Guests say
The Old Forge receives high praise for its comfort, cleanliness, and location in a picturesque village with convenient local amenities. Guests appreciate the well-equipped facilities, cosy atmosphere, and thoughtful touches, contributing to a delightful stay. The property's charm and proximity to Dartmoor and local pubs enhance the experience.
Guests consistently mention the property's cleanliness, describing it as well maintained and clean upon arrival. The provision of towels and a welcoming environment contribute to the high score.
The location is celebrated for its quiet village setting, proximity to Dartmoor, and local amenities like a pub and shop. Some guests note narrow roads, but the charm and accessibility to attractions offset these concerns.
Reviewers find the cottage comfortable, with cosy rooms and a warm atmosphere. The presence of multiple bathrooms and thoughtful room arrangements add to the comfort level, although a few guests suggest improvements to mattresses and garden seating.
The property is well-equipped, with a particularly well-stocked kitchen. Some minor issues with TV sockets and a desire for more modern entertainment options slightly affect the score. The rapid resolution of a hot water issue demonstrates good maintenance.
Several guests mention thoughtful gestures, such as a welcome gift, which contribute to a pleasant stay. While these gifts are appreciated, it is noted that such personal touches, though common, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
This wonderfully pretty, thatched, detached cottage close to the pub and shop in the lovely Dartmoor village of Ilsington was once the village forge. Now it is comfortable and friendly with generous rooms, wood floors and attractive views across the church and surrounding countryside from the upstairs windows. The church bells chime beautifully on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings in true Devon village style. Leave your coats and boots in the entrance lobby, then head on in to the cosy sitting room with its living flame gas fire or listen to music on the Bluetooth speaker whilst you prepare delicious meals in the kitchen with dining area. There is a handy double bedroom on the ground floor, as well as two smart shower rooms, or head up the steep old stairs to two more snug bedrooms under the eaves through little old fashioned doorways. Outside, your small garden is safely enclosed, a fine suntrap with outdoor furniture and storage for your bicycles. This is wonderful unspoiled cycling and walking country on the southeastern slopes of Dartmoor, leading to the beach at Teignmouth. Marvel at spectacular Haytor on the open moorland or enjoy the birds and butterflies in the countryside around the cottage. Tennis courts, a small skate park and children's play area are a 10 minute walk away. Golf is available at Stover and Bovey Tracey, both 4 miles away, horse riding 6 miles away at Shilstone Rocks and there is also an outdoor heated pool at Bovey Tracey. The historic towns and villages of Ashburton, Bovey Tracey and Widecombe in the Moor are all within a 15 minute drive, offering a huge choice of cafes, pubs, restaurants and local amenities. Just two miles away from the famous Haytor Rocks,The Old Forge is an excellent base in a welcoming Devon village for venturing out by bike or on foot.
Illsington: Pretty little village (church, shop, good food pub) on Dartmoor's farmed and wooded south-eastern slopes, through which flows the River Lemon to Teignmouth, its ancient wooded valley a Site of Special Scientific Interest (sssi) and habitat for woodland birds and butterflies. Ashburton and Bovey Tracey, 5 miles. Haytor Vale is a very pretty hamlet of white cottages beside the old coaching inn, The Rock, on Dartmoor's southeastern edge just one mile from the market town of Bovey Tracey.
Accommodation
1 x double bedroom downstairs and two shower rooms with showers, WCs and basins.
Two bedrooms upstairs: 1 x double, 1 x twin.
Downstairs kitchen with dining area.
Sitting room with gas stove.
Lobby.
Oil fired central heating with gas burning stove.
Microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, Smart TV, Full Fibre broadband/WiFi, induction hob.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Parking is usually available on a quiet road nearby.
Enclosed garden.
Sorry no pets and no smoking.
Pub less than 1 mile from property.
Note: This property does not accept children under 6, except babes in arms, due to steep stairs.
Reviews (44)
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Stuart
It was perfectly quaint with all the modern necessities. We were comfortable and felt at home. Mikes communication was welcome and not intrusive. Recycling seemed to be an issue for others but it was very easy to follow. I adored the home and would love to go back. If I had one small piece of feedback I would say the stairs need a fitted runner for grip. I stayed on the ground floor since my mum and dad could not join us. If I had been upstairs, as originally planned, I would have struggled with the stairs. Polished wood and rope banister would have been a disaster for me. But honestly, thatâs just a sideline. The place was beautifully maintained and the perfect mix of old and new. The wooden stools and the collection of mini pillows were adorable! Thank you
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Alex
Loved the personal touches - very thoughtful and appreciated the phone call on arrival night. Would recommend to friends and family without hesitation.
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Richeal
Very comfortable and everything you need. The shower at the back had excellent power and no shortage of hot water (we didn't use the front one!). Loved the bedrooms upstairs with the sky lights and the beautiful sounds of the church bells. A lovely warm cottage to come home to after a day of sight seeing. Set in a lovely little village with a lovely local pub. We really enjoyed our stay, thank you.