This is the thatched cottage where in the fifties Mary Norton wrote some of the Borrowers' books. Built before 1550, it is listed Grade II*, the star putting it in the top 7% of all listed buildings. The cottage is isolated and quiet, half-way down a lane which leads only to a farm, but is within walking distance (20 - 30 minutes) of the village through a beautiful valley.


The cottage has been in the family since it was bought from Mary. It is not a buy-to-let and so I have been able to hold prices at previous levels. It has not been gentrified and is very much as it was in her time. It retains its original rustic charm, with exposed beams, an ancient front door, flagstone-floored kitchen and latched interior doors. It is most enjoyed by those who like long walks in unspoilt countryside, particularly along the South West Coast Path which is only a couple of miles away.


The main bedroom has a double bed, plus a single bed at the far end. The small second bedroom has a single bed (and includes a cot which can be moved). The smaller third bedroom leads off the second. The cottage will therefore sleep five if the main bedroom is used as a family room, but four people will be more comfortable.


The cottage is within an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), 2.2 miles from the South West Coast Path at Hartland Quay. The area has appeared in a number of films. Hartland Abbey (1.3 miles away) is the location for the Malory Towers series; the local area and in particular Clovelly (7 miles away) features throughout The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; Hartland Quay was the location for Rebecca; Hartland and Black Pool Mill appeared in The Night Manager.


How to get here: depart the M5 at Junction 27, follow the signs to Barnstaple, Bideford, Hartland and then Stoke.


At the cottage, a parking space for one car only is available. If you intend to bring a second car, please discuss parking options with me. There is a golf course about 30 minutes' drive away. If you will be bringing a dog, please discuss options with me. Please contact me for further information before completing a booking.