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6 Guests
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3 Bedrooms
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2 Bathrooms
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Pets No
Features
- Hot tub
- Swimming pool
- Four poster bed
- Off road parking
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Cot available
- Highchair available
- Pub/shop < 1 mile
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
43 Customer Reviews
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"Garden Cottage is situated on historic farm on the Old Barnstaple road Bideford ..."
Garden Cottage is situated on historic farm on the Old Barnstaple road Bideford , Set around the centre of the farm it was very peaceful with wood peckers in the garden, which is enclosed with a hot tub, Feeling rural it was only a short journey to tesco on manteo way, Bideford quayside is a easy journey and places like clovelly and westward ho nearby, The cottage was clean to high standard and the Hosts very helpful thanks
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"We had a wonderful week in such a beautiful house and beautiful garden."
The owners were so friendly and helpful, the swimming pool was idyllic with the chickens cheering us on all the way. We felt homesick for garden cottage as soon as we left it.
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"We had a fantastic week at Garden Cottage."
Plenty of room and all you could need for a home away from home. The hot tub and pool were a lovely addition for days when you wanted to chill out and relax. And the reading nook upstairs was fully utilised. Bideford is close by and has plenty of amenities. Saunton Sands beach was excellent. I would certainly consider a return visit.
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"My Family and I stayed here for a week for our first UK holiday and it completely exceeded our expectations."
We stayed in the Garden Cottage and for 5 adults and 3 young children was very accommodating, you can tell that the owners have thought of absolutely everything and couldn't of asked for more. My niece who is 3, absolutely loved waking up and going to say good morning to the cockerells and sheep every morning and although the weather wasn't on our side, the house is in a great location to have days out and the hot tub is an absolute bonus when you get home to relax. Because of the weather we didn't get to use the pool unfortunately but it is kept in fantastic condition and Richard & Diana was always around to assist with anything we needed! Thank you for a great stay and we will see you again soon!
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"The cottage was exactly as described, and what we wanted."
A wonderful peaceful location, close to the wonderful North Devon coast. The farmer was very friendly, chatting to my grandchildren and letting them check for hens eggs. He also went out of his way to assist when my car broke down.
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"Had a wonderful stay, the proprietors we’re friendly and helpful and we would not hesitate to recommend a stay here."
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"We had a great stay at Garden Cottage, lots of room and very comfortable."
A lovely private peaceful garden with a hot tub that was all ready and waiting for us. Loads of storage in the bedrooms and the en suite in the double room as a great bonus. The kitchen was very modern and had all the equipment you could need. This place is definitely on our list for a return visit.
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"It's an absolute DREAM of a place!"
Wonderful cottages set on a working farm, all with up to date facilities. On our arrival, there was a minor issue with a leaking pipe. This was remedied immediately by our host, Richard Hill, with the aid of his wonderful family. He then unnecessarily compensated us for what he considered an inconvenience. All this while they tended to their animals and other farm duties. The remainder of our stay in the Garden Cottage was happily without issue and quite simply wonderful. Sadly, the weather (last week in August) was crap and marred most of our day trips. But it was wonderful to come back to this idyllic location, far from the noise of the city, spend some time with the kids in the swimming pool, then chill out in the hot tub. Yes, a HOT TUB! (The closest I've ever been to having a hot tub is farting in the bath!) - There is a fully fitted kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, and infrared cooker (I couldn't get used to that) with a spacious dining area. After dinner, we were able to play games or just watch TV (equipped with streaming service, Netflix etc), while the kids were able to stare at their phones all night via the free wi-fi, though this was rather intermittent during our stay. The master bedroom was equipped with a four poster bed, TV and ensuite bathroom (electric shower). There is also a separate bathroom with toilet and bath. I can't recommend this place enough. It beats caravans, holiday camps and even hotels hands down.
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"We loved our week in Garden Cottage."
