The Barn in Cotleigh is the ultimate pick for anyone longing a romantic countryside break for two. This picturesque hideaway is situated just a few miles away from the market town of Honiton, not far from the stunning Jurassic coast in Devon. A county that’s home to some spectacular sites like Corfe Castle, The Blue Pool and Durdle Door beach to name a few.
This beautiful Barn is very secluded, surrounded with scenic views of the rolling Blackdown hills which can be admired from every window.
From the outside, this charming thatched barn has beautiful stone walls that are covered in fiery creeping ivy. Whilst the inside has been renovated to such a high standard, and jam-packed with all those lovely little attentions to detail. An external stone staircase will lead you inside the 1st-floor retreat, where you are greeted with an amazing stand alone, double ended vintage roll top bath tub.
Now thats my kind of staycation!
In this article...
Kitchen at The Barn
There is no denying that The Barn is bursting with character. Inside you will find wooden floors, gorgeous exposed beams, and pendant lights hanging over the kitchen island. This was where the hosts had made a thoughtful and welcoming touch of leaving us a lovely fresh loaf of bread, butter, and eggs. We even found a little bottle of wine kindly chilling in the fridge for us.
The kitchen had a slight industrial feel which we enjoyed, and the back wall was painted a gorgeous slate grey. It was kitted out with everything you would need to cook: oven, pots and pans, chopping boards, utensils, toaster. There was even a dishwasher plumbed in to save you from doing the not-so-fun chore of washing up, after-all you are on holiday! On our first night we cooked up a tasty curry, and tucked in sat on the quirky wooden bar stools.
There was also a fancy Nespresso coffee machine which came complete with milk-frother, perfect for James to enjoy his morning coffee. They even had an ice cube machine (best invention ever) which was fab for our spiced rum’s in the evening.
Entertainment options
The kitchen shelves were kitted out with cookbooks, a selection of alcohol and plenty of games to play for a cosy night in together. We had fun playing scattergories, and spent the evening laughing at each others ridiculous answers. Isn’t it crazy how blank your mind goes when you’re under pressure!
If you don’t fancy playing games there is a TV which has a amazon fire-stick, a DVD player with a selection of films to chose from. Or there is an iPod dock and a bluetooth stereo, so you can play your favourite music and cuddle up together in front of the rather unusual fire.
Bedroom and ensuite at the Barn
At the other end of the barn was the bedroom, which had a huge window looking out across the rolling fields.
There was the comfiest super-king bed, complete with the softest duvet to keep you warm. The pretty bedroom was full of exposed brick, & wood cladding, but the highlight had to be the walk in rainfall shower which was ridiculously stunning with a floor created out of pebbles.
Best. Shower. Ever.
We were provided with a couple of white bath robes, fluffy towels, a hair dryer & toiletries. There was a small TV in here too.
How to relax and unwind at The Barn
This entire building is designed for you to switch off and unwind, it’s so peaceful inside.
Light the fire, put some relaxing music on and enjoy soaking in the roll-top bath full to the brim of bubbles. With a rum & coke in your hand it’s without-doubt the perfect way to relax.
Failing that, you could get comfy on the sofa with a good book, or sit out on the patio and watch the stars twinkle in the nights sky. It’s so quiet here that it’s easy to switch off and forget the heaviness of your world.
The coolest bathroom basin idea
I thought I would quickly mention that the toilet isn’t in the same room as the open plan bedroom/ensuite, don’t worry!
The loo can actually be found in a separate room off from where the entrance/ roll-top bath tub is. It has the same fabulous pebble flooring as the shower, a driftwood mirror and a fantastic basin. I’ve never seen one quite as unusual as this and I think it’s beautiful!
Things to do near The Barn in Cotleigh
There are no restaurants within a short walking distance from The Barn. However, you’re only about 3 miles away from the market town of Honiton, where you will find plenty of cosy tea rooms and country pubs to stop off in. Exactly whats needed to warm up on a cold and crisp winters day.
Theres lots of walks you can do from The Barn itself. Why not take a stroll around Cotleigh or go further afield and explore some places in Dartmoor national park. Like the Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor circular.
We spent an afternoon at Sidmouth beach which was about a 30 minute drive away. Where we explored the colourful seaside town and ate fish and chips on the pebble beach.
If you want to venture out a little further, then you could drive an hour away and spend the day exploring Lydford Gorge in Okehampton. Here you will get to see the impressive 30 meter high White Lady waterfall.
Perhaps a shopping trip for a spot of retail therapy is more your thing? Taunton and Exeter are both around a 30 minute drive away.
Or some other great places worth visiting in Dorset are:
We loved our stay here, it was the perfect couples retreat to enjoy a cosy winters weekend away together. I’m sure it’s glorious in the summer here too. You would get to spend time in the garden, cook up a feast on the BBQ, and soak up the beautiful views of the Blackdown hills.
Pin it for later:
Check out my latest posts!
- The Dutchy Barn, Tregoose Old Mill: Romantic Stay in Cornwall
- Explore Kinderdijk Windmills: The Perfect Day Trip From Rotterdam
- DIY Garage Conversion: Building a Home Office on a Budget
- Creating a Practical and Low Maintenance Side Garden on a Budget
- Chilly’s Series 2 Bottle & Flip Lid Duo Review: Hit or Miss?