A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon
Courtyard Cottage, a charming countryside cottage that has been renovated from the original farm buildings to provide comfortable accommodation for couples and small families looking for a lovely relaxing break surrounded by stunning unspoilt North Devon countryside. Set just outside Barnstaple, Courtyard Cottage is not far from all the popular local attractions, the North Devon coast and Exmoor National Park. The local area offers many opportunities to enjoy activities such as cycling, walking, and experiencing nearby Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton.
The cottage boasts a delightful open plan living space, where you can relax on the huge sofa in front of the wood-burning stove, either relaxing with a book or perhaps enjoying a movie on the smart TV in the evenings. Rustle up dinner in the stylishly presented kitchen, well-equipped for a self catering break, and includes appliances such as an induction hob, electric oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer and a coffee machine. There is also a pine table that comfortably seats 4.
The two bedrooms are beautifully furnished. There is a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, hand wash basin and an en-suite shower room. It also benefits from direct access onto a terraced area, perfect for an evening drink when the kids are in bed. The second bedroom is a twin room, with two full size single beds. This is serviced by a family bathroom that is fitted with a large walk in shower, wash basin and WC.
Guests staying at Courtyard Cottage are welcome to enjoy the outside space to make the most of the views and surrounding scenery. There is also storage for bikes or surfboards, and a handy outside tap and hose. Courtyard Cottage is a pet free cottage, as there is nearby livestock in the fields and there is no enclosed garden.
Please also note: although this cottage is arranged on one level, it still may not be suitable for people with mobility problems as there are a number of steps within the property, and slopes to access the cottage.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Barnstaple
Barnstaple is home to this cottage. The area's natural beauty can be seen at North Devon Coast and Exmoor National Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Rock and Rapid Adventures or South Molton Rugby Club. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby surfing/body boarding, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
St Anne's Arts & Community Centre - 6 min drive - 3.1 km
North Devon Coast - 20 min drive - 14.3 km
Woolacombe Beach - 34 min drive - 27.6 km
Getting around
Barnstaple Station - 11 min drive
Restaurants
The Reform Inn - 3 min drive
Kelly's Lounge And Bar - 5 min drive
The Panniers - 6 min drive
Bull & Bear - 4 min drive
Beer Matters - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon on 26 June 2026 start from NZ$366, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon located?
Situated in Barnstaple, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Queen's Theatre, Pannier Market and St Anne's Arts & Community Centre. North Devon Karting Centre and Funder Zone are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful cottage in wonderful central location for all North Devon has to offer. The property was immaculate and had everything you could need. The owners live next door and were very friendly and helpful. Would certainly stay again.
Perfect stay, so good we extended by a further week. Thanks Mike and Mica!
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Gemma B.
17 August 2025
Lovely cottage
We've just got back from another wonderful week at Courtyard Cottage. The location is great, it really feels like you are in the countryside, but the town is 5 mins away. We spent several days at the sandy beaches (only 20 min car journey) that are perfect for body boarding and surfing, enjoyed sea kayaking and loved the coastal walks and views. The cottage has everything you need and to a high spec, making it feel luxurious. The owners are attentive, the welcome pack was delicious, and our children loved seeing their dogs and eating Smores by the firepit one evening. Overall a fantastic stay, we'd definitely go back again, there's still more to explore!
Gemma B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Rosie H.
15 September 2024
What a stunning cottage !
Courtyard Cottage is a beautiful place to stay. The cottage has been lovingly renovated and decorated and is incredibly comfortable in beautiful surroundings.
The owners are very welcoming and accommodating. A lovely welcome pack is left for you. Everything about this stay has been well thought through - a beautiful home from home.
Rosie H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Terry B.
18 September 2023
Lovely cottage in beautiful surroundings
We stayed for a week in this lovely cottage. The kitchen was amazing and had everything you could possibly need. It was light and airy and spotlessly clean. It was very centrally placed for visiting all North Devon has to offer without travelling too far. The owners live next door and were very welcoming, kind and helpful, especially with suggestions of places to visit and eat. We would love to stay again one day.
Terry B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
23 June 2024
Wonderful
Courtyard Cottage has everything one would need. It is equipped to a very high standard and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. The hosts, Mika and Mark, are very helpful and go out of their way to provide any extra information that you should need. We would definitely stay there again if we are in the area. Overall excellent and definitely recommended.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
14 October 2024
Fantastic hosts
Our needs for this property wasn't for a holiday unfortunately, however mika and Mark were extremely kind helpful and very accommodating for our situation. The views from the property are great and there are multiple areas for seating to have a drink and something to eat. The accommodation is only a short drive from various towns and seasides. The property is highly recommended its comfortable warm and very well equipped the underfloor heating is great and the log fire a bonus. I'll be back again for a visit under different circumstances without a doubt. Thankyou mika and Mark.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Rainer K.
11 September 2023
Great for relaxing holidays, very hospitable owners
Recently renovated cottage with great attention to detail that lacks nothing. Everything is very modern, but comfortably furnished.
Very quiet location (approach, however, is in quite poor condition with many potholes), perfectly situated for trips into the North Devon area. Several seating areas outside, which invite you to relax (with a little luck with a view of sheep).
The couple who rents the house is very hospitable, we have rarely been received warmer than by the two. Mark always has good excursion tips ready.
