Flear Country, East Allington, Devon self catering holiday cottages

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Flear Country, East Allington, Devon East Allington, Devon self catering holiday cottages




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Flear Country nestles amidst the rolling hills of the South Hams, in South Devon. It is made up of a nest of charming cottages and lodges, which huddle in a curving valley where a small river flows towards the Kingsbridge estuary and the sea beyond.

The name ‘Flear’ is Saxon. In 1268, Baldwyn de la Flere was granted lands in this area, where farming goes back for more than 1000 years. Flear Country embraces 45 acres of beautiful sprawling countryside.

It is an ideal holiday location if you want to leave behind the strains of city living and relax in a peaceful rural setting. You can wander along pretty streams, explore rambling woods and trek over undulating hills. In spring, a sea of bluebells carpets the valley floor, in summer a range of blooming flowers decorate the gardens of Flear and in autumn the apple orchard is laden with fruit, while wild garlic and horse chestnuts, sloes and blackberries abound.

Flear Country is well-situated, not just because of its seclusion, but also because ‘civilisation’ isn’t far away. The nearest village, East Allington, which boasts an excellent gastro pub, is just a short distance. Our office staff can make advance reservations for you at other popular restaurants such as the Michelin-starred New Angel in Dartmouth or The Oyster Shack in Bigbury. The town of Kingsbridge, with its cafés and restaurants, is only a 10-minute drive and the nearest beach is 20 minutes away.

Flear offers an ideal environment to couples on romantic jaunts and nature-lovers who appreciate the beauty of Devon’s countryside and coastline. During the school holidays, it is popular with families who make use of the special facilities provided for children including the indoor and outdoor play areas, and indoor pool. The off-peak months attract many young couples with pre-school children who return to Flear year after year.

The lodges – Orchard, The Linhay and The Barn – are detached from the other cottages, and are more spacious and private.

All the guest houses are brightly decorated with elegant soft furnishings. Their whitewashed exposed brick walls and beams add to their character. Each dwelling is self-catering and a cleaning and ironing service is available upon request. Fresh bed linen, bath and hand towels are provided. Also, you’ll find soaps made locally from natural ingredients in all of the bathrooms.

When you arrive at Flear our estate manager, Richard, will lend a hand with heavy suitcases to your door where you’ll find a welcome basket containing Flear’s own spring water, and a homemade cake or scones and jam for a typical Devon cream tea

Several beaches are only a short drive from Flear Country – including the golden sands of Thurlestone, the picturesque Blackpool Sands, the freshwater lagoon at Slapton Sands, the popular family beach Hope Cove, Salcombe Sands, with its spectacular views, and the marine centre and rock pools at Wembury.

Bantham beach is popular for wind-surfing and kite-surfing, and you’ll often find locals enjoying their barbecues on the beach during the summer evenings. Dittisham is another stunning beach, home to a popular sailing school.

If you prefer an activity-based holiday, then there are several specialist centres offering horse-riding, sailing and golf. There are also bike-hire shops and well-known walking trails.

Cultural jaunts

Aside from the seaside, local historic towns, such as Dartmouth and Totnes, offer many interesting cultural opportunities. These include castles such as Berry Pomeroy, Dartmouth and Totnes, as well as National Trust houses, including the famous Dartington Hall and gardens, and several museums.

Another attraction of the South Hams is the magnificent Burgh Island Hotel. This is an art deco hotel made famous by guests such as Agatha Christie and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. At high tide, guests can take a trip on the sea tractor from Bigbury-On-Sea across the water to the hotel. Just a 30-minute drive from Flear, this landmark is well worth a visit.

Golf

Both Bigbury-On-Sea (which overlooks Burgh Island) and Thurlestone Golf Club have courses with beautiful sea views. Dartmouth Golf & Country club, which is equally picturesque, set in the Devon countryside, has excellent facilities – Flear Country guests are entitled to a 25% discount off green fees.

The Barn Lodge

Sleeps 4: 1 King, 1 Twin

Set apart from the other cottages, this converted Carpenter Oak barn is full of character and warmth. The open-plan ground floor, with its expanse of living, kitchen and dining areas including a separate WC, has French windows opening out on to a verandah and private garden. The bedrooms and main bathroom are located on the spacious upper floor

The Linhay Lodge

Sleeps 4: 1 King, 1 Twin

This lodge has its own private driveway, garden and west-facing verandah overlooking pretty meadows. Its exposed beams and high ceiling give it a sense of space. Stone floors are warmed by underfloor heating. At one end of the living room is the kitchen which boasts granite worktops and an American style fridge-freezer, while the other leads through a doorway to a bedroom and up some steps to a bathroom with a small jacuzzi. Off the gallery, which runs the full length of the cottage, you will find the twin bedroom with its en suite shower

Orchard Lodge

Sleeps 6: 1 Super King, 1 King, 1 Twin

Flear’s largest and most luxurious guest house is a stunning solid oak barn. It has a huge open-plan space which includes the living, dining and kitchen areas. A large wood burning stove welcomes you into the living area where there is also a plasma TV. Its state-of-the-art kitchen includes a duel fuel country style cooking range, plus extensive granite worktops. The lower floor contains three bedrooms each with an en suite bathroom. The master bedroom contains a shower for two and a jacuzzi bath. Its private outdoor area includes an expanse of decking with wooden garden furniture and a stylish outdoor cooking range. Orchard Lodge overlooks a beautiful apple orchard

The Granary

Sleeps 8: 1 King, 3 Bedrooms (1 Twin, 2 Bunks)

The Granary, which sleeps the most people, has its own southeast-facing verandah. Its large newly refurbished kitchen has a slate floor running through to the dining area. The separate living area boasts beautiful, restored beams. Upstairs is the master bedroom with views of the wood, a bathroom and a second bedroom with two sets of bunk beds. The spacious third twin bedroom, on the top floor, has its own en suite shower room.

Mangers

Sleeps 4: 1 King, 1 Twin

This boasts a spacious living area with an open fireplace. Its verandah overlooks the valley and tennis court. Stairs lead from the dining area and kitchen to the light and comfortable master bedroom, bathroom and twin bedroom

Cartwheel

Sleeps 4: 1 King, 1 Twin

Next door to Mangers is its twin, Cartwheel. Its front door opens into a spacious living area with an inviting open fireplace. This leads on to the kitchen which contains a convenient and large kitchen island. Stairs lead from here to the upper floor where you’ll find the master bedroom, an airy and bright room with exposed beams, a twin bedroom and a bathroom

The Stalls

Sleeps 6: 1 King, 2 Twin

Tucked away in the corner of the courtyard is the Stalls which is spread over three floors. Its stable door opens into the ground floor with a Shaker style kitchen on one side and the living/dining area on the other. Its traditional exposed beams and old wood-burning fire make this a cosy, homely space. Stairs lead up from the open-plan kitchen to the master bedroom and bathroom on the first floor and to two twin rooms and a shower room on the top floor

Tel 01548 521227

Self catering in Devon

Flear Country, East Allington, Devon self catering holiday cottages