Carver Cottage

Exmoor, remote and rugged, has changed little since RD Blackmore chronicled its tumbling rivers, ancient woodland and deep valleys in his 1869 classic novel, Lorna Doone. Situated in the Doone Valley, Carver Cottage now provides a warm and inviting spot from which to explore this dramatic landscape.

This semi-detached cottage sits on Cloud Farm Campsite, a stone’s throw from the broad stream of Badgworthy Water that rushes along the narrow valley’s floor. Surrounded by tall hills populated by buzzards, ponies and deer, the place feels hidden from the modern world. Pitch-dark nights, perfect for stargazing, and a lack of signal add to this feeling, making Carver Cottage a true escape.

The cottage is accessed by the track that leads to the campsite. There’s a gated entrance to a shingled area shared with the neighbouring holiday cottage, Cloud Farmhouse (sleeps six) with outdoor seating for both. Downstairs, the cottage has an open-plan lounge and diner with a partitioned kitchen off to one corner. This cottage has been recently refurbished yet retains a traditional feel with wood burners and wooden beams. Upstairs there is a bathroom and three bedrooms, one twin, one double and third that can be made into either two singles or a double, with the west facing windows looking onto the hills and river. It’s child and dog friendly, but unfortunately not suitable for those with accessibility needs. It’s also important to note that the nearby campsite can get busy in summer.

The cottage makes a great base for hikers and energetic families discovering the Doone Valley. Fans of the book will enjoy roaming the expanse of Exmoor, hunting out places featured in the novel. These include a ruined medieval village near Cloud Farm, allegedly the inspiration for the Doone clan’s hideaway. Others will enjoy relaxing by the river, wildlife spotting or strolling down to the tea-room, The Buttery Café & Riverside Gardens, just under a mile away in Malmsmead hamlet.

For a longer walk, Watersmeet is an 11-mile round trip from the front door. The South West Coast Path is accessible 3 miles to the north of the cottage, and an hour’s walk south down the Doone Valley will lead you out onto Exmoor. Lynton, Lynmouth and Porlock are all approximately seven miles away, where you’ll find independent shops and eateries. Lynmouth also has a funicular cliff railway, joining it to Lynton. The wildlife rich Heddon Valley is roughly 30 minutes west. Holnicote Estate, where you may be lucky enough to spot the resident beavers, recently reintroduced, is a 25-minute drive east.