Originally commissioned for its commanding ocean views, this former coastguard cottage sits at the end of a pretty cliff-top terrace with the Atlantic on one side and Ilfracombe Golf Club on the other. Half a mile away, Hele Bay has been popular with visitors since Victorian times; walk there via the South West Coast Path and you can explore rock pools and smugglers’ caves, swim and try some water sports, and refuel at the friendly village pub. You’ll find more inns and eateries in Ilfracombe – known as the culinary and cultural hub of North Devon, the town is famous for its iconic Landmark Theatre and Damien Hirst’s harbour-side statue ‘Verity’. Head east along the coastal path instead and Watermouth (1 mile) is home to a characterful converted-boat café. Further on, Combe Martin (3.5 miles) borders the Exmoor National Park, and the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth (16.5 miles) are linked by a fabulous water-powered funicular railway.
Stroll through well-tended gardens to the front door; once inside, the sitting room is the epitome of elegance – with a high ceiling and a window at each end, it features a choice of comfortable seating arranged before a Smart TV. High-speed Starlink internet will keep you connected to the outside world, but if you’d prefer to switch off completely simply gaze out of the window and let the sea views soothe. At the rear of the house, the farmhouse-style kitchen has all the essentials for fuss-free self-catering and is complemented by an external utility room where you’ll find an additional fridge, freezer, and laundry equipment. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room has dual-aspect windows and elbow space for all to linger as meals are savoured and plans are made. When it’s time to sleep, a sleek shower room on the first floor serves three dreamy bedrooms, each beautifully furnished and dressed with luxury linens. In the first, the zip-and-link bed can be made up as either a super-king-size or twins, and boasts a quirky headboard with bespoke lighting. Another striking headboard steals the scene in the second bedroom – which has a king-size bed – while bespoke twin beds optimise the space in the third bedroom.
Designed on several levels to make the most of its stunning views, the terraced garden is expansive and makes a fabulous extension to your living space with a choice of peaceful seating and al fresco dining areas. A quaint cooking shelter houses both a BBQ and a pizza oven, there’s a fire pit to keep you warm while stargazing and, for the ultimate in laid-back luxury, a hot tub is perfectly positioned nearby. Lockable storage, a hose and a weatherproof charging facility for e-bikes provides peace-of-mind for those planning to explore on two wheels, while off-road parking for two cars means all can unpack and explore at leisure.