Philham Water Cottage

Bideford, Devon
Self-catering
(001) 415-897-4698
Visit owner's website

From
£99 - £175
per night
From
£750 - £940
per week

Straight out of a fairy tale, a rustic cottage by a babbling brook: a magical escape for couples, the craggy coast in easy reach

Bed

1 bed

Bedroom

1 bedroom

Sleeps

Sleeps 2

Pets welcome

£99 - £175 per night

£750 - £940 per week

The Experience

This friendly little one-up, one-down, built in the 15th century, is rumoured to be the oldest cottage of its kind in Devon. Perched between a leafy lane and a stream, it seems to blend seamlessly into the rural landscape, the cob and stone of its walls dug from the surrounding fields hundreds of years ago.

It’s easy to stay sitting snuggled on the sofa while the wood-burner blazes in the ancient fireplace, the outside world a distant memory. There’s a welcome basket of local goodies to start you off, and Clovelly soap in the ground-floor bathroom. Gardens fore and aft are unfussy and informal, the sound of the stream mingling with birdsong.

Walk to the dramatic and craggy coastline, join the coastal path for challenging hikes in either direction, drive into Hartland for supplies – you’ll be glad to return to your quiet nest. The only crowds you’re likely to meet are dairy cows strolling up the lane for milking. Time to switch off. 

Peaceful spot in the garden at the back of Philham Water Cottage with picnic bench laid for supper, a quiet bench to read a book, and the brook running past

We think you'll love

  • The romance of staying in a house with so much history
  • Walking the beautiful South West Coast Path nearby
  • Finishing that book by the fire
Philham Water Cottage - Gallery

You should know

  • You’ll need a car to get here and get around
  • The kitchen and bathroom are practical, not luxurious
  • The cottage is in a valley, so rooms don't get full sun all day

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Pricing

Nightly price
from £99
Weekly price
from £750
Damage deposit
£150
Surcharges
Singles £770-£940. Extra bed/sofabed available at no charge.
1 Cottage for 2
From £991 bed1 bedroom

Information

Booking information

Check in
From 3pm
Check out
By 10am
Other details
Short breaks available. Extra double sofabed available. Babes in arms welcome.
Closed
Rarely.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Meals
Pubs/restaurants 5-minute drive.

Reviews

Beautiful cottage in the quiet! Had everything we could possibly need and more! My partner, Alea and I enjoyed the stay and was the perfect break from busy life. Really enjoyed lunch by the river and adventuring off. Can’t wait to book again! Thank you for a lovely stay! PS Super dog friendly. Loved having a bed, blanket and towel provided!

Michael and Ava, Southam

I was looking for a quiet place to work on my novel and fell in love with Philham Water Cottage. It was one of the best things I've ever done in my life! From the magical cottage (with its delightfully cozy bedroom, fireplace, and perfect little kitchen) to the lovely towns in the surrounding countryside to the breathtaking views of the coast just 15 minutes away -- every element felt like a storybook. For none-UK drivers, the last few miles of road are very narrow, but Miranda gave excellent directions and we just drove slowly :) Highly recommend - felt like a fairytale. Simple perfection.

Ellery, Charleston

Here we are back again for four quiet and peaceful days in our favourite cottage. We watched the birds, including the largest jay we have ever seen, had dreamy days, good food & wine and "blended into nature." This is our third visit and we will endeavour to return soon. Thank you Miranda for making this possible."

Carol, Ewhurst, Surrey

A beautiful little cottage beside a bubbling stream. A fully equiped kitchen and lovely warm log burner. Lots of lovely little touches like such as a doggy bed, blanket and water bowl and delicious scones and clotted cream. Lights had been left on inside so the house felt cosy and welcoming on a dark November afternoon. Had a wonderful week.

lorraine, SAFFRON WALDEN

An absolutely magical stay. Arriving after dark down narrow country lanes we were anxious to find our home for the next few nights, but we were not disappointed. The cottage's inviting glow, and cream tea and champagne on arrival, made it a joyful welcome. The picture are wonderful, but the reality exceed them. Days spent walking the coast, and evenings spent by the wood burning fire, it was a short break we enjoyed immensely. The cottage provides everything you need and the owner was more than accommodating and extremely helpful. We would not hesitate to recommend this beautiful cottage.

Samantha, Beckenham

We spent Christmas at this delightful cottage and words cannot describe how amazing our time was. The cottage is a dream come true and we found it hard to leave. This is truly a romantic bolt hole, where time stands still and allows you to breath from the hustle & bustle of normal life. We were welcomed by a cream tea and locally sourced eggs, milk, bread & butter. To enjoy the beautiful coastal towns and to return to a cosy evening beside the wood burner. The clear night skies were out of this world. Thank you for sharing this little gem . Will definitely return.

Anita, Hertfordshire

A beautiful cottage, just like the ones you see on chocolate boxes. It was a delight to stay there, we had a lovely, relaxing time, if only it was mine!

Janice, DOVER

The beautiful location of the cottage, with the brook running alongside, and the view across the pasture opposite, makes it one of the best places we've stayed. There are lovely walks nearby and local beauty spots and services are a short drive away. The interior is basic, as you would expect in a building of this period, but everything works as it should.

Lucy, Bath

We can’t say enough about what a wonderful stay we had at Philham Water Cottage, a historic house now fitted with the most modern conveniences. Miranda provided us with everything we needed. We were welcomed with cream scones, tea, fresh eggs, and lovely flowers. Miranda left a detailed binder of things to do, including maps, guidebooks, and insights from someone who loves this beautiful corner of England. The cottage is two miles away from one of the most lovely and rugged parts of the coastline of south-west England. It is a fantastic area for walking and exploring. We will be back.

Martin, Oakland, CA

Read more reviews

Location

The neighbourhood

The Hartland Peninsula combines lush farmland and forest with a dramatic craggy coastline, easily explored on foot from the cottage. When you need to resupply, you’re two miles from the town of Hartland, with shops, pubs and potteries, and six miles from the picture-postcard charm of Clovelly. Head south and you’re soon in Cornwall – a 25-minute drive gets you to Bude’s golden sands. Your private parking space is at the end of the garden.

Local points of interest from Miranda Bostroem

  • Make your way to the beach for the South West Coast Path and catch incredible scenery in any season. Or take a day trip to Lundy Island when it’s sunny and admire the views and wildlife.
  • Rural Hartland (2 miles) has craft shops, potteries, tearooms, a carnival in August and a lighthouse serving light lunches. For swimming at high tide or watching the sunset over the Atlantic, nothing beats the Wreckers Retreat at Hartland Quay.
  • A visit to Springfield Pottery in Hartland is a must – you’ll see some of their pottery in the cottage.
  • Fishing village Clovelly is just 6 miles away with its beautiful harbour, ocean-side pub and tearooms. Visit Bude for surfing (hire gear at the Surf Cabin), sandy beaches and pasties.
  • Take a historic break at stunning Tintagel Castle an hour to the south, reputed birthplace of King Arthur - or go a little further to the Eden Project.
  • Take a gentle cliff-top walk in Morwenstow to Hawkers Hut, the perfect hideaway of poet Reverend Robert Hawker and one of our favourite places to visit. The Rectory Tea Rooms by the church has the best cream tea around.

Introducing

Miranda Bostroem

Having travelled all her life, Miranda now lives in California – but when her children were young, this is where they came for their holidays. Back then it had an outdoor loo, water came from a spring and she cooked on the open hearth. Today Miranda still comes here sometimes with her grandchildren and potters in the garden. While she’s stateside, there’s a property manager on call for emergencies, and keys in a secure keybox on the premises.