High Barn is an outstanding barn conversion using large beams from 18th century ships. A second barn is used as a comfortable well-lit large games room with table tennis, wood-fired stove and new roof.
Situated in a Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South Devon, it is just one mile from the spectacularly beautiful and unspoilt Erme estuary. Wonwell beach on the estuary offers vast expanses of sand and is perfect for swimming, paddling and fishing nets at low tide and windsurfing at high tide. Nearby there are more beaches and coves as well as fine cliff top walks. The National Trust path runs along the coast line and crosses the estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest with fascinating birdlife. High Barn sleeps up to 8 adults/children and is privately owned. During the summer it is let on a weekly basis, Friday to Friday. In winter, it is available either for a full week, or for a weekend.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Bring own beach towels - no house towels to beach
No pets upstairs
Important information
You need to know
Property # 700975
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
About the area
Kingsbridge
Located in Kingsbridge, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Brownston Art Gallery and The Watermark are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Historic Salcombe and Saltram House. Travelling with kids? Consider Ivybridge Leisure Centre and Quayside Leisure Centre. Windsurfing, sailing and surfing/body boarding offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding nearby.
Endsleigh Garden Centre Restaurant - 15 min drive
Royal Gurkha Spice - 8 min drive
The Hunting Lodge - 16 min drive
Rose & Crown - 12 min drive
The Imperial - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Outstanding barn conversion close to sea pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).
How much is parking at Outstanding barn conversion close to sea?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Outstanding barn conversion close to sea?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Outstanding barn conversion close to sea?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Outstanding barn conversion close to sea located?
This family-friendly Kingsbridge cottage is located by the sea, within 2 mi (3 km) of Pamflete Beach and Wonwell Sands Beach. Mothecombe Beach and Wyscombe Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We really enjoyed our stay at High Barn. Whilst relatively basic, everything was clean, comfortable and functional with masses of hot water and a log burner to warm everyone up after a day out on the water. Lovely location, walking distance to Wonwell beach and well situated for Bigbury in the other direction. Loved our stay and hope to come back again.
Jeremy M.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jun, 2025
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed it. We hope you will come back
Very comfortable house, pretty enclosed garden, very useful games barn, very comfortable beds in all rooms - one twin room is small for 2 adult size teenage kids ( would be fine for smaller kids) but all the rest of the rooms are spacious.
Lovely walks nearby and great for visiting various beaches and other estuaries. Would definitely return to see more.
We had a lovely stay at High Barn, it’s fully of charm and character, fully equipment, a few items need updating, ie Iron and ironing board and frying pans no longer non-stick. Everything else was fine. We had never been to Devon before and it was great exploring. There was lots of information at property to help us get around.
We had a really lovely Sunday Lunch at The Dolphin Inn, apparently new owners, they were very friendly the price was very reasonable.
We would highly recommend.
Lisa O.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jun, 2022
Thanks, Lisa, glad you enjoyed your stay. We will get a couple of new non-stick frying pans today!
We had a great week in Devon exploring the area around the south coastline. Although we enjoyed staying at High Barn there were a few issues with the property, the main being that it wasn’t particularly clean, old cobwebs covered in dust, dead bugs all the way up the stairs and on windowsills and behind curtains, the high chair straps were mouldy and we had to take them off and scrub them clean. Also lots of the crockery and ceramic cookware was chipped and stained where the glaze had cracked. None of these were major issues and we didn’t bother the owners with them. The bathrooms could also do with updating, particularly the en-suite shower which was very poor. We understand that it’s an old property full of character but it did feel rather neglected. Overall it’s a great place to stay but could be improved with a little time and money spent on it and a thorough deep clean, especially considering the price we paid for a single week.
Theresa P.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug, 2021
Thank you for your review. I apologise for the state of the high chair -my mistake for not informing housekeeper. We will pass on your other comments on cleanliness.
The property was due for a general make over before Easter in 2020 and that had to be cancelled due to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19. This will be done as soon as practicable. Until then High Barn, it seems, has given many families a happy holiday, particularly through this busy time and we expect will continue to do so. We hope to see you again.
A wonderful retreat after months of lockdown. Secluded, quiet and walks from the property. Weather was cool for summer and plenty of rain but that didn’t dampen the spirits. Owners were very helpful and made us very welcome. The property was as advertised. Property was clean with a focus on the superficial. Recommended for a refresh.
Lovely family home, stunning location and very peaceful (other than farm animal neighbours!). It definitely feels lived in, with some great touches, book in nooks and crannies and a great kitchen to gather in (and some friendly spiders and cobwebs!). The barn with table tennis and space for younger visitors is perfect - and the garden really is the crowning glory (but not suitable for young children in my view). As ever in Devon, the road to the beach is narrow and you need to plan your beach visit timing to get a parking space (it’s quite a long, hill walk back up to the cottage).
The hosts were very helpful and responsive, with good recommendations. It’s worth checking the loo roll/cleaning products when you arrive (you are a little way from a shop) as previous tenants may have had large families. The parking works well, and easily fits two medium-sized cars. Tim has done a good job with the directions to the house, so it is worth following them, even if you’re familiar with the area.
