Balls Farm Cottage
Self Catering Accommodation
ABOUT
Fresh from being restored, this character cottage lets you experience the charm, peace and seclusion of country living whilst enjoying the comforts of modern life.
Nestled in the peaceful, picturesque Devonshire countryside, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Balls Farm Cottage has been sympathetically renovated, retaining period features including an inglenook fireplace with bread oven and flagstone floors. The cottage is light and airy with a generously sized hand crafted kitchen that opens onto its south facing patio and flower garden, a perfect spot for enjoying those sunny summer days and evening dining, while the log burner in the sitting room will help keep you toasty during the winter nights. Two newly installed washrooms will help with the demands of a busy family. A walk in shower on the first floor and a bath on the ground floor. The cottage enjoys a fine aspect with many rooms enjoying far-reaching countryside views over the Axe Valley.
The cottage was originally part of the adjoining property, Balls Farm, a 400 year old listed farmhouse which features in literature on the Fosseway, the famous Roman road which runs from Lincolnshire to Exeter. We are a small family living in Balls Farm. Balls Farm no longer runs as an active working farm but both properties benefit from being surrounded by the fields it once owned.
Relax and unwind whilst watching cows peacefully graze, and enjoy the wildlife including our friendly robin, a family of goldfinch and wild deer. We also often hear local owls and you might see a bat or two. The cottage is situated at the end of a long private drive through a field off of the A358.
AMENITIES
Sleeps 5
3 bedrooms (2 x double bed and 1 x single bed)
2 washrooms (toilet & bath downstairs and toilet & shower upstairs)
Well behaved dog allowed at an additional fee of £5 per night (please note, the garden is not fully enclosed)
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Hairdryer
Iron and board
WiFi
South facing patio and flower garden
Private parking for 2 cars next to the property
Additional parking available upon request
Shops within 4 minute drive (including farm shop, supermarket, butchers, fishmonger and bakers)
Train station 4 minute drive away (offering an hourly service to the Cathedral city of Exeter in one direction or London Waterloo in the other)
Private drive leads directly to A358, no narrow lanes to contend with
A35 only moments away (with easy access to the A30 and M5)
GALLERY
THE LOCAL AREA
Not only will you have the beauty of the Devonshire/Dorset countryside and Jurassic coast on your doorstep, but in addition plenty of popular tourist attractions to keep you entertained during your stay.
Attractions
Situated near the Jurassic coast well known for its fossils.
Other popular local attractions include
Pecorama with its Beer Heights Light Railway, Beer Quarry Caves, The Seaton Tramway, The Donkey Sanctuary, Seaton Wetlands (a flat wildlife sightseeing walk along the Axe estuary) and Lyme Bay Winery.
Places to Eat
We are conveniently situated less than 2 miles from Axminster which is home to the River Cottage Kitchen and Deli. Trill Farm (1 mile) and Hugh Fernly-Whittingstall's River Cottage HQ (3 miles) both hosting meal experiences, are quick and easy to access. Quaint tea rooms such as The Old Bakery in Branscombe and The Hideaway in Seaton or traditional, lively countryside pubs like The Tuckers Arms in Dalwood, The Ship Inn at Axmouth and The Volunteer in Lyme Regis, plenty of choice whatever your preference.
Walks
You can enjoy a host of scenic walks, whether it be countryside, coastal or pub/tea room circulars. One of my favourites circles the nearby village of Musbury, which includes the backdrop of Musbury Castle, an Iron Age fortification, with stunning panoramic views of the Axe Valley and coast.
Local Towns and Markets
The popular tourist destination of Lyme Regis, with its wealth of independent shops and eateries is only 5 miles away. Honiton which is well known for its generous number of antique shops or Sidmouth, known for its Sidmouth Folk Festival held in the summer are both within easy reach.
If it's the bustle of a market that you enjoy, Bridport, Honiton and Axminster all host them on a weekly basis.
Cookery Courses
Trill Farm (1 mile) and Hugh Fernly-Whittingstall's River Cottage HQ (3 miles) both host cooking and foraging experiences.
Horse Riding
Devenish Pitt Farm and Stables offer hacks around their 260 acre farm & common, local bridleways and forestry, as well as children's half days at the stables
