Combe Martin House | 8-Bedroom Manor in Ilfracombe Combe Martin

Fourteen guests arrive at Combe Martin House in Ilfracombe, Devon, and the first thing they notice isn’t the architecture—it’s the silence. Sixteen acres of North Devon countryside stretch in every direction, broken only by the distant call of peacocks from the estate’s animal sanctuary. This luxury manor rental in Ilfracombe sleeps 15 guests across 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, split between two interconnected period properties: Wild Pear House and Broadsands Farmhouse. What makes this estate extraordinary isn’t just its scale—it’s the specificity of what awaits at every turn.

Inside Combe Martin House

Combe Martin House sleeps 15 guests across 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The property comprises two separate but internally linked homes, each with distinct character and purpose.

Broadsands Farmhouse anchors the western side of the estate. Ground floor guests enter through the large, professionally equipped kitchen—dishwasher, washing machine, ample counter space for serious meal preparation—that opens into a vast living and dining room. Original flagstones lead to a twin bedroom with private ensuite shower, allowing guests to bed down steps from the communal areas without climbing stairs. The first floor holds three more bedrooms: a super king four-poster with ensuite, a twin room with ensuite, and access to the family bathroom featuring both bath and shower. Outside, a private terrace and garden with furniture provide an intimate outdoor retreat, complete with barbecue.

Wild Pear House dominates the eastern wing. This is where the scale of entertaining becomes apparent. The ground floor contains two substantial kitchens—one fitted with an American-style fridge-freezer and dishwasher—flowing into a formal dining room with wood-burning stove, a snug for quieter moments, a drawing room for gatherings, and a dedicated games room equipped with table tennis, table football, and a regulation dartboard. First-floor accommodation stretches across five bedrooms: two with king-sized beds and ensuite showers, two twin rooms (one convertible to a superking on request), and a single bedroom for flexibility. The large family bathroom features a freestanding roll-top bath and separate walk-in shower. The south-facing terrace commands views across the valley, furnished with sun loungers and outdoor dining furniture, anchored by a working chiminea. A hot tub overlooks the grounds. EV charging and additional parking serve modern travel needs.

Throughout both houses, Smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and washing machines provide contemporary convenience. The ground-floor twin in Broadsands Farmhouse ensures mobility-friendly accommodation. Eight bedrooms offer diverse sleeping configurations: four-posters, king beds, twins, and a single—allowing guests to customise their sleeping arrangements from one arrival to the next.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Sixteen acres of grounds unfold beyond the main houses. The hot tub on Wild Pear House’s south-facing terrace becomes the evening’s gathering point, steam rising as guests watch the valley light fade. Barbecue stations dot the property—one at each house—allowing simultaneous cooking for large groups. Fire pits scattered across the grounds transform after dark into natural social hubs where marshmallows toast and conversation stretches into night.

Shared estate facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, accessed easily from both houses. Over 50 animals roam the grounds—alpacas, pygmy goats, and peacocks among them—creating an immersive countryside experience. A dedicated dog-walking field caters to guests’ own pets (available on request), while an animal farm allows children to interact with friendly creatures. The kitchen garden supplies fresh produce to guest kitchens during growing seasons. Outdoor play areas, a soft play facility indoors, and an honesty shop selling local products and provisions complete the amenities. Nature trails weave through the estate, offering walking routes without leaving the property.

The gardens transition from manicured terrace spaces near the houses to wild meadows beyond. Chimineas and outdoor dining furniture are positioned to catch afternoon sun and evening breezes. The valley views—particularly from Wild Pear House’s elevated position—stretch across farmland and woodland to distant horizons.

Location: Ilfracombe and the Surrounding Area

Combe Martin House sits just 4km from Combe Martin village, a working North Devon resort that has hosted visitors for over a century. Sandy beaches punctuate the coastline here: Wild Pear Beach and Broadsands Cove (voted Britain’s “Happiest View”) lie within 5km. The Southwest Coast Path runs through the village, offering access to Great Hangman—Britain’s highest sea cliff at 318 metres—visible on clear days from the estate itself. The hike to Great Hangman takes roughly 90 minutes from the village, rewarding walkers with perspectives across the Bristol Channel toward Wales.