After our two weeks stay it was really hard for us to have to leave again.
Rainer K.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
21 July 2025
Our 5th visit to this lovely cottage
Our ideal cottage which is why we have visited every year for the past 5 years. It looks like new and is kept spotlessly clean and so well equipped that we've subsequently bought stuff that we've seen or used in the cottage for our own home. The location if perfect as it's 1/2 way up the side of the valley with Barnstaple Hospital just below and the town just below that. 5 minutes in the car and you can be parked in the centre on town and yet all you hear at the cottage is the wind in the trees and the birds. Perfect peace.
The owners are on site but the layout means that you very rarely see them - unless you go and knock on their front door - great if there are any problems or you want advice about where to visit in the area. 3 patios of which one is always in the shade and 1 in the sun. We will be booking to go back there next year as there's still lots of things we want to do/see in the area.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
18 June 2024
Wonderful stay in an excellent property
We spent a delightful week in this stunning property, which has been so beautifully designed and furnished to an incredibly high standard. The owners live on site and were keen to check we had everything we needed as well as providing some helpful local advice. We had good communication with them from the moment our cottage was booked.
Self catering cottages are our regular choice of UK holidays and this has to be in our top 3 places. Gorgeous inside and out with attention to detail everywhere. There is nothing we could even suggest that could have been changed or added.
The location is ideal for wonderful coast, gardens and National trust properties. Our idea of heaven.
Thank you Mika and Mark for having us.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
22 July 2023
The perfect cottage
Our 3rd visit and this time for 10 days so that should tell you a lot.
This cottage has it all - :
Location - just outside Barnstaple so peace & quiet guaranteed but you can be parked in the centre of town within 5 minutes of leaving. Easy driving distance from Exmoor, North Devon coast and even parts of the North Cornwall coast so plenty to see and do.
Cottage - beautifully furnished and well laid out with 3 patios to choose from that means you can always get some sun, 2 bathrooms with rainfall showers, a kitchen that is so well equipped that you wish your kitchen was that good and a comfortable living area with plenty of space to relax.
Owners - their house is just next door but other than a visit to welcome you you don't see them although you may get a visit from their dogs looking for someone to pet them.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Deborah M.
4 August 2025
Idyllic, Immaculate and Incredibly Welcoming!
Nestled in a peaceful spot just outside Barnstaple, the cottage combines the charm of the countryside with easy access to stunning beaches, coastal villages and the rolling landscapes of North Devon. The cottage itself is finished to an exceptionally high standard - spacious, beautifully decorated and equipped with everything you could possibly need. It's clear that Mika and Mark have put a great deal of thought into every detail. The welcome pack was such a thoughtful touch too - freshly baked scones, clotted cream, local jam, Devon cider, ginger beer, fudge and more. It was such a lovely way to begin our stay and really set the tone for the week. We felt truly spoilt and looked after!
Mika and Mark were fantastic hosts - warm, helpful and always on hand if needed. They went above and beyond to make our stay special, kindly lending us their body boards for beach days and even taking our daughters blackberry picking, which they absolutely loved. It was those thoughtful, personal touches that also made the experience stand out.
We came for a relaxing countryside and coastal escape, and Courtyard Cottage delivered on every front. We’re already planning our return!
Deborah M.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
7 July 2024
Our ideal holiday home.
Just spent 2 weeks at this lovely cottage. This was our 4th visit so probably not a surprise that we rate it very highly. Decor and fittings are stylish & top quality. Everything has been thought of and provided. Comfortable, warm and spotlessly clean inside - nicely integrated into the surrounding buildings and grounds. Owners are on site if any problems but due to the way the buildings are laid out the cottage gives you lots of privacy. Peace & quiet is what you get as the cottage is quite a long way up the side of the valley with Barnstaple below and nothing but trees above. Great views across the valley and the adjacent garage roof also serves as 1 of the 3 patios and is the best sun trap late afternoon/early evening (especially with a G & T in hand). Barnstaple is a great base for visiting North Devon and the Atlantic Coast of Cornwall and is an interesting place to visit itself with lots of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Nearby Instow is a must for it's long sandy beach and glorious views across to Appledore.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mr R A G.
9 August 2024
HOLIDAY COTTAGE of the HIGHEST STANDARD
Our first visit to Courtyard Cottage.
We were met by our host Mark & Mika who extended to us the warmest and friendliest “meet and greet” every experienced arriving at a holiday cottage.
Though only about 10 minutes from Barnstable, Courtyard Cottage offers a secluded and peaceful location with fantastic views over Barnstable.
The cottage is extremely well equipped to a very high standard, from the comfy beds, very good quality towels and linen, beautiful ensuite shower rooms and comfortable lounge furniture. The cottage was extremely well presented and immaculately clean. During our late winter break we always found the cottage to be warm and the addition of a log burning stove provided additional heat along with a warm and comforting ambience. From the welcome pack to the installed high end electrical appliances, everything was faultless.
It is very obvious that a great deal of attention and detail had been given to ensure that the cottage provides all that is required for what can only be described as a luxury cottage experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday at the Courtyard Cottage, the best cottage we have stayed in, and would not hesitate in recommending or returning.
Mr R A G.
About the host
Hosted by Amanda
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests