2 Bedroom (Sleeps 5) Cottage in Holne

Description

Escape to a 14th-century cottage tucked inside Dartmoor National Park, beside Holne’s Norman church. The Two Moors Way passes through the village, with wild walks in every direction. Stargaze in total darkness, with no streetlights to interrupt the sky. Inside, the AGA keeps things cosy, the fire crackles easily, and the beds are blissfully comfortable. Outside, a sun-drenched private patio and pretty rockery lead to a large, peaceful lawned garden. A rare and restful retreat.

Stares' Nest: a peaceful retreat, a hidden piece of Dartmoor history, and a family story at its heart.

Tucked close to the village church, Stares' Nest is a secluded 13th-century cottage with stone walls, a slate roof, and a peaceful, south-facing courtyard. The garden winds around the cottage with a rockery, a stream, and ponds (please note: not suitable for small children), leading to a vast, lawned space perfect for quiet afternoons.

LOCAL SHOPPING, EATING, AND THINGS TO DO SHOPPING
• Holne Village Shop: This small community-run shop is next to the car park and is open from 10 a.m. daily. It is perfect for essentials.
• Ashburton: A charming town with an Arts Centre, with Jazz music and exhibitions every week. There are many independent Antique and interior design shops, three clothes boutiques, two delis, an artisan bakery, and a wine merchant.
• Buckfastleigh: Home to a wholefoods store, a supermarket, and a few independent shops.
• Ben’s Farm Shop (near Dartington): Excellent for organic produce.
• The Almond Thief (Dartington): Highly recommended for superb sourdough and pastries.
• Totnes: A lively, quirky town with weekly markets and a vibrant, alternative atmosphere.
• Tavistock: A lovely spot for browsing independent shops and visiting the historic pannier market.
• Exeter and Plymouth: Both about the same distance, offering complete city shopping and amenities.•
• Online Local Food: You can also pre-order groceries through The Local Food Company for delivery straight to the cottage.

THINGS TO DO
• River Walk: Walk down to the River Dart — less than a 15-minute stroll.
• Moorland Walks: Head up to the open moor for breathtaking views, again within 15 minutes on foot.
• Explore Devon: From two coastlines to vast open moorland, Devon is perfect for outdoor adventures.
• When It Rains: Find shelter in cosy pubs, visit indoor attractions, or pop on wellies and take a wet-weather walk — it’s all part of Devon life!

We also keep a collection of brochures, maps, and local information at the cottage to inspire your stay. Feel free to leaf through and find your next adventure!

PLACES TO EAT
• The Church House Inn, Holne (village pub)
• The Tradesman’s Arms, Scorriton — simple pub food, walkable (about 1 mile).
• The Tavistock Inn, Poundsgate — traditional Dartmoor pub.
• Live and Let Live, Landscove — creative and delicious menu.
• The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe — huge portions, beer and cider straight from the barrel. (Tip: Turn right by Widecombe church — it can get busy!)
• The Cott Inn, Dartington — consistently good food; booking recommended.
Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh — organic, seasonal feasts; booking is essential and highly recommended.
Two Bridges Hotel, Princetown — hearty lunches and a more innovative evening menu.
Furzeleigh Mill, near Buckfastleigh — relaxed gastro pub/bar.

CREAM TEAS
• Home Farm, Parke, Bovey Tracey
•Prince Hall, near Princetown

AFTERNOON TEA
• Ilsington Hotel, Ilsington
• Bovey Castle, North Bovey
• Hotel Endsleigh, Milton Abbot
• Ashburton also has several excellent cafés, including:
• Taylor's Tea Room
• A wine bar and plenty of pubs
• The Old Library restaurant — booking recommended
• Further afield, Devon offers outstanding food options, from cosy fish and chips to Michelin-starred restaurants.

If you find a new gem, we'd love you to add it to our recommendations book at the cottage!

The cottage sleeps five, but two older children are welcome to bring a tent and camp on the lawn in the upper garden. If you would like to do this, please let us know in advance. Campers must bring their tent, sleeping bags, and torches for sleeping only. We ask that children be supervised and that the space be respected.

The main bedroom has a double bed and an ensuite bathroom. The family room offers a double and a single bed, with a shower room just next door. A door on the landing can also be closed to create a private suite. This is ideal for families or friends sharing.

Every bed has a mattress topper, feather pillows, and feather duvets for a restful night.
The single bed features a locally made wool duvet and mattress topper from Devon Duvets.
If you prefer hypoallergenic bedding, we can offer a hollowfibre duvet and pillows or a Devon Duvets Botanical duvet. Just let us know when you make a booking.

Stares' Nest has been a much-loved part of our family for many years. My wife's parents made it their home after retiring from a nearby farm, and today my wife, Jane, and I have carefully updated the cottage, blending its original character with thoughtful modern comforts. You are welcome to enjoy the entire cottage and the gardens.

If you have any problems or queries, your arrival information will include our housekeeper, Paula's telephone number and email, as reception can be patchy.
Guest access
STARES' NEST COTTAGE – SELF-CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS
• Key Lockbox Location: Go through the white gate and under the stone arch, the key safe is on the left-hand side of the
porch.
• Access Code: You will receive the 4-digit code via email or text before arriving.
• Retrieving the Key: Enter the 4-digit code on the lockbox. Pull down the cover to open the box. Retrieve the key inside. Close the lockbox and scramble the code to secure it.
• Entering the Cottage: Use the key to unlock the front door.
• Upon Departure: Lock the front door, return the key to the lockbox, close the lockbox, and scramble the code.
• There is a Yale lock for the outside porch door and a mortice for the inner door. If the key seems to stick on removal, give it a half turn, and all should be well.
• All the windows downstairs have locks. Window keys are provided. Please leave these in place for future guests.
• External kitchen and bedroom doors must have the handles lifted before locking.
• Please leave the keys in these doors as they are fire exits.
• When you are out, the windows and doors should be locked for insurance.
• Need Assistance? If you encounter any issues, please contact the housekeeper, Paula, at [her mobile number will be sent to you with the key code].
Other things to note
ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING
• Available at Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Buckfastleigh.

DUSTBINS
• Grey bin for all non-recyclable waste is outside by the garage with boxes and bags for recyclables.
• Please refer to the " What Goes Where guides in the kitchen and on the boxes to ensure correct use, and the kitchen calendar for when to take waste out for collection.
• Kitchen bin, biodegradable and black sacks are in the bottom drawer next to the sink.
• There is a small green food waste caddy in the kitchen and a larger final food caddy outside by the grey bin.
• The collection day is Friday, and alternates between landfill and recycling.
• Please refer to the wall calendar for dates and take waste down the lane to the telephone box. After the collections, please bring it back to the property.

BREAKAGES
• Sometimes they happen, please let us know about them as soon as possible to give us time
to source replacements.
• We don’t currently charge a deposit as guests are happy to settle for damages and would like to keep it that way.

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