It was clean, comfortable and very well equipped. We lacked for nothing. I would certainly return if we holidayed in the area again
Thank you for giving us feedback. We are very pleased you enjoyed your stay. Property Owner
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"Lovely cottage, enjoyed the hot tub, and outside pool."
Thank you for taking the time to give feedback. We are really pleased you enjoyed your holiday. Property Owner
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"We loved our stay"
We are very pleased you had a lovely holiday Property Owner
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"We had a fabulous week at Garden Cottage."
The facilities were great - we had been concerned that it might be chilly, being an older property, but it was an incredibly cozy, even on the cooler days. We had lovely views across the fields and even some lambs to say hello to each day, which the little ones loved. We all had a wonderful stay and the cottage is well situated for many of North Devon's attractions. Thank you. We hope to be back
We are really pleased you enjoyed your stay and thank you for giving feedback Property Owner
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"Quirky property but all the better for it."
An upgraded router would be a good idea & the DVD player doesn't seem to work. The shower in the ensuite could do with a power boost.
Thank you for providing feedback on our cottage. I am sorry that the DVD did not work but if you had spoken to us as we are only next door we would have arranged for an immediate replacement. You also never mentioned the internet or shower during your stay. I presume speed rather than the router was the issue. Internet speed is an issue for many rural properties especially those which stand alone and rely on copper or a mixture of copper and fibre for their service and there is unfortunately nothing we can do to address this issue at the current time. Finally and again due to being on a farm and not in an urban area we are restricted by the size and capacity of the electricity transformer which just supplies our property. We therefore have to work within that capacity to supply everything on site including the hot tubs and heated swimming pool. Our electrician has for this reason recommended against power showers although I will investigate if there is a specific issue with the Garden Cottage shower Property Owner
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"Had a lovely relaxing stay at Garden Cottage."
The cottage was beautifully presented, clean and welcoming, and the owners were lovely and so helpful. As a disabled person the hot tub was particularly welcome as it allowed my body to relax after days activity. Cycling the Tarka trail being one of those activities. A real luxurious home from home in a glorious location
It is really nice to hear that you enjoyed your holiday. Hope to see you again Property Owner
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"Fantastic property- really clean, very well equipped and friendly owners."
The hot tub was a bonus and was situated in a lovely private garden. The location was perfect for access to the Tarka trail and places like Appledore, Bideford and Instow. Would definitely come and again and would highly recommend.
We are really pleased you had a lovely holiday and enjoyed the garden which is a bit of a sun trap and we hope to see you again. Property Owner
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"All very good, quiet and peaceful, good position for exploring North Devon."
which we did from Bude to Minehead, some fantastic scenery, the Jacuzzi in the evening was much welcomed. altogether a good choice.
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"The cottage was as described , it's in a very handy location for many of the family days out ."
The pool was very refreshing after a day out and the hot tub very nice too . Nothing negative to report !! Thanks to Mr & Mrs Hill .
Thank you so much for taking the time to give feedback. I am glad you found the cottage as described and enjoyed your holiday. Property Owner
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"Photo made it look like property was detached, so was disappointed initially that it wasn't."
However, there was absolutely no noise from other cottages and it became irrelevant. Also thought the swimming pool was exclusive and was disappointed initially - however, there were so few people using it we were always able to use it just for our family whenever we wanted. Extremely well appointed kitchen, although some plastic plates/bowls for children would have been useful, and plastic beakers for drinking whilst in hot tub.
Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry you were initially disappointed but our property description on both Helpful Holidays and Sykes website has always stated that the Garden Cottage is a wing of the original farmhouse and that the outdoor heated swimming pool is shared with other properties on site. Drinking in the hot tub is prohibited, however we will consider purchasing plastic plates for children. Property Owner
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"Really great location and the accommodation was thoughtfully done."
Super hot tub and lovely swimming pool- we’d be delighted to come again
We are glad you enjoyed your holiday and hope to see you again in the future. Property Owner
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"Beautiful cottage with excellent facilities for our family."
