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The Old Stables

(Ref. 948370)

Exford, Somerset Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 8 Guests

  • 4 Bedrooms

  • 4 Bathrooms

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Highchair available
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • old (13)
  • well (12)
  • cottage (12)
  • stables (12)
  • comfortable (11)
  • location (10)

27 Customer Reviews

  • "Excellent property with all you could need."

    Comfy beds, plenty of seating, Spacious utility room was most welcome as our "Boot room". Lots of different birds to admire, plenty of good places to eat and good area for walking and exploring.

    Thank you for your lovely feedback and delighted you loved the cottage and Exmoor as much as we do. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sylvia5.0Jul 2024

  • "Fantastic property."

    Spacious / comfortable and well situated to enable easy access to the many local attractions. Well worth a visit.

    Thank you for your very positive feedback. We re very pleased you enjoyed the cottage and had a great time. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Graham5.0May 2024

  • "We stayed at the house in 2020 and after enjoying that stat decided to return this year."

    The house was amazing again. Perfect layout for a multi generational group. We saw bunnies, woodpecker, toads, bats, birds of prey and more from the window of the house. Kids love the garden and the smaller patio area was perfect for enjoying the stargazing. Exford has a couple of lovely pubs and tea room as well as a convenience store selling essentials - this has opened since our last visit and was a great addition. Thank you for a lovely stay.

    Thank you for your lovely feedback. We are delighted you have had such an enjoyable stay. We love the cottage - a home from home and Exford and Exmoor have so much to offer. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Rebecca5.0Aug 2023

  • "What a wonderful place to stay, this cottage has everything needed (and more!"

    !) for a very comfortable stay. Comfy beds, generous double bedrooms, small twin room - great for kids!, plenty of room in the lounge and kitchen/dinner. Great garden for the grandchildren to play in, or the adults to relax in!! The location is very quiet and peaceful, an easy walk into the village with pubs, a local shop, play areas for children. A great place to explore Exmoor. All three generations very happy with our holiday. We loved it!!

    Thank you for your very kind feedback. We love The Old Stables and are pleased you did too. It is a very quiet spot on Exmoor, but so easy to access the village amenities with the short walk along the river. The downstairs bedroom is a great facility for anyone who doesn’t want to do stairs. I hope you heard the owls! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Carol5.0May 2023

  • "Wonderful roomy cottage though picture re garden hides a lane between it and the door"

    Thank you for your feedback. The lane can be seen if you look closely, but it is only a lane along with a bridle path and is very quiet. We love seeing the horses go by on a regular basis. There is also the court yard at the back of the cottage, which is a real sun trap in the evening and very secure for dogs and children. We love opening the bi-fold doors, opening the kitchen into the outdoors. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ronald4.7May 2023

  • "The property is well located, very close to Exford and on walking routes."

    Our group thoroughly enjoyed our week at the Old Stables.

    Thank you for your lovely feedback.. We love The old Stables and are pleased to hear you had a good week. The cottage is situated a short walk from the village with a lovely walk along the river. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Robert5.0Apr 2023

  • "We had a wonderful time at the old stables, it was perfect for us and so well equipped."

    Would highly recommend. We had a lovely welcome from the people in the village. We had a lovely Sunday lunch at the crown and an amazing leaving breakfast at the tea rooms. The only complaint we have, is nothing to do with the property, it is about the vans who pass the property at high speed, nearly knocking me over one day as I was stepping out of the door! They need to abide by the 5mph signs.

    I’m so pleased you have had a wonderful time - Exmoor really is a very special place and the cottage is well placed for getting out and about. I’m sorry to hear about the speeding vans - I will reinforce the need to adhere to the speed limit on my next visit and ask for them to slow down. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Lisa5.0Aug 2022

  • "Absolutely excellent stay at this property very well equipped, done to the highest standards good quality throughout felt very homely."

