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Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside

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Exterior
Exterior
The Cider Barn
Dining
Kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade and game room.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Fenced yard

Explore the area

View map
Crediton, ENG
  • Place, University of Exeter
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, National Trust Killerton
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Exeter Cathedral
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Airport, Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside

Set within the main courtyard & just a short distance from the family farmhouse, here at The Orchard Retreat, East Forde Farm - The Cider Barn offers most accommodation on one level, with oak floorboards leading you from the open plan living space to two double bedrooms (one en-suite) & the family bathroom.

Upstairs there is a large bedroom with a double bed, a single bed, a sofa and loo and sink.

The kitchen includes all the mod cons including a dishwasher combined in the oven. There is free Wi-Fi available & a smart television mounted on the wall with free-sat & linen and towels are included.

The Cider Barn is heated by a gas fired boiler (using Calors BioLPG, which is a more sustainable gas, made from waste, residue and sustainable materials and is their first step towards a greener gas) and with radiators in each room, The Cider Barn is lovely and warm during the winter months and when required throughout the rest of the year.

There is also a wood burning stove in the living space and logs are included, so as soon as your basket is empty, please help yourself from the wood store in your private garden where you will find a Weber charcoal BBQ, Indian fire bowl and seating area.

One or two well behaved dogs are welcome at a fee of £25 per dog & please bring their basket.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
High chair & cot bed FOC
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Please enquire about parties or events
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
1-2 well behaved dogs at £25 per dog
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking in the cottage
Please ensure the barn is left in a tidy state, with all bins emptied and put outside. Plus all beds are stripped on the day of departure.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 8256749
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6
Note from host: Please enquire about parties or events
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

Crediton

Located in Crediton, this holiday home is in a rural area. Dartmoor National Park and Meshaw Moor reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Lords Meadow Leisure Centre and Crediton Arts Centre. Travelling with kids? Consider Devon Railway Centre and Exe Valley Leisure Centre. Discover the area's water adventures with surfing/body boarding and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and horse riding.
Map
Crediton, ENG

What's nearby

  • Crediton Arts Centre - 12 min drive - 9.1 km
  • University of Exeter - 21 min drive - 13.1 km
  • National Trust Killerton - 23 min drive - 19.4 km
  • Exeter Cathedral - 26 min drive - 15.9 km
  • Exeter's Historic Quayside - 26 min drive - 16.2 km

Getting around

  • Crediton Station - 14 min drive
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Thorverton Arms - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Exeter - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Lamb - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Fishermans Cot - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Beer Engine - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside?

As of 20 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside on 13 November 2026 start from NZ$328, 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 Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lovely Devon barn, near Exeter, set in 15 acres of countryside located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, Crediton Arts Centre and Devon Railway Centre. Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life and St Peter's Church are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay. The property was spotlessly clean very well equipped , the beds were comfortable and the rooms are tastefully decorated. Walking through the wildflower meadow and copse was relaxing and just what we needed after a busy week . We will definitely recommend to family and friends and will hopefully return for a longer stay .
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 May 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review, Andrew. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay and had everything you needed in the barn. We appreciate that you mentioned how clean you found it - I feel it is so important for our guests to find a clean and comfy property. So thank you. So pleased you wandered around the site and enjoyed the meadows and wood. It certainly is a beautiful place to stay, and we love sharing it with our guests. We look forward to welcoming you again and thank you for recommending us to your friends and family.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rovernev

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 January 2026
Thank you for your review, we are so pleased you found your stay excellent.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha F.

A wonderful bolt hole in a beautiful setting and made to feel so welcome.

We were 4 adults and one 5 year old and we all had a a wonderful time. Vicky and Nick are wonderful hosts and have made the Cider Barn so comfortable that you could want for nothing. My daughter thought it was great, enjoying making a new friend, climbing trees and playing in the tree house. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
We are so delighted you had a lovely time - thank you so much for your kind review. It is so nice to hear about our guests experience and get feedback on the cottage and location. Maddy loved playing with your daughter, so lovely to have a holiday friend. We really look forward to welcoming you all again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect weekend.

We have just had the most perfect family weekend staying at the Cider Barn at the Orchard Retreat. The accommodation is decorated and maintained to a very high standard. There is great outdoor space to explore and a fantastic games room for a rainy afternoon. We booked the pizza oven for the Friday evening, and a brilliant start to our celebrations. Thanks to Vicky and Nick for hosting us and we would highly recommend to anyone interested in staying.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2024
Thank you so much for you lovely review David, we appreciate you taking the time to do write about your stay. Sounds like a wonderful family weekend. So pleased you enjoyed the games room, outdoor space and pizza oven. As well as the barn, which makes a great base for enjoying the site. We hope we can welcome you all again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

karen f.

