Guests say
The Shippen is a beautifully converted barn in a tranquil rural setting, ideal for exploring North Devon and the coast. Guests consistently praise its cleanliness, well-equipped kitchen, and peaceful atmosphere. The property is especially dog-friendly, with thoughtful touches for pets and a secure garden. Hosts are welcoming and often provide a generous welcome pack, though this is not guaranteed. While most found the cottage comfortable and cosy, a few noted minor issues such as the lack of a washing machine and occasional damp in one bathroom. Overall, it offers a relaxing and memorable stay.
Most reviews highlight the cottage as very clean and well maintained, with only one mention of a damp and mould issue in an ensuite bathroom. The overwhelming majority found the property spotless and tidy.
Guests frequently mention the excellent, peaceful location, ideal for exploring North Devon and nearby attractions. The rural setting is appreciated for its tranquillity and proximity to the coast.
The cottage is described as comfortable, cosy, and well-furnished, with good quality fixtures. A few guests noted minor issues such as low seating and the property being a bit snug for four adults, but overall comfort is rated highly.
The property is praised for being well equipped, especially the kitchen and dog-friendly amenities. Some guests missed having a washing machine and noted the lack of WiFi, but these were generally not seen as major drawbacks.
Many guests appreciated the warm welcome and thoughtful touches such as homemade cake, fresh eggs, milk, and dog treats. Please note that these gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
This cosy cottage is perfectly placed to enjoy the beautiful Devon countryside and stunning sandy beaches.. 1 step to entrance.
All on the
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Freeview TV, DVD Player, CD Player, Woodburner
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Oven, Gas Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher
Bedroom 1: (1 Step), Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
Bedroom 2: (1 Step), Zip And Link 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Oil underfloor central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and logs for wood burner included. Welcome pack and doggy extras. Small enclosed courtyard/patio, garden furniture and barbecue. 2 dogs welcome, to be kept on a lead at all times (free range hens). Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: No children under 10 years old. There is a small unfenced stream in the grounds, approx. 10 yards away. This property has a natural water supply from a borehole.. Nestled within the glorious North Devon countryside, yet just one mile from the breath-taking coastal path and many stunning beaches, The Threshing Barn (ref UK36806) and The Shippen (ref UKC2740) are the perfect choice for a family or friends holiday whether you’re seeking a relaxing, tranquil getaway with excellent stargazing in truly dark skies or a base for more active pursuits any time of year. Just a short drive from the secluded, dog friendly sand and shingle beach in the cliff-top hamlet of Bucks Mills which is one of the most beautiful villages in North Devon – a hidden gem with pretty whitewashed cottages speckled along a wooded valley.
Guests are welcome to use the field (shared with owners) for children to play and exercise their dogs. There is also a separate grassy area with a picnic table and panoramic views across the valley.
There is something for everyone in this stunning location including birdwatching, stargazing, fishing, horse riding, golf, surfing and sailing all close by. The nearby coastal path leads you to the famous fishing village of Clovelly and the unspoiled beach at Peppercombe. A village store and post office is just ½ mile away and there is a pub serving great food and a fish and chip shop within 1½ miles. The nearby riverside town of Bideford with its various facilities, restaurants and large park is also the place to hop on a boat trip to Lundy Island. You can also hire a bike and take a trip along the beautiful Tarka Trail either towards Barnstaple, North Devon’s ‘capital’ or Great Torrington in the opposite direction. RHS Rosemoor Gardens, Docton Mill and Hartland Quay are well worth a visit, along with many pretty fishing villages to explore, including nearby Instow and picturesque Appledore. For family fun The Big Sheep and Milky Way adventure parks are a must.
Additional free service offered by the owner: why not order an on-line shopping delivery before you arrive? The owner will be happy to place all your goods neatly in the kitchen and any cold/frozen goods in the fridge/freezer so you can start your holiday without the need to immediately go shopping. Simply advise the owner beforehand what time the delivery is arriving, and they will do the rest!
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests.
The water is from a spring, well or borehole, and not a mains supply.
No children under 10 years old.
Electric vehicle charging is not permitted at the property.
There are steps to the property.
There is open water in the property grounds.
Pets must be kept on a lead at all times.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (21)
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Confirmed Guest
Lovely, warm welcome. Beautiful, well appointed cottage. Local shop just a half mile away. Lots of places to go nearby. Highly recommended for a restful break.
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Confirmed Guest
The Shippen is a lovely hideaway cottage on a small former farmstead in rural Devon close to the North Atlantic coast. The cottage was spotless when we arrived and was well furnished and very well equipped for our stay. Both double bedrooms have great en-suite shower rooms with good sized showers and strong water pressure. The owners live nearby and for our arrival had prepared a welcome pack with a delicious homemade cake and fresh eggs and milk from the local farm. We were also greeted by them and given helpful advice on places to go and recommended nearby activities. The Shippen is especially well arranged for dog owners, with towels, bowls and dog treats all provided, a secure enclosed private garden and an adjacent private meadow, immaculately maintained to walk our dog on.The Shippen is a credit to its owners and an ideal holiday home for anyone wanting to enjoy the sights and activities of the north Devon coast and perfect for those holidaying with their dog(s). We highly recommend it and thank the owners for a wonderful stay.
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Confirmed Guest
Loved the place. It's the little things. The welcome cake, dog bowl with water on arrival, treats for them. Local milk in the fridge and even ice in the freezer. All very welcome. There are a couple of things. No internet is a bit of an issue since mobile phone signals are also very poor. They do tell you before you go and if they provided it, it would be a very bad speed, so they prefer not to provide a poor service. We like to plan trips while sitting back at cottage, but could only do this whilst out. The welcome pack was very well detailed and pretty much covered everything in the area and about the cottage. Instead of the two two seater sofas, I'd like to see maybe a corner sofa so I could lie down at night watching TV with the log burner on. I couldn't stretch out much. Dogs are very welcome and even have their own field where you can let them off for a good run. All the furniture, fixtures and fittings are all high quality and nothing was tired or old. Kitchen was very well equipped with everything you would need. The location is just right as well, lots to do within 30min drive East and West of the cottage. They are on a septic tank and I think for this reason the Shippen didn't have a washing washine, not a problem for us as we where there for three full days and nights, but if you are visiting for longer and with kids you would need to consider this. I would absolutely go again and would recommend wholeheartedly.