Oakleigh View is a light and bright contemporary cottage sleeping four, settled in the rural village of Payhembury in idyllic East Devon countryside.
Renovated to a high standard and enjoying a peaceful countryside setting in the grounds of the owners’ home, the cottage offers comfortable ground floor accommodation, and peace of mind when holidaying with those less mobile.
Oakleigh View makes a perfect base for a staycation for four in Devon. Once inside, you will find a spacious open plan living space with cosy wood burning stove. All the furnishings have been carefully chosen with your comfort and relaxation in mind. Refuel in the well-equipped kitchen and dining area and, in warmer months, make the most of your peaceful countryside setting and venture out onto the terrace and enclosed garden for an al fresco barbecue. With WiFi, underfloor heating, two TVs and parking for two cars, there is no need to miss out on your home comforts here - this gorgeous cottage will charm you from the beginning to the end of your stay.
There are two bedrooms, one with a sumptuous king size bed, and the other with two 3' zip and link beds (can be configured as twins or a superking). Each are serviced by an en suite contemporary shower room.
The Six Bells Inn makes the perfect spot for a meal away from your holiday home with it offering classic pub food and local ales, whilst the local convenience store stocks all of the essential ingredients for those who would prefer to whip up delicious dishes. Both are within 14 minutes' walk.
Nearby Ottery Saint Mary boasts a wider variety of amenities, with a bustling high street lined with pubs, restaurants and cafes promising to cater to all tastes and budgets. Honiton has an attractive High Street stretching almost 2 miles, and is lined with individually owned shops, pubs and restaurants.
Whilst you're in the area, be sure to visit the historical city of Exeter, where you can marvel at the remarkable Gothic architecture of Exeter Cathedral or take a step back in time with a tour of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery.
For a change of scenery, immerse yourself in the great outdoors of the Blackdown Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where a countless network of trails lead through woodland, farmland and vast open moorland.
The south coast is within easy reach, where lazy afternoons can be spent lounging on the sands of Sidmouth or Budleigh Salterton, whilst there's plenty to see and do in the bustling town of Exmouth.
With miles of rolling countryside and craggy coastline accessible from your doorstep, there's no better place to explore Devon than Oakleigh View.
"Great accommodation. Well stocked with kitchen equipment. Rooms great size. Bed's really comfy. Lounge area lovely. Huge TV. Nice dining area. Outside dining also. Great safe area for dogs. Owner very friendly. Welcome hamper great produce and lovely eggs from the chickens. Barbecue and charcoal a bonus."
"Most enjoyable Stay. Almost all facilities present and we were welcomed with a substantial Food Hamper. Nice surprise!"
LOCAL INFORMATION
PAYHEMBURY
Payhembury is a rural village with a pub, shop, tennis courts, playground and even a phone box library. Nearby is Hembury Fort, an important historical site, being one of the most impressive Iron Age hill forts. It lies in the valley of the River Otter and is surrounded by rolling Devon hills, green wooded valleys and plenty of scattered farming villages.
The nearest shop is Payhembury Provisions, your local community shop in Payhembury, 12 minutes' walk away. It is open from 8am - 7pm on weekedays, and 8am - 12/1pm at weekends.
FOOD AND DRINK
Six Bells Inn, Payhembury (0.7 miles, 14 minutes’ walk).
The Talaton Inn, Talaton (2 miles, 6 minutes’ drive).
The Drewe Arms (3 miles, 9 minutes’ drive), a quintessential English country pub in the beautiful thatched village of Broadhembury.
The Greyhound Country Inn (4 miles, 11 minutes’ drive).
The Honiton Inn, Awliscombe (4.6 miles, 11 minutes’ drive).
The Otter Inn in Weston (6 miles, 14 minutes’ drive). This pub has a lovely garden next to the River Otter, where the kids can paddle and look at the ducks. The food is good pub food. It's best to book in advance.
Deer Park Hotel, Buckerell village (6 miles, 17 minutes’ drive).
Combe House in Gittisham (6 miles, 18 minutes’ drive). A grand Gothic mansion, this is the place for adults to go for a special night out. Locally sourced food, beautifully cooked.
Jack in the Green in Rockbeare (7 miles, 16 minutes’ drive). Winning the Taste of the West awards in 2009, and serving their ‘taste of Devon’ speciality menu you can sample pork reared at nearby Kenniford farm and the restaurant’s own air-dried Coppa ham.
