Edrics Farmhouse

Hidden away in a beautiful valley near the Jurassic Coast in East Devon, this Grade II listed farmhouse provides a peaceful escape for families or groups of friends. The house and its surrounding land have a fascinating history, with records showing that a home stood on this site even before the Domesday Book was compiled in 1086. The farmhouse takes its name from Edric, who owned land here at that time, along with two cattle and 50 sheep.

The current house was built in the early sixteenth century and still retains some of its original Tudor features, including impressive inglenook fireplaces and beautiful wood panelling. Over the centuries, several extensions have been added, with the most recent completed in the last few years. Together, these thoughtful additions have transformed the historic building into a luxurious holiday home that can comfortably sleep up to 10 adults and two additional children.

The kitchen was been completely rebuilt in the most recent renovation, using the original stone. Once a barn where livestock was kept, it’s now a bright and spacious room with big glass doors out onto a balcony with lovely views of the surrounding countryside. This space becomes the social hub of the house during the day, where everyone can grab a quick breakfast before heading out on a walk, enjoy a coffee out on the balcony or get stuck in with preparing dinner. In the evenings, retreat to the sitting room where you’ll find comfy sofas gathered around a beautiful inglenook fireplace, and get started on a board game. The snug provides a quiet spot where you can settle down with a book or you can put a film on in the TV room.

Upstairs, there are five beautifully furnished and unique bedrooms. You’ll find carved fireplaces, exposed beams and vaulted ceilings at one end of the house and a more contemporary bathroom and set of bedrooms at the other, showing how the building has evolved over the years. Three of the double bedrooms have ensuites and one has a gorgeous freestanding bath at the foot of the bed. There’s another double and a twin that have stunning views over the valley and share a family bathroom.

Outside, you’ll find an acre of private garden with lawns and patios set up for making the most of sunny afternoons, surrounded by flowers and trees. Relax on the comfy outdoor sofas while lunch sizzles away on the BBQ and the kids explore the treehouse or have a go on the trampoline. There’s outdoor dining furniture and you’ll be able to stay out late into the evening with the firepit keeping you toasty.

The house is located in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just 20 minutes from the spectacular Jurassic Coast, so there’s plenty of exploring to do. Head out on long walks into Devon’s stunning countryside right from the front door or hop in the car for a day at the beach, hunting for fossils and swimming in the sea. There are also some great shops in the area selling fresh Devon produce, which you can take back to the house and cook in the kitchen or on the BBQ. For meals out, there is an emerging foodie scene in this part of Devon with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage just down the road.