Woolacombe Beach, consistently ranked among Britain’s finest and famous for consistent Atlantic swell, sits just 20 minutes’ drive away (approximately 14km). The beach’s 3km stretch of pale sand suits families, swimmers, and surfers equally. Morte Point, just north of Woolacombe, offers dramatic cliff walks and tidal pools. Watermouth Harbour, 8km south, provides kayak and paddleboard hire for exploring the calmer bay waters, while boat trips to Lundy Island (a wildlife reserve 20km offshore) depart seasonally from nearby harbours.

Lynton and Lynmouth (15km east) showcase Victorian cliff railway architecture and waterfalls in the West Lyn Valley. The National Trust’s Arlington Court (18km south) preserves a country estate with formal gardens, lake walks, and collections spanning three centuries. The cobbled fishing village of Clovelly (22km south) drops dramatically to a car-free harbour lined with centuries-old cottages. Ilfracombe itself (8km away) contains museums, harbourside restaurants, and the Victorian Tunnels Beach carved into cliffsides.

Food-focused visitors gravitate toward local restaurants concentrating in Combe Martin and Ilfracombe—from gastropubs serving local fish to farm-to-table venues sourcing from Devon producers. Farmers’ markets operate weekly in nearby towns. For deeper destination knowledge, explore our luxury villas in Ilfracombe and our full collection in Britain & Ireland. For comprehensive seasonal guidance and planning, read our The South West travel guide.

Exmoor National Park borders the area 10km to the east, protecting 267 square miles of moorland, woodland, and coastal scenery. Red deer roam the moorland; golden eagles occasionally hunt overhead. Riding stables near Exmoor offer guided treks across open country. Cycling routes traverse the region—from coastal paths to moorland trails—suiting all fitness levels.

Seasonal highlights: May through September offers warm, settled weather ideal for beach days and outdoor activities. July and August see peak holiday traffic and accommodation demand. September and October provide calmer conditions, lower crowds, and reliable weather for walking. Winter storms create dramatic coastal conditions and attract experienced surfers. Spring (March to May) brings wildflowers and migrating seabirds.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families and multi-generational groups. Eight separate bedrooms with diverse sleeping configurations allow grandparents, parents, and children to maintain privacy while remaining interconnected. Ground-floor accommodation serves guests with reduced mobility. The animal farm, soft play facility, and extensive grounds occupy children for hours independently.

Groups celebrating milestones. The games room, hot tub, fire pits, and dining flexibility transform Combe Martin House into a venue for anniversaries, 40th birthdays, or reunions. Two separate kitchens enable simultaneous catering—one group might prepare breakfast while another handles dinner. On-request chef service removes cooking burden entirely.

Corporate retreats and team-building groups. Fifteen-guest capacity allows departments or small companies to escape urban settings. The table tennis, darts, and outdoor spaces support team activities without formal programming. Yoga classes and spa treatments available on request support wellbeing initiatives.

Holiday companionships and friend groups. Two connected properties allow couples or friendship clusters to share facilities while maintaining separate living spaces. The drawing rooms, snug, and fire pits encourage evening socialising without forcing proximity.

Families with dogs. The dedicated dog-walking field and pet-friendly policy (on request) create a genuine canine welcome absent from many holiday rentals. The 16-acre grounds provide safe, enclosed running space.

Practical Information

Capacity: 15 guests across 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Flexible sleeping arrangements accommodate various configurations.

Nearest airport: Exeter Airport lies 50km south (approximately 60 minutes’ drive). Bristol Airport sits 120km south (approximately 90 minutes’ drive). London Luton Airport (200km) and Manchester Airport (180km) serve international arrivals, though transfer times extend to 3-4 hours.

Nearest supermarket: Tesco and Sainsbury’s have locations in Ilfracombe (8km), with smaller convenience stores in Combe Martin (4km).

What’s included: Heating, hot water, Wi-Fi, electricity, linen, towels, and pool heating feature in the rental rate. Barbecue facilities are ready for use. Cleaning of communal areas occurs during longer stays; end-of-stay turnover cleaning applies.

