Lower Aylescott Farmhouse is a perfect property for families and groups of friends looking for a peaceful rural retreat. The house is a beautiful four-bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse dating from the 17th Century and set in 21 acres of grounds. Guests will love the characterful features and the outstanding south-facing views over the countryside with its own pond and a stream which runs through the garden.
The wide, heavy studded oak front door welcomes guests into a large reception hall which instantly imbues the sense of history. The property is listed in the doomsday book and comes with all the quirky features you'd expect in a property of this age, however it perfectly mixes the contemporary with the historic and carefully retains the full period character and charm with its low beams and wooden floorboards. There are open fireplaces and wood burning stoves in all of the reception rooms, a few low beams and doorways, and plenty of creaky floorboards, crooked walls and even an original upstairs long-drop toilet! Thankfully the long-drop is no longer in use and the house is fitted with modern appliances including a 7 burner / 4 oven gas fired kitchen range, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, tumble dryer and Wi-Fi.
The first floor living space is perfect for families a large characterful living room with a collection of comfortable sofas and an elegant oak paneled drawing room which makes a great spot for a quiet escape by the open fire.
All of the bedrooms can be found upstairs along with the family bathroom. The master bedroom has a super-king bed, a cast iron ornamental fireplace feature and enjoys the delightful views across the valley. An archway leads through to the en-suite shower room which has a vaulted ceiling feature with exposed beams and includes a large walk-in shower cubicle, sink and toilet.
The second and third bedrooms both have king-size beds, while the fourth bedroom is configured as a twin.
The family bathroom includes a luxurious clawfoot bathtub, separate shower stall, toilet, and a sink.
Outside can be found a large stone built sun terrace with an area of lawn in front. Surrounding the house to the southern and eastern sides are a number of terraced lawns which enjoy peaceful and far reaching rural views. There is ample, off-street parking for several cars next to the house.
The property is 15 minutes drive from Woolacombe beach, plus the delights of Exmoor National Park, Lee Bay, and Croyde which can all be reached in 20-30 minutes drive. But there is plenty to keep you busy from the doorstep: The gardens of the property are rich with wildlife, with its resident moorhen pair nesting in the pond, kingfishers darting along the stream and red deer browsing in the woods. Guests can often hear woodpeckers tapping in the morning, pheasants crowing during the day, and tawny owls hooting in the evening. There is a public footpath which runs past the garden allowing you to set off on walks around the surrounding countryside.
Lower Aylescott Farmhouse is situated in an idyllic rural position, about a mile from the popular unspoiled working village of West Down which has a pub which serves food. While tucked away and in a more private position, the property is not isolated and is within easy reach of the village center and the neighboring larger towns and villages. The property is within close proximity to the finest beaches Devon has to offer - such as the golden sand beaches at nearby Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. The coastline has many peaceful coves, dramatic cliffs, scenic walks and the rugged charm of the Exmoor National Park to explore.
Guests will love the peace, character, and charm that Lower Aylescott Farmhouse has to offer and will want to return year after year. Guests are welcome to take cuttings of the garden during their stay.
Please note that children should be supervised at all times because of the ponds and rivers running through the yard. There is also a low railing on the first floor landing.
