Reviews
10th Jan – 14th Jan 2022
Such a beautiful cottage. When I first saw it, it made me think of my favourite Christmas movie “The Holiday.” It didn’t disappoint in any way; every little unique touch has been thought out from scones plus tea pot set ready for arrival to all the handy notes to make sure the stay is effortless. Having the fire going every evening was a real treat and hearing the river beside us made for a relaxing time. The Hart Inn in Hartland did some lovely veggie meals; also “Coffee on the Square” did some lovely breakfasts. Highly recommend “The Old Smithy Inn” as a really cosy pub with great food and music. Thanks for having us stay in this amazing cottage. We loved it!
Lot of love, Carly & Nick
Essy&TomMay-June
Danni May 29th 2021:
We had an absolutely incredible stay, we really really didn’t want to leave.
Everything was perfect, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to rest from work for a week. I can’t fault the cottage, it really did have everything.
We would love to come back and stay again. I think you’re pretty booked up from your calendar, but if you have any cancellations at all, do keep us in mind as we’d love to come again.
Thank you again for an amazing stay!
William’s review: Sunday August 23rd
“The cottage is secluded with only farm vehicles and animals around! It’s peaceful with a relaxing garden, and well-equipped kitchen so you don’t have to leave if you want to escape the world! It’s a 25 minute drive from Bude which is easy to memorise! Would highly recommend this cottage!” Private review: “Thanks for a great stay! The house is kept so nicely and the location is great! The garden and the surroundings are so neat and tidy too! Thanks again!”
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Oct 31st – Nov 2nd 2019 by Sarah F.
We had an absolutely fantastic stay in this beautiful little house, it honestly couldn’t have been better. We had expected an old cottage to be a little tired, maybe even a bit shabby and chilly in November but we were so wrong. Everything was clean, beautifully decorated and super cosy, we didn’t even get cold during the night, despite the storms outside! The hosts had thought of everything, and their scones were amazing. The whole process from start to finish was easy and communication was first class. Thought it might have been tricky to find, but Mirandas directions were great and everything went smoothly. The only problem was that we didn’t want to leave…and we never saw the owl in the field next door that we read about in the guest book.
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May 18th 2019 – Jackie’s online review:
“well the Philham Water Cottage will NOT disappoint. Super atmospheric, nice sheets, lovely old windows, great wood stove, totally solid internet, nice heater upstairs and a modern kitchen to boot. Best of all, the location was very remote and gorgeous. I arrived by bus and walked the final mile or two which was wonderful. Bring groceries to Hartland if you can; not much in the shops. Also, throw open the windows and enjoy the creek music! it’s the best ancient music! Miranda was SUPER HELPFUL in all the details of my coming and going. You can even buy farm fresh eggs (green and blue, no less) by the half dozen right across from the cottage. Lovely old cottage that does not disappoint. Thanks Miranda for the opportunity to experience this very old home!”
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April 29 – Richard C
“The perfect get away from it all cottage. This is straight off the front of a chocolate box. It has everything one would expect from such a place. The low ceilings, the beautiful wood burner and the babbling brook. There was even Scones, jam and clotted cream. Oh one other thing, there was wild garlic at the bottom of the garden by the car parking spaces. Being honest. Some of it is now missing!! The cottage is a couple of miles from Hartland village, 3 pubs. The best in my opinion was The Hart Inn. Excellent Burger and a very nice Thai red chicken curry. Not really like a proper Thai curry, but very tasty all the same. Go through Hartland to Hartland Quay, a Two pound entry fee, is worth every penny, just for the views of the ruggedly beautiful, North Devon coastline. The pub does a very acceptable Sunday roast. A few miles further away is the rather beautiful Farmers Arms in Woolsery(Woolfardisworthy). It’s had a stunning makeover. We had a very nice lunch there, on Monday. Devon potato pie for me and beef brisket for my other half, very nice. There is a beautiful restaurant for posh evening meals. This we will definitely try next time. Clovelly is very close by with its cobble stone charm. Tread carefully down to the bottom of the village then pay the Land Drover man to get back to the top. Philham Water cottage is a fantastic place in a great spot. We would go back in a heartbeat. I’ve already got other friends interested in a visit.”
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“Such a gorgeous cottage in a tranquil location, would highly recommend! We had a great stay and would definitely return.”
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8 Apr – 12 Apr – Deborah (from Australia)
“The cottage is perfect for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy all the comforts offered both inside and out. One of those places that you dream about and then there it is for real!”
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March 2019 – Sarah T:
“There can be no better cottage to stay in! Simply superb, we wish we could’ve stayed forever!”
