Guests generally enjoy the Riverside cottage, praising its spaciousness, well-equipped kitchen, and the warm indoor swimming pool. The games room is a hit, and the property's setting is described as beautiful. The owner, Jackie, is commended for being helpful and providing a welcoming touch with surprise gifts. Some concerns over cleanliness and maintenance were noted.
Mixed feedback on cleanliness; some guests found the cottage to be lovely and clean, especially the bathrooms and beds, while others noted the need for a deep clean, with dirty floors and kitchen equipment.
There is not enough information provided in the reviews to accurately assess the location of the property.
The cottage is generally found to be comfortable, with spacious living areas and comfy beds, though taller guests mentioned struggles with low beams.
Facilities like the swimming pool and games room are highly appreciated, but there were disappointments due to building work affecting the children's play area and some maintenance issues.
The owner's thoughtfulness is highlighted by guests, mentioning welcome gifts such as milk, orange juice, biscuits, and a bottle of Prosecco. However, it should be noted that such gifts are a kind gesture and may not be guaranteed for every stay.
Overlooking the River Torridge and recently refurbished, this delightful cottage has use of an indoor heated swimming pool, games room and play area..
Ground Floor:
Living/dining room: Smart TV, DVD Player, DVDs, Books, Woodburner, French Doors Leading To Balcony
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Induction Hob, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine, Washing Machine
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, French Doors Leading To Veranda
Ensuite: Spa Bath, Toilet
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds, Freeview TV, French Doors Leading To Veranda
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 3: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 4: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds.
Oil central heating (controlled by owner), electricity, bed linen, towels and high speed Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair available on request. Tumble dryer available on-site. Games room with pool table, table football and darts (shared). Veranda with outdoor furniture. 3-acre grounds with sitting-out area, garden furniture and play area (shared). The Hideaway toddlers playroom (shared). Indoor heated swimming pool with changing and shower facilities (shared with other properties private sessions available, pool 12ft x 33ft). Ample private parking. No smoking. Please note: There is a securely fenced river on-site.. Town Mills is a historic, Grade II listed former Mill and Manor House situated on the banks of the River Torridge on the outskirts of Great Torrington in North Devon. Built by Lord Rolle in 1823 and made famous as ‘Tarka’s Mill’ in Henry Williamson’s book ‘Tarka The Otter’, Town Mills started life as a Grain Mill and a Saw Mill, both mills being powered by waterwheels. Now, almost 200 years later, Town Mills has been sympathetically converted into seven well-appointed holiday cottages all with their own charm and personality.
From a cosy holiday cottage that sleeps three people, to a larger six-bedroom holiday cottage that sleeps twelve, every cottage benefits from character and charm combined with modern convenience. Located in the beautiful North Devon countryside, Town Mills is ideally situated for visiting the North Devon Coast, Exmoor, travelling The Tarka Trail, or visiting our next-door neighbour, the RHS Gardens at Rosemoor.
Riverside is one of the most popular cottages at Town Mills, partly because of its location and private veranda overlooking the river. This charming two-storey cottage originally formed part of the stable blocks almost 200 years ago. It is a good-sized four-bedroom property. On the ground floor there is a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and a twin bedroom. Both of these bedrooms have French windows. With nobody to overlook you, waking up to the views of the river and countryside is a great way to start the day. The main bathroom is also downstairs, and has an over-bath shower, plus toilet and wash basin. Two further twin rooms are located upstairs. A selection of outdoor furniture provides the ideal setting for enjoying a little al-fresco dining whilst looking at the local wildlife. You may spot an otter if you’re lucky.
On-site, there is a indoor shared swimming pool which is kept warm between 31-32 degrees, so is suitable for even the smallest guests. The owners offer the opportunity to reserve the pool for your exclusive use, allowing you the chance for a session of family fun, or a quiet moment to relax. There is a games room with a free pool table and a classic table football, along with a dart board and fruit machine. Located by the riverside, but securely fenced, the children’s play area offers picnic bench seating with swings, slide and climbing frame, as well as an elevated playhouse, its the ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon with a picnic whilst trying to spot an otter or some of the other many local wildlife visitors. For younger guests, there is a kids hideaway where they can escape to. On the opposite side of the Mill there is a garden where you can enjoy a few moments, maybe have a picnic or watch the peacocks as they wander around.
The countryside around Town Mills is dotted with sleepy villages nestled among the hills, while extensive woodlands, traversed by many footpaths, offer the chance to experience the area’s natural beauty. Local attractions include the renowned RHS gardens at Rosemoor (adjacent) and Dartington Crystal, offering a factory tour and visitor centre. Great Torrington is only a mile away with good shopping and amenities, and there is golf at nearby Hartland. Town Mills adjoins Torrington Common which extends to 365 acres, incorporating 20 miles of footpaths. The common is a haven for wildlife. The ‘Big Sheep’ and ‘Milky Way’ theme parks are each less than 10 miles away.
The River Torridge runs downstream to the ancient port of Bideford, still with a working quay offering boat trips to Lundy Island. Just around the corner is the attractive little town of Appledore with its colourful houses and narrow streets. To either side lies Devon’s most spectacular stretch of coastal scenery – a chain of magnificent cliffs and rocky promontories, interspersed here and there by long flat sandy beaches, where the Atlantic breakers roll in to create ideal surfing conditions. There are splendid beaches at Instow and Westward Ho!, the latter bordered by the Royal North Devon Golf Club, and the Northam Nature Reserve. Further west is the supremely picturesque Clovelly, with narrow, cobbled main street descending at a dizzying gradient to the little harbour below. The cathedral city of Exeter can be reached via a delightful drive through lush river valleys.
Town Mills offers very attractive accommodation set in 3 acres of beautiful gardens with streams, waterfalls and the water wheel which is still operational. This superb location makes a wonderful holiday base, especially for families, with sandy beaches on the North Devon coast only 10 miles away. Shop ½ mile.
Free WiFi
For all properties at Town Mills: Shared indoor heated swimming pool available all year. We are operating a booking system to allow all guests equal opportunity to use the pool. During out of peak season, the pool is used for swimming lessons 2-4 hours a day, so if visiting out of peak season, please check with us for available pool times.
Cots and highchairs are supplied upon request at the time of booking.
The river/stream is fenced. Unfortunately, at the moment the banks of the river are not accessible for fishing, apologies for this.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Polly L
We had a great time in the Riverside cottage as 6 adults and 1 child. There is plenty of space with some handy storage options like a shoe rack and useful bathroom shelving. Although our taller family members struggled with the low beams! The living area is spacious with a large dining table and the kitchen is well equipped. The well heated swimming pool is excellent and we were in there most days, having visited during Christmas and New Year it was a great indoor bonus. We also had a few games of pool in the games room, which is a also a welcome bonus. Although we were disappointed to see the children's play area was out of order due to building work and the toddler play room needs some attention. We would stay again though and enjoyed the site.
Gill Lloyd
Cottage needs a good deep clean. ☹️Floors especially under & behind furniture very dirty.Rug in the lounge not very nice, had to remind the children not to sit or lie down on it.Kitchen cupboards inside dirty & kitchen equipment needed washing before use.Windows need a good clean too.Beds lovely comfortable & clean. 👏Bathrooms lovely & clean 👏We also wasn’t informed about the building work being carried out & the children unable to use the play equipment.Such a shame as the cottage is in a very beautiful magical setting.
Sally Murphy
Lovely Place to Stay. Spent 4 Nights there. Lovely Scenery. Would definetly Visit Again. Was as Shame when we wete there as the Childrens Play Area wasnt to be used due to Work being Done. Swimming Pool and Games Room were a Big Hit.
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