Guests say
Southcott Farm Cottage receives high praise for its peaceful rural setting, cleanliness, and dog-friendly amenities. Guests consistently mention the warm welcome, including a delightful cream tea and thoughtful welcome baskets. The hot tub and local walks are highlights, contributing to a relaxing and comfortable stay. The cottage's location offers easy access to Devon's attractions, and the hosts' hospitality is frequently commended.
Reviewers consistently describe the cottage as very clean and well-maintained, with no negative comments on cleanliness. The attention to detail in this aspect is evident and highly appreciated by guests.
The location is praised for its tranquillity and rural charm, with easy access to local attractions and coastal areas. Guests appreciate the peaceful surroundings and proximity to walking areas, making it an ideal base for exploring Devon.
Guests find the cottage to be very comfortable, with special mentions of comfy beds and a cosy atmosphere enhanced by a log burner. The provision of a hot tub adds to the overall comfort and relaxation experience.
The cottage is well-equipped with all necessary amenities, and the addition of a hot tub is frequently highlighted. Facilities for dogs are also noted, with guests appreciating the thoughtful inclusion of dog treats, towels, and bowls.
The hosts' thoughtfulness is a standout feature, with numerous mentions of welcome baskets and treats for both humans and dogs. While these gestures are greatly valued, it is politely noted that such personal touches, though common, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Located in the small hamlet of Sheldon near Honiton, Southcott Farm Cottage is a lovely, stone built, pet-friendly cottage in Devon. Set in the heart of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty and with wonderful woodland walks and mountain biking routes from the door, it's a perfect rural retreat for friends, couples or a family of four. Arrive to your own dedicated parking spaces, before making your way through the neat terraced garden to the picturesque cottage. You're immediately welcomed by a newly fitted, traditional shaker style kitchen where you can prepare delicious meals for your group on the feature Rangemaster oven. The charming sitting room is the perfect spot to unwind after the day's adventures, complete with a wood burning stove for added comfort whilst you relax on the sofa with a good book or your favourite show on the TV. When it's time to rest, climb the stairs to discover two well-appointed bedrooms: a king-size room and a twin (can be super king-size on request), both served by the sparkling family bathroom where a decadent roll top bath tub is ideal to soak your cares away. During the summer months, make dinner an alfresco affair and enjoy some quality family time in the fabulous garden; here you'll find a chimnea and bubbling hot tub - it's a brilliantly social outside space to be enjoyed year round. Your canine companions are very welcome too; with access to a pretty picnic lake there's plenty of space to stretch their legs and dog walking is available on request with the friendly homeowner. Your pooches will also receive their very own welcome pack! Also available by prior arrangement - DIY stabling and livery for horses. Start your day with a stroll around the lake or try your hand at a spot of trout fishing whilst admiring your picture-postcard setting before heading to a nearby pub for a well-earned lunch. Take a short journey to Honiton, a large market town with a variety of eateries, as well as the All Hallows Museum displaying handmade lace for which the town is famous. With the beauty of East Devon on your doorstep, walkers and wildlife lovers will be in their element; there is much to do within a very short distance of the cottage including seasonal tennis and indoor swimming (subject to availability and small local fee), wander through heathland and wooded valleys scattered with nature reserves, such as Lower Bruckland Farm and Holyford Woods, whilst the breath-taking Jurassic coast is a must for unforgettable coastal paths. Devon’s award winning Blackdown Hills Dog and
Puppy park within 5 mins walk of the property. Horse-riding is available within an hours drive from the property and good golfing can be found at both Honiton and Tiverton. The Devon and Somerset Gliding Club and Dunkeswell Parachute centre are also within a short drive. Lyme Regis perfect for a family day out by the sea with the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, Monmouth Beach and Langmoor and Lister gardens for the best picnic spots, whilst Seaton is just a little further south; pack your clubs for a game at Axe Cliff Golf Club, ride the vintage tramlines along Seaton Tramway and stop for lunch at The Hideaway overlooking the idyllic shingle beach. Southcott Farm is the perfect spot from which to discover the delights of Devon.
