Inside the Ilfracombe holiday cottage with rave reviews near Devon beach

A hugely sought-after Devon holiday retreat, which has been almost fully booked throughout this year, has now opened reservations for summer 2027.

High View Farmhouse, located in Ilfracombe, boasts a five-star rating on holidaycottages.co.uk and has been lauded by visitors as an ideal destination for large gatherings.

Amongst its facilities are a hot tub, indoor swimming pool, generous garden, patio, woodburner, play area and electric vehicle charging.

Not only is the property within easy reach of Woolacombe Beach, but it also sits on a working farm where you and your children can watch alpacas grazing in the surrounding fields.

The property accommodates 12 guests and welcomes up to six dogs. Limited availability remains for 2026, with some spaces in July, August and September. Bookings are then unavailable until May 2027, with availability running through to August 2027.

Based on 19 guest reviews, the property has received a 4.7-star rating for cleanliness, 4.7 for comfort, 4.9 for equipment and 4.9 for location. Some guests noted that when they had questions or needed help, the owners were on hand to provide assistance.

Several guests highlighted that whenever they had queries or required assistance, the owners were readily available to help. One guest commented: "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this wonderful farmhouse that has some fascinating history. We were made very welcome and would highly recommend to anyone seeking a quiet retreat in the heart of some beautiful countryside. The alpacas were also very welcoming!"

Another visitor noted the "owners have got it just right for large family groups". They continued: "The house is spacious, well laid out and has generous facilities. The large and excellent indoor swimming pool is a real bonus. The Alpacas on the surrounding farm are a delight. Location wonderful. Owners are nearby and very welcoming."

The accommodation has also received acclaim for suiting large parties with broad age ranges, from one to 63 and two to 79. One assessment states: "Our party age range was 1 to 63, and we all had an awesome holiday.

"The pool is fantastic, views lovely, and the property gave a very homely welcoming feel. The cream tea on arrival was most welcome too. The Alpacas were a highlight too, the babies were so cute, and they're very entertaining. Thank you, we all enjoyed our holiday."

According to Holidaycottages.co.uk: "The house itself is steeped in history with parts dating back to before the Domesday Book and is laid out over three levels with some interior steps.

"The main entrance opens onto the top floor, where you will find the main living space. This includes a vaulted oak beamed kitchen with slate flooring and a good size dining table, a large dining room with bi-fold double doors that open out onto a furnished patio area, and a separate seating area with a wood burner.

"The two bedrooms on this level include a king-size with an en-suite shower and a twin bedroom. The other bedrooms are on the middle floor. The master bedroom is accessed via a private staircase from the reading room and has a spiral staircase to the infinity swimming pool and hot tub.

"A long wood-panelled corridor lined with books leads to the other two bedrooms and a snug. The dual aspect reading room connects to the lower level, where you'll find a large games room with billiard table, a selection of toys and games, some comfortable seating and access to the swimming pool via a spiral staircase.

"The large garden has a children's play area and there's a rough garden area for pets. Light up the BBQ, pour yourself a glass of wine and make the most of the long summer evenings."

You can book High View Farmhouse here.

There's also this 14-person property in Ilfracombe, with seven bedrooms. Bradley House has a 4.7 rating on Sykes Cottages and has a hot tub, garden and patio, off-road parking and a games room. It also allows pets.

If you're looking for a smaller Devon property, why not check out this cottage in Hartland, not far from Clovelly. It sleeps two guests and allows pets.

Barley Cottage has a five-star rating on Sykes Cottages and is one of three properties set in amongst tranquil grounds in the charming Devon village.

The Dovecote is also an option in Hartland and sleeps four. It has a garden patio, off road parking, and a 4.9-star rating. Sykes Cottages says: "This delightful single storey bungalow is situated on the owner’s working livestock farm in beautiful rural Devon, two miles from the bustling village of Hartland." Check it out here.

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