“We enjoyed our holiday very much and found the Barn at Chantry just as delightful as our previous visit many years ago.”
The owners were very friendly and eager for us to see their newborn lambs, and the area is beautiful with many lovely walks. Although the weather was wet on several days, the Barn was always a warm and welcoming place to return to, spotlessly clean, well-equipped and peaceful, with the added bonus of chattering sparrows in the courtyard. The Devon lanes were full of primroses and wild garlic, and we were lucky enough to encounter (hear and see) Cirl buntings on our walk at Prawle Point. We made the most of our one sunny day with a walk around the estuary starting out from the free Aveton Gifford car park, through Stadbury and around to Bantham, crossing the creek by ferry and then walking back to base via Bigbury through lovely farmland and lanes on the other side.
Chantry Cottages
A mile from Aveton Gifford, 300 yards down a tree-lined track off a lane, four very special places to stay within handsome former farm buildings: an airy converted barn (976186), a barn converted into a gallery (976176) overlooking meadows, a remarkable Grade II listed former music room (976188), and the orginal hayloft The Pottery (976170). A large, pretty, enclosed suntrap courtyard is shared with the friendly owners. Just outside the courtyard, a lawned walled garden (also enclosed) with camellias, fig and walnut trees, leading to another garden with a pond (unfenced) and six grassy acres with a big wildlife pond (fenced), vast lawn for picnics and croquet, a picnic table, benches with intense views and big trees to sit under. Relax, read or just enjoy the silence and let your mind wander. Bright and airy in the summer or cosy as a winter retreat, with wonderful walks from the door and beaches within easy reach. Aveton Gifford: old village (pub, PO/shop) beside the River Avon where it becomes tidal. Within 5 or 6 miles are several villages: Bigbury, Bantham and Thurlestone on an excellent and varied stretch of coast: sandy beaches, coves, cliffs, golf courses, the Avon estuary. The Chantry Cottages are a lovely base for checking out the delights of South Devon's coast and countryside, allowing you to surf, walk, check out rock pools, play golf and make sandcastles to your hearts content. A peaceful, curative oasis, good for taking it easy. Kingsbridge, 4 miles.
The property
The Barn is upside down and converted with enormous flair.
Upstairs, a huge, high, stylishly furnished open-plan living/kitchen/dinner (35' x 18') with beamed ceiling to the apex, wooden flooring (rugs), French windows (balustrade) overlooking the courtyard, original watercolours, woodburner, TV/DVD, iPod dock, and a well-equipped kitchen area (dishwasher, microwave, electric oven/induction hob, larder fridge, coffee maker).
Downstairs (stairgates, tiled floors/rugs): hall; two bedrooms with doors to the courtyard - a double (6' bed or twin) with en suite bathroom (suite, shower over bath), and a big L-shaped double (6' bed) with en suite shower-room (suite, power-shower).
Utility area with a washing machine and freezer.
Heated by biomass boiler using wood from local, sustainable woodland.
Warm and welcoming all year round.
Summary
- Two ground floor bedrooms with doors to courtyard: 1 x super king double (can convert to twin) with en suite bathroom with bath, shower over, WC and basin, 1 x super king double with en suite shower room with shower, WC and basin
- Utility area with freezer and washing machine
- First floor open plan living space with seating area with wood burning stove, dining area and kitchen and doors to balustrade.
- Central heating with wood burning stove
- Microwave, fridge, coffee maker, electric oven/hob, dishwasher, TV with DVD, WiFi, Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Cot and highchair available on request
- Off road parking for three cars
- Enclosed garden with barbecue
- Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.
About the location
AVETON GIFFORD
Kingsbridge 4 miles, Ivybridge 7.5 miles, Salcombe 8.5 miles
Aveton Gifford is a small rural village at the head of the estuary of the River Avon in the South Hams area of the South Devon AONB. It comes with a village shop and a pub/restaurant on the outskirts. Nearby you can visit the charming market town of Kingsbridge which benefits from a range of amenities. Similarly, Ivybridge offers a choice of places to shop, eat and drink as well as providing easy access to the Dartmoor National Park which is a haven for lovers of walking and cycling. For a day by the sea, head to the ever-popular coastal resort of Salcombe.
Note: This property has a private water supply which is tested regularly.
Note: Check-in time 4pm.
Note: Children should be supervised in the shared gardens.
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Christmas
