#{ServerName}
Back
OverviewReviewsPhotosLocation
1 / 25  
2 / 25  
3 / 25  
4 / 25  
5 / 25  
6 / 25  
7 / 25  
8 / 25  
9 / 25  
10 / 25  
11 / 25  
12 / 25  
13 / 25  
14 / 25  
15 / 25  
16 / 25  
17 / 25  
18 / 25  
19 / 25  
20 / 25  
21 / 25  
22 / 25  
23 / 25  
24 / 25  
25 / 25  

Peppercombe Holt

Horns Cross, near Bideford, Devon
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 2
3 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Romantic
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
Country houses
13 more

At a glance

  • A quaint semi-detached cottage nestled in the countryside perfect for long walks from the front door
  • Kick back and relax by the wood burner in the stone fireplace
  • Tastefully decorated inside, the property’s outside areas form the quintessential English country garden

Overview
Property code: OC-PEPPER

Situated in a wooded valley owned by the National Trust, with a footpath leading down to the beach, this traditional cottage offers a tranquil rural escape for a family or small group of friends. The cottage is one of two and is reached via a narrow, steep gravel track (unsuitable for low-suspension or wide/long vehicles) just over a third of a mile long. The valley lies within a larger Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it perfect for walkers. Guests can enjoy local coastal paths, including the South West Coast Path.

In May, the woods are carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic, while in June, the meadows burst into colour with vibrant wildflowers. Peppercombe Beach, famous for its striking red cliffs and waterfall, is a short walk away and offers sand, rock pools, prawning, swimming, and surfing (traditional wooden boards are provided in the cottage). Check the tide tables-at high tide the beach is pebbly, but it’s perfect for a sunset beach fire!

Inside, a homely living room features a large stone fireplace with a wood burner, wooden flooring, and latch doors leading into the kitchen/diner. The kitchen has a slate floor and is fully equipped for meal preparation. Adjacent, a utility area provides a washing machine, tumble dryer, freezer, and hanging, drying, and storage space for coats and boots. The ground floor also includes a family bathroom with a shower and bath, and a separate cloakroom with a WC. Upstairs, the bedrooms enjoy countryside views, including a large master bedroom with a double bed, a generous single, and a smaller single.

Outside, the property boasts a pretty garden with a covered pond and multiple areas to relax. A picnic table sits in front of the cottage. Nearby pubs provide drinks (Coach & Horses) and (Hoops Inn, Bell at Parkham, and Thatch at Abbotsham) provides meals after a day of exploring.

In the surrounding area, the historic ports of Bideford and Appledore are 6–7 miles away, as is Clovelly and the spectacular Hartland Peninsula coast (11 miles, with a good pub). Westward Ho! and Braunton Burrows-part of the North Devon Estuary Biosphere-offer an expansive beach and dunes just over 8 miles away. Families can also enjoy attractions such as the BIG Sheep, the Ultimate Adventure Centre, or Milky Way Adventure Parks, all approximately 4 miles along the A39 from the top of the lane.

 

Ground floor:

Lounge: SMART TV

Kitchen/diner: Electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge and microwave

Hallway/utility room: Sink, washer/dryer and freezer

Cloakroom: Washbasin and toilet

Bathroom: Bath, shower cubicle, washbasin and toilet

 

First floor:

Bedroom 1: Double bed

Bedroom 2: Single bed

Bedroom 3: Single bed

 

Pets: Two dogs welcome (sorry, no cats)

Parking: Private parking for two cars plus turning area at the side of the cottage

Garden: Picnic table and chairs in front of property, lawn area with pond at rear

Heating: Electric central heating and complimentary logs provided

Short breaks: Available all year round (but for specific dates only bookable within 2-8 weeks of the holiday start date)

Notes: Linen and towels are provided (please bring beach towels). Unlimited WiFi is available free of charge. No smoking at this property. Highchair and travel cot are provided. Telephone for incoming and emergency calls only (shared line with adjacent cottage). Some doorways in the cottage have low head height.

Beach: 0.5 miles Pub: 0.5 miles

  • Please note: the cottage is reached via a narrow, steep, gravel approach lane 0.3 miles long is unsuitable for long wheel-base, low suspension or wide vehicles (>2.0m) and may not suit inexperienced drivers.
  • 3 bedrooms - 1 double, 2 singles
  • 1 bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and WC
  • Electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge and microwave
  • Utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer
  • Travel cot and highchair
  • Wood burner with logs supplied
  • SMART TV
  • Wi-Fi
  • Please bring your own beach towels
  • Picnic table with chairs at front of property and lawn area with pond at rear
  • Private parking for 2 cars (plus turning area at the side of the cottage)
  • Beach and pub 0.5 miles, shop 2.5 miles
  • Please note: some doorways in the cottage have low head height
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Sarah Hardy