The Hare and Hounds, Sidbury (7 miles, 18 minutes' drive). This pub does a great carvery and an outside children's play area. Please book in advance as it gets busy.
HONITON
You will find plenty of great places to eat and drink in Honiton itself (6.5 miles, 15 minutes’ drive), including The Railway Inn which has won Best Freehouse in the South West in the Great British Pub Awards and The Holt, previous winner of the Taste of the West Gastro Pub in the South West as well as Devon. The Birds Nest is a Chinese restaurant with a lively atmosphere (please book in advance). The Raj is a well-established Indian restaurant which is always buzizng. You will also receive a wonderful West Country welcome in Honiton’s numerous cafes and tearooms.
ICE CREAMS/CREAM TEAS
Time for an ice cream? You will find an award-winning range of farmhouse ice creams, sorbets and frozen yoghurts for sale at Otter Valley Ice Cream & Field Kitchen, Monkton, Honiton EX14 9QN (9 miles) and Honiton Dairy on Honiton’s High Street.
The Old Bakery (National Trust) in Branscombe (14 miles) – Enjoy a home cooked lunch or a cream tea in the last traditional bakery to be used in Devon.
SHOPPING
The nearest shop is Payhembury Provisions (12 minutes' walk away). It is open from 8am - 7pm on weekedays, and 8am - 12/1pm at weekends.
Feniton village (2.5 miles, 9 minutes’ drive) has a train service (Waterloo-Exeter), pub, shops and post office.
Honiton (6.5 miles, 15 minutes’ drive) enjoys a superb selection of local shops. It has an independent butchers, bakers, a greengrocer and fishmonger in the high street, and a Tesco on the Sidmouth road.
VILLAGES, TOWNS & CITIES
OTTERY ST MARY (5 miles), birthplace of the romantic poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1772 – 1834, is one of the oldest and most historic towns in East Devon.
HONITON (6.5 miles) historic town earned a world famous reputation for lace making. Now a major centre for the antiques trade, there are over 30 shops devoted to furniture, art and second hand books. There are events throughout the year in Honiton.
SIDMOUTH lovely seaside town (11 miles). The Sidmouth Folk Festival each August is one of the biggest in Europe.
BRANSCOMBE (14 miles), is one of Britain’s most picturesque villages, with miles of tranquil walking through woodland, farmland and beach.
BEER (15 miles) is a picture-postcard village with a shingle beach. Attractions include Pecorama, a lovely day out for all railway enthusiasts, and Beer Quarry Caves.
SEATON seaside town (16 miles). Attractions include Seaton Tramway and the Seaton Labyrinth.
COLYTON (14 miles) is a historic medieval town. The Seaton Tramway runs to Colyton and the quarterly Country Market is now established as one of the biggest outdoor local food markets in the South West.
TOPSHAM (15 miles) attractions include the Topsham to Turf Ferry and Topsham Museum. Topsham boasts quaint narrow streets, old cottages, tea rooms, specialist antique shops and some stunning views over the River Exe.
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON (14 miles) lies at the foot of the Otter Valley where the River Otter flows into the sea and has a 2 mile long pebble beach. Otterton Mill (6.7 miles) is an an award-winning historic working watermill nearby.
AXMOUTH (18 miles) has a beautiful busy harbour with many moorings.
AXMINSTER (19 miles) is very much linked to the carpet industry. The celebrity chef and TV presenter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has converted an old inn of the town into the River Cottage Deli and Canteen.
EXMOUTH (16 miles) is one of England’s oldest holiday resorts with a 2 mile long sandy beach and Promenade. Stuart Line operate cruises from Exmouth Marina along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site.
EXETER (15 miles) is a lively city with a magnificent Cathedral, Castle, historic quayside area with artisan shops and cafes including Mol’s Coffee House. There are guided tours of the maze of the city’s Underground Passages and a wealth of bars, shops and restaurants. Other attractions include St Nicholas’ Priory and the Royal Albert Museum & Art Gallery. There are also some fabulous walks along the banks of the river, including one from Exeter to the coast at Exmouth.
LYME REGIS (22 miles) attractions include the Museums, Historic Cobb and Harbour and Fossil Hunting.
