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18th Century Cottage On Waterfront, Panoramic Sea Views, Courtyard Garden

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Curlew Cottage garden
Dining
Curlew Cottage
View from upstairs lounge
Irsha Street

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Fireplace
    A rare find - cosy up in front of a warm, inviting fireplace.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Instow Beach
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Fenced yard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Appledore, nr Bideford, North Devon
  • Place, West Appledore
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Northam Burrows Country Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Instow Beach
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Murphy Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Utility room

Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

18th Century Cottage On Waterfront, Panoramic Sea Views, Courtyard Garden

In a beautiful waterfront location in Appledore with stunning views, Curlew Cottage is a characterful self- catering cottage sleeping five in three bedrooms, with an additional single folding bed available. Spacious, well equipped and comfortable, Curlew Cottage welcomes a high proportion of regular visitors. On the shoreline of the Taw and Torridge estuary, Curlew Cottage offers a perfect view of spectacular sunsets, bird life, and a great variety of water craft. A small walled garden with lighting, table and chairs overlooks the water and the sand dunes of Braunton Burrows and Northam Burrows. A short walk from the centre of Appledore, three miles from Bideford and a good walk or a short drive of the glorious beach at Westward Ho! Two lounges, two dining areas, two TVs, WiFi and a bathroom and bedroom on the ground floor make it suitable for a range of family groups.

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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
May need supervising in garden - sea wall
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Events

No events allowed
Please discuss before booking
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 10 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Well behaved pets welcome
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please smoke outside

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Turn the thermostat in the hall to minimum
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 8110799
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
Note from host: Please discuss before booking
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

Bideford

Located in Bideford, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at North Devon Coast and Saunton Sands. Travelling with kids? Consider The Big Sheep and Clovelly Village. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and horse riding.
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Map
Appledore, nr Bideford, North Devon

What's nearby

  • West Appledore - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Northam Burrows Country Park - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Instow Beach - 12 min drive - 1.7 km
  • North Devon Coast - 16 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Exmoor National Park - 52 min drive - 39.3 km

Getting around

  • Barnstaple Station - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cafe du Parc - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Glorious Oyster - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Boathouse - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Royal North Devon Golf Club - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Rose Salterne (Wetherspoon) - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 18th Century Cottage On Waterfront, Panoramic Sea Views, Courtyard Garden pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 10 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at 18th Century Cottage On Waterfront, Panoramic Sea Views, Courtyard Garden?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at 18th Century Cottage On Waterfront, Panoramic Sea Views, Courtyard Garden?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 18th Century Cottage On Waterfront, Panoramic Sea Views, Courtyard Garden?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 18th Century Cottage On Waterfront, Panoramic Sea Views, Courtyard Garden located?

This family-friendly Bideford cottage is located on the waterfront, within a 15-minute walk of West Appledore and Northam Burrows Country Park. Instow Beach and South Gut are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 45 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Spencer T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location, 2 mins from town. amazing views to the rear, good restaurants and pubs close by, had a wonderful 3 days, no on site parking, but not a problem enough close by.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jun, 2026
Hi Spencer, thanks for your review, lovely to hear you had such a good stay in Curlew Cottage. Stephanie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was lovely, everything was comfortable and clean. Would definitely go back
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May, 2026
Hi Emma, I'm glad you were happy and hope you visit again . Stephanie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

Liked: Location
Great views and warm
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely loved our stay at Curlew Cottage. The views are fantastic, especially from the upstairs sitting room. We stayed with our toddler and dog, and cannot recommend it highly enough.The location was perfect, a 10 minute walk to town. The cottage was easy to heat and was very comfortable. Thanks for the easy check in process and the relaxing stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May, 2026
Thank you for your review David, it is great to hear how much you enjoyed staying at Curlew Cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A charming cottage with a superb view of the estuary. We enjoyed sitting in the garden watching the boats go back and forth. The cottage had everything we needed and the beds were very comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept, 2025
Hi Emma, many thanks for your review, I'm pleased you had everything you needed and enjoyed the garden and the views. Thank for visiting.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

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

Great find

Perfect property to enjoy the views from lots of different rooms, with easy walk into the high street aswell for a dip in the sea and fab walks. The property has lovely bedrooms, well equipped kitchen, warm shower and even a loo with a view. Fab stay for the family.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

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

Fab qwerky cottage in excellent location. Very quiet street. Loved Appledore.

Brilliant stay. Easy check in. Loved everything about the cottage and location.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May, 2022
Thank you Karen, very happy that you enjoyed your stay at Curlew Cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

britta r.

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

Perfect Christmas break

Lovely place overlooking the estuary clean neat well maintained and decorated We hopefully will return in the summer
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Cottage with lovely estuary views

The cottage is very well situated in the old part of Appledore in a quiet street with excellent views of the estuary from the cosy upstairs sitting room. A very pleasant place for a winter holiday.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jan, 2024
Thanks for this review. I'm so glad you were happy staying in Curlew Cottage.
Verified

8/10 Good

Emma R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

Charming old house with plenty of space, great view from the back yard and upper lounge. Everything you may need was provided for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2022
Thanks for your review Emma, it's good to hear everything you needed was provided.
Verified

8/10 Good

Louisa R.

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

Lovely little place to stay

This is such a lovely little house to stay, very relaxing. It has everything you could possibly need while you are staying and everything is either right on your doorstep or within a short walking distance. Generally everyone around is very friendly and happy to offer advice on places to go and things to see.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept, 2023
I am so pleased that you found everything you needed in the cottage, and that it was such a convenient location for you. Many thanks for your review. Stephanie
Verified

8/10 Good

Gillian Duffield D.

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

Good location

Had a wonderful time in Appledore at this cottage.It was well fitted out with all we needed .Beds very comfy .Lovely view fro lounge on top floor across the estuary and cottage well placed for village
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jul, 2022
Many thanks for your comments - I'm so glad you had everything you needed and had a wonderful time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

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

Mr Levick

Great host, great location. We would thoroughly recommend…..5 ⭐️
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucy B.

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

Lovely New Year break

We had a lovely stay at Curlew cottage. Appledore was a great spot and we loved the walks and local pubs, shops and nature. The house was as described and we had a very comfortable stay. The view from the garden, over the estuary was special and we loved spending time out there.in all weathers. Communication with Stephanie was easy and we had everything we needed.Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jan, 2025
Thanks for your review Lucy, I'm pleased you were happy and comfortable. Yes, Appledore is a great spot to visit. Stephanie
Verified

8/10 Good

Wendy G.

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

Beautiful location

Beautiful location in Appledore. View over the estuary to the Atlantic ever changing and soothing as the tides ebbed and flowed. Second time to this magical little town..and will be coming again for sure. Property on seaward side of Irsha Street and like all the others that side of the street it gave straight onto the estuary with dramatic views every day, and wonderful sunsets.
Stayed 11 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erica D.

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

Lovely cottage

Cottage was equipped with all we needed. They helped sort us out very quickly when we locked ourselves out!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun, 2023
Thank you Erica, glad you were happy and that we could help you with the keys. Stephanie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Lovely cottage in great location

The best thing about the property is the view from the lounge and the garden overlooking the shoreline. We spent most of our time there. The cottage is very traditionally furnished and comfortable.There are two brilliant pubs within five minutes walk serving excellent food. Appledore itself is a delightful, large village with plenty of amenities. Highly recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy F.

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

Short break at curlew cottage

we had a fantastic stay at curlew cottage whilst on the SouthWest Coast Park walk. parking was easy, managed to park very close to cottage. Enjoyed having a coffee in garden overlooking the river estuary after a days waking. the cottage was very clean and spacious. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May, 2022
Happy to hear you had such a good stay. Thanks for your review. Stephanie
Verified

6/10 Okay

Nicky P.

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

cottage

We loved the location as it was only a short walk to the centre.The restaurants were excellent. The cottage was in a superb location but was dated and needed updating but this could be keeping with the fact it is an old cottage.Could do with more tea bags and coffee.The complimentary bottle of wine was a lovely touch.Overall lovely holiday.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr, 2024
Hi Nicky, I'm pleased to hear you had a lovely holiday and enjoyed the location and restaurants.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colette R.

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

February Trip to Appledore

Enjoyed our short getaway to Curlew Cottage in Appledore. The cottage is lovely and characterful, with everything you need. The rooms are clean and beds comfortable. The views - even in overcast February - are fantastic and the location couldn't be bettered. Just a short walk to the quay and shops. As other reviews mention, the stairs are quite steep so just something to consider for young children and the elderly. Communication with Stephanie was quick, friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May, 2022
I'm so glad you were happy with Curlew Cottage, the views and location. We are fortunate to have ground floor bedroom, bathroom and lounge for those who find the stairs steep. I hope you will return and see Appledore in better weather!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah V.

