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Swallow Barn At The Retreat

Higher Clovelly, near Bideford, Devon
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 3
4 star
Apartment
Waterside Views
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Towels included
Family friendly
Internet access
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Beach within easy reach
Complex
Cot available
Country houses
13 more

At a glance

  • Relax in the garden overlooking the surrounding countryside
  • Ideally located for touring the whole of North Devon and Cornwall
  • Explore the South West Coast Path ideal for walking
Property code: OC-SWABR

This comfortable ground-floor apartment is one of three barn conversion properties on a smallholding, set in rural peace near the North Devon coast and within 3 miles of picturesque Clovelly harbour village. The cute resident goats and lambs, always fascinating for younger guests to meet, live in an adjoining paddock, and the enclosed garden is a great place to enjoy sunny lunches while children and dogs can run free. Nearby seaside towns and inspiring coastal walking provide a traditional seaside break.

The property is all on one level with a step up to access the front door via the decked seating area. Inside, the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner has stone-flagged flooring throughout, and lots of space for family time together, with leather sofas for lounging while you watch a favourite DVD. Fresh produce available locally includes fabulous fish and artisan sausages, and it’s easy to create delicious family meals in your well-equipped kitchen. There is a separate utility cupboard with washing machine. Overall, it’s a calm and cosy haven, with interesting artworks, cottage-style fabrics and natural wood furnishings. Outside in the garden, as well as the front decked seating area, an additional picnic table with a charcoal BBQ is shared with one other property.

The South West Coast Path here runs along the Hartland Heritage Coast area, and the walking routes have fantastic scenery. Clovelly, a quintessentially quaint seaside haven, has narrow, cobbled lanes, a beach, and a choice of pubs, shops and cafes. A 16-mile drive through the scenic coastal area brings you to bustling Bude with its golden beach and tidal pool. Pleasant local countryside strolls start from your door, so relax into your pastoral idyll.

  • Two bedrooms – 1 king-size and 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with shower over the bath and WC
  • Hob, oven, extractor, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher
  • Off-road parking available
  • Smart TV in lounge
  • Shared dog exercising paddock
  • Complex of properties
  • Pub 2 miles, shop 2 miles and beach 3 miles
  • Arrival: 15:30 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 3 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Carly Hookway

This property is personally managed by Carly.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 20 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 stars4.9
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 stars4.8
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 stars4.6
Overall location
Overall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 stars4.7

Reviewed by Carl 2nd June 2026

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

We had a lovely stay in swallow barn, spotlessly clean, quality fixtures and fittings, very comfortable. Dog friendly, enclosed paddocks are great for dogs to run around. The owners are lovely too, very friendly and helpful. You do need to drive to the beach, but thats reflected in the price I think. Would recommend

Reviewed by Paul 24th December 2025

Guest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 stars

Be aware noisy boiler outside main bedroom door and NO sound proofing from upstairs. Response from holidaycottages.co.uk: Thank you for your review. We can confirm that we will discuss this with the owner.

Reviewed by Vanessa 4th October 2025

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

Swallow Barn at The Retreat is in a lovely setting. It was cosy, comfortable and well equipped; the owners thoughtfully supplying games in case of inclement weather...thankfully not needed. The paddock area for the dogs was large enough for our 3 dogs to have a bit of a roam and was secure and well maintained. A highlight was looking out and watchiRead moreng the cows and pheasant in the adjoining fields. I have no hesitation in recommending Swallow Barn for a comfortable place to stay. Hide

Reviewed by Martin 30th August 2025

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

The cottage and it's location is perfect, the only thing not great is the exit from the property which can be dangerous.

Reviewed by Jawahir 16th August 2025

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

Thank you for a wonderful holiday. Our cottage was perfect: well equipped and with wonderful views of the seas and countryside. The location was ideal as we were very close to Westward Ho as well as Clovelly and some great eating spots. Thanks you so much Lesley for making our stay one to remember.