WALKS/NATURE RESERVES/COUNTRY PARKS
Escot Country Park, Ottery St Mary (4 miles) is a fabulous wildlife visitor attraction for the whole family with woodland fun, mazes, birds of prey and otters.
RSPB Aylesbeare Common (9 miles), west of Venn Ottery village, is the RSPB part of the Venn Ottery Nature Reserve owned by the Devon Wildlife Trust. It is part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, a nationally important lowland heath area and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Seaton Marshes Nature Reserve stretches from the estuary at Axmouth to the village of Colyford (approximately 14 miles) – There are 3 Local Nature Reserves: Seaton Marshes, Colyford Common and Black Hole Marsh.
The South West Coast Path from Exmouth to Lyme Regis gives walkers on clear bright days some of the most stunning views in England. The South West Coast Path passes through Devon’s Jurassic Coast and you are able to pick this up at most of the beaches along the East Coast in either direction. Each of the long distance walks can be done in shorter sections, and are well served by public transport links. The path also passes through the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are many walks to enjoy around Sidmouth (12 miles away) including a walk from Sidmouth to Seaton. From Budleigh Salterton (16 miles), the coastal path will take you up and over to Exmouth, and the Geoneedle which marks the start of the World Heritage Site. At this point the rocks are of the Triassic period, being some 250 million years old. Other walks include a walk from Seaton to Beer, Beer to Branscombe Mouth, taking in the Hooken Undercliff (between Beer and Branscombe), and through Branscombe (12 miles away).
The Blackdown Hills nearby form a tranquil, beautiful, and relatively isolated landscape on the Devon and Somerset border. Steep ridges, high plateaux, valleys and springs create a stunning mosaic of countryside dotted with farms, villages and ancient features.
The Exmouth Local Nature Reserve, Exmouth (16 miles) is one of the biggest in England and is visited by thousands of migratory wildfowl and birds during the winter months.
Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, Budleigh Salterton (14 miles).
The historic quayside in Exeter (15 miles) is a ten-minute walk from the Cathedral and is the ideal place to try an irresistible Devon cream tea. Take a leisurely stroll along the river Exe, or for a longer walk head to the Double Locks pub for lunch. Exeter shipping canal is one of the oldest in the country, and the Double Locks are the longest, housing two ships at a time. There are also plenty of other activities to get involved in, from rafting or hiring a pedalo, to canoeing or cycling from this very point.
Haldon Forest, Bullers Hill, Kennford (22 miles) have great walking and cycling trails, as well as a Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure.
A thirty minute drive will take you to the high moorland of Dartmoor National Park. From here there are various walking trails with spectacular views over to the coast. Explore ancients ruins, climb to the top of Hay Tor and walk amongst the wild moorland ponies. There are excellent things to do on Dartmoor – Fingle Bridge, Postbridge, Ashburton and Oakhampton are all great places to start various circular walks.
ACTIVITIES
Fossil hunting from Lyme Regis (22 miles) and Charmouth beaches.
Land Rover Experience West Country, Wessington Farm, Awliscombe, Honiton (5 miles). Off-road 4X4 driving and quad biking on a 140 acre site.
Skirmish Paintball & Laser Games, Exeter (14 miles). 120 acres, 18 theme arenas, all ages and group sizes welcome.
Quad World, Exeter (7 miles). Various size quad bikes suitable for all ages and experience.
WATER SPORTS
Jurassic Coast Diving, Exmouth (16 miles) offer diving and snorkelling lessons for 8+ years.
Exe Wake in Exmouth (16 miles) is Devon’s leading centre for wakeboarding and waterskiing.
Edge Water Sports in Exmouth (16 miles) offer kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, power kites and kayaking lessons and equipment to hire or buy.
Sailing with Sailexmouth from Exmouth (16 miles).
Canoe & Kayak hire from Saddles & Paddles at Exeter Quay (15 miles).
CYCLING
You can take cycle one of the many routes through and around Exeter. Parking at the Quay in Exeter (15 miles) will allow you to join the Exe Estuary trail linking Exeter to the coast at Dawlish and Exmouth. Bikes can also be hired here from Saddles and Paddles along the quayside.
Haldon Forest Park (22 miles), near Exeter, has purpose built trails for all cycling abilities.
