This wonderfully pretty, thatched, detached cottage close to the pub and shop in the lovely Dartmoor village of Ilsington was once the village forge. Now it is comfortable and friendly with generous rooms, wood floors and attractive views across the church and surrounding countryside from the upstairs windows. The church bells chime beautifully on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings in true Devon village style. Leave your coats and boots in the entrance lobby, then head on in to the cosy sitting room with its living flame gas fire or listen to music on the Bluetooth speaker whilst you prepare delicious meals in the kitchen with dining area. There is a handy double bedroom on the ground floor, as well as two smart shower rooms, or head up the steep old stairs to two more snug bedrooms under the eaves through little old fashioned doorways. Outside, your small garden is safely enclosed, a fine suntrap with outdoor furniture and storage for your bicycles. This is wonderful unspoiled cycling and walking country on the southeastern slopes of Dartmoor, leading to the beach at Teignmouth. Marvel at spectacular Haytor on the open moorland or enjoy the birds and butterflies in the countryside around the cottage. Tennis courts, a small skate park and children's play area are a 10 minute walk away. Golf is available at Stover and Bovey Tracey, both 4 miles away, horse riding 6 miles away at Shilstone Rocks and there is also an outdoor heated pool at Bovey Tracey. The historic towns and villages of Ashburton, Bovey Tracey and Widecombe in the Moor are all within a 15 minute drive, offering a huge choice of cafes, pubs, restaurants and local amenities. Just two miles away from the famous Haytor Rocks,The Old Forge is an excellent base in a welcoming Devon village for venturing out by bike or on foot.

Illsington: Pretty little village (church, shop, good food pub) on Dartmoor's farmed and wooded south-eastern slopes, through which flows the River Lemon to Teignmouth, its ancient wooded valley a Site of Special Scientific Interest (sssi) and habitat for woodland birds and butterflies. Ashburton and Bovey Tracey, 5 miles. Haytor Vale is a very pretty hamlet of white cottages beside the old coaching inn, The Rock, on Dartmoor's southeastern edge just one mile from the market town of Bovey Tracey.

Accommodation