Reviewed by Nicola 19th July 2025

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

We had a most enjoyable week staying in Swallow Cottage, with our grandson. There was everything we needed to cook simple meals and the washing machine and dryer were very useful. The cottage was lovely and clean and the beds comfortable. Everything was as described and we weren't disappointed with anything. There was plenty of space outside for MaRead morex to play in. We were spoilt for choice when it came to beaches and places to visit. Hide

Reviewed by Rod 2nd July 2025

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

We had a very enjoyable three night stay at the Swallow Barn at the Retreat. The owners Carl and Lesley went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable in the accommodation. This was the first holiday for our puppy Ozzy, and all of us enjoyed the secure paddock area where he could run around off the lead for the first time in particulRead morear with Buddy the onsite collie. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend the Retreat to anyone wishing to explore that area of North Devon Hide

Reviewed by Susan 14th June 2025

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

Reviewed by Julie 7th June 2025

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

Swallow Barn is a delightful cottage, spotlessly clean, well equipped and very comfortable. It is in the perfect location for exploring the Hartland peninsula and further afield. We enjoyed many good coastal path walks that are within a short drive of the barn. Carl and Leslie are friendly, knowledgeable hosts who want to ensure that guests enjoy tRead moreheir stay. Would highly recommend. Hide

Reviewed by Dean 17th May 2025

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

A very nice welcoming property that has everything you need and is in a great location. Friendly and helpful owners, highly recommended

Reviewed by Deborah 20th April 2025

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

Comfortable, well equipped and nicely furnished cottage, in a great location for the many coastal walks and sights to see within a short drive, with lovely views across the fields. The dog paddock was a really useful facility to have. Lesley was friendly, helpful and keen to ensure we had a good holiday.

Reviewed by Stewart 12th November 2024

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

No issues

Reviewed by Denise 1st October 2024

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

Lesley and Carl are lovely people and so helpful. The cottage was beautifully clean comfortable and had everything needed for an enjoyable stay. Very warm and cosy. The dog field was an added bonus. Couldn't fault it in any way wouldn't hesitate to stay again Thankyou Lesley and Carl xxxxxx

Reviewed by Andrew 14th September 2024

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

A lovely holiday apartment with everything you could need. Very clean and welcoming. Owners very friendly and helpful. Good attention to detail throughout making a very enjoyable stay. Outside space very well maintained and inviting. Secure field especially great for dogs. A great location to visit local places of interest.

Reviewed by Nigel 24th August 2024

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

The Retreat was the best holiday cottage we have ever stayed in clean & well equipped the grounds were well maintained with good off road parking & Charlie our cocker spaniel loved a good run around the fully secure dog field. Thanks to the owners a relaxing week away was just what we needed.

Reviewed by Jane 28th July 2024

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

Reviewed by Kate 22nd July 2024

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

We had the best time staying in Swallow Barn again this year. Lesley and Carl are charming and fantastic hosts; they really care that you enjoy your stay. The accommodation is beautifully clean, comfortable and everything provided is high quality. The lovely personal touches helped to make it a real home away from home for our family during our staRead morey - would highly recommend. Hide

Reviewed by Natalie 29th June 2024

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

Wonderful week in Swallow Barn. Lovely cosy accommodation, fantastic location and views! The owners were so friendly and approachable and maintained the property beautifully. The dog paddock was great for our two dogs and was so secure! Would definitely recommend this holiday to friends. Thank you Carl and Lesley x

Reviewed by Jane 22nd June 2024

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

Lesley & Carl were wonderful hosts & very hospitable! Swallow Barn was very comfy, especially the reclining chairs & sofa. Nice spacious rooms, lovely white bath sheets & hand towels as well as slippers if we wanted them. Loved the pitch & put & the dog garden area & lovely views!

Reviewed by Rowena 8th June 2024

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

We spent a lovely week in Swallows Barn. The accommodation was perfect for our needs. Modern and clean. Very quiet, just the sound of birds. Lovely views to the back. We had no difficulty getting around while we were there however those who dont want to be driving too much during their holiday might find it a bit far out. Other than that I cant thiRead morenk of any other problems and would highly recommend it. Hide

18 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.

2 more properties at this location

House Martin At The Retreat

House Martin At The Retreat

Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2

£477 - £1,495

Owl Barn At The Retreat

Owl Barn At The Retreat

Sleeps: 8 | Bedrooms: 4

£895 - £2,892

To arrange group bookings across one or more of these properties, call our team to check availability and book.

Marsdens Devon Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | 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.