HORSE RIDING
If you would like to take a hack or riding lesson, there are a number of very good riding schools nearby.
For a hack up over Woodbury Common with views down to the sea, visit the stables at Budleigh Salterton Riding School (14.5 miles).
Join a hack from Sidmouth Riding and climb the steep hill up to the woods at East Hill for a spectacular view over the Otter Valley and the coastline at Sidmouth.
Devenish Pitt near Honiton offers hacks through the local countryside and pretty villages nearby.
Heatherways Stables, Budleigh Salterton offer lessons for all ages and hacking on Woodbury Common.
Hitts Barton Eqestrian, Whimple offer lessons and hacks. Indoor and outdoor arenas. Good friendly atmosphere.
There are also a number of stables dotted throughout Dartmoor with Eastlake Stables at Oakhampton and Shilstone Rock at Widecombe-on-the-Moor being just two to offer both group and individual riding at all levels.
FISHING
Squabmoor, Exmouth offer coarse fishing for carp, bream, tench, bream, roach, rudd, crucian carp, els. Open all year 24 hours a day.
Mackerel fishing trips run regularly in the summer months from Beer beach (15 miles). From here you can also hire your own boat to explore the bay.
Upham Farm Ponds in Faringdon (10.5 miles) is a coarse fishery with six well stocked spring fed ponds and an excellent national reputation for providing superb carp and tench fishing.
GOLF
Honiton Golf Club, Honiton (8 miles).
East Devon Golf Club is situated on the cliff top above Budleigh Salterton (16 miles).
Woodbury Park Golf & Leisure Club (11 miles).
Sidmouth Golf Club, Cotmaton Road, Sidmouth (11.5 miles).
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth (13 miles). This charity has been providing a home to rescued donkeys from around the world for forty years. Entry is free, and with a lovely café and gift shop it is well worth a visit. This charity does, however, rely on your donations to carry on its good work. This is a holiday with a difference – a chance for you to have close contact with the donkeys in glorious settings – you can groom, cuddle or just sit and watch the donkeys.
Crealy Adventure Park, Sidmouth Road, Exeter (11.5 miles) – Roller coasters, drop slides and water flumes plus lots more.
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Salcombe Hill Road, Sidmouth (13.5 miles).
Loughwood Meeting House (National Trust), Dalwood (17 miles).
World of Country Life, West Down Lane, Exmouth (16 miles). An all-weather family attraction including facilities such as playgrounds, trampolines and restaurant.
CASTLES, HOUSES & GARDENS
Burrow Farm Gardens, Dalwood (14 miles).
Shute Barton (National Trust), Shute, Axminster (17 miles).
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Bicton, East Budleigh Salterton (13 miles) includes historic glasshouses, a countryside museum, the Bicton Woodland Railway train ride, nature trail, maze, mini golf, indoor and outdoor children’s play complexes, restaurant and shop.
A La Ronde 18th-century house (National Trust), Summer Lane, Exmouth (14 miles).
Killerton House and Gardens (National Trust), Broadclyst, Exeter (9 miles).
Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter (20 miles).
Forde Abbey and Gardens, Chard, Somerset (25 miles).
EVENTS
JANUARY
Christmas at Killerton, Killerton House (9 miles). Brothers Grimm themed programme of festive events.
Stuart Line Cruises : Festive Special Trips, Exmouth (16 miles).
MARCH
Stick Man Trail, Haldon Forest, Kennford (22 miles).
APRIL
Family Fun at Crealy Adventure Park (12 miles).
Easter Weekend at The World of Country Life, Exmouth (16 miles). Minions, egg trail, crafts and more.
Cadbury Egg Hunt, Killerton (National Trust), Broadclyst, Exeter (9 miles).
Cadbury Egg Hunt, A La Ronde (National Trust), Summer Lane, Exmouth (15 miles).
Easter events at Powderham Castle, Kenton (19.5 miles).
Easter Weekend at Bicton Botanical Gardens, East Budleigh Salterton (13 miles).
Easter Family Fun Day, Haldon Forest, Kennford (22 miles).
Toby Buckland’s Garden Festival, Powderham Castle, Kenton (19.5 miles).
Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink, Exeter (15 miles).
MAY
Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink, Exeter (15 miles).
Donkey Week at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth (13 miles).
