Lillycombe

About this property

... the road from Porlock to Lynmouth (cove village) has perhaps the most spectacular views of any road in the South West - of the sea to Wales on one side, heather hills and deep valleys on the other. About 5 miles from Porlock, 7 from Lynmouth, a private lane takes you, avoiding meandering pheasants, to the fine house of a family-owned 850 acre estate. You are welcome to walk the estate (adhering to the countryside code). Paths lead into the Oare valley of Lorna Doone legend and to Culbone Church, the smallest in England. Pub/restaurant/cookery school, 1 mile. This is one of the most beautiful and romantic parts of Exmoor.

Lillycombe, built in 1914 for the Countess of Lovelace who was widow of Lord Byron’s grandson, is splendidly set looking down a deep combe and over the Oare valley and Weir Water to open moorland and Larkbarrow. The terraced garden is mainly of lawns (clock golf, basketball, badminton nets) with flowers. Less formal garden areas with trees and shrubs slope below the terraces. To the side are the former stables/garages and the farm manager’s house.

The house is family enjoyed, some parts splendid with fascinating portraits and antiques. Overall it is a ‘home’, delightful and special, solidly built, Grade II listed. Oak front door to slate-floored hall with cloakroom (loo). Short stairs down to wood-panelled study and very large and lovely drawing room (splendid views over the gardens) with polished floors (rugs), and recessed alcoves either end - one with TV/DVD/video, one for peace and quiet with open fireplace - and French windows leading to beautiful parquet-floored sunroom with windows on three sides (tremendous views), doubling as a playroom (table football), and with doors to terraces/garden. Next door, formal dining room with table/chairs seating 15. Easy-to-work-in fitted kitchen with stainless steel worktops (dishwasher, microwave, two electric range-style cookers); walk-in larder; boiler room/back hall with plenty of space for boots, walking gear, etc; cloakroom (loo). Utility/flower room with double oven; 6 steps down to good drying room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer).

Stairs up to eight bedrooms:

-        - the master double (6’ sleigh bed) with large

dressing room and valley views

-        - a double

-        - a room with four singles and valley views

-       - a twin with valley views

-       - a twin with valley views

-        - a single

A short flight of stairs up

to:

-       - a single

-        - a single

Two bathrooms (suites plus

hand-showers) and two shower-rooms (suites).

Spring water. Professional catering (dinners, lunches), by arrangement. Sleeps maximum of 15 plus 2 babies. Family parties only. Damages Deposit £400.

Accommodation

- Electricity costs are included
- Heating costs are included
- This property has central heating
- This property has an open fire
- Groceries can be pre-ordered from the owner
- Professional catering is available by arrangement
- There is one television
- There is one video
- There is one DVD
- Linen and duvets are provided free of charge
- Towels are provided free of charge (but please bring beach towels)
- Parking is off the public road on the grounds of the property
- Baby sitting is not available
- Two dropsided or traditional cots are available
- Two highchairs are available
- Smoking IS allowed at this property (but not in bedrooms)
- There is one microwave
- There is one dishwasher
- There is one tumble drier
- There is one fridge-freezer
- There is one washing machine
- There is a payphone
- Pets are not allowed
-- Has open fire or wood burner
- Property is completely detached- Property has a large garden- Property has countryside views- Private fishing- Property is within 1 mile of a pub