What’s available on request: Private chef service, babysitting, spa treatments, and yoga classes can be arranged with advance notice. Maid service provides additional support for large groups.

Check-in: Standard check-in occurs after 4pm; flexible arrival times may be accommodated depending on previous guest checkout. Contact the management team with specific timing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Combe Martin House

How many guests does Combe Martin House sleep?

Combe Martin House accommodates 15 guests maximum across 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Bedroom breakdown: Broadsands Farmhouse contains 3 bedrooms (a ground-floor twin ensuite, a first-floor super king ensuite, and a first-floor twin ensuite). Wild Pear House contains 5 bedrooms (two king ensuite bedrooms, two twin rooms with one convertible to superking, and one single bedroom). The two twin rooms can be configured to suit guest preferences. No sofa bed provision supplements sleeping capacity, though the games room could technically accommodate airbeds for emergencies.

What is the nearest airport to Combe Martin House in Ilfracombe?

Exeter Airport is the nearest significant airport at 50km away (approximately 60 minutes’ drive from Combe Martin House). Bristol Airport lies 120km south (approximately 90 minutes by car). For international travellers, Manchester Airport (180km, 2.5-3 hours’ drive) and London Luton Airport (200km, 3-4 hours’ drive) offer more frequent international connections. Car rental or private transfer services can be arranged from any airport.

What is the best time of year to rent Combe Martin House?

Summer months (June through August) offer warm, sunny weather ideal for beach days, coastal walking, and outdoor hot tub use. However, July and August see peak holiday demand and highest accommodation prices. May and September provide an excellent balance: temperatures remain pleasant (15-19°C), crowds thin significantly, and accommodation rates drop. For active outdoor pursuits, autumn (September to October) delivers reliable conditions and spectacular coastal light. Winter (November to February) suits guests seeking dramatic seascapes and storm watching rather than beach swimming, though some attractions close seasonally. Spring (March to May) brings wildflower blooms and returning migrant seabirds, with increasingly reliable weather as May approaches.

Is Combe Martin House suitable for families with children?

Combe Martin House excels for family groups. The heated indoor swimming pool operates year-round. Nearby beaches—particularly Woolacombe (20 minutes away) and Broadsands Cove (5km)—offer gentle, safe swimming with lifeguard coverage in summer months. The estate’s animal farm allows children to interact with alpacas, pygmy goats, and peacocks under supervision. Soft play facilities occupy younger children indoors during poor weather. The games room (darts, table tennis, table football) suits older children and teenagers. Nature trails across the 16-acre grounds provide exploration opportunities. Babysitting services can be arranged with advance notice, allowing parents free time. The ground-floor bedroom arrangement ensures younger children can sleep near parents if desired.

What is included in the rental price at Combe Martin House?

The rental rate includes heating, hot water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and pool heating. Bed linen and towels are provided. Barbecue facilities are ready for guest use. Communal area cleaning occurs during longer stays; end-of-stay turnover cleaning is managed by the estate. Honesty shop provisions (local products, ice cream, drinks) are available for purchase. Parking is included on the property. Ground-floor accessibility features are included. Additional services—private chef, babysitting, spa treatments, yoga classes, and maid service—incur extra charges but can be pre-booked.

What restaurants and shops are near Combe Martin House?

Combe Martin village (4km) contains several pubs and casual restaurants serving fresh fish and local produce. The nearby Ilfracombe harbourside (8km) concentrates restaurants, many with views across the bay—ranging from fish-and-chip takeaways to fine dining. Tesco Extra and Sainsbury’s supermarkets operate in Ilfracombe (8km), with a smaller Tesco in Combe Martin village (4km). The weekly farmers’ market in Ilfracombe (operating Saturday mornings) stocks local dairy, meat, vegetables, and bakery items perfect for stocking holiday kitchens. Specialty food shops—fishmongers, butchers, delis—cluster along Ilfracombe’s high street. For self-catering groups, the dual kitchens at Combe Martin House facilitate cooking, and local delivery services can supply groceries to the property with advance ordering.