Berry House

Introduction

Berry is an elegant Georgian house situated remotely in open farmland close to the cliffs of the rugged and dramatic North Devon coast. This a designated ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’ and the house has superb views out to sea (in a Westerly direction – affording great sunsets) as well as inland across a wooded valley to the tall mediaeval tower of St Nectan’s church in the nearby hamlet of Stoke. This large house to rent is available for big parties, holidays and corporate events

The History

Its origins date back to mediaeval times, but the house was enlarged and completely remodeled in the 1760s to provide the home for the land agent of the neighbouring Hartland Abbey Estate. Workmanship was to exceptionally high standards for the time, including fine paneling to many of the rooms. The house remained remarkably untouched until acquired by the present owners who undertook its painstaking and sympathetic restoration in 2006/7. Great care has been taken to retain the historic character of the building whilst discreetly incorporating the best modern services and to provide a great sense of contemporary style.

Accommodation

Ground floor

Berry House is a welcome sight on the beautiful and rugged cliff top and once you enter through the front door of the House it does not disappoint. The entrance hall has the main staircase ahead and opens onto the wood panelled drawing room, with open log fire and comfy sofas on one side and the elegant dining room on the other.

The rear hall leads to a large flag-stoned kitchen with sunny breakfast room beyond. French windows open from the breakfast room to the walled terrace for outside dining. The house is perfectly set up for walkers, dogs and muddy wellies, with the boot / utility room having its own entrance to the side of the house onto a small enclosed garden. Also on the ground floor is a cloakroom and at the rear, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a secondary staircase. Cellars include an original wine cellar and laundry facilities.

First Floor

The beautifully designed bedrooms range from grand panelled Georgian rooms to the more rustic in style, and the attic bedrooms, which have a more modern feel. All are spacious and are equipped with sumptuous beds. Bathrooms are all fitted with top quality fittings throughout.

There are 5 large and luxurious bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, three of which are ensuite.

Second Floor

There are three attic rooms and two bathrooms, one of which is en suite.

In total there are 10 bedrooms (all 6ft doubles or 3ft twins), four of which have an additional single ‘daybed’. There are 8 bathrooms (5 bath / 3 shower), four of which are en-suite.

Party Spaces

Games Barn Games Room

The Games Barn is a great indoor space providing table tennis, basketball and 5-a-side footie. It also has an assortment of toddler play equipment, large screen TV and sound system.

The Games Room is on the first floor with petit-football and pool table and a computer set-up providing wi-fi internet and links to all local attractions and information. Beyond is the reading room facing West out to sea with comfortable sofas on which to curl up with a good book or watch the large screen TV with video/DVD.

The Grounds

Berry House has plenty of outdoor space, including a large lawn in front of the house for a game of football or cricket. At the rear of the house the patio is a great place for barbeques and sunbathing in the summer months.

During your stay

There’s something for everyone on the rugged north Devon coast. Get the family moving with a cycle ride along the wonderfully flat and scenic Tarka Trail, walk along the South West coastal path, surf at Westward Ho! or Croyde Bay. Visit the picturesque villages of Appledore and Clovelly or amuse the kids with a day trip to The Big Sheep. The fascinating island of Lundy can be easily reached from Bideford where you may be lucky enough to see puffins, seals, dolphins and basking sharks.

See our Activities list for clay shooting, riding and a host of other exciting things to do.