Bucks Mills, Devon coastal retreat 500m from dog-friendly beach & woodland walks

Relax and reconnect with nature. Take a restorative dip in the sea, build sandcastles and explore rockpools. Cosy up in the pub, spot wildlife in the garden and discover coast path and woodland walks. Our listed fisherman's cottage is the middle cottage in a terrace of three and is nestled in the quiet hamlet of Bucks Mills in Devon - known for it's unspoilt charm and providing the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The beach is a 500m (8-10-minute) walk along a quiet lane through the village. The beach is rocky and at low tide, stretches of sand and glorious rockpools are exposed. The top section of the beach, which is always exposed except during exceptionally high tides, is a mix of pebbles and dramatic boulders - ideal for perfecting the art of stone skimming. (Please note that access to the beach is via a very steep tarmac path and won't be suitable for everyone.) Dogs are allowed on the beach at Bucks Mills all through the year.

The beach remains largely undiscovered and even in the summer holidays you'll rarely find the beach is busy, so there's plenty of room to spread out. Once the sand is exposed, the sea gently shelves away making it ideal for sea swimming for all ages - or for your little one's first taste of dipping their toes in the sea. The secluded nature of Bucks Mills does mean there are no beach facilities here. For all the fun of the seaside, including surf board hire and surf lessons, head to nearby Westward Ho! or catch a wave at the popular surf beaches at Croyde, Saunton or Bude - each around a 45 minute drive away.

Bucks Mills is considered an unspoilt gem, consisting of character Devon cottages mostly all dating back to the 19th centuary. Bucks Mills was once the inspirational home to the artists Mary Stella Edwards and Judith Ackland, who spent summers in the unique 'Cabin' which clings to the cliffside (now owned by the National Trust). The village still draws artists seeking inspiration from their natural surroundings. There is no street lighting in Bucks Mills - with less light pollution, on clear nights you'll be able to gaze up at the stars from the garden or on the beach. If you're arriving after dark, bring a torch!

As well as the beach, the woods (owned by the National Trust and the Woodland Trust) surrounding the village offer plenty of paths for exploring - perfect if you're treating your dog to a holiday too. The SW coastpath passes through Bucks Mills - with the popular village of Clovelly, famed for freshly caught local lobster, a 5-mile walk along the coastpath and Hobby Drive (or it's a few minutes drive away). You can also walk from Melinda's to nearby The Hoops Inn for a drink, lunch or supper (approximately 45 minute walk following the footpath) and the renowned Farmers Arms is in Woolsery, a 4 mile drive away.

The closest shop is the general store at Bucks Cross, where you'll find a choice of locally-made goods and essential provisions. More shops are available in Bideford, including major supermarkets Asda, Morrisons, Lidl and Aldi as well as authentic independent local shops.

The cottage is small and cosy - perfect for two adults and up to two children and/or dogs. like most old cottages, the ceilings and doorways are lower than most modern homes. It is traditionally furnished to reflect its heritage. Downstairs is a living room with sofa and chair to relax. The dining table also offers a spot to enjoy a jigsaw or board games.

There's a separate kitchen equipped with essentials for a relaxing stay, including an electric cooker with induction hob, a dishwasher, washing machine, retro fridge with ice box, Tassimo coffee machine and a microwave. Upstairs is a bathroom with overbath electric Aqualisa shower. The master bedroom has a king size bed, chest of drawers and a small wardrobe and the second bedroom has two small (2'6" wide and full length) beds with under bed storage for clothes.

Outside, guests can enjoy sitting or playing in the garden that is for the exclusive use of guests. The garden is surrounded by a mixture of a grassy bank, hedging and a wall (with stream below) - guests with dogs should be aware the garden is not fully enclosed. There is a lawn area for ball games as well as a picnic table and bench to relax and enjoy food al fresco as you watch the butterflies flit by.

Melinda's Cottage has been in our family for nearly 40 years - we hope you'll enjoy your time here as much as we do.