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The Reading Rooms

Barnstaple, Devon
original cottages logo

This property is managed by Original Cottages info_outline

Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 1
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Romantic
Internet access
Hot Tub
EV Charging
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bathroom
Pub nearby
12 more

At a glance

  • A uniquely renovated Devon escape, complete with a stunning blend of original features and contemporary style
  • Relax in your own private hot tub after a day of adventures across North Devon
  • Within easy reach of a multitude of award winning Devon beaches including Woolacombe, Saunton Sands and Westward Ho!
Property code: OC-R27873

Located in the quaint village of Bishop’s Tawton on the outskirts of Barnstaple, this unique property offers a tranquil escape within easy reach of North Devon coast and countryside. Originally built in the 1800s, it’s been lovingly renovated with exquisite attention to detail to offer the highest standards of style and comfort. With stunning open-plan living spaces, flexible sleeping arrangements, a rear terrace with far-reaching country views, and a hot tub, this dog-friendly property is ideal families and groups of friends.

The open-plan living space has an instant wow factor. With high ceilings, large windows and skylights, a mezzanine level and a relaxed contemporary style, it’s the perfect space for socialising, entertaining, and chilling out. The contemporary, country-style kitchen has everything you need to prepare delicious meals, before gathering around the elegant dining table to wine, dine and relive the best moments of your holiday. Alternatively make the most of warm weather and fire up the BBQ before dining on the rear terrace and drinking in those views. Spend relaxing evenings curled up with a book in the reading nook on the mezzanine level, stargazing on the terrace, or watching a film in the lounge. Then unwind in the hot tub before getting cosy under the covers in the two comfortable bedrooms. The king-size bedroom has access to the terrace and an en-suite shower room; the second bedroom has a super-king-size zip-and-link bed that can be made up as a twin. A family bathroom completes the accommodation.

Take advantage of the numerous walking and cycling trails from the village, or walk sections of the Tarka Trail, a 180-mile, figure-of-eight loop that traverses North Devon. The trail passes through the picturesque village of Instow (10.5 miles) at the confluence of the rivers Taw and Torridge with a gorgeous waterfront and sandy beaches. To ride the waves, head to the surfing favourite of Westwood Ho! (11 miles).

  • 2 bedrooms - 1 king-size, 1 super-king zip-and-link (can be made into two singles upon request)
  • 2 bathrooms - 1 bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC, 1 en-suite shower room with shower and WC
  • Electric oven and induction hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and coffee machine
  • Smart TV in lounge
  • Enclosed rear terrace with outdoor seating and charcoal BBQ Private hot tub
  • Private off-road parking for 4 cars
  • Pub 100 metres, shop 1.5 miles, beach 10 miles
  • Electric vehicle charging on site
  • Arrival: 15:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 1 dog allowed. Additional charges may apply

Alice Holt

This property is personally managed by Alice.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 25 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 stars4.9
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 stars4.9
Overall location
Overall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 stars4.6

Reviewed by Kim 11th November 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely house, very comfortable and well equipped. House is within 30-40 minute drive to several holiday towns. Local pub 2 minutes walk away which serves great food

Reviewed by Verity 23rd September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Probably the nicest accommodation Ive ever booked, beautiful property with everything you could need. Amazing hot tub and a car charge point on site! Would definitely recommend

Reviewed by A 16th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Our week at the Reading Rooms was a real treat! Its a lovely old impressive building, check out the inscription in the stone windowsill outside and read the history kindly provided by the friendly helpful owners. The cottage was spotlessly clean and has high ceilings and large windows that flood the living space with daylight. Furnished with 2 qualRead moreity comfy three seater sofas, a large dining table seating 6 to allow all the family to eat together and has a very well equipped kitchen including a washer/dryer, dishwasher, vacuum, iron and board and even a blender! We really appreciated all the little extras provided for our comfort that are not always found in holiday properties.tea, coffee, sugar, condiments, washing up liquid and tablets for the dishwasher, cleaning liquids, kitchen roll, foil, bin bags, extra toilet rolls, hand wash, plants and a pretty vase of flowers on the table on arrival. Tucked away over the kitchen is the mezzanine reached by a dog leg staircase thoughtfully protected by a baby gate. Up there we found a selection of books to while away a peaceful hour or two. The super-king and king size beds were extremely comfortable so a good nights rest was had by all. We enjoyed sunny afternoons on the decking, the most gorgeous of sunsets and late nights in the hot tub star gazing. We found this was great base for visiting Bude, Woolacombe, Clovelly, Croyde and enjoyed the scenery on Exmoor on the way to Lynmouth. And finally .we have to recommend the pub the Chichester a couple of hundred yards away; the staff made us so very welcome with the dog and pushchair and serve the most amazing Sunday lunch. Cannot wait for a return visit and would certainly recommend. Hide

Reviewed by Richard 9th September 2024

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Property is exactly as described.

Reviewed by Sam 1st September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A beautiful spacious, clean & well equipped property. Owners were very helpful with a small issue we had & communication was excellent from beginning to the end of our stay.

