Holdstone Cottage | 2-Bedroom Cottage in Ilfracombe Combe Martin

Rent a 2 bedroom cottage rental in Ilfracombe Devon where four guests discover an exceptional coastal base wrapped around shared resort amenities that rival dedicated villa compounds. Holdstone Cottage sits within a carefully curated small-scale resort community near Combe Martin, where the North Devon coastline delivers everything from dramatic cliff-top walks to hidden sandy coves that feel entirely yours.

Inside Holdstone Cottage

Holdstone Cottage sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The ground floor anchors around a kitchen fitted with modern appliances, original slate flooring, and painted tilework that signals someone thought carefully about the space. A dishwasher handles the practicalities. The adjoining living and dining area flows openly with dual sofas, wood-burning stove warmth, and enough seating for ten when you hire additional resort cottages alongside. A Smart television connects to your streaming accounts, while Bluetooth speakers let music drift through the space. Wi-Fi reaches throughout.

Climb the narrow winding staircase to the first floor where the master bedroom features a substantial four-poster bed dressed in super king proportions, paired with feature wallpaper that adds visual interest without overwhelming the calm, neutral tones. The second bedroom offers twin beds—perfect for children or friends preferring separate sleep spaces. The family bathroom contains both a full bathtub and separate walk-in shower, serving the dual needs of young families and older guests with mobility preferences. A shared laundry facility across the courtyard serves the three adjacent cottages, preventing the isolation some rural properties create.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Your private garden wraps the cottage with lawn and a paved patio where a barbecue awaits evening entertaining. Garden furniture invites lingering over morning coffee or sunset drinks. Step beyond your immediate grounds and the sixteen-acre resort estate unfolds—sunken nature trails wind through meadows, streams run clear, the working kitchen garden grows seasonal vegetables you’re welcome to harvest, and an orchard provides fruit depending on the season.

The heated indoor swimming pool stands mere metres from your cottage, accessible year-round. Rope weave cradle seating and day beds circle the water; changing rooms, showers, and toilets sit within the pool building. Adjacent to the water, a games room houses table football and table tennis. Children’s soft play fills one corner for rainy afternoon energy expenditure.

Over fifty animals roam the grounds—peacocks that wander freely (except during nesting season), free-range chickens that supply eggs, ducks living on three separate ponds, a small alpaca herd, four pygmy goats, sheep, piglets, guinea pigs, and orphan lambs in spring months for children to bottle-feed. An outdoor playground features a substantial wooden pirate ship with multiple decks, tunnel passage, operational ship’s wheel, plank, and sandpit. A two-storey wendy house comes equipped with built-in kitchen and furniture. Trampoline, climbing frame, swings, and slides complete the children’s landscape. A 1.5-metre diameter fire pit with benches becomes the evening gathering point for sing-songs and marshmallow roasting.

The estate includes designated viewing spots with furnished lounge seating—The Lookout being the most prominent—where you observe rolling countryside with a glass of chilled wine or participate in dawn yoga sessions. Five acres of dedicated dog walking field allows off-lead play; the Hunters pub at Heddons Valley (nearby) welcomes four-legged companions.

Location: Ilfracombe and the Surrounding Area

Holdstone Cottage sits within 3km of Combe Martin, a working fishing village that doubles as a genuine seaside resort. This isn’t a synthetic beachfront sprawl—Combe Martin retains character, hosting the annual Hunting of the Earl of Rone ceremony (a pagan festival) and maintaining its heritage fishing harbour. Local chip shops serve fish caught hours earlier; independent retailers stock everything from coastal art to vintage finds.

The Southwest Coast Path runs directly through Combe Martin, delivering access to extraordinary geology. Great Hangman rises as Britain’s tallest sea cliff at 318 metres—the 1.6km clifftop walk from the village rewards with 360-degree vistas across the Bristol Channel to Wales on clear days. Golden Cove requires descending 230 steps but opens onto a sheltered, sandy pocket beach where the water remains calm for swimming.

Four kilometres south, Wild Pear Beach earns its secluded reputation through a dramatic descent from the coast path—arriving at this protected cove feels like discovering something undiscovered, despite its accessibility. Broadsands Beach (3km away) recently achieved recognition as the UK’s ‘Happiest View’—the curved bay, turquoise water, rock caves, and fringing trees create an Instagram-worthy scene that photographs authentically. Tunnels Beach (2km) features hand-carved Victorian tunnels leading to a tidal swimming pool and private sand-and-shingle beaches. Barricane Beach (4km) collects shells from exotic sources, houses a waterfront café, and excels for sunset photography.

Woolacombe Beach sprawls for three miles of golden sand just 15km northwest, voted Britain’s Best Beach and drawing surfers, families, and long-distance walkers. Adjacent Putsborough Sands (15km) offers dramatic headland views and consistent wave breaks. Beyond Baggy Point lies Croyde (16km), a pretty village famous for its surfing beach and relaxed atmosphere. Saunton Sands (18km) stretches magnificently with the Braunton Burrows UNESCO biosphere reserve rising behind.

Venture 10km south to reach Clovelly, the historic fishing village that clings to a 122-metre cliff face where no traffic penetrates—cobbled streets tumble 140 metres to the 14th-century quay and ancient harbour. The National Trust’s Arlington Court (12km) opens Victorian formal gardens, pleasure grounds with deer park, and an extraordinary carriage museum housed in a property the Chichester family has occupied for over five hundred years. Watersmeet (8km) delivers dramatic river gorge walks through ancient woodland with a National Trust tearoom positioned in stunning surroundings, serving Devon cream teas beneath towering trees.

