Riverside Cottage

Surrounded by rugged moorland, deep green valleys and just a stone's throw from the North Devon coast, Riverside Cottage is the perfect location for a walking holiday. While 17th-century outlaws roamed these hills within the pages of Lorna Doone, today this part of Exmoor makes for a far more tranquil escape.

Tucked away in the pretty Exmoor hamlet of Malmsmead, this recently refurbished two-bedroom cottage offers everything you need for a relaxed family getaway. Compact yet comfortable, the cottage features an open-plan living space that retains a traditional feel thanks to exposed wooden beams and recessed windows. To the front is a garden with a patio and lawn area, which is shared with the tea-room next door, The Buttery Café & Riverside Gardens, which sometimes runs events. To the front of the garden lies Badgworthy Water – a small river with a picturesque 17th-century bridge and a ford that makes a popular spot for paddling in the summer.

The surrounding scenic landscape offers plenty for keen walkers, and was famously immortalised as the ‘Doone Valley’ by author R.D. Blackmore. The many varied trails take in sheltered combes, tranquil woods and high moorland. Fans of Lorna Doone can seek out local landmarks with connections to the novel, such as the medieval village of Hoccombe Combe and the secret waterfall at Lank Combe. The cottage accommodates one dog, so your faithful friend can join your adventure too. 

Further afield (20-minute drive or a full day’s there-and-back walk) you’ll find the National Trust café at Watersmeet, where the specialty is cream tea served with local whortleberry jam. Nearby are the picturesque villages of Lynton and Lynmouth where you’ll find the world’s steepest water-powered funicular railway, along with a shingle beach which can be explored at low tide. Porlock village is also worth a visit with its array of characterful cottages, shops, pubs and tea-rooms. Nearby National Trust properties include Dunster Castle and Arlington Court, both offering plenty of adventures for all the family, while sandy beaches can be found at Minehead, Combe Martin and Ilfracombe.

Heating: Air source heating. There is a wood burning stove in the living room. The fire will be laid for you on arrival with enough fuel to get you started. Eco logs and fire starter kits can be purchased at the time of booking. A pack of eco logs, lasting a day or two evenings is £9.00. We also offer a fire start kit consisting of 30 eco briquettes and 3 firelighters for £9.00 and this will provide a base for approximately 3 fires.

Garden: There is a grassy outdoor area with seating that is shared by guests of Riverside Cottage, Kingfisher View and Heron View, and the visitors to The Buttery Café & Riverside Gardens. The café occasionally runs events.

There is a river that runs next to the garden. This is not enclosed so please be aware if you have children in your party.

Parking: Parking is available in the small car park across the lane.

Electric vehicle charging point is available in the public car park behind the building. There is a QR code on the charging station, where payment can be arranged to Monta Web Map.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm.

WiFi: We are pleased to provide WiFi at this cottage, which is supported by BT. Please note that intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur and should not be relied upon.

Induction hob: Please note there is an induction hob at this cottage. Guests with pacemakers are advised to check with their doctor to ensure there will be no interference with their pacemaker. Guests with pacemakers are also advised to keep a distance of at least 60cm (2ft) from the hob when cooking.