Honiton Music Festival, Honiton (6.5 miles).
Devon County Show, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary (13 miles).
Pirate Week, The World of Country Life, Exmouth (16 miles).
Wonderland, Powderham Castle, Kenton (19.5 miles).
JUNE
Pirate Week, The World of Country Life, Exmouth (16 miles).
Wonderland, Powderham Castle, Kenton (19.5 miles).
Axe Vale Festival, The Showground, Woodmead Road, Axminster (16.2 miles).
JULY
Let’s Rock Exeter, Powderham Castle (19.5 miles).
Exeter Craft Festival, Cathedral Green, Exeter (15 miles).
Budleigh Music Festival, Budleigh Salterton (14 miles).
Lammas Fair Parade, Exeter (15 miles).
AUGUST
Sidmouth Folk Week, Sidmouth (11 miles).
The Honiton Agricultural Show, Honiton (6.5 miles).
Beer Regatta, Beer (15 miles). A week packed with different events to suit all ages. From scavenger hunts and children’s fun to fireworks and late night dances.
Big Screen in the Park, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter (15 miles).
Beautiful Days Festival, Escot Park (4 miles).
Deep Water Solo Climbing Competition, Exeter Quayside (15 miles).
Sidmouth Regatta, Sidmouth (11 miles).
Seaton Carnival Week, Seaton (16 miles).
SEPTEMBER
Seaton Carnival Week and Illuminated Carnival Procession (September 3), Seaton (16 miles).
Heritage Open Days, various venues, Exeter (15 miles).
Exeter Contemporary Open, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter (15 miles).
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, Budleigh Salterton (14 miles).
Colyford Goose Fair, Colyford (14 miles).
OCTOBER
Exeter Contemporary Open, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter (15 miles).
Sidmouth Science Festival, Sidmouth (11 miles).
Honiton Carnival, Honiton (6.5 miles).
Half Term Halloween Spooktacular! The World of Country Life, Exmouth (16 miles).
Halloween Tram of Terror, Seaton Tramway, Seaton (16 miles).
NOVEMBER
Powderham Michaelmas Fair, Powderham Castle (19.5 miles). Early Christmas shopping inside Powderham Castle.
Famous Flaming Tar Barrels, Ottery St Mary (5 miles).
Round Table Charity Fireworks Display, Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary (13 miles). This spectacular event has grown to become the biggest fireworks display in Exeter.
Exeter – Princesshay Christmas Lights Switch-On, Exeter (15 miles). 4pm – 8pm. Fun and music for all the family at the start of the festive season.
Winter Wonders Shopping Fair, Exmouth Pavilion (16 miles).
Christmas at Killerton, Killerton House (9 miles). Brothers Grimm themed programme of festive events.
Exeter Christmas Market, The Cathedral Green, Exeter (15 miles).
Christmas Shopping Fayre, Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary (13 miles).
Stuart Line Cruises : Festive Special Trips, Exmouth (16 miles).
Exeter Christmas Markets in Castle Street, Exeter (16 miles).
Exeter Christmas Market in Fore Street, Exeter (15 miles).
Exeter Inside Outside Christmas Market, Exeter Quayside (15 miles).
Santa’s Magical Kingdom, Otter Nurseries, Ottery St Mary (5 miles).
Christmas Fair, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth (11 miles). 10:00am to 4:00pm.
DECEMBER
Christmas at Killerton, Killerton House (9 miles). Brothers Grimm themed programme of festive events.
Stuart Line Cruises : Festive Special Trips, Exmouth (16 miles).
Exeter Christmas Market in Fore Street, Exeter (15 miles).
Exeter Christmas Markets in Castle Street, Exeter (15 miles).
Santa’s Magical Kingdom, Otter Nurseries, Ottery St Mary (5 miles).
Exeter Christmas Market, The Cathedral Green, Exeter (15 miles).
The Polar Express Tram Ride, Seaton Tramway, Seaton (16 miles).
Visit Santa at Crealy Adventure Park (12 miles).
Candlelight Carol Service, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth (13 miles). Annual Candlelight evening and carol service at 3:30pm.
Visit Santa at Crealy Adventure Park (12 miles).
Santa events at Bicton Park (13 miles).
Things you need to know about Oakleigh View if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:
*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.
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