Everything we needed for our holiday was available including the use of the outside pool and Hot Tub. We had an amazing week and the owners were lovely.
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We are really pleased you had a great holiday Property Owner
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"The garden cottage was everything we hoped for, peaceful, beautiful garden, clean and a welcome treat which was a lovely touch."
The hosts were welcoming and friendly. It was close to amenities and not to far to the beaches which were again beautiful and not crowded in the slightest. We would stay there again. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your feedback. We are delighted you enjoyed your holiday Property Owner
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"Absolutely lovely, just as described."
A real treat week.
Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted you enjoyed your holiday at the Garden Cottage Property Owner
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"Lovely place, we had a brilliant holiday and the children really enjoyed themselves."
Thanks for your feedback, its greatly appreciated Property Owner
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"Richard & Diana Hill we’re lovely very friendly & welcoming to us."
We really enjoyed the stay here & would definitely come back in the summer to enjoy the neighbouring areas around Bideford.
Thank you for your comments We are very pleased you enjoyed your stay and we hope to see you again Property Owner
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"The most disappointing aspect were the shower arrangements."
There was only one in the en suite as the bathroom only had a hand held with not even a shower curtain. Also the mattress on the double bed was very uncomfortable. Having said that we found everything else great.
Thank you for your feedback. We are really pleased you found most things great with your stay. We have been considering installing an over bath shower with a screen in the main bathroom for some time but your comments have confirmed that this is something we should address over the winter period. We will also at the same time try out the mattress ourselves. Update 29 January 2022 - the over bath shower is now installed with a screen and a new king size mattress is on the bed. Thank you for highlighting both issues Property Owner
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"Lovely cottage with everything we needed."
We had a lovely stay, the kids used the pool and hot tub everyday and parents had time to relax. Would definitely recommend.
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"This is a great family holiday cottage on a working farm with gorgeous views of the countryside."
It is in a fabulous location for accessing north Cornwall and Devon beaches and tourist attractions. The hot tub and pool are fantastic bonuses of this property and the owners are on sight, friendly and personal and great at making you feel welcome while still respecting your privacy. A couple of low door frames caught us out but they were well signed within the house.
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"Brilliant cottage with very friendly hosts."
Based on a working farm you really get that countryside chill with easy access to the main attractions. The decor is not what you would call modern but all the better for it. Very cosy with everything you could ever need to make it feel like a home from home. A real gem.
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"In ideal setting , with beautiful countryside."
Loved the pool and hot tub, great history of the farm.
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"Communication with the owners was good and they met me on arrival and showed me where I could park."
The cottage is located on working farm set in the corner of the yard . At first sight, from the outside the size is deceptive but it’s like a Pandora’s box when you open the door. The cottage has been tastefully converted and has quality furnishings to make your stay comfortable. The kitchen looked relatively new and is very well equipped. The hot tub was lovely to relax in the evenings and watch the sunset through the trees . There were little rabbits most evenings in the garden too, which were fun to watch. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and really needed the break. There are lots of places to visit around the area and further afield and people were friendly . I would definitely recommend ‘The Cottage’ and will be returning as soon as I can for another quiet break.
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"It was I. The most beautiful idilic setting."
Diane the host was so lovely and nothing was too much trouble, even clothes pegs. The cottage itself was stunning and packed with original features. We can’t wait to stay the again. Mike
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"Garden Cottage was delightful much bigger that it looks."
It was very homely and cosy we would have liked to stay longer ! The hot tub was great we didn’t think we would use it as much as we did definitely a plus for us. Richard and Diane were fantastic hosts even to the extent of letting me take some cuttings out the garden to remind me of such a fabulous holiday and even providing a plant pot and garden trowel ! Thank you again for a lovely holiday Trev, Chris, Annie and Dan
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"Exactly as it was described on line."
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"Lovely cottage, oweners very welcoming, very good facilities and great location."