All-in-all, a great stay with a family home feel and welcome.
Nice and relaxing break at High Barn which is a well equipped cottage. Nice walks to the beach and around. Beautiful sceneries around and lots of places to visit.
Spacious, well equipped, clean and in lovely surroundings
Vivien H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nicholas S.
5 Jun, 2019
Family holiday.
Lovely spacious home, with bonus separate playroom. This has seating and table tennis table. There are three sofas in the Sitting Room , and a large dining table in the very well equipped Kitchen. The owners were very good to deal with.
Good quiet location near to pub, river, beach and coast path.
Nicholas S.
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Thank you, very glad you enjoyed the half-term break.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
justine c.
23 Apr, 2019
Great homely barn
We spent a week in this lovely barn with our 3 adult sons, our 12 year old daughter and our dog.This is a lovely house and in a perfect position for exploring the coast and having Wonwell Beach just a walk away was fantastic. We loved walking and exploring the south coastal path and we really enjoyed being able to walk to the Dolphin Inn pub. The games room is a real bonus and meant that everyone had space. We would all really love to come back. Thank you.
justine c.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
16 Oct, 2018
A very enjoyable stay
We had a lovely time at High Barn. The house was very comfortable, quiet and relaxing and has real character. The Erme Estuary (previously unknown to us) is a hidden gem - we enjoyed some splendid walks along the coastal path in both directions an also a few delightful, if bracing, early morning swims at high tide.
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Thank you. Very glad you enjoyed yourselves.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
anthony h.
29 Jul, 2018
Brilliant location well equipped loads of space games room if wet and a walk away from the beach
We had the best holiday ,helped by the weather, and the great beach which was excellent for family football ,cricket ,swimming and rock pools .
We had A family table tennis tournament in the games room and BBQs in the garden .
The ample supply of fridge and freezer space ment we could do a weeks shop and not worry about frequent shopping trips
We loved High Barn and the owners art work there is loads of family space . We will definitely be back, the whole family just had a great time ,if I could give it another star I would
anthony h.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Judy B.
31 May, 2018
Family Weekend
We had a wonderful weekend staying at High Barn it had everything we needed for a family of 8 and a dog from 2 years up to 80 years, loved the garden, there was plenty of space to accommodate us all. The games room kept the grandchildren busy with the ping pong, and their own space. The adults relaxed in the lounge and garden, the neighbour was very nice and friendly and the locals when you met them walking about. A good standard and would recommend High Barn for family holiday.
Judy B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Miranda M.
12 Nov, 2015
warm and welcoming
High Barn is a beautifully converted stone barn, comfortably appointed and with all the right traditional country atmosphere. The play barn is a very useful annex, and whilst the property has no view, the immediate location is pleasant, with lovely and peaceful surroundings. The nearby beach and villages are absolutely stunning. Fantastic autumn break.
Miranda M.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Frances G.
21 Oct, 2015
Great location, very comfortable
We wish we had discovered High Barn years ago as we know the area well and this is a lovely place to stay. Spacious and comfortable, everything you need provided and lovely and warm with the Aga on. We were very fortunate with the weather and had warm autumn sunshine every day so could take advantage of the 'sun trap' garden. The play barn with table tennis is a good bonus particularly if the weather is bad. Tim and Sally answered e-mails quickly and made sure everything was OK for us. Some lovely walks around the Erme Estuary when the tide is out. Would thoroughly recommend High Barn.
Frances G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Stefanie H.
11 Jun, 2015
Perfekt für einen traumhaften Familienurlaub
Wir sind eine Familie mit 3 Kindern und einem Hund. Wir waren für eine Woche in High Barn und konnten wunderbar relaxen, die wunderschöne Landschaft geniessen, lange Wanderungen an der Küste, am Strand und auch im Dartmoor unternehmen. Es gibt auch viele National Trust Schätze und sehenswerte landsitze und Gärten in der Gegend, die sehr sehenswert sind. Die Abwicklung mit den Eigentümern war super unkompliziert und einfach. Wir genossen die Ruhe, die freundliche Atmosphäre der Gegend und das gute Essen im Dolphin Pub um die Ecke.
Wir nutzten die Tischtennisplatte jeden Tag und die Kinder hatten wunderbar Platz zu spielen. Auch für unseren Dalmatiner war es der perfekte Urlaub. Es war alles sauber und schön hergerichtet. Danke!!!
Stefanie H.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Tatyana E.
18 May, 2015
High Barn holiday
High Barn is perfectly situated. It is near many places of interest, such as Agatha Christie's holiday home 'Greenway', beautiful beaches, and picturesque villages.
High Barn is well equipped for young families (we had four children with us below the age of 3), comfortable, and spacious. On a fine day the garden is a great place to relax, catching the sun through the day. If the weather is not so good the barn is well stocked for indoor activities.
The owners, Tim and Sally Begg, are extremely helpful, even to the point of emailing to suggest a local walk to find the bluebells.
