Guests say
Higher Bumsley Barn in Devon is a well-received holiday rental, praised for its stunning location, cleanliness, and comfort. Guests enjoy the wildlife, walks, and views, with many appreciating the thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and eggs. Some concerns about access roads and the steepness of the surrounding area are noted, but overall, the property offers a peaceful retreat with a homely feel.
The majority of guests report the barn as clean and well-maintained. There are isolated mentions of dust and a desire for more thorough cleaning, but these are exceptions in a sea of positive feedback.
The location is highly praised for its beauty and tranquillity, with direct access to nature and walks. Some guests found the steepness and narrow access challenging, but the secluded setting is generally seen as a positive feature.
Guests find the barn very comfortable, with a particularly fantastic shower and comfortable beds mentioned. There is a single mention of poor sleep due to bed quality, but overall, comfort levels are rated highly.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, with a well-equipped kitchen and good internet access. Some guests feel the property is over-equipped, leading to clutter, and there are suggestions for improvement such as better TV services and storage space.
The hosts are commended for their thoughtfulness, providing fresh eggs, milk, and flowers. While these gestures are warmly received, it is politely noted that such personal touches, though delightful, may vary and are not guaranteed with every stay.
About this property
A characterful barn conversion nestled in the beautiful Heddon Valley, offering magnificent panoramic views over the valley to the lake and wooded hillsides beyond, Higher Bumsley Barn is a truly wonderful location to enjoy a break to Devon. Situated just outside the village of Parracombe in the heart of the Exmoor National Park, the property lies within 50 acres of traditional hill farm, perfect for a family of three or a couples’ escape. Although still a traditional hill farm with an enclosed field system, Higher Bumsley is now an Environmental/Conservation Farm with a small herd of wild Exmoor ponies, Hebridean sheep, chickens, ducks, geese and cats, and has a site for one of Britain’s rarest butterflies, the High Brown Fritillary. Being a County Wildlife Site too means you can be witness to a diversity of plant species and wildlife, even spotting red deer in the fields in very early morning, as well as buzzards and peregrine falcons, making this a sublime spot for nature enthusiasts. The property itself dates from 1862 and has been stylishly converted from a former barn, set just a short distance from the owner's own home, it boasts accommodation all on the first floor. Upon entering this property over the rustic bridge, you are welcomed into a light and spacious open-plan living space with a vaulted ceiling, with a fully-equipped kitchen and dining area for the budding chef to prepare a mouthwatering meal. Afterwards you can sink into the inviting sofa and light the woodburning stove, a real luxury on those cooler evenings, before you enjoy entertainment from the TV, with the last of the evening light coming in from the large glass balcony doors. Throw open the doors and step onto the decked balcony for some alfresco dining on a balmy summer evening or for your morning coffee, soaking up the stunning views over the River Heddon, across wooded hillsides and out to Exmoor. Retire to one of the two attractive bedrooms, with a double and a single, both excellently decorated and with plenty of storage, as well as enjoying more spectacular views from the windows, served by a spacious shower room. Spend time relaxing in the garden too, indulging in an afternoon Devon cream tea, or head down into the village of Parracombe to the local pub for a mid-afternoon treat, with more eateries and restaurants to choose from in the seafront town of Lynton or the village of Combe Martin. An energetic hike or cycle over Exmoor National Park is a perfect way to take in the scenery, revealing outstanding beauty spots and locations for a picturesque picnic, with a public footpath which runs right past the door offering the best place to start. Visit the wonderful Exmoor Zoo for a great day out, especially with a little one, with the zoo home to a wide range of animals, including the only pair of black leopards on exhibit in the UK! Head to the stunning beaches of Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, or Lynmouth, great for surfing and water sports as well as paddling and sunbathing, with many hidden coves and bays scattered along the coast, explore the South West Coast Path to uncover some secret secluded places! Barnstaple also boasts a theatre, cinema, plenty of eateries and nightlife for the young at heart. For a refreshing retreat to North Devon, book Higher Bumsley Barn.
Resting amidst the pleasant surroundings of North Devon is the village of Parracombe, where heather-clad moorland, sparkling trout streams, and wooded valleys are all around. The village is home to a specialist book shop and a local inn with a bar, while Besshill Farm Shop is around 5 miles away, with more selection found in Lynton and Combe Martin. Discover the amazing North Devon coast, as well as Exmoor National Park and the fantastic Exmoor Zoo.
Accommodation
First-floor accommodation with level access from the rear.
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x single.
Shower room with shower, basin and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove
Electric thermostat controlled central heating with woodburning stove.
Purified spring water.
Electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, TV and WiFi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for two cars.
Lawned garden area with bench seating.
Balcony with table, chairs and parasol.
Secure mountain bike storage.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop 5.2 miles, pub 1.9 miles.
Check-in time 4pm.
Note: There is a landline in the property for local or incoming calls only.
Note: The property is approached by a long partially unmade lane which is uneven in places at the beginning but leads on to a tarmacked drive.
Note: Property cannot accommodate a sunday changeover
Nearby points of interest
- Woolacombe Beach
Reviews (40)
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John
The road from Parracombe to the farm turn-off was narrow with occasional passing points, but due to it being a farm road, meant at times , reversing back some distance. Also the actual farm access toad was quite narrow between heavily foliaged local brick walls. For me it could have been an ideal location to retire, but not for my wife. Expect vehicles to get very dirty ( Cows ).Hosts very pleasant and helpful, especially after our car problems. We could not get a phone signal, and had to rely on Watsac.
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Margaret
Perfect holiday place for 3. Stunning country views all around. Enjoyed it so much, we have booked another week in October. Just be aware that there is no calls/text phone signal as it is so isolated (you have to walk up their driveway to get it) but the property has a land line and Internet.
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Margaret
Location was amazing exactly what we needed, liked watching cats play ponies are lovely saw a woodpecker and a deer . We loved our wk away