any time of year.
Where to eat - THE BULL INN
For serious ethical and sustainable credentials, The Bull at the top of Totnes high street won’t disappoint.
What to visit - EARTH. FOOD. LOVE
The UK’s first, bulk-buy, organic, family-run, zero-waste shop in Totnes.
What to do - SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY
A 14-mile round trip by steam train through the glorious Devon countryside.
Berry Pomeroy is also within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Berry Pomeroy is a village and civil parish in the South Hams district of Devon, England, 2 miles (3 km) east of the town of Totnes.[2] The parish is surrounded clockwise from the north by the parishes of Ipplepen, Marldon, Torbay (unitary authority), Stoke Gabriel, Ashprington, Totnes, and Littlehempston.
Berry Pomeroy was the centre of the large Feudal Barony of Berry Pomeroy, which was held at the time of the Domesday Book (1086) by Ralph de Pomeroy.[5] The Pomeroy family retained the barony until 1547.
William of Orange is said to have held his first parliament at Parliament Cottage in Longcombe within the parish, after landing at Brixham at the start of the Glorious Revolution in November 1688. He was afterwards entertained at Berry Pomeroy Castle by Sir Edward Seymour, 3rd Baronet.[6]
In World War II, American soldiers were stationed in the village during the build up to D-Day and were billeted in tents opposite the church, in which items of that time are on display.[8] American veterans revisited Berry Pomeroy for the 60th anniversary of the invasion.[citation needed]
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Berry Pomeroy Castle, about one mile north-east of the village, was built as the home of the Pomeroy family probably in the late 15th century.[9] In 1548 it was sold to Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset. The castle was abandoned in the late 17th century and was later considered a 'romantic ruin' by the Victorians. It is still owned by the Duke of Somerset, but is now maintained by English Heritage. The castle has often been cited as being the most haunted castle in Britain.
Getting Around
Car is recommended but not essential as there is a bus in True Street.
Totnes railway station is on the mainline train route. There are two or three trains an hour (30 mins) to Plymouth and Exeter (30 mins). By car, it’s 30-40 mins to both.
The surrounding countryside is amazing, and Berry Pomeroy and Totnes are ideally placed between the South Hams coast and Dartmoor.
For something a bit different, why not take a ferry cruise up the River Dart and explore historic Dartmouth.? Take in stunning riverside scenery and wildlife.
Other things to note
There is an electric charging point and up request can be provided at a cost per day to be agreed in advance of your stay and paid prior to arrival. The driveway also has space for two to three cars.
Interaction with Guests
Fresh Escapes are a professional holiday letting and management company with years of experience marketing, managing and even owning holiday homes in and around Devon. We’re proud of our family roots and aim to provide this same family feel to all our guests. We know that many of our guests come on holiday to escape the world, and so we won't disturb you too much during your stay. We'll check in with you after you’ve arrived, and we’ll be on hand if you need anything during your visit, but the house is yours to enjoy and we hope you'll love it as much as we do.
