Gardens and grounds
Situated within 350 acres of rolling farmland, including a working farm, there’s plenty to explore, including a fully enclosed garden that’s a safe space for children. So dig out the outdoor games, including badminton, and watch the kids on the swings, while you sort out supper on the coal barbecue. Eat out under the covered dining area.
For a change of view, you’ve got a further terrace at the front of the barn, with steps that lead down to the big parking area. Follow the private footpath from the garden down to the lovely Tamar Lakes. Come back for the firepit beneath the dark, star-filled skies.
Living spaces
Once dilapidated farm buildings. The Grain Barn is now alive with polished-concrete floors, vaulted ceilings, original beams, bespoke lighting and a custom-built staircase. The cows would approve. Dip in or drop out: choose from big spaces where everyone can get together, to nooks and crannies built for bookies.
First impressions are good: a grand and spacious entrance hall with contemporary floor, vaulted ceiling and custom lighting. Head into the spotlit lounge with its sizeable sofas and smart TV to scroll through Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV and BT. Or bring your own movies for the DVD player.
Need to duck out a while? The conservatory’s light, bright and airy and lends itself to breaking out with books and music or just chitter-chatter among chums. For the ultimate in fun, head out to the games barn for the table football, table tennis, American pool and even a skittle alley.
Cooking and dining
Stock up the American-style fridge/freezer with goodies from Hoof to Block and Country Kitchen in Holsworthy and prepare it like a pro on the three ovens and one warming oven with five-burner hob. Eat in the massive kitchen/diner then pop your Nespresso pods and slide into the light, bright conservatory for coffee.
Love a bit of al-fresco dining? Cook on the handmade firepit that converts to a barbecue and sit out in the covered dining area while the children disappear between bites for badminton or the swings. Or take it easy yourself and book in our professional chefs for a one-off celebration or fully catered break.
Check out takeaways at The Wayside or Wei’s for Chinese or The Farmer’s Arms for fish-and-chip suppers. Pop out to friendly pubs such as The Bush Inn in Morwenstow for three-bean chilli or ribeye steak. Or try The Bradworthy Inn, a traditional village inn with pretty beer garden and handy bar menu.
Enjoy hearty pub favourites at The Old Smithy Inn in Welcombe Hartland. Eat produce from the on-site 70-acre farm at The Farmer’s Arms in Woolfardisworthy (not pronounced how you think). Go gastro at The Rydon Inn on crispy duck or sticky BBQ pulled-pork burger. Or eat by Summerleaze Beach at the The Brendon Arms.
Bedrooms
Will you get the Juliet balcony? Move fast. Whichever gorgeously renovated bedroom you choose, you won’t be troubled by much, where the rolling hills of North Devon meet the crashing surf of the north coast.
On the ground floor, bedroom one comes with a super-kingsize zip-and-link that converts to twins on request, TV and en-suite shower room with WC. Along a glass-sided walkway and three steps up, bedroom two is kingsize with TV and en-suite wet room, and bedroom three offers four single beds, TV and en-suite bathroom.
Up on the first floor, bedroom four provides a superking with countryside views, TV and en-suite shower room. Bedroom five offers a kingsize with TV, Juliet balcony and en-suite shower room, and bedroom six is another superking with TV, huge ornate mirror and original beams. There’s a bathroom next door with bath, separate shower and WC.
Children welcome
With space for 14, there’s no room for homesickness at The Grain Barn. Follow the high-hedged roads until the land almost runs out and find yourself on a working farm that offers the best of country and coast in a rural home with enough nooks and crannies for hide-and-seek to never end.
Beyond the fully enclosed garden, you’ve acres of rolling farmland to discover. Spend your days outdoors on the swings or playing badminton and other garden games on the lawn and stay out for supper on the barbecue in the covered dining area. When darkness drops, the skies light up here, so keep the night going around the firepit.
Your daytimes are sorted, thanks to the games barn in the garden. Will it be American pool, table football or wooden skittles? Hours will vanish. Come back in to share family suppers around the giant dining table, with cream teas in the conservatory, and retire to the lounge for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV and BT on the smart TV.
What people say
Skies, sheep and segway
By night, tip your head back and stare at the dark skies. By day, pick from beautiful beaches including Sandymouth Bay and Crooklets Beach, and coasteer or kayak. Play stunning golf courses at Holsworthy and Ivyleaf. Climb the steps to King Arthur’s Castle. Overdose on cuddly and cute at The Big Sheep. Explore the coast with Segway Bude.
