Coombe Farm Trust

Awarded Gold by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Middle Coombe is an outstandingly beautiful, magical 16th cent Grade II* listed, semi-fortified, detached, thatched hallhouse (photographed in Pevsners), deep in its own gentle valley, amid large beautiful gardens, with spectacular views across 200 acres of organic working farm (Red Devon/Aberdeen Angus cattle), recently planted orchard with old Devon varieties of cider apple, and 240 acres of mixed sustainable woodlands with many rare plants, red deer and badgers. There are extensive paths for walking or riding (4 mountain bikes available); swings, trampoline and slides for playing.

Around the house are the former farmyard and barns (where the owners live). A renovated thatched cider barn for apple pressing doubles as a games room (table tennis, table soccer, half-size pool table) and venue for receptions and events. In front of the house is a protecting gatehouse and in between an enclosed front lawn ideal for small children. At the back is a large, enclosed, private cobbled yard (once the bothy for servants) with massive open fireplace (gas barbecue, garden furniture – good for al fresco living/eating); beyond, south-facing sloping lawns (fruit trees) lead to a large enclosed garden with outdoor solar heated swimming pool (32’ x 16’ x 6’ deep/2’ shallow, available 23 May to 12 Sep), paddling pool and summer house. The pool and gardens are occasionally and unobtrusively used by owners’ family. Livery stables available (hay and feed at cost).

The house has terrific atmosphere. A pathway leads through the garden to a porch (wellies) and corridor off of which is the beautiful beamed sitting room with Jacobean (probably) oak panelling, original deep oak window and sill, big open fireplace, sofas, fine oak chest, CD player, door to walk-in drinks cupboard (ideal for hide-and-seek).

The dining room/kitchen is traditional, farmhousey, with 17th cent. oak panelling, oil-fired Aga plus electric cooker, microwave, dishwasher, sheila maid; next door, a proper walk-in larder (freezer, fridge, slate shelves, meat safe windows). Across the hall, a book-lined living/children’s room with tuned piano and guitar, toy box, dressing up chest, games, beanbags. Up 3 steps and there’s a twin room (or zip-linked 6’ double) with en suite shower-room (suite plus washing machine, tumble drier).

From the back hall stairs lead to six bedrooms. Terrifically flexible with individual beds for up to 16 people or 7 double bedrooms.

Adjoining the house is a spacious ground floor annexe (33’ x 16’) suitable for partially disabled people (2 steps) with living/dining/bedroom, two 6’ double beds and two singles, separate kitchen, shower-room (suite).

Phone. Spring water. Pets allowed in kitchen and hall only. Organic home grown vegetables in season and organic meat boxes.

The house has a wedding licence as has the renovated thatched cider barn seating 70 which is available for receptions,

This historic house in its tranquil, peaceful area of rural Devon has been a family home for many years; it is filled with interesting memorabilia, excellent furniture, is full of character and much loved.