Beautiful cottages

My husband and I stayed at the orchard Retreat over the February half-term holiday and had an incredible time with our three children and two dogs. The kids loved the park, the badminton, the streams and the lovely walk theough the orchard. the dogs loved it too. The property is gorgeous, and the cottage was beautiful. The owners were fabulous and very helpful. A lovely holiday. thank you Vikkie and Nick, we would definitely go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
What a lovely review, thank you. It was lovely to meet you and your family and we are so pleased you had a lovely time and had everything you needed. The grounds are fun for everyone, so great you were able to enjoy it all. We loved that Arlo our dog came out to play play with you and for your lovely card. Thank you so much and we do hope to see you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful holiday

Vicky and Nick's enchanting house was an absolute stroke of luck. It is lovingly and tastefully furnished. Nothing was missing. We enjoyed our time in the beautiful property so much that we only made a few trips into the surrounding area. The children were also delighted and enjoyed the many sports and play opportunities. Vicky and Nick are charming and very helpful. We can highly recommend the cider barn!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 September 2024
Thank you for your kind review, we really appreciate it. We are so pleased you had a lovely stay and enjoyed the barn and exploring Devon. We enjoyed meeting you all.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place

Great place to stay and lovely countryside peaceful and does what it says on the tin perfect for a retreat! The owners where lovely and very helpful and approachable Definitely will be back!
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2021
Thank you so much for your lovely review, it was lovely to meet you all. We are so pleased you had enjoyed your stay. We would love to welcome you all again one day!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Crediton escape

The barn suited us very well and Vicky is extremely helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 16 October 2020
Thank you so much Angela, we are pleased you enjoyed your stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason C.

Amazing experience.... Highly recommended

My wife and I stayed here for two weeks in May of 2019 with our two rambunctious 2 and 5 year old boys, we could've easily stayed longer. Upon our arrival we found our keys in the front door, inviting us into our accommodations which was the beautiful cider barn. The place was very clean, well kept with every supply you would need, it had a homely and comfortable feel. The log fueled fire added a rustic feel to the place and proved beneficial when nights drew in and temperatures dropped. Bedrooms were spacious with comfy beds and lovely cozy duvets, our boys loved staying in the attic room. Outdoors was absolutely breath taking, the whole area is simply beautiful and many a mindful moment was spent wandering through the meadow and orchard. Our boys were never bored and were so excited to get out every day and explore the grounds, play in the stream and use the tree house, swings, trampoline and slide. The site in whole is so pretty and well catered. On the few rainy days we had, we were able to hang out in the Gallery which is host to a good selection of books, board games and puzzles. I love that there were lawn games to play too - honestly, it had everything! The hosts, Vicky & Nick, were honestly some of the loveliest, down to earth and truly genuine people we've ever met. They fully respected our privacy, yet were there with ideas, suggestions or just a friendly chat at any time. In terms of hosts, they are Gold Standard and topped off this perfect trip. We will definitely return in the future and cannot recommend this place highly enough. You won't be disappointed!
Stayed 13 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
What a lovely review, thank you. So pleased you had a lovely stay and enjoyed the cottage and our site. So good to hear that you had all you needed to enjoy your stay. It was great to meet you all and we would love to welcome you all again one day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ed O.

Fantastic stay

Amazing stay at Orchard Retreat. We loved it. Amazing facilities and great location.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you for your review, so kind of you. We are so pleased you had a lovely stay, it was good to meet you all. We are so pleased you liked the cottage and location - so good to hear. Hope to welcome you again one day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jan Shand

A Great Place to Relax

Had a very relaxing week here ..the owners are lovely , helpful and welcoming . If you have a dog it's ideal as you can walk out across the fields and wood directly from the garden. We saw six Buzzards flying high above us and bought fresh eggs from the farm next door , and the sky at night was glorious. We will be going back...a lovely find .
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about you stay. We really enjoyed meeting you all and are so glad you enjoyed the barn and our surroundings. Such a peaceful place, with lots of wildlife perfect for friends, families and groups alike. We look forward to hopefully welcoming you all again one day soon.
Verified

8/10 Good

Paul M.

