PIPPINSANDS - Devon

Pippinsands is a traditional Devon farmhouse that sleeps 14 people in 6 bedrooms, including an integral ground floor annexe for 2. This 15th century Devon farmhouse oozes adorable rustic charm with heaps of character retained in the bumpy old walls, chunky beams and exposed wall timbers, yet it's not lacking for modern convenience at all. Pippinsands is the English country cottage we all dream of, set amidst the staggeringly beautiful countryside of the Otter Valley near Honiton. It's an idyllic rural retreat for large group stays, being perfect for gatherings of two or three young families, for multigenerational family holidays, refined hen weekends, reunions for friends and peaceful celebrations. Come and fill your lungs with fresh country air, listen to the birdsong and watch squirrels scampering on the lawn.

If your idea of a relaxing holiday is to stay put and not drive anywhere all week, you'll be fine here, just doddering around the fields. There are walks right from the doorstep; stroll down across the fields to the River Luv, or up to Dumpdon Hill where the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells in the springtime. If you want to venture out to explore the local area, Honiton is just down the road; go and browse the stalls that line the main street on market day, stop for a bite to eat at The Holt or JK's Bistro.

Take a family trip to Wildwood Escot, the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, or go down to Haldon Forest for fun on the Segways and Go Ape. Exeter isn't far and is packed with things to do; see the incredible exhibits at the RAM Museum, take a tour of the Underground Passages, or see the magnificent cathedral. Closer to home you can have a lot of fun at Mansell Raceway, or Smeatharpe Stadium where they still have banger racing; if planes are more your thing go up to Dunkeswell Airfield, have a bite to eat at the Aviator Coffee Bar & Restaurant and watch the light aircraft come and go. Keep an eye out for one of the annual East Devon events, like Honiton Agricultural Show, Sidmouth Folk Festival or the famous Tar Barrels in Ottery St Mary.

If you like to spend days by the sea head over to the Jurassic coast where you can play on the sand at Sidmouth, or soak up the charm of unspoilt villages like Branscombe, or Beer where you can have crab sandwiches at Ducky's Beach Café and go out on a fishing boat. If you prefer to get off the beaten track book up for pony trekking at Devenish Pitt Farm, or go and explore the Blackdown Hills AONB on foot. Walk along the River Culm and up to Culmstock Beacon for the most incredible views, then have lunch at the Culm Valley Inn. 

And that's another thing; there's no shortage of good places to eat round these parts - the Pig at Combe, The Six Bells at Payhembury and The Drewe Arms at Broadhembury are all excellent, or over in Axminster, there's River Cottage Kitchen. You'll find something to keep you happy and wherever you go you'll have Pippinsands to come back to; soak in the hot tub if the weather's behaving itself, snuggle by the fire if it's not. Look forward to luxury togetherness in Devon!

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NB: Although Pippinsands is on the same farm as 4 smaller holiday cottages it has its own private entrance, garden and hot tub and is separate to the other properties.