On the edge of the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with deeply wooded valleys, lush green fields and winding country lanes, Sheldon is the typically peaceful and picturesque country hamlet. A collection of natural stone cottages, the village attracts those who love peace and quiet. Foxes, badgers, deer and a varied birdlife will share your stay here, and yet the Cathedral city of Exeter, with its shops, restaurants and good pubs is just a short drive away. Close at hand, too, is the Heritage Coast of East Devon and Dorset, with the beautiful fishing village of Lyme Regis making a splendid day out. Ottery St Mary, the coastal resort of Sidmouth and the lace-making town of Honiton are all within easy reach. The rocky tors and wild open spaces of Dartmoor, a must for anyone visiting Devon, are only 30 miles away.
Accommodation
Sykes Gem Awards 2024 Silver winner for Best Pet Friendly Property.
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin (can be super king-size on request).
Bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living room/diner
Electric heating with wood burning stove (logs including for the duration of your stay).
The burner will be laid for your arrival.
Double Rangemaster oven and hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher.
Smart TV with roku, WiFi and selection games and books.
Power and fuel for wood burning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off road parking for two cars.
Terraced garden with table, chairs, chimnea, Gas BBQ and hot tub.
Four well behaved pets welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 3 miles, pub 3.3 miles.
Bookings can only be made for Fridays and Mondays from the beginning of April to the end of September
Nearby points of interest
- Diggerland Devon
- Beer Beach
Reviews (54)
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Lauren
The reality was that the place was sadly lacking in the cosiness needed for mid January. It was really cold and smelled of damp which was being masked with air fresheners. I am chemically sensitive to these perfumes so that wasn't great for me. I suspect that was because we were the first rental of the year. It is likely to be better when it has been used a few more times, but we have never had this issue before in a cottage and we take a winter holiday in the UK most years. It needs to be made clearer in the details that using the log burner is an essential part of the heating, not an optional extra, for any winter stays. My husband has a lung condition which is worsened by smoke inhalation. He lit the burner for the first night because it was so very cold, and it is a good one, efficient at warming the living room, but his breathing was seriously affected and therefore we had to rely on the electric heaters and heavy jumpers for the rest of the time. There were a lot of minor issues that really need the owner's attention, such as greasy crockery and cutlery that had been put away in the cupboards and drawers - I had to wash everything we wanted to use before we could use it. We reported the more major issues like a broken set of drawers and the shower being faulty during our stay. To be fair the owner was responsive regarding the shower and got her plumber out twice to fix it. Be aware the owner's dogs are allowed 'free range'. The owner has a very sweet and friendly dog but she is also currently looking after a friend's dog which she did warn us was noisier. That one wasn't particularly friendly, it just ran up and barked at us if it saw us. We are dog people, but if you were nervous it would be an issue. The second night loud continuous barking started at 8pm right outside the living room window. I did my best to ignore it for 2 solid hours but when it got to 10pm I couldn't stand it any more and texted the owner. She responded. It turned out they had gone out and their friend had also left their dog at the farm - 3 unsupervised dogs. It was another hour before the owners returned home and the barking finally stopped. I was furious by that point, we were both cold, the place felt unwelcoming, we couldn't relax and I was ready to pack our bags and leave in the morning. As gale warnings were broadcast for the next day my husband talked me into staying. The owner came round and spoke to him. She did apologise for the noise, blaming the visiting dog for it. She did leave us some candles in case of power cuts. If it hadn't been such a dangerous day for travel we would have left at that point and asked for a refund. As it was we tried to make the most of our week off and to go out as much as possible once the weather calmed down a bit. Sadly we have never had such a poor experience of a cottage holiday. I hope the owner will attend to the issues and that other guests will have a much better experience and be able to leave the glowing reports that led us to book in the first place.
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Gill
The cottage is cosy & furnished to a high standard. The beds are so comfortable. One of the first self catering cottages we have stayed in that provided shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, & hand wash in the bathroom & kitchen & enough toilet rolls to last our stay. Also the kitchen is well equipped. On our arrival Amber had kindly left scones, cream & jam (delicious) milk, butter, bread, biscuits & granola. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate & an assortment of various teas were also provided. There is no need to bring anything other than your daily food. Dogs are also catered for with towels, bowls, dog treats & dog tags. Amber is very welcoming & is happy to provide information on the local area. We thoroughly enjoyed the hot tub before sitting in the lounge in front of the log burner. I can highly recommend the cottage especially if you have pups like us.
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Laraine
Wonderful walks nearby, all dog friendly and great to be able to use fields and around the lake whenever you like. Hottub a bonus. Everything you need is catered for, all so thoutful. Great location.