Swallow's Nest

General

Who wants an average holiday let when you can have a bespoke getaway destination that's hand-made and full of both imagination and historic character? There's a surprise around every corner at Swallow's Nest, in the heart of Hatherland Mill Farm - an award-winning traditional smallholding where sustainability is a way of life. This whole place is, in fact, a true one-off, with the owners living in a thatched house across the farmyard (where there's also another holiday cottage) - living the dream and sharing it with their guests.

Exposed beams and stone walls, a cobbled floor and cob walls provide the background to the authentic atmosphere in Swallow's Nest. There are even medieval patterns engraved into the walls - designed to keep you in luck and ward off witchcraft. On the ground floor, a comfy living area consists of a sofa, TV and wood-burner, with a small dining-table and, at one end, a fitted kitchen area, with a breakfast bar, that includes everything you need to create delicious meals. There's also a spacious shower-room, with sleek and stylish fittings and a walk-in shower (it goes without saying that there's a proper flushing loo and hot-and-cold running water on demand). Narrow-treaded ladder stairs lead to the mezzanine bedroom, with its reclaimed ecclesiastical carved-wood panel, super-king (and super-comfy) bed and - best of all - a free-standing, roll-top bath. It's all centrally heated, too, so no worries about keeping cosy in cooler weather.

Step out through the double doors that form part of the glazed, industrial-style front wall and you're in a private courtyard (perfect for four-legged friends), that boasts an incredible feature - an outdoor kitchen with not only a wood-fired pizza oven but also a Japanese-style Kamado barbecue and ceramic smoker. This is the place to experiment with cooking and dining al fresco, whether it's ribs over the BBQ or a tasty pizza with all the toppings. What's more, you can also try out some of the fantastic beer from the farm's very own micro-brewery: the perfect accompaniment.

From your courtyard, a gate leads to the adjacent meadow that borders the River Exe. When you have finished admiring the rare-breed sheep, cattle and goats that are your neighbours, you are welcome to swim in its deep, fresh water. You might spot an otter or a kingfisher; you'll certainly enjoy being surrounded by rural peace and tranquillity, breathing in lungfuls of fresh air and simply re-setting yourself with a one-of-a-kind, back-to-nature experience.

Out and About

Head off to Tiverton to explore this busy market town and its 12th Century castle, and the nearby gothic mansion of Knightshayes Court, with beautiful formal gardens. Bampton, meanwhile, is known for its prize-winning, flower-lined streets and historic buildings, while the village of Dulverton stands in the heart of Exmoor's gorgeous countryside and is home to the Exmoor National Park Centre. Put on your hiking boots and walk this unique landscape of moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, with beautiful views around every corner or, for something a little different, why not book a trip on a horse-drawn narrowboat on the Grand Western Canal? It's now a nature reserve that's home to all kinds of wildlife, from swans and otters to dragonflies and kingfishers.

Layout

Open plan living-room with kitchen and dining areas. 2 ring electric hob, electric oven, kettle, toaster, slimline dishwasher, fridge (with ice-box), wood-burner and TV. Shower-room with shower, WC and wash-basin. Mezzanine: Bedroom with super king-size double bed (6') and roll-top bath.

Extra Information

Due to the rural location, the WiFi can be intermittent. Please take care with the narrow-treaded stairs and cobbled floor.