All in all, a great place to stay. We are definitely hoping to visit again soon.
Tatyana E.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Tatyana E.
18 May, 2015
High Barn holiday
High Barn is perfectly situated near several places of interest, beautiful beaches and picturesque villages.
The barn itself is well equipped for young families (we were two families with four children below the age of 3), spacious, clean and comfortable. On a sunny day the garden is a lovely place to rest, catching the sun throughout the day, and the table tennis table is a welcome addition on those not-so-good days.
The owners, Tim and Sally Begg, were extremely helpful. In addition to a folder of recommendations of local restaurants and attractions, they emailed unprompted to recommend a local walk to find the bluebells.
All in all a great place to stay and we hope to return again soon.
Tatyana E.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jacqueline G.
4 Feb, 2015
Pre Christmas Friends and Family Fun
We, The Kili Katering Krew + Hon Kompanions, (a group of old codgers who had first met in May 2014, to climb Ben Nevis for charity - Changarawe Project) had an absolutely wonderful stay in your gorgeous home. We enjoyed lots of laughter, convivial conversations, excellent cooking and good wine, all facilitated by the comfortable ambience of this lovely old barn. The rabbits, sausages and bacon we bought at Gribbels in Ivybridge were declared the best ever! Being early winter, the setting felt hidden and secluded, but in fact is a short walk from the cosy village pub with its open fires and friendly locals, and the estuary and coastal path for energising walks. We stayed for the first half of our week then handed over to our sons and friends (+ one baby) whose experience mirrored ours.
The listing description was accurate in every way, especially the very detailed instructions for finding High Barn, which we managed after dark. We had taken the train to Plymouth and hired a car to take the seven of us. High Barn is clean and well looked after; the owner was very helpful and provided a few back-up telephone contacts, local to the house. We would love to stay here again and highly recommend High Barn to others.
Jacqueline G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Susan C.
31 Aug, 2014
I want to return!
What a truly lovely place! High Barn is so homely and welcoming it was as though we were staying in the charming and spacious house of good friends (who happened to be away!) rather than in a holiday let.
We had absolutely everything we could possibly need for a comfortable stay - right down to a surprise drawer of children's books, which kept the 4 and 3 year old very happy for a blessedly long time! The table tennis barn is an enormous asset - as are the extra fridge and freezer.
As for the area - it is beautiful. Gorgeous beaches, Dartmoor (the Miniature Pony Centre is a wonderful place for small children), National Trust properties, Salcombe to Kingsbridge cruises - all easily accessible. There is also a Sea World and a mega adventure swimming pool on the easy side of Plymouth - which we used on our only really rainy morning.
We stayed for two weeks and experienced High Barn in two ways: the first half was a child centred time; the second week was adults only. Both halves of the holiday were wonderful - the house and the area cater for all.
I hope to return one day. Meanwhile, thank you to Tim and Sally Begg - the nicest holiday landlords with whom you could hope to do business!
Susan C.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Susan C.
31 Aug, 2014
I want to return!
What a truly lovely place! High Barn is so homely and welcoming it was as though we were staying in the charming and spacious house of good friends (who happened to be away!) rather than in a holiday let.
We had absolutely everything we could possibly need for a comfortable stay - right down to a surprise drawer of children's books, which kept the 4 and 3 year old very happy for a blessedly long time! The table tennis barn is an enormous asset - as are the extra fridge and freezer.
As for the area - it is beautiful. Gorgeous beaches, Dartmoor (the Miniature Pony Centre is a wonderful place for small children), National Trust properties, Salcombe to Kingsbridge cruises - all easily accessible. There is also a Sea World and a mega adventure swimming pool on the easy side of Plymouth - which we used on our only really rainy morning.
We stayed for two weeks and experienced High Barn in two ways: the first half was a child centred time; the second week was adults only. Both halves of the holiday were wonderful - the house and the area cater for all.
I hope to return one day. Meanwhile, thank you to Tim and Sally Begg - the nicest holiday landlords with whom you could hope to do business!
Susan C.
Archival
8/10 Good
Eileen Hughes
15 Aug, 2014
CHARMING COTTAGE, IN A BEAUTIFUL PART OF DEVON
High Barn is a most attractive 'cottage', with a pretty garden, ideal for barbeques, and has a real 'home from home' feel. It is comfortable, spacious, clean, and very well equipped, and an ideal place for a relaxed family holiday or for a group of friends. An added bonus is the barn, used as a playroom, with table tennis and other games, as well as an extra fridge and freezer. We made good use of all these facilities. It is in a beautiful part of South Devon, close to sandy beaches, cliff paths and other country walks, has a local, charming pub, and is not far from Dartmoor nor Plymouth.
The only downside is the one rather weak shower, in the ensuite rather than the main bathroom. Otherwise, I would rate it as 5 stars, but as it is, would like to give 4 1/2 stars
We were three generations there, and had a most enjoyable holiday. I would certainly recommend it to friends.
Eileen Hughes
About the host
Hosted by Mrs Sally Begg
Annual holiday with our children very close to this house for years before finding this one to buy.