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

Excellent location

Appledore is a beautiful village. Other Reviews were accurate. Lovely clean, comfy property. Only downside was the toilet downstairs. The stairs are really creeky, especially in the middle of the night. The property has a wash room outside. Which was perfect for drying wet towels and wetsuits. Having breakfast with an amazing view was perfect. Would recommend
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug, 2022
Thanks for your review Deborah. I'm glad you enjoyed Appledore and found the cottage clean and comfy. I am looking in to ways to deal with the creaky stairs. Pleased you found the outside washroom useful and enjoyed the view.
Verified

8/10 Good

Lesley D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage with Great View in Appledore

We had a nice week in Appledore, the view out of the upstairs lounge window and courtyard garden downstairs are definitely what sells this property as a relaxing holiday destination. The stairs are definitely steep with only one handrail, which for elderly or anyone with mobility problems is a real problem. The beds had no extra blankets and at nights it was cold and the quilts aren't that thick, so take extra blankets if you feel the cold. Overall a good week away, except for tired in general - furnishings and equipment. On the plus side communication with the owner was very responsive.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jun, 2022
Thanks for your review Lesley. I'm glad you enjoyed your week. Sorry to hear you would have liked extra bedding - we have throws for the beds which were removed as a precaution and could be provided again. I will also look into the other points you raise..
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara L.

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

Lovely cottage with fantastic views.

This cottage is lovely, set over two floors, with fantastic views over the estuary. The downstairs has a lounge area when you first come in the door, with a fold up bed if you have a sixth person (child) in your group. The stairs and a short hallway are next, with a twin bedroom and then the kitchen. There is also a table and chairs in the kitchen which we used for our meals, although there is also another dining table and chairs in the front lounge. The kitchen window looks out to the back garden and estuary. There is another door from the kitchen to the bathroom and toilet. The shower is fantastic. Quite a large walk in shower. The kitchen also has the back door that leads to a lovely little garden with lots of flowering shrubs and daisy type plants. There is a little wrought iron table and chairs, where you can sit and enjoy the view, which we did regularly. From the garden, you could also access a utility type room that also had a second toilet. Upstairs there is another lounge with fabulous views over the Estuary. We rarely used it as we sat outside, but this would be brilliant in cold weather to still see the sea. There was also a large double bedroom and a small single room upstairs. The only downside to this cottage is the lack of a toilet upstairs. It's a long way to the loo in the night and the stairs do creak! Too be honest, I would probably put the twin room upstairs, and have the double room downstairs, so you don't need to go up once the kids are in bed. The car park is a short walk away, and you can park outside the cottage to load and unload everything. It is also a short walk to two pubs. You can also get down on to a rocky beach area here to go rock pooling when the tide is out, which we did with the kids. It is just a little further to the main Quay, which is where you find a few shops. We also spent some time crabbing along here when the tide was in, as did many other families. You are also a short drive from Westward Ho! And a lovely sandy beach. The whole process to rent the cottage was simple. I had a question, that was answered really quickly. I was also sent a message detailing everything I needed to know. The cottage also had information and instruction manuals if needed. Whilst there, I had a question for the owner and I received a response immediately. Overall this was a fantastic place and we had a wonderful holiday. We would stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was very clean and beds very comfortable. Such a lovely peaceful spot in the garden overlooking the estuary. The wine and dog goodies was a lovely touch too.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jun, 2026
Dear Rachel, thanks for your review, I'm so pleased you were happy at Curlew Cottage. Stephanie
Verified

6/10 Okay

Gillian G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Beautiful spot

The property is beautiful it was lovely to sit in the back or the lounge & watch the river come in & out with the sea tide. Appledore is a lovely place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

About the host

Hosted by Stephanie Blythe

Host profile image
I've owned and managed Curlew Cottage for over thirty years, with the help of a local caretaker, and have enjoyed getting to know regular visitors and Appledore village life. I live in the countryside of West Yorkshire and always love visiting Curlew Cottage and Appledore.

Why they chose this property

The light reflecting from the sea in Appledore makes everything look beautiful. Add the views and the character of the old fishing village, and that would be reason enough to stay in a cottage here! Appledore also has shops, a bus service and a great choice of places to eat and drink and is very favourably placed in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Marine Nature Reserve.

Curlew Cottage is an 18th century fisherman's cottage with an interesting interior, situated on the South West Coast Path. There is an abundance of coastal villages and countryside to visit nearby, as well as beaches, National Trust properties, a golf course, lifeboat station, Lundy island, and attractive local towns like Bideford and Torrington with their range of useful shops and facilities.

What makes this property unique

Whatever the weather you will have a fantastic view over the water from the garden, kitchen and upstairs lounge, with all sorts of boats and water craft, birds and sunsets. Curlew Cottage cottage has a well equipped kitchen for when you plan to eat in, and a walled garden (secure for dogs) for relaxing by the water. A short walk away you'll find two pubs with restaurants and a little further, the quay and local shops. Local musicians entertain in many of the Appledore pubs. You can walk or take a short drive to two of the best beaches in Devon at Westward Ho! and Northam. A ferry to Instow, fishing and boat trips are available from the quay. Children can enjoy using crab lines and exploring the rock pools. You can even buy local fish as it lands. Appledore has a strong artistic tradition and has an annual visual arts festival and a book festival.

Languages:

English, French

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