This property is personally managed by Sarah.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 9 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.2 starsOverall cleanliness 4.2 starsOverall cleanliness 4.2 starsOverall cleanliness 4.2 starsOverall cleanliness 4.2 stars4.2
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.2 starsOverall equipment 4.2 starsOverall equipment 4.2 starsOverall equipment 4.2 starsOverall equipment 4.2 stars4.2
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.2 starsOverall comfort 4.2 starsOverall comfort 4.2 starsOverall comfort 4.2 starsOverall comfort 4.2 stars4.2
Overall location
Overall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 stars4.2

Reviewed by Adrian 16th August 2026

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Rob 15th August 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a superb stay at Peppercombe. Owner Peter (with Charlie the wonderdog) next door was a lovely presence, friendly, thoughtful, helpful and endearingly in tune with the surroundings in this beautiful rural idyll. We'd been a bit concerned about the track down to the cottage, but it was perfectly manageable in a 2 metre wide Skoda Yeti. Once thRead moreere, you're in a perfectly quiet wooded valley, with birdsong and the hum of bees the only soundtrack -or hooting owls at night. The cottage itself is cosy and clean, with a well-equipped kitchen and a modern bathroom. Mercifully, with a 12 year old and a 16 year old in tow, there was very good Wifi. The beds are comfy and with no road noise and no street lamps, we slept like logs. The back gate opens onto a narrow lane, with overhanging mossy branches, butterflies, wild honeysuckle and a downhill walk of about 10-15 minutes directly onto Peppercombe Bay. I'd recommend wearing sturdy trainers or walking shoes on the way down as it's quite stony, with a pair of sliders or surf shoes to change into for the beach itself. We saw 4 other families in the entire course of the two afternoons we spent down there, 2 of whom were passing dog walkers. We basically had it to ourselves. At high tide, you can swim in the sea that's been warmed by the pebbles, at low tide you can explore the rock pools and jump about in the surf. Plenty of great days out within a reasonable drive, including brilliant walks along Hartland Point, or Ilfracombe which still feels like a proper bucket and spade kiss me quick resort in spite of some attempts at gentrification and hipsterfication. We really liked the Quay at Instow near Bideford for evening dining with a great view from the upstairs dining room (Try the burger!). All in all, a wonderful balance of peace and quiet, unspoilt nature, beautiful surroundings and cosiness. We'll be back! Hide

Reviewed by Helen 31st May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This a special place to treasure, and we had a wonderful stay, aided by the friendly welcome and conversation with the owner next door. The cottage is comfortable and characterful. The garden is a magical mixture of wildness and cultivation, set in a pocket of astonishing countryside and with a spectacular, peaceful beach a short walk away (rocky bRead moreut plenty of sand at low tide). It won't be for everyone: this is not a glossy Instagram place, and it's a long way down a steep, rough drive, so not suitable perhaps for anyone precious about their car. All part of why we loved it, and hope to return. Hide

Reviewed by Helen 31st May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This a special place to treasure, and we had a wonderful stay, aided by the friendly welcome and conversation with the owner next door. The cottage is comfortable and characterful. The garden is a magical mixture of wildness and cultivation, set in a pocket of astonishing countryside and with a spectacular, peaceful beach a short walk away (rocky bRead moreut plenty of sand at low tide). It won't be for everyone: this is not a glossy Instagram place, and it's a long way down a steep, rough drive, so not suitable perhaps for anyone precious about their car. All part of why we loved it, and hope to return. Hide

Reviewed by Nina 14th April 2026

Guest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 stars

Pay attention to note about lane as it is not easily accessible, very narrow, long and steep. House not suitable for people with mobility issues due to downstairs bathroom with stairs leading up and then more stairs up to rooms

Reviewed by Deirdre 6th October 2025

Guest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 stars

Cottage sweet but not designed for Autumn visits. Tog rating on all quilts insufficient for time of year and only one spare blanket between three beds. The smallest room mattress badly needs replacing. Owner very pleasant but blissfully unaware of overall view. Rubbish around site and a real look of neglect.

Reviewed by Rob 1st September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We enjoyed our stay at Peppercombe Holt very much. The house is lovely, situated in a unique and quiet location, and has everything you need for a perfect holiday. The hiking trails and surrounding nature are truly beautiful. Plus, it was wonderful to have the beach so close for swimming, catching prawns, or just relaxing. Peter, the owner, was supRead moreer nice too! He made sure we had an amazing holiday, giving us awesome tips for things to do nearby and always being up for a chat. Hide

Reviewed by Rod 28th July 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Excellent facilities for a typical old style cottage. Very quiet and well situated location. Pub at top of hill for refreshments. Major supermarkets 6 miles away to get anything required or forgotten. Wifi on TV gets most apps to log in for channels and youtube etc. Of note is the drive to and from house up and downt the driveway that is not fRead moreor the fainthearted as some sharp bends and bumps and preferably with 4 wheel drive vehicles that have off-road decline facility for a smoother calmer access to the house. Hide

Reviewed by Amy 16th June 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Beautiful cottage in a pretty setting. Great area if you like getting outdoors, comfortable cottage for rainy days. Peter the owner was very friendly and took extra time to make sure we had everything we needed. Will be visiting again in the future

7 more
Photos
Show 13 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.