Cullaford Cottage

Cullaford Cottage stands in the tiny hamlet of Combe, near the Dartmoor village of Scorriton, not far from Holne. It sleeps 4 across two upstairs bedrooms, reached through low doorways under the eaves, a super king-size double with an en-suite shower room and a twin, plus a further bathroom with a bath and shower upstairs and a bathroom with a hip bath downstairs.

Downstairs, an oak-framed kitchen with a dining area leads down eight stone steps to a cosy sitting room with a wood burning stove, and a second sitting room, also with a wood burning stove, once used by the author Mary Wesley, who lived in the cottage. Underfloor heating backs up the stoves, and a fridge, fridge-freezer, tumble dryer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Blu-ray and DVD, WiFi and a phone are provided, with fuel and power included in the rent.

Across the lane, a small orchard with a picnic bench and bluebell woods attract deer and kingfishers, and an enclosed lawn garden behind the cottage suits alfresco meals, though open fires and barbecues aren't permitted because of the thatched roof. Off-road parking is provided for two cars, and a pub stands less than a mile away. Riding stables are nearby, and the beaches at Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham are around 16 miles away.

Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, except on bookings between mid-January and mid-February, and smoking is not permitted, with no short breaks and check-in from 4pm. A returnable bond applies, and the cottage has its own private water supply, tested regularly.