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March 2019 – Sharon from Ottawa, Canada:
“Everything was absolutely wonderful. I cannot think of a thing to change. I wish I could have stayed a month! The cottage does look like something out of Beatrix Potter or “The Holiday.” It has a magical quality about it, and was so charming. The gardens are lovely and natural, and the stream and little stairs made me long for summer as I would have gotten in if it was not so chilly outside. The family clearly adore their cottage, it is a truly special place. I am so glad that they have been are able to maintain it in such a beautiful and well-balanced way! It is a historic gem. I hope to be back someday. I would love to stay for a longer visit to truly relax and just enjoy the peace and quiet. All of the owners tips and suggestions were spot on. We went to the Farmer’s Arms and also went to the Quay to pick up the South West trail and saw the waterfall. It was so much fun and incredibly beautiful! If you go, take Miranda’s advice, it is very helpful! The cottage is reached by country roads but thankfully the GPS brought us right there. Be sure to have a vehicle with at least a normal amount of clearance. Wellies or hiking boots are a necessity in wet weather as the garden and roadside get quite muddy. The wifi worked well, but as Miranda explained, cell service is non-existent in the hollow where the cottage is. This was fine for us as we had the ability to make calls via our mobile account. I would love to work there remotely some time. Book it, you will not regret it!”
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March 2nd – Hilary M. :“The cottage is beautiful and has clearly been lovingly cared for. It was cosily lit and prepared for arrival – right down to a Devon cream tea! If you are looking for a magical escape away from it all then this cottage is for you. There were also so many thoughtful extras from firewood to the natural toiletries. It was a pleasure to stay there for the week and I will definitely return.”
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Feb 12th 2019 – R. S.: “Charming, cosy and idyllic, this incredible little cottage has to be seen to be believed. Miranda has thought of everything and we couldn’t have been happier with our stay! The check-in process was very simple, the cottage was well-equipped and very comfortable. Rarely do we consider returning somewhere for another visit but in this case we’re thinking about booking early for a summer trip!”
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Tracey & Pete February 1st – 3rd 2019: “Have you ever dreamed as a child go wake up in a Beatrix Potter cottage in one of her books? This is what it’s like waking up at Mirandas homely cosy warm inviting home x!! The wood stove. crisp white clean linens..home-made soaps..comfy bed sparkling kitchen just took our breath away…it was the best place I could ever dream of waking up on my 52nd Birthday..scones jam cream tea was left and a bottle of vintage cider ..so appreciated !! hard to leave the cottage but we did venture to nearby Hartland Quay and Spekes Mill waterfall…an easy fun walk ..views awesome and the cosy cottage to come back to !! Although Miranda was away her housekeeper Claire was just as helpful and lovely as can be and helped make our stay splendid !!! thankyou so very much. I recommend this truly magical place to my family friends and all of you looking for a getaway xxxz THANKS love love love this little cottage x”
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May 21 – June 1 2018/Martin & Stella Putnam We can’t say enough about what a wonderful stay we had at Philham Water Cottage. We recommend it warmly and without reservation. There is something magical about Philham Water Cottage. A burbling stream runs just under the kitchen window. The house overlooks a verdant field where ponies and horses graze. It is one of the few authentic farmer’s cottages in the region that survives from Elizabethan times, with a thatched roof and two-foot-thick walls, but now fitted with the most modern conveniences. It is surrounded by tall green trees and wild roses, beautiful and serene.
Miranda carefully provided the cottage with everything we needed, from kitchen utensils to fresh towels and sheets, soap, warm blankets, and more. She left a detailed binder of things to do, including maps, brochures, contact numbers, websites, and insights from someone who loves this beautiful corner of England. The decor in the cottage is charming, and the lighting is warm and cozy. The heating is excellent, all facilities are newly updated, and the drinking water is fresh from the cottage well.
We were welcomed with cream scones, tea, fresh eggs, and lovely flowers! Miranda is a gracious hostess who made us feel completely at home in the cottage. The cottage is two miles away from one of the most rugged and beautiful parts of the coastline of south-west England. It is within equally easy reach of the beautiful gardens of Docton Mills with its renowned cream teas, the ancient hillside village of Clovelly, and lovely abbeys, manor houses and churches. It is a fantastic area for hiking. We will be back!
July 20 – 27 L.O. from Bath, Somerset
We very much enjoyed our stay at this cottage. It has an interesting
history and is located in a beautiful setting in a lovely part of the
country. It was a delight to sit beside the babbling brook in the
garden with a morning cup of tea. Our dog spent many a happy hour snoozing on the grass. The coast of Hartland and the Quay are very dramatic and the quiet, wooded lanes and views of the sea are idyllic.
We highly recommend it.
May 2018
We have had a wonderful stay at the cottage and we look forward to being back in Devon at the earliest opportunity. We appreciate your attention to detail and your successful melding of the cottage’s history and modern conveniences.
Best, M&S
April 2018 –Paul Reffell
Hello Everyone,
If you’re contemplating a vacation in the U.K. this year, how about spending some time in this quintessential English country cottage in North Devon, one of my favourite parts of the world?
Donna and I stayed there several years ago, and it is idyllic. A 500 year old thatched cottage with all mod cons with a stream chortling alongside, down a country lane in one of the most beautiful parts of the West Country.
Help keep this historical treasure going!
