We have an update for you, news to share that will especially appeal if you’re hatching plans for a large group stay in the West Country – a family holiday or celebration, an elegant hen weekend, a walking break… you need to read on. What we want to show you is an easy contender for the most idyllic holiday cottage in Devon, now available to sleep 10 or to sleep 12. With no further ado, let’s talk about Babbling By and Babblebrook.
Sometimes, all you want to do is get away from it all. Away from the hustle and bustle, the noise, the traffic, from other people. Just get away from it with a bunch of your favourites, somewhere tucked away, nice and secluded where nothing and no-one is going to bother you.
So imagine, a gorgeous holiday cottage, the setting a secluded Devon valley where peace and tranquility are the order of every single day. A garden where no-one can see you, a house you can pad around softly, beds to fall into each night and dream the sweetest dreams. The soundtrack is the gentle trill of birdsong, the happy tinkle of a river running along, and the soft whisper of the breeze in the treetops. And there’s you and yours, on the veranda, around the table, a wholesome lunch before you, happy chatter, laughter drifting up into the air. Now and then a few of you slip into the hot tub, sit back and smile at the cotton wool puffs of clouds that wander by.
No, it’s not a dream. It really is that perfect here. It’s heavenly, and that’s why you should come and stay. You see, when things are so divine, everyone’s happy, and that’s the essence of wonderful memories. The best kind, the ones you keep remembering because you never want to let go of them. Ever read Swallows and Amazons? The Wind in the Willows? Anne of Green Gables? Those childhood books that made you wish YOUR life was like that? Well, that’s what it’s like here, so let’s delve in, let’s take a closer look.
But let’s be clear. Babbling By and Babblebrook are the same house; Babbling By sleeps 12 in the house and the loveliest annexe just steps away from the door, Babblebrook sleeps 10 in the house. So you can book for 10 or 12, it’s that simple.
Inside
This is one of those houses that welcomes you. If it had arms they’d be around you, ushering you in, to look around, to sit down and make yourself comfortable. A cup of tea, a slice of cake, maybe a cheeky glass of wine. An open plan kitchen, dining and living room means you get to really enjoy the luxury of being together, and oh, that kitchen – so fresh, so tasteful, and so well-equipped! It all feels so gentle and uncluttered, the floorboards, the wooden table and chairs, soft sofas and big windows that let the light slip in and fall where it will. This a room for gathering, for feeling the warmth of good friends and family.
Sit a while in the conservatory, doors open to the garden, chat about good times and shared experiences. Wander through to the other living room, put your feet up, stretch out, snuggle up to watch your favourite film. Easy living comes so naturally here.
And upstairs are the bedrooms, furnished simply in a modern country style, blending character and comfort seamlessly. Sparkling bathrooms with walk-in showers and in one, a free standing bath for that leisurely soak you’ve been meaning to have for months but haven’t quite found the time. Well here it is.
The Annexe
Adorable rustic charm fills the annexe; the centuries old beams, a small inglenook with a wood-burner, rugs on the floor, country style throws on the sofa. This a place to snuggle if ever there was one; if you have a couple in your group who appreciate their own space, they’re going to love this.They’ll have their own little kitchen, a dining/living room, a shower room, and upstairs a spacious bedroom with a roll top bath and full height doors that open onto a balcony. Oh to sip coffee out there in the morning, to be closer to the treetops!
Outside
All those lovely feels continue outside; a veranda runs the length of the house, a sheltered spot for dining alfresco. Step down to the lawns, wander around the paths that twist and turn through the bushes and the trees, sit at the river’s edge and be in the moment, have a snooze in the hammock; once rested have a game of table tennis or badminton; play croquet or boule. The happy shrieks of your children running about will echo softly all around as the sun dances on the garden almost the whole day long.
As dusk falls and the twinkly lights come on, go to the orchard, gather round the firepit and toast marshmallows as one by one, the stars come out and crickets chirrup in the grass. Springtime in the orchard is breathtaking, the trees all blousy with blossom, the bees busy collecting pollen. But then, every season has its beauty here; leaves swirling lightly to the ground in autumn, squirrels foraging for hazlenuts, the warmth of a log fire inside, as you huddle round with hot buttered crumpets and mugs of hot chocolate.
Around
Understandably, when you stay here, going out won’t be high on your list. If the mood takes you, go for a stroll through Buzzards Woodland up behind the cottage. What a sight it is in late April and May, awash with bluebells, the delicate perfume of thousands of them arresting your senses. Pootle down to The Fisherman’s Cot for a pub lunch beside the River Exe, head into Tiverton to browse the local shops and then amble along the towpath of the Grand Western Canal. Drift lazily along the water on a horse drawn barge, one of the few left in the country, hire rowing boats and paddle along looking out for ducks dabbling and swans gliding by. Rounded off with a cream tea in the canal side tea gardens, or a drink on board Duck’s Ditty floating café bar, it’s a lovely afternoon out.
Further afield there are award winning family attractions, historic houses, glorious gardens, museums and beaches. Yes beaches – so a day by the sea could be on the cards if you felt inclined; you could go mackerel fishing or fossil hunting off the Jurassic Coast, or hit the waves on the surfing beaches of the North Devon coast.
You see, there are so many reasons to come and stay in this little corner of Devon, but most of all, it’s about spending time together in gorgeous surroundings, about capturing very special moments, turning them into memories that will be precious for the rest of your life.
It’s so tempting, isn’t it? You'd better take a closer look…