Secluded farmhouse – high on Dartmoor, with private access to the River Dart

In the wilds of The Dartmoor National Park, half a mile from the nearest road, Combestone Farm is the perfect isolated rural retreat. Bordered by rivers, the farm offers unimpeded access to 180 acres of moorland, fields, ancient woodland and the banks of The River Dart. There are endless options for walking, exploring, fly-fishing and wild-swimming right on the doorstep.

The cosy, welcoming cottage includes an open fire in the main living room, a wood burner in the snug and an AGA for cooking. Upstairs there are three pretty bedrooms and a bathroom, with bath. There is also a shower and WC on the ground floor. The sheltered and well-tended gardens have far-reaching views across the valley. The farmland includes bluebell woods, bronze-age hut circles and ancient tin mine workings. Well behaved dogs are welcome and grazing for 2 horses can be arranged.

The farm offers private access to a mile the River Dart with excellent swimming and picnicking spots. There is fly-fishing for two rods on 2.5 miles of the river for Salmon and Trout (subject to the season and correct licenses).

The nearby village of Holne has a welcoming 13th century pub (currently closed), shop and tearoom. Dartmeet, across the steppingstones over the river, boasts the popular tearoom and restaurant at Badger’s Holt and the Forest Inn at Hexworthy is just over a mile away. The River Dart Country Park is a family activity centre set in 90 acres about 5 miles drive. The local towns of Ashburton, Princetown, Yelverton and Tavistock have a full range of amenities, restaurants and activities.

The farm is remote and not connected to the national electricity grid. There is high-speed WiFi, but no mobile phone signal. Electrical power comes from solar panels and a hydro-electric generator. There is also a diesel generator which runs automatically 2hrs/day. Electrical supplies are limited therefore, and guests will need a degree of resourcefulness!
Water is straight from a spring on the farm. The Kitchen has an oil-fired AGA for cooking, a microwave, fridge and excellent range of kitchen equipment. A washing machine and tumble dryer are available when the generator is running.

There is parking for several cars but the farm track is very rough and not suitable for sports cars. The farmhouse has steep stairs & rough granite floors and isn’t ideal for very young children. The terrain is steep and rugged; the hiking, riding, fishing and outdoor pursuits are unrivalled.

The farm, and nearby Combestone Tor, opened the 2011 film “War Horse” as the birthplace of “Joey” and with some of the early scenes of the beauty of Dartmoor.

The little converted 1-bedroom barn on the other side of the farmyard is occupied.