Lovely peaceful location

Had a lovely stay in this converted barn for New Year. There were 5 of us for some of our stay and the barn is more than big enough. The beds were very very comfy, like sleeping on clouds. There is a very snug but well appointed kitchen, suitable for most everyday requirements. Tv and WiFi worked well, and there is a small selection of DVDs available for load in you wish, however as the countryside is so lovely, you dont want to be sat in front of the TV for long! There is also a games room, and access to washing/drying facilites at a small cost. The focus is very much eco friendly, with a log burner, plenty of wood (at no extra cost) and even two outside baths (in addition to the internal washing facilities!). We were brave enough to try these in late December and they were great. There is a fantastic pub, the Ring of Bells only about a mile away where we went for New Years Eve. The overall quality of food we experienced in Devon wasnt the best but the Ring of Bells restored our faith, there is good food to be had in Devon! Finally, the reason for the 4, not 5 stars is because of the heating system. Due to the Eco friendly nature, the primary heating is the wood fire, which is lovely in the evening, but less so when you wake in the morning to a cold barn. There are several oil plug in radiators but its a very big space to heat. Not a major issue but one to be aware of if staying during the colder months. Overall, we had a great stay though. In the spring and summer I expect its stunning.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you so much for your detailed review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay and had everything you needed. It is great to hear you found the beds so comfortable and loved the location. It is great you tried the outdoor baths, so much fun and we feel a pretty special experience. The Ring of Bells is an excellent pub so we are delighted you enjoyed it there, more than other places you tried. Such a great local for us and our guests. We really appreciate your feedback regarding the heating system. Although we love the eco side of it, we are looking at other green options to heat the property in the future. It was great to meet you and yes it really is even more idyllic in the spring, so we hope we can welcome you again one day soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Everything you want for a winter break. Very comfortable accomodation with character.

Made very welcome by Vicky and Nick who went the extra mile to help us. Loved the rural, but comfortable feel of the accomodation and location.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 October 2020
Thanks so much Paul, we really appreciate your review and are so happy that you enjoyed your stay last winter. Thank you for taking the time to write and we hope we can welcome you again one day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David J.

Cosy & comfy barn in an idyllic setting - a wonderful week

With views out of a Hardy novel our Cider Barn stay was wonderful. The barn was cosy and comfortable with plenty of space for our family of six and dogs. It was tastefully decorated with everything you need for a home from home. Orchard Retreat is a wonderful place to spend the week, the surrounding fields are perfect for dog walking, the play area is great for children and the open-air bathing looked amazing, however late October/early November frosty nights aren't outdoor bathing weather... Or maybe we are wimps?? The gallery is stocked with books, DVDs, games to enable wholesome family evenings in front of the wood-burner, and the shop has lovely food & drink, as well as gifts and smellies. The RingoBells pub is a short walk away - great real ales and a fab Sunday lunch, the farm and community shops nearby are great for basics, Crediton is a lovely little town to visit and Exeter is a wonderful city to spend time exploring - all on your doorstep. Vicky & Nick are great hosts so you get just the right mix of being away from it all and having them nearby if you need anything - the attention to detail and considerate touches throughout demonstrate Vicky & Nick's commitment to making sure their guests are more than just comfortable - all in all a perfect place to stay. Thanks Vicky, Nick, Maddie, Moon & Arlo - we will be back...
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We love the comparison to a Hardy novel regarding the views The Cider Barn has. Great to hear. We are so pleased the cottage worked for you all and you enjoyed our lovely local pub and the farm shop next door. It is great to know that you had everything you needed for a weeks stay and we are pleased you enjoyed the little touches. We look forward to welcoming you again one day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mrs Kelly Lacey

Beautiful Barn conversion in lovely remote setting!!

We’ve just got back from a 3 day stay and had a great time!! The barn is double height and stunning when you walk in. It’s lovely and clean and the owners are very welcoming & helpful. Our kids absolutely loved all the out door activities & space to run around😀 The on-site little shop is also an added bonus. Tbh this is rare that I can give such a good review as always come away from places disappointed!! But definitely not Here!! If we go down there again we’ll definitely be booking up to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really appreciate it. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay in the barn and your children enjoyed everything on offer outside. We love having the shop on site, so useful for the little extra bits needed when away - although the farm shop up the road provides all your basics. It would be lovely to welcome you all again if you are in the area, so please do let us know.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

George B.

wonderful devon holiday cottage.

set in rural dorset, the cottage is spacious, roomy, and clean. large bedrooms very airy in hot weather, ( it was very hot when we were there ). garden walks were terrific with loads of wildlife all around. extremely peaceful, and fantastic place just to go and unwind. highly recommended,...….we've booked again for next year.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 October 2020
Thanks so much George, we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay here and booked again to stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ron A.