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway (12km)—operational since 1890—ascends between two clifftop villages via a Victorian water-powered system, offering coastal views without the exertion of climbing. Lundy Island (reachable by ferry from Ilfracombe Harbour, 8km away) provides a full-day island adventure with wildlife, big skies, and prehistoric atmosphere.

Explore our luxury villas in Ilfracombe and discover our full collection in Britain & Ireland. For destination inspiration, read our The South West travel guide covering everything from seasonal highlights to activity recommendations.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Families with young children find Holdstone Cottage exceptionally well-equipped. The animal collection, outdoor play structures, soft play facility, and heated pool mean children remain engaged without requiring constant external activities. The 5-acre dog field and welcoming resort atmosphere make multi-generational trips with pets genuinely feasible. Two couples travelling together benefit from private bedrooms, shared communal living, and resort facilities that provide social opportunities without forced interaction.

Home-working couples appreciate consistent Wi-Fi, separate sleeping/working zones, and the option of chef services or prepared meal delivery via the honesty shop. This eliminates kitchen dependency while maintaining privacy. Weekend-breaker groups (up to 4) find the cottage’s size manageable while the resort’s games room, fire pits, and adjacent properties (Old Combe Barn, Broadsands Farmhouse, Newt Cottage, Sandy Bay Cottage, Combe Martin House, Wild Pear House) allow flexible grouping—you can book multiple cottages to accommodate larger gatherings while maintaining separate accommodation bases.

Yoga practitioners and wellness-focused guests benefit from year-round yoga classes, dedicated meditation spots, spa treatment availability, and the pool’s aqua aerobics sessions. Early risers heading to The Lookout for dawn practice find a dedicated space.

Practical Information

Holdstone Cottage accommodates 4 guests maximum: 2 bedrooms sleeping 2 adults per bedroom or adult-plus-child combinations, plus 1 full family bathroom. The nearest airport is Exeter International (35km away, approximately 45 minutes by car). Bristol Airport (80km, 75 minutes) offers more flight options. Barnstaple town centre (12km) provides a supermarket, restaurants, and services if resort amenities don’t suffice. The on-site honesty shop stocks frozen prepared meals from local suppliers, barbecue packs, ice creams, and marshmallows. Wi-Fi internet reaches throughout the cottage. Pool heating, linen, and towels are included. Chef/cook services, spa treatments, babysitting, and yoga classes are available upon request. Maid service maintains the property during longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions about Holdstone Cottage

How many guests does Holdstone Cottage sleep?

Holdstone Cottage sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The master bedroom features a super king four-poster bed suitable for two adults, whilst the twin bedroom contains two separate single beds, accommodating either two guests or one adult with one child. The cottage is not suitable for infants requiring cots without prior arrangement with the resort management.

What is the nearest airport to Holdstone Cottage in Ilfracombe?

Exeter International Airport lies 35 kilometres south and accommodates approximately 45 minutes’ driving time via the M5 motorway and local roads. Bristol Airport (80 kilometres, approximately 75 minutes) offers expanded flight routes from international carriers. Both airports provide car rental agencies, making self-drive arrival straightforward. The cottage’s EV charging facilities on the resort allow electric vehicle guests to charge overnight.

What is the best time of year to rent Holdstone Cottage?

Summer months (June through August) deliver warmest temperatures and longest daylight, though accommodation books earliest and prices peak. September and early October provide warm water temperatures, reduced crowds, and excellent weather for coastal walks and beach days. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) suit families avoiding school holidays. Winter months (November through February) attract fewer visitors, offer dramatic coastal weather for contemplative walks, and the indoor pool remains heated. The Hunting of the Earl of Rone ceremony occurs annually in May, drawing crowds interested in Combe Martin’s pagan traditions. Whale-watching season operates September through November along the coast.

Is Holdstone Cottage suitable for families with children?

Yes. The resort contains dedicated children’s facilities including a substantial outdoor playground with pirate ship, wendy house, trampolines, and climbing structures. The soft play area inside the games room suits younger children on inclement days. The heated indoor pool provides year-round swimming safe from sea currents. Over fifty animals (alpacas, pygmy goats, peacocks, ducks, chickens, lambs in spring) provide animal interaction opportunities. Nearby Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park (5km) caters specifically to families, as does the soft sand at Woolacombe Beach (15km). Babysitting services are available upon request, allowing parents to enjoy resort amenities or local restaurants without arranging childcare externally. The 5-acre dog walking field means families with pets avoid constant beach walks.

What is included in the rental price at Holdstone Cottage?

The cottage includes Wi-Fi internet throughout, all linen and towels, heated pool access, games room usage, grounds access, and parking. Utilities (electricity, water, heating) are included. The wood-burning stove operates at no additional cost. The honesty shop stocks essentials and prepared meals at standard retail prices. Babysitting, chef services, spa treatments, and yoga classes are available as paid add-ons. Maid service can be arranged during extended stays. Pet accommodation is available on request, with a dedicated dog walking field provided at no additional charge.

What restaurants and shops are near Holdstone Cottage?

Combe Martin village centre (3km) contains independent shops, a post office, newsagent, and cafés. The Hunters pub at Heddons Valley (6km) welcomes dogs and serves traditional pub food. Ilfracombe (8km) offers supermarkets including Waitrose and Tesco, restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, fish and chip shops, and independent retailers. Barnstaple town centre (12km) provides comprehensive shopping including Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer, chain restaurants, and weekly markets. The resort’s honesty shop supplies basics, frozen prepared meals from local producers, and frozen ice cream. For fine dining experiences, Clovelly (10km away) contains several restaurants with coastal views, though advance booking is essential during summer months.