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"Great cottage in a great location, hot tub was a bonus we didn’t expect when we booked"
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"What a lovely cottage in a beautiful part of the country."
The owners were very welcoming and with everything going on (Covid) made us feel very safe in our home from home. The pool was a good size and we we used it come rain or shine, but due to Covid all the cottages were allocated a time to use the pool to ensure social distancing was maintained, the only down side to this was some cottages didn't use their slot and our children didn't think it was fair that they couldn't go in again. The kitchen was really well equipped with a washer dryer and dish washer but the cottage could have done with an clothes horse as getting towels dry when it's raining is quite hard. Overall a lovely place hoping to book again next year.
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"Lovely clean homely cottage."
Was a pleasure to return to after each day exploring. Diana was very quick to reply to any query. She done a great job in difficult (COVID) circumstances. The pool was amazing & the area surrounding it was spotless. No problems with towels in dryer. We used the wash/dry program. If we needed extra drying we put the heating on for a few mins to fire up the radiators ( which can be independently turned off/on). Have already recommended cottage to friends. You do need to drive (which I don't but husband does
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"Garden Cottage is a delightful period house,spacious, private and homely."
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"The lounge was extremely dark and dreary."
We couldn't sit in the garden as there was the constant whine of the sewerage pump a short distance away. Otherwise OK, well equipped apart from no normal cheese grater only small one for topping.
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"The owner was very friendly, his wife had made us cupcakes for when we arrived."
The house was extremely well equipped, and all the basics had been provided (tea, coffee, milk, loo rolls, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets etc etc.
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"Such a beautiful House."
Hosts absolutely lovely. Had everthing we could possibly need. Couldn't have been happier.
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"A fantastic cottage in a glorious corner of Devon."
We were made to feel very welcome, and enjoyed our plate of home made cupcakes! Loved the pool, and ease of access to some wonderful coves, rocky coast and pretty villages. Plenty of places nearby to eat out too.
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"We really enjoy our holidays at Pillhead Farm the cottages are very comfortable, clean and very well equipped."
An extra luxury is the availability of a lovely swimming pool which is the icing on the cake.
This property is part of the Helpful Holidays collection.
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Summary
- Three bedrooms: 1 x four poster king-size double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 2 x twin
- Bathroom with bath, shower over bath, basin and WC
- Kitchen
- Dining room
- Sitting room
- Oil central heating with woodburner
- Electric oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, TV's with Freeview, DVD, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs
- Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburner inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent (bath and hand towels provided, not bath sheets), please bring your own towels for the beach, pool and hot tub.
- Stairgate, two highchairs, and two travel cots
- Off-road parking for 2 cars
- Bike storage
- Hot tub
- Lawned garden to the front, with picnic bench
- 130-acre natural grounds and orchard (shared with owner and other properties on-site)
- Sorry, no pets and no smoking
- Shop and pub 1 mile
- Note: Outdoor heated swimming pool, shared with other properties on-site, (15' x 30' x 4' to 5' deep) with paddling pool (10' x 9' x 1'6" deep), available from the Friday immediately preceding the last bank holiday in May to the first Friday in September, 10am-evening
- Note: Steps up to the entrance, and steps between rooms
- Note: Check-in time 5pm
- Note: Due to swimming pool, children must be supervised at all times
- Note: This cottage does not accept stag/hen parties
- Note: There is no smoking allowed onsite except within the designated smoking area
- Note: Unfortunately electric cars cannot be charged on site but there is a charging point 4 minutes drive away (Tesco)
The property
Pretty Garden Cottage offers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience close to the historic town Bideford.
With its very own hot tub, outdoor heated swimming pool and 130-acre natural grounds, this retreat is a lovely place to return to at the end of a day by the coast or exploring one of the fascinating market towns nearby.
A wing of the original farmhouse, inside Garden Cottage you will discover a cosy lounge with a woodburner, collection of comfy seating and a pretty floral fabrics.
The modern kitchen is the ideal spot to prepare meals which you can enjoy in the adjoining dining room.
