Notes from the host
Linhay Cottage
Property Summary
Linhay Cottage is directly off Withypool Common in the heart of Exmoor, it is approached by a private 3/4 mile drive. It’s ideal for those wanting to experience Exmoor and be truly rural. The property offers comfortable accommodation for up to 3 guests (sorry no children under 5 years of age).
Main Description
Access to the property is through a handy porch, ideal for leaving muddy boots or walking shoes in to dry off. The main living area is an open-plan sitting room within dining table, and L-shaped kitchen at one end. There are two comfy sofas and a prominent wood-burning stove to create a cosy and relaxing space. There are two bedrooms off the hallway, one has a kingsize double bed and one has a single. Both bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, chest of drawers and views overlooking the fields and Barle valley below. The bathroom is also off the hallway, comprised of bath with shower over, toilet and hand basin. The bath/shower may not be suitable for elderly guests that are unable to step in and out of the bath.
Sleeps 3 guests in two bedrooms
One King-size double bed and one single bed
Open-plan sitting room with dining area
Stunning rural area just off Withypool Common
Footpath direct from the cottage to Withypool or Landacre Bridge
Wifi, BT landline, heating and electricity included
Bed linen and towels provided
Dogs welcome for supplement of £15 each and on the condition that dogs are not allowed in bedrooms or on the furniture (strictly maximum of 2 dogs)
Arrive from 4 pm
Depart by 10 am
This property is an ideal base for anyone looking for a rural retreat with modern conveniences, if you are looking for a ‘get-away’ and want to explore Exmoor you will not be disappointed! As the name suggests, Linhay Cottage is situated next to a working farm. A linhay (pronounced linny) is a traditional farm building; the open front and regularly spaced pillars are typical of this type of building. The cottage was once the farm’s grooms quarters and overlooks the stable yard. There is a garden area to the rear of the property, which is fenced but not enclosed. The owners are still working on improving the outside areas of the cottage.
The driveway is resurfaced approximately every 5 years but due to the natural water springs and farm equipment potholes quickly reappear, so please drive carefully.
Please note, as with many rural properties the water at Linhay Cottage comes from a private reservoir, it is treated for consumption before being supplied to the cottage. The cottage has its own septic tank, so only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed away.
Dogs are welcome providing they are kept off the sofas and out of the bedrooms, they must not be left in the property on their own at any time. A supplementary fee of £15 will be added to your invoice per dog (strict maximum of 2 dogs).
Linhay Cottage is strictly non-smoking.
The property will be ready from 4 pm on the day of your arrival. Please depart by 10 am on the last day of your stay. Please leave the property clean and tidy so that we can guarantee it will be ready on time for our next guests.
Indoor Description
Linhay Cottage has a fitted, handmade kitchen with integrated fridge and dishwasher, electric oven with ceramic hob and microwave. Other equipment includes toaster, kettle, bean to cup coffee machine and bean grinder, cookware, a comprehensive variety of kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses.
A television (with Freeview) and DVD player is provided in the living room (the aerial signal is not great at Linhay and some channels are not obtainable).
Linhay Cottage includes wifi for guests' use. Please note that the cottage is in a rural situation, the wifi speed is unlikely to be as fast as urban areas. The package the owner has for wifi is BT Fibre 1 which BT says includes average speeds of 50Mb via a BT Smart Hub. BT phone line for incoming calls and free uk landline calls (limited to under 1 hour).
A hair dryer is provided for your convenience.
Electricity and heating costs are included in the price of your accommodation. Linhay Cottage has oil central heating which works on a 24 hour thermostat. There is also a wood-burning stove in the living area and enough logs and kindling will be provided for your first nights stay (in the winter months Nov - Feb). Further logs etc can be purchased locally.
One medium sized towel per person is provided. Bed linen, duvets and blankets provided for your convenience. Please bring your own beach towels if you wish to take towels with you away from the property.
Limited tea, coffee and sugar will be provided. There may also be other non-perishable items like a salt, pepper and oil available.
Cleaning materials such as washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets/powder will be present in the property, and one to two toilet rolls will be provided.
Please note, as with many rural properties the water at Linhay Cottage comes from a private reservoir, it is treated for consumption before being supplied to the cottage. The cottage has its own septic tank, so only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed away.
Outdoor Description
There is a large stable yard which provides access to the front of the property and is a fairly secure area but not fully enclosed. Outside furniture (table and chairs) is provided in the second closest stable, to enable guests to enjoy this sheltered sunny spot, or it can be moved around to the back to enjoy the view - there is a large picnic table in the back garden. The owners are continuing to improve the outside areas around the house.
If the field in front of the cottage is empty, guests can walk down through it, taking the 2nd gate on the right and continue down into the 'wet' natural field, it will come out on the footpath, right goes to Withypool or left to Landacre Bridge.
Occasionally horses are kept in the stable yard opposite the cottage or turned out in the fields. Unfortunately Linhay Cottage cannot accommodate guests' horses.
Linhay cottage is the old grooms quarters for the stables and the property overlooks the top field towards the Barle Valley, and to the other side of the property is the stables, sometimes the stables and fields are used for horses. Garden table and chairs are provided and can be found stored in the 2nd stable.
Parking
Once you are inside Linhay Cottage gates, please park wherever you feel is suitable (but not on the grass please). There is ample parking available.
Pets Description
Dogs are welcome at Linhay Cottage on the condition that they are not allowed on the furniture, or in the bedrooms and they must not be left alone in the property at any time. Please note the garden and yard are not fully dog secure.
Dogs are charged at £15 each, maximum of 2 dogs.
Restricted mobility
Shower over bath - there are no grab rails.
Exit in case of emergency
This has not been completed by the owner.
Christmas / New Year
Sorry Linhay Cottage is not decorated for Christmas
The region
Withypool is a small village in a truly beautiful setting within Exmoor National Park. The village is in the Barle Valley with the River Barle running through, the Two Moors Way also passes through the village, a well-marked walking route linking the south Devon and North Devon coasts. To the southwest of the village lie Withypool Common and Withypool Hill. It is believed that the area around Withypool has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, a stone circle can still be seen on top of Withypool Hill.
The village pub is called the Royal Oak Inn and has seen its share of history since its construction in the late 17th century. It is believed that R. D. Blackmore wrote part of the 'Lorna Doone' novel in this bar, and artist Alfred Munnings had a studio in the loft. In the 1930s, the inn was owned by Gwladys and Maxwell Knight, a spy-ring leader and radio broadcaster upon whom Ian Fleming based the character of James Bond's boss, M.
Just two miles upstream from Withypool is the delightful Landacre Bridge, a late medieval five-arch stone bridge, a great place for paddling and picnicing in good weather.
