Coulscott House Holiday Cottages, North Devon
Family-Friendly Cottages in Devon
Set on a 17-acre estate on the edge of Exmoor and just 1 mile from the local beach, Coulscott House Holiday Cottages brings together flexible accommodation with space to relax, play and spend time outdoors.
Coulscott House Holiday Cottages sits quietly on the edge of Exmoor National Park, surrounded by rolling hills, woodland and open countryside. Spread across a 17-acre estate on the North Devon Coast, it feels both settled and spacious – a place where there’s room to roam, breathe out and spend proper time together. Some of the buildings date back to the 16th century, and that sense of history still lingers, balanced by thoughtful updates that make each cottage comfortable and easy to live in.
The collection includes seven very different places to stay, ranging from cosy one-bedroom cottages for couples to the larger Coulscott House, a former farmhouse with generous reception rooms and space for everyone to gather. It works just as well for a quiet romantic break as it does for family holidays, multigenerational get-togethers or group stays, with flexible layouts and a relaxed, welcoming feel throughout.
Days here can be as full or as slow as you like. There’s plenty to enjoy on the estate itself – from swimming and games to outdoor play and peaceful corners – while the wider North Devon coast and countryside are close enough for beach days and easy exploring. It’s a setting that encourages togetherness, family time and unhurried days, without feeling remote or cut off.
Why Choose Coulscott House Holiday Cottages
- Flexible accommodation across seven cottages, suited to couples, families and larger groups
- Set within a peaceful 17-acre estate on the edge of Exmoor
- Just 1 mile away from the local beach Coombe Martin and perfectly placed for exploring North Devon’s coastline, countryside and villages
- Thoughtfully restored historic buildings with modern comforts
- A wide range of on-site facilities for all ages, from swimming in the indoor pool to outdoor play
- Particularly well suited to family and multigenerational stays
- Dog-friendly, with space to roam and walk on the estate
The Holiday Cottages
Coulscott House & Holiday Cottages is made up of seven very different places to stay, each with its own feel and layout. Cottages can be booked individually or combined for larger group stays, offering plenty of flexibility for families, friends and gatherings of all kinds.
Pipistrelle Barn
The newest addition to the estate, Pipistrelle Barn launched in 2025 and has been thoughtfully designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Fully accessible throughout, it’s a calm, contemporary space that works beautifully for families, couples or guests looking for step-free living.
Sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms
- King-size bedroom with ensuite wet room
- Flexible king or twin bedroom
- Twin bunk room
- Family bathroom, also with a luxury rainforest shower
Social spaces
- Open-plan sitting, dining and kitchen area
- Modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances
- Comfortable seating and smart TV
Outside, a private deck with hot tub and outdoor seating offers space to relax and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
The Old Barn
A striking conversion with scale and atmosphere, The Old Barn is ideal for larger family gatherings and multigenerational stays, with space to come together and plenty of quieter corners too.
Sleeps 10 across 5 bedrooms (with space for additional cots or single beds on request)
- Super-king master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite
- Ground-floor king bedroom with ensuite shower room
- Mezzanine king bedroom
- Two twin bedrooms on the third floor
- Family bathroom
Social spaces
- Large open-plan drawing room with vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls, woodburner and smart TV
- Reading snug on the mezzanine level
- Generous kitchen with Aga, separate oven and hob, espresso machine and dining table seating ten
- Utility room and additional WC
- Sun room
Outside, guests can enjoy a large deck with hot tub, outdoor dining furniture, sun loungers, barbecue and chiminea.
Georgian House
Elegant and spacious, Georgian House combines traditional proportions with relaxed family-friendly living, including its own private games room.
Sleeps 9 across 5 bedrooms (with space for additional cots or single beds on request)
- Two king bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
- One zip-and-link super-king or twin
- One twin bedroom
- One single bedroom
- Family bathroom with walk-in shower and roll-top bath
Social spaces
- Large kitchen with range cooker and farmhouse table
- Drawing room with woodburner and smart TV
- Dining room seating eight
- Cosy snug with smart TV
- Private games room with table tennis and table football
A south-facing terrace with hot tub, barbecue, sun loungers and rattan seating completes the space.
The Old Farmhouse
Comfortable and welcoming, The Old Farmhouse works well for families or smaller groups and can be booked alongside the interconnecting Georgian House (as Coulscott House) for larger stays.
Sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms
- Super-king four-poster bedroom with ensuite shower room
- Zip-and-link super-king or twin with ensuite shower
- Twin bedroom
- Family bathroom with bath and shower
Social spaces
- Large kitchen with island, five-ring range cooker and double oven
- Open-plan sitting and dining area with woodburner, smart TV and seating for all guests
Outside, there’s a south-facing lawn and terrace with hot tub, barbecue and outdoor dining furniture.
Peacock Cottage
A relaxed, family-friendly cottage close to the indoor pool building, making it a popular choice for those travelling with children.
Sleeps 4 across 2 bedrooms (cot available on request)
- King-size bedroom
- Twin bedroom
- Family bathroom with bath and shower
Social spaces
- Open-plan sitting and dining room with woodburner, comfortable seating, smart TV and Bluetooth speaker
- Well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher
Outside, guests have access to a lawn and patio with garden furniture and barbecue.
Aylesbury Cottage
Ideal for couples or small families, Aylesbury Cottage can be booked as a one- or two-bedroom stay and enjoys direct access to the pool area.
Sleeps 2–4 across 1 or 2 bedrooms
- King-size bedroom
- Twin bedroom
- Family bathroom with bath and shower
Social spaces
- Open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area
- Woodburner and smart TV
- Well-equipped kitchen
Outside, a south-facing terrace with hot tub, outdoor seating and chiminea offers a lovely spot to unwind.
Bantam Cottage
Cosy and thoughtfully laid out, Bantam Cottage is perfect for couples travelling with a baby or toddler.
Sleeps 2 plus 1 baby or toddler
- King-size bedroom with adjoining cot room
- Wet room with shower and WC
Social spaces
- Open-plan sitting and dining area with woodburner and smart TV
- Fitted kitchen
Outside, a bistro dining set in the courtyard provides a quiet place for morning coffee or evening drinks.
Little extras across the estate
Staying at Coulscott means there’s plenty to enjoy beyond your own cottage, with space to be active, play, or simply spend time outdoors.
On-site highlights
- Heated indoor swimming pool with changing rooms and showers
- Games room with table tennis, table football and soft play for under-fives
- Outdoor play areas including a wooden pirate ship, Wendy house, play tractor and sandpit
- Five-a-side football pitch, badminton court and sports equipment
- Chip-and-putt golf course for relaxed family fun
Quiet corners and shared spaces
- The Lookout – a peaceful viewpoint across the valley, ideal for yoga or stretching out at sunrise
- Fire pit with bench seating, perfect for evening chats and marshmallow toasting
- Informal seating areas dotted around the estate
- Shared laundry room for longer stays
Everything is spread across the estate, so it never feels busy – just open, easy and designed for relaxed days together.
Family-Friendly Breaks at Coulscott House
Coulscott is a natural fit for multigenerational family holidays, with space, freedom and plenty to keep everyone entertained without needing to plan every moment. The layout of the estate makes it easy for children to play safely outdoors, while adults can relax knowing there’s always something close at hand.
Families will appreciate the practical touches – built-in stairgates, cots and children’s beds available to book – alongside facilities designed with younger guests in mind. From the indoor pool and games room to the outdoor play areas, soft play for under-fives and opportunities to meet the resident farm animals, there’s a sense that children are genuinely welcomed here, not just accommodated.
With beaches, countryside and family-friendly attractions nearby, Coulscott works just as well for days out as it does for staying close to home and letting the children lead the way.
Dog-Friendly Devon Breaks
Dogs are very much part of the Coulscott experience, with plenty of space to roam and thoughtful details that make travelling with them easy. Several cottages have enclosed gardens, and the estate includes a five-acre dog-walking field where four-legged guests can stretch their legs safely.
Each dog receives a welcome pack, including practical essentials like a waterproof sofa protector, towel, water bowl and treats, along with a flashing LED safety tag for evening walks. Nearby trails and dog-friendly beaches offer plenty of variety, and there are welcoming pubs close by for relaxed lunches after a long walk.
It’s a setting where dogs can be part of the holiday rather than an afterthought.
Group stays
Coulscott House Holiday Cottages is particularly well suited to group stays, whether that’s a multigenerational family gathering, a celebration with friends, or a more structured corporate or wellbeing retreat. The mix of cottages allows groups to stay together while still having their own space, and larger properties can be combined to suit different needs.
The estate layout encourages both connection and downtime, with shared outdoor areas, flexible social spaces and plenty to do onsite. For organised retreats, additional services such as yoga instructors and wellbeing treatments can be arranged, making it easy to tailor the stay to your group.
It’s a setting that offers flexibility without formality – ideal for bringing people together in a relaxed, rural environment.
Romantic breaks
For couples seeking space, privacy and a slower pace, Coulscott offers a wonderfully relaxed setting. Smaller cottages such as Aylesbury Cottage and Bantam Cottage are especially well suited to romantic stays, whether that’s a minimoon, anniversary or a simple escape from everyday life.
Days can be as gentle or adventurous as you like – long walks across the estate, swims in the indoor pool, or exploring the quiet lanes and coastline of North Devon. Evenings tend to revolve around woodburners, unhurried meals and time spent soaking in the hot tub under dark skies, gazing at the star-filled skies as the countryside falls quiet around you.
It’s an easy place to switch off, spend time together and enjoy the luxury of space and calm, without needing to plan too much at all.
A Coastal Location, just 1 mile from the local beach
Coulscott House Holiday Cottages is set on the edge of Exmoor National Park, in a peaceful pocket of North Devon where rolling countryside meets rugged moorland. The 17-acre estate is surrounded by woodland, meadows and streams, with wide valley views and wonderfully dark skies at night – ideal for stargazing from the hot tub or a quiet wander before bed.
Despite its rural feel, the location is well placed for exploring the best of North Devon. Wild coastline, sandy beaches and characterful villages are all within easy reach, making it simple to mix days out with slower days spent on the estate. It’s a landscape shaped by walking, fresh air and unhurried exploration, with plenty of good pubs, cafés and independent shops dotted nearby.
Coulscott guests are within easy reach of the North Devon Coast and it’s miles of sandy beaches and great surfing locations. Combe Martin Beach, the closest cove to the retreat just 1 mile away, is known for its sheltered bay, rock pools and calm waters for paddleboarding and kayaking, with other local beaches Wild Pear Beach, Broadsands beach and Tunnels Bay close by. Hele Bay and Ilfracombe’s harbourfront provide quieter places to spend time by the water, while Lee Bay and Barricane Beach offer a more secluded feel framed by cliffs and coastal paths. A short drive brings guests to Woolacombe and Putsborough and surfing heaven, where long sweeps of sand and Atlantic swells make this part of the coast one of the South West’s leading surf areas. Whether for swimming, coastal walks or time spent in the water, the surrounding beaches make it the perfect stay at Coulscott.
Local attractions
- South West Coast Path – Dramatic clifftop walking in both directions, with sea views, hidden coves and plenty of places to stop along the way.
- Outdoor adventures – Horse riding, quad biking, coasteering, cycling and guided walks are all available nearby.
- Watersports – Surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking along the North Devon coast, with lessons available for beginners.
- Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park – A popular family attraction combining animal encounters with dinosaur-themed fun.
- Watermouth Harbour, Castle & Theme Park – A nostalgic seaside attraction with rides, gardens and coastal views.
- Arlington Court – An elegant country house with gardens and woodland walks.
- Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway – A unique water-powered railway linking the harbour and clifftop village.
- Lynton and Barnstaple Railway – A restored narrow-gauge railway running through beautiful countryside.
- The Big Sheep – A classic North Devon family day out with rides, animals and live shows.
Getting here
- By car: Coulscott is easily reached via the A361 (North Devon Link Road), which connects the area to the M5. The final approach is along country lanes, adding to the sense of arrival and seclusion.
- By train: The nearest station is Barnstaple, with direct services from Exeter. From here, it’s a taxi journey to the estate.
- By air: Exeter Airport is around an hour away by car, with domestic and limited international flights available.
A place to come together – or slow right down
Coulscott House Holiday Cottages offers the rare combination of space, flexibility and setting. With a collection of cottages that can be booked individually or together, it works just as well for a quiet couple’s escape as it does for family holidays, multigenerational gatherings, or larger group stays. Hot tubs, swimming, outdoor play and peaceful corners are all part of the experience, allowing each stay to find its own pace.
The estate’s position on the edge of Exmoor shapes everything about time spent here. Days are filled with fresh air, wide skies and easy access to coast and countryside, while evenings feel calm and restorative – from time around the fire pit to a soak under the stars or a slow supper back at your cottage. There’s a sense of being properly away, without feeling remote or cut off.
Coulscott is a place designed for shared moments and time outdoors, where days unfold naturally and evenings invite you to slow down. It suits families arriving with children and dogs just as well as couples carving out time for themselves, with space to gather, room to wander and the freedom to shape each day as you choose. It’s a stay that feels generous, grounding and quietly memorable, long after you’ve returned home.