    The beds are very comfortable and excellent sleep, the pint of milk and cake was a very nice gesture. Just a couple of things a travel cot would be useful for families with small children and there wasn't any bbq utensils. One of the photos shows a TV in the bedroom when we arrived it was not there which was a bit misleading. Very enjoyable stay the only bad bit was that we had to leave to come home.

    Thank you for your positive feedback. Im very pleased you have had a lovely stay. There are BBQ Utensils in the cottage - I’m sorry you didnt find them in the Utility. Regarding the TV, sadly, a previous guest broke the TV but it has now been replaced. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Michael4.7Jul 2022

  • "Fabulous cottage, very luxurious and well equipped, in a beautiful setting."

    Added touches of stair gates and fire guard very useful as had a 2 year old and 1 year old with us. Travel cot and high chair would have been useful. However really great place to stay and would definitely book again.

    Thank you for your feedback and delighted you had a wonderful time. We do have a high chair at the cottage - you just need to let us know you need it! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Debbie5.0Jun 2022

  • "Excellent property."

    Sizable, really well appointed and maintained, great location. Pint of milk in the fridge and the cake supplied was very handy after a long journey. Beds were super comfortable. Might buy those mattresses when we next change ours. Gentle stroll down footpath to Exford with good pubs and a great tea room. Suggestion to have breakfast there on departure worked out really well.

    Thank you for your feedback. I am pleased that you found everything to your liking. We are lucky to have such hospitable pubs and eateries in the area. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Stephen5.0May 2022

  • "We had an absolutely fantastic time with friends in the old stables."

    Everything was provided to a very high standard and the location is stunning. Fantastic walks, Exford is very friendly and has two good pubs and a good local store. Central to the very best walks. Highly recommended.

    Thank you for your feedback. I am delighted you had a fantastic time. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sarah4.7Apr 2022

  • "Beautiful well equipped comfortable clean cottage in a great location."

    Home from home

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Sep 2021

  • "We had a lovely week at the Old Stables, and everything in the description of the property was true."

    However, there are two small things that could be made clearer. The garden is separated from the house by a road, and if hunting makes you uncomfortable then this probably isn't the place for you! That said, the house was extremely well equipped, beautifully furnished and in a great location. The neighbours were friendly, there were walks from the door, the birds flocked to the bird feeders, and the short walk into Exford was pleasant. The Exmoor Stores provided a shopping delivery for us, and the main supermarkets all deliver there too.

    Reviewed by Alison4.7Jul 2021

  • "Great cottage and ideal location for exploring Exmoor."

    The cottage was extremely well equipped, clean, comfortable and child friendly. We loved our stay and would definitely consider returning.

    Reviewed by Pamela5.0Jul 2021

  • "It would be useful for future guests to know that if they have an Tesla car the only practical place to charge it is Dart Farm, Exeter which is about 50 miles away."

    Although the White Horse in Exford has an electric charger you can only use it if you are a resident, not if you are eating there.

    Reviewed by Marion5.0Jun 2021

  • "A good week away in the Old Stables, very comfortable cottage with some lovely quality touches, high end bed linen etc."

    We enjoyed the wood burner and feeding the birds. Beautiful and peaceful rural location.

    Reviewed by Nikkie5.0May 2021

  • "The cottage was wonderful as was the holiday."

    I would highly recommend Exford and The Old Stables.

    Reviewed by Keith5.0Sep 2020

  • "The Old Stables was comfortable and clean."

    Everything we required as a family of three generations was excellent. The position was rural with little traffic around the property, which also has a well maintained paddock. This is secure and good to play in with children and pets. There are good walks from the Old Stables into the countryside. The local village is only a short walk away and also easily accessible by car. The two pubs in the Village are both friendly as were the local people living in Exford. Both pubs did good food. The seaside was easily accessible by car, with areas of the beach marked out for dogs. Ian.

    Reviewed by Ian4.4Sep 2020

  • "Lovely clean cottage which had very comfortable beds."

    Good location to get out and do different things. The owners were very helpful and got someone to come round to make sure the stair gates were in place for us. Only disappointment was the WiFi was quite poor however BT arrived the morning we left to fix this.

    Reviewed by Jordan4.4Sep 2020

  • "The Old Stables is a beautiful holiday home with everything you need for a great break."

    We loved the idea of the map on the wall in the kitchen. Location was perfect, easy to walk along the river (heaven for our water mad Labrador!) to the village where there is a lovely tea shop. Would recommend walking to the top of Dunkery Beacon, fantastic views, and visiting Tarr Steps. We also got up at 4am one morning and drove to the moors, we were lucky enough to spot a herd of deer. Would love to come back and explore more of this beautiful area

    Reviewed by Sharon5.0Jul 2020

  • "Unlike the previous cheerless reviewer (November 2019) we do not expect the owner to control the weather/amount of daylight on arrival!"

    We also met the 'gentleman' who was delightfully helpful. To us, 'self catering' means just that, and we were very grateful for the free logs and dishwasher tablets. The Old Stables was possibly one of the loveliest holiday cottages we have stayed in. Absolutely beautifully furnished and so COMFORTABLE! The village was picture-book perfect, the pubs and walks on the doorstep were fantastic. Coming out of lockdown, it felt like paradise to us. Oh, and the sun shone all week. Perhaps that was because we were determined to enjoy ourselves rather than be miserable!

    Reviewed by Penny5.0Jul 2020

  • "A lovely cottage and an enjoyable week end but on arriving it was dark and poring with rain."

    Finding where to park was quite a problem, as although it said parking for the cottages I was immediately accosted by a gentleman to say this is not where you park and proceeded to tell me where to go, by this time we were both very wet. In daylight it was still not at all obvious where one should park if staying at the Old Stables, there was a minute sign 'parking' but even that was difficult to see unless you were actually parked by it !!! Larger signs saying "Parking for Old Stables Cottages" might be an idea. The 'starter pack' of logs was very mean ! and although we could purchase in the village it would have been a better idea to have more packs of logs that we could purchase at the cottage. The last small moan ! is about the dish washer tablets, we were staying at the cottage for two nights and there were TWO tablets, which in theory is all well and good, but it does limit one for the use of the machine. I am sure that if one is paying £600 for a two night stay, one would not be the sort of person to filch a pack of washing tablets !! Other than those few things a pleasant and comfortable stay.

    Reviewed by Barbara4.7Nov 2019

  • "Lovely cottage"

    Reviewed by Louise5.0Jul 2019

  • "The cottage is in excellent condition with all the facilities guests could want."

    Reviewed by Ian5.0Jul 2019

  • "The Old Stables is exceptional in every detail and the perfect venue for a family holiday for all ages."

    The beautiful surrounding Exmoor countryside is quiet and peaceful and the house is spacious yet snug, warm and welcoming, and every possible comfort and convenience has been thought of. Our family couldn't have wished for more - from the beautiful decor to the quality fittings and furnishings, luxurious bedrooms and bath and shower rooms. The well-equipped kitchen/diner was perfect for convival meals round the big table, and the cosy lounge, with its super-comfy sofas was a wonderful haven of relaxation. The big utility room also provided plenty of space to dry wet coats and shoes (yes...it rained!) but the Old Stables was such a home from home, it was a pleasure to be indoors. The owners even provided nuts for the bird feeders, and there was only one drawback to the Old Stables - having to leave it! Jane Renouf and family

    Reviewed by Jane5.0Jun 2019

  • "Lovely cottage, great place to stay and a good base for exploring the surrounding area."

    Would definitely recommend.

    Reviewed by Lydia5.0May 2019

  • "The Old Stables is an extremely high standard and luxury holiday home."

    We have stayed at many holiday homes over the last few months in England and The Old Stables was a stand out holiday home! The attention to detail in the home was amazing, furnished with very high quality furnishings and interior design layout. This is a unique property and we would highly recommend to anyone looking for a 5 star holiday home stay!! Hoping to come back and stay again. An extra bonus to the beautiful atmosphere and location, was seeing the local horses walking past our windows enroute to their local trails nearby. Beautiful location and amazing home! Thank you.

    Reviewed by Martha5.0May 2019

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Summary

  • Four bedrooms; 1 x ground-floor super king-size double (zip/link, can be twin on request) with en-suite, with walk-in shower and basin, 1 x super king-size bedroom, with en-suite, with bath with shower over, basin and WC, 1 x super king-size double (zip/link beds, can be made into twin on request), 1 x twin
  • Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC
  • Cloakroom with WC and basin
  • Kitchen/Diner
  • Utility
  • Sitting room with woodburner.
  • Oil central heating with woodburner
  • Electric oven and hob, combination oven/microwave, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge, fridge/freezer, TV and WiFi
  • Bed Linen and Towels inc. rent
  • Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburner which includes firelighters, kindling and matches inc. in rent
  • Off-road parking for six cars
  • Rear courtyard garden with picnic table and BBQ
  • Front enclosed lawn garden with river view with garden bench
  • Strictly only one well-behaved dog welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking allowed
  • Shop and pub 5 min off road, riverside walk
  • Note: Check in is 5pm onwards

The property

This former stable block at Court Farm, sits in the heart of the Exmoor National Park, just a stones throw from The River Exe, which runs from the village.

The bridle way runs right past the cottage doorstop, meaning you can walk up onto the moors or into the village without using a road, and a short stroll along the river will take you to the friendly village shop and pubs.

Stop at the bridge and play pooh sticks, count the fish or simply have a paddle!

This very special holiday cottage enjoys a peaceful location, with blue tits, woodpeckers and pheasants as regular visitors to the garden.

The cottage is recently refurbished and beautifully presented in a contemporary, country style.

A large Exmoor map on the kitchen wall will help you plan your days, with a wealth of way-marked paths, cycle routes and horse riding options, ideal for countryside lovers.

The well appointed cottage has a spacious sitting room, with a large L shaped sofa and log burning stove.

The kitchen provides all you need to entertain family and friends, with bi fold doors opening onto a courtyard seating area, which is a real sun trap in the evenings.

The utility provides plenty of room for coats and muddy boots.

During the day the enclosed large lawned garden is a haven for bird life, and at night, the dark skies of Exmoor will delight you with a magical show of stars.

The ground floor super - king sized bedroom, which can be made into two singles, is ideal for those with limited mobility, having its own en-suite shower room.

With many bridal paths and stables nearby this property is perfect for exploring the country side on horseback.The coastal towns of Minehead and Porlock are close by if you fancy a trip to the beach, or you can spend time exploring the moors and the surrounding dramatic scenery watching out for the Exmoor ponies and Red Deer.

The Old Stables promises an endearing retreat for a family getaway to the countryside.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £350.

View on map

About the location

EXFORD

Dulverton 10 miles; Minehead 12 miles; Barnstaple 21 miles.

The picturesque village of Exford is situated in the heart of the Exmoor National Park. In a lovely setting by the River Exe, Exford boasts a village green, tea rooms, a shop, Post Office and two traditional inns serving excellent food and drinks. Exford is at the centre of a walkers' paradise with many miles of waymarked paths down the Exe and River Barle valleys and up to the nearby hills, including Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, with outstanding views over 7 counties. Exford is renowned for fishing and riding, with the village hosting a horse show every August. The largest herd of wild red deer in England and Exmoor’s unique wild ponies roam the moors just above and around Exford, as they have done since the time of the Domesday Book. Guided walks with a National Park Ranger take place throughout the summer, and Exmoor is home to Lorna Doone and Tarka the otter, it is a place of rolling hills, medieval villages, such as Dunster with its castle, wild moors and a dramatic coastline. The coastal towns of Lynmouth, Porlock and Minehead are only a short drive from Exford and there are a variety of beaches along the coast, consisting of sandy and shingle beaches, plus some are ideal for surfing and body boarding. In 2011 Exmoor National Park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, the first place in Europe to achieve this prestigious award and only the second in the world.