Reviewed by Robert 20th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a fantastic stay at the Reading Rooms. Great getaway for exploring north Devon. The house has a lovely open plan layout and worked great for us as a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 young children), with the bedrooms set up as a large double and twin. Excellent decked area to the rear with plenty of seating options and a hot tub! Being in Bishops TRead moreawton, Barnstaple is under 10mins away by car and has all the shops you need for supplies (large Aldi / Sainsburys / Tesco). Off road parking for 2 cars is helpful and a nice pub (Chichester Arms) 2 mins walk down the road. Easy to get in to Barnstaple by bus if needed as there is a stop just down the road, made a fun afternoon with the kids to go take a walk round the Pannier Market. Within easy reach of lots of nice beaches we chose to explore Westward Ho! and Woolacombe which the kids loved, being expansive soft sand. Instow and Bideford were nice little towns which both had options for breakfast (Bideford also has a great kids park and paddling pool). We also had a trip to Watermouth Castle which has a younger kids theme park in the grounds, both ours loved it. Would highly recommend the Reading Rooms for anyone looking for a well maintained, convenient and unique property for exploring the picturesque north Devon coast. Hide

Reviewed by Laura 14th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

What a wonderful week we've had staying in The Reading Rooms! The main living area is so vast and bright, it was a pleasure to sit in, and in the evenings there were so many lovely lighting options. The bedrooms were comfortable and spacious, and the kitchen had all the amenities we needed. The driveway outside is very helpful as the road itself waRead mores full of cars, so we never had to worry about finding a space, and the garden area was nice and private. We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again! Hide

Reviewed by Sharon 8th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Absolutely great stay. Lovely home from home feel, fantastic garden to sit and look at the view, then there's the hot tub... so relaxing. It's a great location, close enough to drive to lovely beaches. The pub is a hop skip and a jump away and does fantastic for, their Sunday Lunches are something to behold, go hungry or you won't have room. Can't Read morewait to go back here again Hide

Reviewed by Martin 25th June 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The Reading Rooms were of an exceptionally high standard, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in a lovely location.

Reviewed by Ian 17th June 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

The first thing you notice is the property is probably the most distinctive building in the street! The off road parking was essential as the narrow road had cars parked all along the one side. Inside was lovely, comfortable, and clean. There's a dog bed, treats and towel. The cookies, milk, sugar and tea was most welcome after our 4 and halfRead more hours drive. The secure enclosured back was a sun trap, and our dog loved it, sitting out all evening as it was so peaceful. The hot tub was brilliant, hot and easy to use, we used it every evening. The bbq was handy and used twice. Location was great for visiting local beaches and locations. Lovely to meet the owner and great to learn the history of the building. Hide

Reviewed by Paul 3rd June 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Beverley 25th May 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Elizabeth 8th May 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Really lovely, well presented, comfortable and charming accommodation with a huge number of lighting options to suit each mood. Gorgeous windows, relaxing character and very clean. Suited us perfectly.

Reviewed by Kes 23rd April 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a wonderful holiday at The Reading Rooms with our two children, it is a beautiful place. Well equipped, comfortable beds and the hot tub is a big bonus! It was a wet week when we stayed but still lots to do in the area and a great location for visiting beaches and the brilliant Exmoor Zoo. We hope to be back!

Reviewed by Louise 8th April 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Beautiful cottage We had an amazing time thank you

Reviewed by Zoe 18th February 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A fabulous stay at the "Reading Rooms" the place had everything you could want. Would highly recommend it to anyone .

Reviewed by Ana 23rd January 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

My boyfriend and I spent a week in this beautiful cottage and can highly recommend it! The communication with the owners was smooth and uncomplicated. The rooms are very spacious, especially with the high ceilings. Everything is well thought out, making you feel right at home: the kitchen is equipped with every utensil, there's a music box for direRead morect connection, very comfortable beds, even a Smart TV, and our absolute highlight, the hot tub after long, chilly January walks. The cottage's name, "the Reading Rooms," lives up to its promise; we enjoyed reading books there in a relaxed atmosphere. The location is excellent for trips to the beach or further afield. Many thanks to the fantastic owners of this wonderful cottage, our holidays couldnt have been better. Hide

Reviewed by Susan 31st December 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Absolutely lovely property. Very comfortable, tasteful decor . Equipped with everything you need for your stay . Hot tub added that extra bit of luxury . Dog friendly which was a must for us. Local pub / restaurant within 2minutes walking distance. Which was lovely . Would highly recommend this property.

Reviewed by Sharon 24th December 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Everything you need on one beautiful, luxurious place. Loved it

Reviewed by Craig 27th November 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Claire 3rd November 2023

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Lovely house in a great location, we had everything we needed for our stay. The off street parking was a massive benefit, the hot tub was well maintained and a pleasure to use. Owners were very helpful and welcoming and the local pub is well worth a visit for the food!

Reviewed by Simon 22nd October 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Steven 7th October 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a very enjoyable stay at the reading rooms, the property is very well maintained and presented it is in a good central location. The garden is all enclosed ideal for dogs, we also enjoyed using the hot tub.

Reviewed by Roberta 25th September 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Jane 18th September 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Beautiful inside and out ! Stayed in many properties this is one of the most comfortable I have ever experienced. Great nights sleep ,relaxing lounge area . So much room through out this property outside too with hot tub and plenty of choice to sit and eat or drink . We love the open plan living great for socialising . I would definitely recommeRead morend this property to family and friends Thank you Hide

23 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Marsdens Devon Cottages is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Marsdens Devon Cottages | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.