The Stables @ Stoneleigh Knowle Cottages

In a leafy, hidden valley, near the North Cornwall coast, a mile-long private drive leads through bluebell woods to the three barn conversion cottages of Stoneleigh Knowle. The seaside town of Bude and the sandy beach of Widemouth Bay are only 10 minutes’ drive, but in this secluded spot, families (and their dogs!) can escape the day-trippers in 75 acres of ancient Cornish countryside, following woodland trails watching for wildlife, having lazy picnics in the meadows and stargazing on summer nights.

The three barn conversions are set around a large courtyard sun trap and share the garden immediately surrounding the cottages where little ones can play while grown-ups kick back with a Kindle or set a BBQ sizzling. Children can also make a wooden fort their base for all kinds of adventures and make new friends having table tennis tournaments.

The Cornish stone cottages themselves, which glow golden in the sunshine, have all the authentic character of vaulted beamed ceilings and feature stone walls, complemented by light and fresh contemporary décor throughout. For cosy evenings in, families can snuggle into comfy sofas by a funky SMEG wall fire or wood burner to watch BluRay DVD’s or play with the toys and games provided by the helpful hosts. The modern farmhouse kitchens are well equipped for self-catering, from baby essentials to classy crockery, and the bathrooms in all three cottages are all shiny, new and luxurious. Sinking into the wrought iron bedsteads and cool Egyptian cotton linen, a good night’s sleep is on the cards thanks to the blackout curtains and peaceful setting, except perhaps for the hoot of an owl or squeak of a bat!

Accommodation overview

Stoneleigh Knowle comprises three cottages for 2 to 7 people, plus babies in cots, or a group of up to 14 family and friends if all three are booked together. Two dogs are also welcome at all three cottages.

The Stables (sleeps 7+babies) is the largest of the three barn conversions, with two bedrooms upstairs and another on the ground floor with a king size bed which comes in handy for elderly grandparents or a couple with a baby. The master bedroom upstairs has a super king-size bed and gleaming, new ensuite shower room, while the third bedroom has three single beds, and both have space for two cots. Also upstairs, the newly fitted family bathroom has a roll top bath for a sumptuous soak and a separate shower to kick start the day. On the ground floor, the open plan living/dining area is spacious, light and airy, with comfy sofas to cosy down by a Smeg wall fire to watch TV or BluRay DVD’s or play with the toys and games provided. The modern cottage kitchen has everything families will need, including a range oven, microwave, retro-style fridge freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and all the essential utensils. The cottage opens onto the large sunny courtyard and shared garden, with outdoor seating and a BBQ, wooden play fort and table tennis.