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Honey Cottage is an idyllic grade II listed thatched cottage built during the 17th century. This traditional Devonshire cottage is situated in a central position in a charming conservation area in the small village of Lapford which is located deep in the heart of rural Mid Devon. This is an ideal self catering holiday cottage for a small group or family (sleeps 4 + cot) who would like a rural retreat away from the holiday crowds in the busy tourist areas around the coasts of Devon and the West Country. Perfect as a base for a family summer holiday, a romantic winter weekend break or a getaway in the mild Devon spring and autumn.
This quaint old chocolate box cottage is bursting with character with a stable door, low ceilings, exposed beams and an Inglenook fireplace with an original bread oven. There are two comfortable bedrooms (one double, one twin) with beautiful views over the garden and the surrounding Devon countryside. You can curl up by the fire in the cosy sitting room with a lovely log burning stove. The kitchen is fully equipped for self catering or if you prefer to eat out there are many pubs and restaurants nearby serving delicious food as well as real ales. To the front of the cottage there is a pretty south facing garden with seating area and a barbeque, ideal for 'al fresco' eating or relaxing in the sunshine.
Lapford being in the centre of Devon, is perfectly situated for outdoor activities such as walking with a network of footpaths and bridleways throughout the area. We welcome well behaved dogs (see dog policy), so this would make a perfect walking holiday for your pet too! For serious hiking we are located a short distance from the Two Moors Way and the Tarka Trail walking routes. Other activities include cycling, golf, fishing, horse riding or simply relaxing in the fully enclosed private garden. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks are easily accessible. There are many local tourist attractions nearby including Eggesford Forest and the magnificent North Devon and North Cornwall surf beaches (including Saunton, Woolacombe, Croyde and Putsborough). The amazing Eden Project in Cornwall makes an ideal day trip. For shopping there are the historic market towns of Crediton and Chulmleigh close by, a little further away are Great Torrington, Okehampton, Tiverton, Tavistock and South Molton. All these market towns are very picturesque and have many independent shops. For more extensive shopping facilities and more tourist attractions, the Cathedral city of Exeter and the historic town of Barnstaple are also an easy drive away.
Honey Cottage is well prepared for inclement weather with a TV, video and DVD player. There is a satellite receiver allowing access to the Free-Sat channels. We also have a small selection of videos, books and board games for you to borrow. We have a stereo system with a CD, radio and cassette tape player. To keep the kids (young and old!) occupied, we also have a Play Station 2 and a limited selection of games. Please bring your own favourite DVDs, CDs and PS2 games.
Honey Cottage is independently owned and run so we are able to keep our prices very competitive and affordable with no hidden booking fees. We will do our best to ensure your stay with us is an enjoyable one. We will provide you with a complimentary food pack containing some home produced items and where possible everything will be locally sourced. An initial supply of logs for the fire is provided. All bedding and bed linen is provided. Read our guest book to find out what previous visitors thought of their holiday at Honey Cottage in Devon.
We welcome couples, small groups or families with children. Overseas guests are very welcome. Well behaved dogs are welcome by arrangement, conditions and surcharges apply
Smokers are allowed to smoke in the garden, but like most holiday cottages, guests are not permitted to smoke anywhere inside the cottage.
This is a very traditional Devonshire village steeped in history. It is located on the rising of a hill above the river Yeo in the heart of rural Mid Devon. It is about 18 miles away from Exeter, just off the A377 Exeter to Barnstaple road. Lapford has a railway station on the Tarka line which runs between Exeter and Barnstaple.
The origins of Lapford can be traced back to the Iron Age Celts who met here for religious worship. By the 8th century, Lapford had been visited and settled by the Romans, the Angles and the Saxons. The population of the village was 150 when it was mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086.
Throughout the middle ages Lapford continued to prosper and grow, many stone buildings where built, some of which can still be seen today including Lapford's most notable landmark, St Thomas of Canterbury church which originally dates back to the 12th century. This stunning stone church is believed to have been rebuilt by William De Tracey as penance for his part in the murder of the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas a Beckett on 29th December 1170. Some say that the ghost of Thomas a Beckett can be seen galloping on horseback through the village on the anniversary of his death on his way to confront his murderer. The church was extended in the 15th century. Also added around this time was the most exquisitely carved rood screen, the church also boasts beautifully carved bench ends and roof woodwork.
Today the village has grown considerably, but it is still small by modern standards with a population of about 1000. It is a traditional rural village surrounded by working farm land.
This area of Devon is known as "the River country" for good reason, there are many rivers nearby including the beautiful river Yeo (pictured on left) which runs through the valley a short distance to the south of Lapford. There is a public right of way across farmland which leads to the river, (see OS Land ranger map 191) please note that this route is not suitable for push chairs.
There are two pubs in the village. "The Old Malt Scoop Inn" (pictured) located in the village centre (about 50 yards from Honey Cottage), this an old coaching inn dating back to the 16th century, in the winter you can be sure of a roaring open fire. It has a pool table and skittles alley.
The second pub is "The Yeo Vale" on the main A377 road, close to Lapford railway station. Unfortunately this is closed at present.
Lapford playing field is tucked away at the end of the lane which runs behind Honey Cottage, about 50 yards away.
It is ideal for children of all ages. There are two separate play areas with a selection of swings, slides, roundabouts and a see-saw suitable for both toddlers and older children.
There is also a 5-a-side football pitch and a large area of grass for children to play. Dogs are permitted to use the playing field. However as always, all dog mess must be cleared up.
Lapford is fortunate enough to have two grocery shops, a butcher, a farm store and a post office.
The closest grocery shop to Honey Cottage is the newly re-opened Lapford Village Store. It is the ideal place to stock up on anything from breakfast cereal to toothpaste that you may have forgotten to bring. It also sells newspapers, sweets and cigarettes. The opening hours are limited, so check the shop door as you go past.
The second grocery shop is Spar which is located within the Jet petrol station on the main A377 road. It is usually open early and closes late, selling a good selection of groceries with a range of fresh, chilled and frozen food. Beers, spirits and cigarettes can also be purchased here.
The butchers is located to the north of the village on the main road, a few minutes walk from Honey Cottage. It sells high quality locally reared meat and meat products.
The farm shop, Blackberry Lane, is located just off the road heading north about half a mile out the village. This sells a variety of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables.
The post office is located on the road through the village, south of Honey Cottage. In addition to the usual post office services it also sells a range of stationery, greeting cards and picture post cards.
More extensive shopping facilities (including a supermarket) can be found in the nearby town of Crediton.
www.honeycottagedevon.com
Devon self catering holiday cottages