Old Church House, Brayford

Old Church House, Brayford: Devon

Located near the picturesque churchyard in High Bray, Old Church House is a detached 16th-century country hideaway that exudes original character features including oak beams, stone fireplaces and multi-pane windows throughout. Set amidst the stunning North Devon countryside, this Grade II listed building provides the perfect base for exploring the dramatic moorland and coastline of Exmoor.

Comfortably accommodating up to 5 guests across three bedrooms, including one double bed, one twin room, and a single bedroom, this spacious cottage boasts a well-equipped kitchen with a large kitchen table, a family bathroom with shower over the bath, and a downstairs cloakroom with toilet and hand basin. The cottage-style garden with outside seating provides a peaceful retreat for guests to relax and unwind.

With heating, electricity, and Wifi included, guests can enjoy a cozy stay in the spacious living room with a wood-burning stove. Old Church House also welcomes up to 2 dogs (for a supplement of £30/dog per stay) and provides towels and bed linen.

Please note that as with many houses of this era, there are some uneven floors, low ceilings and beams in parts (the lowest beam is 1.78mx/5ft 10" and the lowest ceiling at 1.96m/6ft 5" – both in the kitchen). A minimum stay of 2 nights is required, and check-in is from 4 pm with check-out by 10 am.

Facilities
Old Church House is has been refurbished throughout by the current owners yet care has been taken to retain many original character features, including oak beams, stone fireplaces and multi pane windows throughout. the cottage is comfortable yet traditional and, as with many houses of this era, there are some uneven floors, low ceilings and beams in parts. The lowest beam is 1.78mx/5ft 10" and the lowest ceiling at 1.96m/6ft 5" – both in the kitchen.

The front door leads into the central hallway with a bench seat/shoe rack perfect for muddy shoes, useful downstairs toilet and cloakroom space. Off the hallway is a spacious living room with an attractive beamed fireplace complete with wood burning stove, comfy seating to take advantage of the many books provided and views out onto the front garden or to the churchyard at the rear. The well-equipped dual aspect kitchen features a large kitchen table, oak units, large butler sink, electric cooker and hob plus a wood burning stove. The kitchen door leads onto to the garden and can also be used for external access.

Upstairs the galleried landing and the higher ceilings give a spacious feel. The three bedrooms are traditionally furnished in a mix of styles and are served by a family bathroom, comprising bath with shower over bath, toilet and hand basin.

A travel cot, high chair and stair gates can be provided on request. A selection of children's books and toys are also provided at the cottage.

Wifi, heating and electricity is included in the price of the accommodation. The cottages is heated with a mixture of electric radiators (storage, radiators and convectors) which can be adjusted to suit your preference plus wood burners in the kitchen and sitting room. A basket of logs and kindling will be left in autumn and winter for the wood burning stoves to get your started, further supplies can be purchased locally.

Bed linen and towels are provided, but please bring your own beach towels if you wish to take towels with you on day trips.

Location
The parish of Brayford is situated on the south-western boundary of the Exmoor National Park within West Somerset and North Devon. It's an area of varied and inspiring landscapes from purple heather-clad moors, ancient forests and sparkling rivers to dramatic coastline, pretty towns and villages and home to Exmoor ponies, red deer and buzzards.

Brayford is in a highly picturesque location set in a steep sided valley bounded by green fields and woodlands. The River Bray, which rises on Exmoor, runs through the centre of the village before joining the River Mole near South Molton and the River Taw before flowing through Barnstaple to the sea.

High Bray, above Brayford gets its name from its situation on the brow of a precipitous hill. The church (All Saints) stands on the summit and commands fine views. It was rebuilt early in the 16th century and thoroughly restored in 1878.