We had 4 lovely weeks.

Wonderfull hosts, Nice and quiet location. Plenty to do for children. Nice cottage.
Stayed 27 nights in Apr 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you so much for your review Ron, we really appreciate it. So pleased you had a lovely stay and enjoyed the cottage and location. We hope to see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louise F.

Lovely, comfortable, well equipped property.

Our family loved our stay. Everything was there that we could have needed including many kind extras that the owners had provided. Many thanks for a lovely holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you for your kind review, we are so pleased you had a lovely stay. The cottage was immaculate on departure, thank you it is so appreciated. So pleased you had everything you needed and enjoyed the extras. We hope to welcome you again one day!
Archival

8/10 Good

melanie a.

fabulous location

we stayed in the barn while working in Exeter. As a group of colleagues, rather than a family the only issue was only having the one shower - no one wanted a bath and it would be great if the upstairs had a loo too. However, we appreciate that we were using the barn in unusual circumstances. The owners and location are fabulous and would thoroughly recommend it. Great place to take children.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you so much for your review and we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay. Your points make total sense, thank you for the feedback - we have considered a further loo upstairs, but given that there are two downstairs and only three bedrooms we decided to leave it as is and not eat into the space further. With regards to a second shower, we agree and have been contemplating how to add another to the family bathroom and will certainly give it some more thought. That said, the two bathrooms normally work well between a family or friends. We hope we can welcome you again one day soon, have a great summer!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Pam G.

The Orchard Retreat - A Hidden Gem

We arrived late on the Friday evening, having travelled from the south east and the owners knew we were going to be late - but they were so were so helpful and had lit the wood burning stove in the cottage so it was warm for us. Such a great start. We had other family members coming down on the Saturday so we used both down stairs rooms for the adults and the kids had upstairs. Everything about the cottage was high quality from the furniture and bedding through to the utensils. Just made you feel at home and actually like you wanted to stay. The location is fab - set in a few acres and we were able to take our dogs out for walks around the site. (dog friendly too!!). The location is also great for getting around Devon, so we went into Exeter for the day as well as going to north Devon beaches (only about an hour away). We also were recommended the local pub (The Ring of Bells) a short drive away - although we walked as there was a cider festival on. So on paper a small village but even locally lots to do - fab pub for food, a farm shop up the road - but even better The Orchard Retreat also has a shop for those last minute purchases (milk, bread, wine...). Would I recommend staying here - yes without a doubt. There is another cottage and yurts on site as well. We are planning to come back later in the year. It's a perfect spot for a family get together. Highly recommended.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 October 2020
Thank you so much for your review Pam, we are so pleased you found everything of good quality and enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to the next time.

About the host

Hosted by Vicky & Nick Ritchens

Host profile image
Having spent many years being lucky enough to live & travel abroad, my husband & I realised we wanted to base ourselves in the UK.

Devon became a favourite of ours, with its rolling countryside & proximity to the coast. Plus having family here, meant it was the perfect place to move & begin our dream of running holiday cottages.

We fell in love with UK holidays, having stayed in lots of holiday cottages.

As soon as we saw it, we realised East Forde Farm was the place to do this and to share it with guests, who love it as much as we do, is just perfect.

We have been running it since 2014 and we are so lucky to have gained 5* reviews across all platforms. The site has evolved and improved as the years have gone by, which has been helped by our guests and their wonderful feedback.

You really can get back to nature here, relax and unwind whilst exploring Devon.

We look forward to welcoming you here soon. Vicky, Nick, Maddy & Moon & Arlo the dogs!

Why they chose this property

We love the area as only 20 minutes from Exeter and its wealth of shops, restaurants, University & nightlife. But we are set in a rural area, surrounded by beautiful Devon countryside and on our doorstep is a farm shop, great local pub and village shop.

What makes this property unique

We have stayed in many holiday cottages, but to stay where you not only have a private garden but access to 15 acres of varied land is something really special.

With a wood, a mature apple orchard, meadows, streams and pathways joining them all together - East Forde Farm really is a destination in itself.

Languages:

English
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