As featured in The Times article '20 big houses to book for Christmas' in October 2018.
Get away from it all - with your very own exclusive country retreat!
Affording effortless peace and tranquillity, the Hutchinghayes Estate in Combe Raleigh Devon provides a heavenly holiday setting for large groups of 12 - 14 guests.
Set in an exclusive oasis of 32 acres, the spectacular lake view grounds offer the perfect excuse to explore, unwind within nature, replenish the senses and soak up the 21st century home comforts and secluded ambience of this beautifully-restored farmhouse complex.
Effortlessly combining the newly restored accommodation of Hutchinghayes Farmhouse (sleeps 8-10) with Hutchinghayes Barn (sleeps 4), groups can easily embrace memorable year-round moments together.
Located within easy reach of Combe Raleigh and the well-serviced market town of Honiton, the Estate is ideal for year-round escapes; with close proximity to the A30 and M5, as well as to Taunton, Exeter, Sidmouth Beach, the Jurassic Coast and the rugged beauty of Dartmoor & Exmoor.
Experience the good life ~
Whether it be sitting in the romantic Italianate courtyard with a good book, wining and dining away with an alfresco meal to the sunny sheltered terrace, savouring a relaxed lake view BBQ or a romantic picnic-perfect moment in front of the lake folly by the rustic boathouse; the private grounds offer precious moments to reflect and enjoy the company of good friends.
Guests can easily make the most of the inspirational setting too by getting creative with photography, painting, writing or yoga outdoors. Even the magical bluebell woods, rolling pastures, Koi Carp, friendly Mallard ducks, fenced-off sheep and resident pig offer a wonderful rural quality those seeking the simple pleasures in a scenic walk alone.
For those who love the tranquillity and beauty of water; the landscaped grounds also enable guests to soak up the timeless quality of the top lake and the larger lower lake. Whether you seek to relax and entertain from the comfort and privacy of the estate, or you wish to get out and discover the nearby visitor delights of Devon, the Jurassic coast and Dartmoor; Hutchinghayes will fast become your new favourite holiday home-from-home.
Unwind and Entertain ~
On hand to complement the breath-taking grounds and picturesque dining terraces outside; guests can easily relax and soak up the facscinating history and timeless allure from the flagstones, beamed ceilings, roaring fires and heavy oak staircases from within the two neighbouring retreats. The handsome interior of the imposing Farmhouse invites guests to come in and while away an evening in front of a roaring fire, playing pool in the beamed drawing room, enjoy a book or classic movie moment in the snug-style library and have a daytime catch-up in the magnificent dual aspect lake view conservatory.
The welcoming warmth of the Barn's open plan living room with electric wood burning stove also invites guests in to relax and unwind; with Wi-Fi access, flat screen TV's, DVD players and toasty heating throughout.
Complementing the plethora of beautiful receptions are two welcoming farmhouse kitchens. The Farmhouse offers a large country-style Aga and prep area with adjoining breakfast table and useful utility room, whilst the Barn's own kitchen offers an open plan layout that encompasses the dining area and living room beyond. Ideal for entertaining; the beautiful open conservatory of the Farmhouse boasts an adjoining dining room large enough for hosting memorable dinner parties on the long elegant table for 14 during your stay.
Outside, the glorious grounds also feature a large sunny dining terrace, a separate covered BBQ terrace with lake views and a romantic couple-friendly picnic spot next to the boathouse on the lower lake.
Please be aware that Hutchinghayes has a 5 foot deep fountain in the courtyard and the property is surrounded by a private open plan garden of lawns which extend to the upper and lower deep water lakes. Because of the nature of the property, its grounds and its wonderful views, the lakes are not fully fenced off. It is not therefore suitable for young children; swimming, boating and fishing are not permitted and visitors are asked to take the utmost care when in the courtyard or garden.
Perfectly accommodating your needs ~
The impeccably-presented Estate provides carefree home comfort for groups of 12-14. Within the renovated Farmhouse and Barn, guests will find 6 bedrooms in all (2 king size bedrooms, 2 king-size/family rooms each sleeping 2-3, 1 double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom) and 4.5 bathrooms (2 luxury en-suites, 2 shared family bathrooms and 1 cloakroom WC).
The main manor-style farmhouse offers its own private wing with spacious super king size room with extra single bed and luxury contemporary en-suite (walk-in shower and roll top bath), a second wing with double bedroom and en-suite shower, a third bedroom with king size bed and extra single bed and a 4th bedroom with king size bed and useful hanging space in the large airing cupboard. Complemented by a shared family bathroom (bath tub with overhead shower) and a ground floor cloakroom WC, groups will easily feel at home. The accompanying Barn features 2 additional bedrooms (1 king size bedroom and a flexible twin bedroom) alongside an accompanying bathroom with Victorian slipper bath and separate shower.
Welcome extras ~
Perfectly suited as a couples retreat or for groups, two of the king size bedrooms offer extra single beds for welcome flexibility. The estate features a garage for 2 modest cars or 1 large one and private outdoor parking for 3-4 cars if necessary.
Upon arrival guests will be greeted by the friendly homeowner Liz, who will be happy to help you settle in.
When Location matters ~
The exclusive Hutchinghayes Estate is conveniently placed for reaching Combe Raleigh, as well as the throng of highly-recommended eateries, restaurants and antique shops found in the well-serviced market town of Honiton. The historic market town of Honiton is well known for its lace, and as such offers the Allhallows Museum; where visitors can take a timeless journey through its manufacturing heritage.
For those seeking action whilst away, a wide selection of golf clubs, walking routes and bridle ways can be found around this surrounding natural beauty spot. Classic beach days, water sports and walks await your enjoyment too at nearby Sidmouth and along the Jurassic coast, whilst bird shoots and fishing can be found along the River Exe and Barle. The racing opportunities at nearby Wincanton, Taunton, Exeter and Newton Abbot, the many shops and cosmopolitan distractions of Taunton and Exeter and the leisure pursuits of nearby Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park all promise to keep everyone on their toes.
Honiton offers easy access to the A30 (for London, the South West and the national road network) as well as the M5 motorway.
Serviced by a train station, Honiton can easily be reached from London Waterloo in 2 hours 45 minutes. Nearby Taunton (17 miles) offers a London Paddington service that takes 1 hour 45 minutes. The Estate is also easily accessible for those arriving by domestic or international flight; with Exeter and Bristol Airports both nearby.
Security deposit: This property has a refundable Accidental Damage Deposit of £500, which is payable to Original Cottages with the final balance of your holiday, eight weeks prior to your arrival, and is refunded within 5 working days of your departure. Alternatively, you may wish to pay a non-refundable Accidental Damage Deposit Waiver equivalent to 10% of the Accidental Damage Deposit value, which covers you for the full value of the Accidental Damage Deposit, should any damage occur during your stay.