Upstairs three wonderful bedrooms await, a gorgeous four poster king-size double with an en-suite shower room, and two twin rooms, each with wonderful countryside views.
A family bathroom ties the accommodation together, comprising of a bath with a shower over.
Outside, the peaceful rose filled garden for which the cottage is named looks across open fields and is an ideal spot to spend an evening with a glass if something cool.
Situated on a working sheep farm, with plenty to do nearby, you're assured of a wonderful holiday at Garden Cottage.
Pillhead Farm
This pretty group of five cottages, all but one with its own private sunny garden - the perfect spot to enjoy an alfresco supper or a lazy breakfast whilst you plan your day, is in rural North Devon at Pillhead Farm, a working sheep farm. The cottages have been furnished to a very good standard providing the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life and the ideal location to make some glorious holiday memories. The beach is just three miles away, whilst the shop and restaurant are located within 1 mile; these properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 23 guests. Outside you will discover 130-acres of extensive, natural grounds and a fabulous heated swimming pool and a small separate pool designed for the toddlers all set around a sunny terrace with loungers. The pretty beach at Instow is just 3 miles away, or the wide golden sandy beach of Westward Ho! which is popular with surfers is 4 miles away. Walkers can join the coastal path, or alternatively, cycle or walk the famous Tarka Trail which passes close by. The delightful port town of Bideford has a good selection of town amenities and a weekly market. Garden lovers will appreciate the nearby RHS Rosemoor and Docton Mill. There really is something for all the family to explore, including The Ultimate Adventure Centre, The Big Sheep and The Milky Way adventure parks, not to be missed. Take a boat trip to the nature reserve at Lundy Island, or uncover many of the fishing villages, including nearby Clovelly (National Trust), and Hartland.
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.
About the location
BIDEFORD
Westward Ho! 3.3 miles; Appledore 3.7 miles; Instow 4.1 miles; Clovelly 11.4 miles; Saunton Sands 16.8 miles; Bude 25.3 miles.
Bideford is an historic maritime town on the River Torridge in North Devon. There has been a settlement at Bideford for over a thousand years and it has been an important port throughout its history. Today, Bideford is a thriving town with a fine selection of shops (including individual shops), cafes and restaurants, a park and the Atlantic Village Outlet Shopping Centre located on the outskirts of the town. Bideford is in a fantastic location to explore the surrounding area. It is just a few miles from Westward Ho!, which is dominated by two miles of spectacular coastline and proudly retains the prestigious Blue Flag award year upon year. Its sandy beach, backed by a unique pebble ridge, attracts visitors from all over the country and offers fantastic bathing and watersport activities. Just beyond the pebble ridge is Northam Burrows Country Park, which lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has 253 hectares of grassy coastal plain with salt marsh, sand dunes and grasslands. The country park is also home to England's oldest golf course. The South West Coastal Path and the famous traffic-free Tarka Trail are close by, providing magnificent walking and cycling opportunities. The award-winning Big Sheep all weather family attraction and the Ultimate Adventure Centre are approximately a mile down the road, with the Atlantic Village Outlet Shopping Centre and Supermarket a couple of miles away. The delightful quayside village of Appledore and the pretty beach at Instow are both just over three miles away, whilst the traditional market town of Barnstaple is just ten miles away, and the picturesque fishing village of Clovelly, with its quaint cobbled streets, is eleven miles away. The North Devon coast also boasts numerous outstanding beaches, many within easy reach, including those found at Instow, Saunton Sands, Croyde, Woolacombe and Bude. This is an area of breathtaking beauty, with plenty to see and do for all ages.
View more holiday cottages in Bideford
Note: Arrival time 4pm.
Note: Seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool and paddling pool, available from the Friday immediately preceding the last bank holiday in May to the first Friday in September.
Note: Unfortunately electric cars cannot be charged on site but there is a charging point 4 minutes drive away (Tesco)
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter