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11 Guests
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6 Bedrooms
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4 Bathrooms
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Pets Yes
Features
- Swimming pool
- Off road parking
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Cot available
- Highchair available
- Pub/shop < 1 mile
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Games Room
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
59 Customer Reviews
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"Wifi was patchy but overall we had a great stay - thanks."
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"The best family holiday we've had."
The property is lovely, so well equipped, plenty of space for all the family's needs and interests from our 5, 8 and 11 year old grandchildren to their parents and us oldies in our 70s. Jo and Mike couldn't have been more helpful. The pool was used every day and even our 11 year old neurodiverse grandson got in there several times and managed to swim a length. Plenty to do in the surrounding area too. The top floor with big screen, pool table, tabletop football and little play room were a delight to the children. The garden was beautiful and the wilder area also lovely for a stroll.
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"Jo and Mike were fantastic hosts."
They went above and beyond to help us which added to a perfect holiday experience for our family. The house is beautiful and it’s clear Jo and Mike have spent a lot of time creating such a lovely place and continuing to look after it. I would happily recommended them and their property to anyone considering a stay. We will certainly stay again.
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"Nothing overly bad to say."
Property is well kept and grounds are absolutely stunning. For a property that accommodates families of up to 10+ we were disappointed that there was no lounge which could accommodate us all seating together and rather than having a family holiday where we could all spend time together we spent the majority of the time apart in separate rooms. Age range of the party was from 9 months to 82 years with one disabled adult. First floor is extremely dangerous. Uneven flooring throughout the entire top floor especially hallway and low beams and stairs are very steep which made it very difficult for the older members of the party to get up and down and a few minor accidents did happen throughout the stay. This is something i think should be made aware on the property details when booking as unfortunately this and the layout ruined the property for us. The owners were in the garden daily, lovely people and very friendly but again this wasn't stipulated in the small print only that the owners lived on site. We would have preferred it if we were just allowed to get on with our day with the privacy we thought we would be having. At times we did avoid going in to the garden or taking the dog for a walk around the grounds due to them being around. Overall not a great holiday and just wasn't for us.
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"This is the second time we have stayed at Townend and it was just as good as the first time."
Fantastic property with great facilities and in a lovely village with a great pub. The moor is walkable and there is plenty to see. Although we could not make best use of the garden at this time of then year this did not detract from our visit. Hope to come back again.
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"Excellent property."
Extremely clean and tidy. Great location. Very accommodating owner.
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"This is the best property we have stayed in."
The amenities were excellent and the hosts were great and nothing was too much for them. I would highly recommend
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"We had a brilliant time during our stay at Townend."
The house is perfect for larger groups with plenty of space both inside and outside. A real home from home with everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The gardens are beautiful and the pool is an added bonus for all. Mike and Jo are very friendly and on hand should you need anything at all. We would love to return and would definitely recommend Townend to people in the future.
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"Fabulous holiday home."
Aged three to seventy three, our family had a wonderful holiday in a beautiful house that has everything you could need and more. The swimming pool and the cinema room are the stars of the show.
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"Excellent property extremely well equipped."
Very helpful property owners.
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"Two things."
There is only a washing machine not a washer drier. Secondly in my opinion this property although lovely is not suitable for elderly or disabled visitors and it doesn’t say this. The stairs are too steep and to say the floors are uneven everywhere with trip hazards is very true. Also the en-suite shower room is a cupboard, very large step to negotiate and minute space inside, could not use it.however despite this we still had a lovely time but feel these important things should be mentioned
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"Wow! The property was stunning and of a very high standard, clean, tidy and well equipped with towels, crockery and things for all ages to do and relax with plenty of space for a large group to spread out (11 of us including 2 children)."
The cinema room was a great hit as was the pool and lovely gardens with plenty of space to explore and just take in the views and peace and quiet. Jo and Mike (and Molly the dog) the property owners were friendly and did everything they could to make our stay the best. My whole family said it was the best place they have stayed in. We will be back soon hopefully.
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"We have just spent a relaxing week at this beautiful cottage."
4adults and 6 children ages between 1-11. It was very clean and well equipped. The gardens are beautiful and the children absolutely loved exploring. The pool was also perfect and of an evening the kids would chill out in the cinema room, what more could you want. The owner Michael and Jo were very welcoming and friendly. Thank you, we had the best time!
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"Wonderful, huge cottage, perfectly equipped (we loved the cinema screen!"
!) phantastic garden and lovely hosts. All of und (including teenagers!) had an amazing time and absolutely recommend this place.
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"We booked the house for a family holiday with children and grandchildren."
The house was clean, comfortable, and very inviting. There was plenty of room in the house and the gardens are enormous. The grandchildren couldn't, and didn't, wait to get in the pool! Th eowners were very helpful with any questions we had and I feel would have done their best to resolve any issues if we had any - which we didn't. Can't wait to return.
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"The family were bowled over by all the property had to offer."
The ages of my grandchildren varied from 1 to 14 and they all found plenty to do, individually and collectively. The house was warm and welcoming as were the owners. There was even enough space to safely exercise the dog within the grounds.
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"An exceptionally comfortable, beautiful house and gardens which exceeded expectations."
, We really loved our week at Townend , Thank you for all of the happy memories.
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"A great weeks stay at Townend with 6 adults and 5 children."
The house is fully equipped and a lot of thought has gone in to providing for both adults and children. The gardens are beautiful and huge. The pool a real bonus though a bit cold when the sun wasn’t out. The football field was a great success as was the children's den in the bottom field and the blackberrying! Lots of games, jigsaws and books provided as well as the cinema room and children's playroom. Lovely, helpful owners and the house itself was immaculate. Highly recommend.
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"Excellent place for large family to enjoy."
We had a wonderful time, the grounds were beautifully kept the swimming pool, though not heated was very much appreciated in the hot weather. My family really enjoyed themselves, the pub across the road had a very good menu and the staff were very welcoming. I would certainly recommend this to my friends. The owners were very helpful and gracious.
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"We couldn't fault Townend and would highly recommend to others."
The owners were friendly and really helpful with anything we needed. The grounds of the house were stunning and really well looked after. The pool was a great addition as was the cinema room and play room which was really well equipped. There was lots of garden games in the cupboard and everything you need for kids. We had the best time.
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"A wonderful house in a very pretty village ."
The owners were very helpful and friendly.. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the pool was great for all of the family.
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"Perfect accommodation for all our family to get together."
Very deceiving from the front it is big inside, so we all were able to all have our own space. Gardens are beautiful. House has everything we could possibly need. Cinema room my husbands favourite. Dog loved the extensive gardens. Perfect location for walks although it took a few days to discover them.
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"We had a lovely time at Townend and would recommend the property"
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"You will not be disappointed with this holiday home."
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"Fantastic house with everything you need for a comfortable stay."
There are lots of stairs and steps to negotiate so be aware of anyone with any mobility issues. Cinema room was a great hit with the younger members of the family.
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"I can honestly say that this is the nicest cottage I've ever stayed in."
It is beautifully presented with an incredible amount of facilities. The owners are friendly and very helpful. I will definitely be booking again!
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"We had a great family weekend - would highly recommend Townend and the village of South Zeal was lovely"
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"Exceptional such an amazing holiday home only 1 negative thing was that we had to go home."
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"Fantastic holiday from start to finish."
The house was gorgeous, very clean, well equipped and spacious. The gardens were amazing, seemed to go on forever and beautifully cared for. We especially loved eating outdoors and going to watch a film on the cinema screen at night. It was a really relaxing holiday and just what we needed after the past 18 months.
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"From start to finish the whole booking process has been excellent."
Townend is an outstanding property the owners have thought of everything you could possibly need to have a fabulous holiday . Would highly recommend..
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"Such an amazing house and grounds in a truly beautiful setting."
And two pubs within 5 mins walk!
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"Townend was a fantastic house for our family of 11."
Ages ranging from 13 to 66. Everyone was catered for. Would definitely book again.
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"We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Townend."
We were made to feel extremely welcome by the owners. The garden was breathtaking and so big. The children had an amazing time in the pool, proper waterbabies by the end of the week. Would totally recommend Townend as a holiday accommodation.
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"Amazing house, location, gardens and owner."
Can't wait to go back again truely amazing !
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"Beautiful home and gardens - literally stunning!"
Owners Mike and Jo - couldn't have been more helpful or welcoming. So much space, yet comfy and cosy - village quiet, but as you would expect and a perfect spot for getting anywhere. Walks and scenery just beautiful. Thank you! Lisa and family x
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"Townsend is a beautiful house to stay in and so clean."
The house had everything you could want or need, the owners are lovely and so helpful. The grounds are amazing and well kept. Couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay. Can’t wait to come here again in future!
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"What a fantastic stay in Michael’s lovely home."
It was cosy, well-stocked, and warm. The AGA was a particular highlight on chilly mornings. Stunning views, friendly pubs in walking distance. Michael even received our shopping delivery and put it away as our arrival was delayed. 10/10 will return!
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"Townsend is absolutely perfect, the location, facilities, cleanliness and the owners are all first class."
I have never stayed anywhere so well equipped, the cinema room, table tennis table and the Aga were the icing on the cake. I can’t recommend highly enough. Thank you
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"Beautiful and really well maintained house with great facilities."
Massive garden/grounds and lovely rooms inside.
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"We had a wonderful family holiday in Townend that even the inclement weather did not spoil."
Townend far exceeded our expectations, it was spotlessly clean, beautiful bed linen, a kitchen with every possible piece of equipment you could wish for and more than enough crockery for twelve people! The enormous grounds were beautifully kept, beds stuffed with flowers and shrubs and apple trees laden with fruit. Clean pool, although a bit chilly and the weather drizzly, did not deter my grandchildren one bit. Sun loungers as well as plenty of smart plastic plates and glasses for dining outside. A lot of attention and extra work for the owners to prepare the house for visitors due to Covid. This property is special, very pleasant, helpful and unobtrusive owners. I highly recommend a holiday here, by far the best holiday property we have ever rented.
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"Town End is the perfect family holiday home."
We spent Christmas there and it was just perfect. The attic area was fantastic for the children exploring and playing with toys and games. There is a great cinema room with a new projector for watching movies on the large screen. There is an area for everyone in this house it’s really beautiful. We visited the local pub for carols on Christmas Eve and ate at the local hotel I would recommend both. The dogs enjoyed their walks in the gardens and up the hills behind the property where the views of the village are amazing. The owner of the property lives next door and is very helpful. The locals of South Zeal are really friendly too.
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"We get together once a year and Townend was perfect for us."
Lots of bathrooms, wonderfully equipped kitchen - with an Aga - where lots of good food was produced and lovely cinema room. It was all set in a beautifully designed and maintained garden. When we went out there were lots of walks from the door. South Zeal is a quiet village which has two good pubs and a useful shop.
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"This was our first time we have tried a family holiday in Britain and it was excellent."
The house was lovely and our hosts Joe and Michael were very welcoming. The grounds were huge and Archie our dog had a good walk without leaving the property. The children loved the house and were very disappointed when we left, the youngest didn't understand why we couldn't live there forever. My wife and I agreed with her. We will definitely book again, probably in the same venue. It brought our family closer together, which is difficult in our quite busy lives.
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"This is a perfect holiday house for extended families."
We had a wonderful time here with our grown up children and their teenage families. There was plenty of room for us to get together or find places to do our own thing. The younger ones enjoyed the games room whilst the grandparents loved the beautiful and extensive gardens. South Zeal is a pretty village with a shop and pubs, although it was necessary to travel to have days out.
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"We had a fantastic time at Townend in South Zeal."
The house gave us lots of space for 10 people. It is a good base for exploring Dartmoor and Devon. We even went into Cornwall. The owners have thought of everything even down to games. We made use of the lovely pool and surrounding land when playing cricket. I enjoyed learning how to use the Aga. The owners were very friendly and helpful too. We would definitely want to come back to Townend again. It was a great place for all the family!
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"Fantastic holiday home has everything and more and great location"
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"A wonderful property in a quaint village."
Exceptional grounds, beautiful flowers, walled garden and courtyard all lovingly cared for by the owner. There is so much to do at this property it is hard to know where to start. 3 acres of grounds means an excellent start to dog walking. We were lucky to have very good weather and spent most of our holiday in the pool. The house is very large and is decorated in a traditional cottage style with lots of great little touches to add to the ambience. The kitchen is modern with all the facilities you could want. On an evening we spent time in the cinema/games room. Our grandchild loved to play in the 'little people' room with lots of toys to amuse. Big competition on the go all week with table tennis located in the dining area. Best holiday we have ever had in the UK and cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you to Mike and Jo who made us all feel very welcome. LOVE TO BARNEY!! X
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"We had the most amazing family and friends holiday staying in this beautiful home."
The house and gardens are so thoughtfully furnished with everything a group could wish for. We all fell in love with the outside spaces , the seating areas, the pool gardens and breathtaking views. Our bedrooms and bathrooms were very comfortable and the bathrooms very modern and serviceable. The kitchen with its wonderfully warm Aga is equally welcome in the morning as it is after an evening swim. It is well equipped and equal to if not better than most. When not cooking at Townend we visited the local pubs which are a ridiculously short walk away. We sampled some very fine food and a pleasant drink. The village shop also a stones throw away is a little gem which is well stocked and also serves as a Post Office and little cafe.There is a beautiful play park nearby and a large field to run around with dogs and or children. In short, the house and it’s immediate surroundings are an absolute dream. Thank you so much to the very friendly and approachable neighbours and owners for a very homely and memorable stay. We would all love to come back one day.
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"Thoroughly enjoyed a special weekend with all the family."
As the children said it was ' Cool, including the pool!!' Weather certainly helped in enjoying the outdoor facilities. Owners on site were very helpful and responded to any queries we had. Definitely highly recommend and we are contemplating a return for the next family get together.
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"Townend is a lovely interesting house with plenty of space for a large group of friends or family."
We made particular use of the extensive kitchen and dining area where we could all enjoy each others company together.
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"We had a brilliant time at Townsend!"
We visited as an extended family of mixed ages, as well as the family dog and there was something for everyone. We had lovely weather for the most part of the week and enjoyed several games of cricket on the cricket pitch. The kitchen is a lovely area to all eat dinner and we enjoyed cooking on the aga! This is also where the table tennis table is and we had a few tournaments when the weather wasn't so good. Upstairs is a games room with a brilliant cinema screen, poole table and small play area for little people, all was very brilliant and kept us amused! The bedrooms at Townsend are beautifully decorated and spacious and the bathrooms were lovely and modern. The house is also perfectly situated for visiting the beach as well as only a few minutes drive up the road from Okehampton which is a lovely town to mooch around and has a brilliant park. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would love to return again in the future!
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"Really great property for a family gathering, beautiful village and lots of walking easily from the house."
The owners were lovely and very accommodating and helpful. We will look forward to a return visit
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"Townend has pretty much everything required from a holiday cottage."
It's very spacious, huge bedrooms and bathrooms all over the place, big garden and pool. Beautiful views of the moors of Dartmoor rising over the village and visible from every room. Excellent shop (lovely granary bread) just down the road and two excellent pubs only a short stroll away, both with friendly cats to greet us. Wonderful!!
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"We enjoyed our stay in Townend."
The house was warm and comfortable with good facilities except for the lack of large casserole dishes and a hot plate that defeated all our attempts to use it because of complicated procedures required. The Aga was fine. Townend is a good place to stay as it a short journey to many interesting places.The owner and dog were friendly and helpful. We would stay there again.
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"I didn't have to deal with helpful holidays much at at all."
... Everything was sorted smoothly with no hassle. Cottage was excellent and nothing disappointed... Amazing holiday in a beautiful location.
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"Just come back from a fantastic weeks holiday at Townend, the house had everything we wanted and more."
Our gransons loved the fact they could go upstairs to the cinema room to watch a film or play pool and then to the outside pool (which they did every day !! ). The owner Mike was on hand to help with anything as he is very approachable and accommodating. We had three families who all said that they would go back there tomorrow. Our youngest grandson cried on his first night as he wanted to stay at Townend for ever! .
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"The warm welcome."
The beautifully furnished house with all that is needed for a family holiday, rain or shine. Outdoors the pool, the football pitch, the cricket pitch, the barbecue; indoors the many games, the cinema, rowing machine etc etc. Much thought had been given to satisfy all tastes and interests. Lots of space! Brilliant!
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"Townsend exceeded expectations in terms of space, facilities and comfort."
As a base for a multi-generational holiday, I will be recommending it to friends.
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"We have been meeting as a family walking group for over 30 years."
This was a 1st trip to Dartmoor for most and exceeded everyones expectations. The holiday cottage was like an Aladdins cave. The kitchen and dining room was great for everyone to get together for a meal and there was enough room in the house to have your own space. Even the weather was perfect!!!
This property is part of the Helpful Holidays collection.
Let Helpful Holidays be in your plans for your next Holiday
Summary
- Over three floors
- Five first floor bedrooms: 3 x double (one with en suite shower room), 1 x single, 1 x twin (can convert to super king double)
- Shower room with shower, WC, basin, bathroom with bath, shower over, WC and basin, and bathroom with bath, hand held shower, WC and basin
- Top floor super king double (or twin) bedroom
- Cinema room
- Children's playroom
- Ground floor sitting room with wood burning stove
- Kitchen with dining area
- Scullery
- Snug with wood burning stove
- Downstairs WC with basin
- Hall.
- Central heating with wood burning stove.Eco-friendly biomass heating
- Microwave, fridge, freezer, washer-dryer, dishwasher, Cinema TV with DVD, Netflix, WiFi, Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Cot and highchair available on request, Off road parking for three cars
- Enclosed garden with outdoor unheated pool (8.5m x 3m x 1m)
- Two well-behaved dogs welcome, Sorry no smoking
- Pub less than 1 mile from property
- Professional catering available
- Note: Check-in time 5pm
- Note: The outdoor pool is available from late May to mid September.
The property
This welcoming Devon house is situated on the edge of the Dartmoor village of South Zeal, peacefully above the lane that leads down to the pubs and shop in the heart of the village.
Set over three floors, it is a fine roomy holiday home for families or groups of friends, with its flagstone and wood floors and traditional beams.
You have the main part (the charming owner lives discreetly in a wing with separate access).
The elegant hall leads you to the sitting room with its wood burning stove in a huge inglenook and TV with Netflix or piano for entertainment.
The large light kitchen with dining area is an excellent place for everyone to gather around the big table, which also doubles up for games of table tennis, and on sunny days the group can spread out through French windows for drinks on the terrace.
The snug with wood burning stove and TV is a cosy room which also has French windows to the garden.
Wide stairs curve from the hall up to five bedrooms, with one ensuite, and two more bath / shower rooms.
(please take care with the characterful, but uneven floors).
On the top floor is the perfect family entertainment space in the shape of a vast cinema room with TV, mini snooker, table football, rowing machine and tiny little door into a playroom for little people, plus another double bedroom.
We defy anyone to be bored in this amazing house!
The outside is pretty special too, with a seasonal outdoor unheated swimming pool and three acres of gardens to explore with sun terrace with barbecue, as well as a field and orchard for running and playing ball games.
If you feel like seeking entertainment beyond the house, head out to the four friendly inns within a mile, or put on your boots and explore the wilds of Dartmoor, or maybe head to town or city amenities in Exeter or Okehampton.
Townend is an excellent base for exploring Devon.
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.
About the location
SOUTH ZEAL
Okehampton 4.6 miles; Exeter 19.3 miles.
Situated on the very northern edge of the Dartmoor National Park, South Zeal is a lovely small village offering an excellent base for walkers. Some of the wildest parts of the moors lie within easy walking distance, while the larger town of Okehampton is just under five miles away. South Zeal is home to two pubs and a village shop, offering all the essentials for a self-catered stay. Nearby attractions include the National Trust's Castle Drogo, Stone Lane Gardens, The Miniature Pony Centre, Okehampton Castle and the Beck Falls Ancient Woodland Park.
Note: The outdoor pool is available from late May to mid September.
Note: Please take care with the characterful, but uneven floors.
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter