Butterwell Barn

Davidstow Moor

Ideal for warm winter weekends, welcoming in springtime with primroses and violets on the banks and wonderful for summer holidays, the barn is in a unique setting off the edge of a disused moorland airfield, at the end of a grassy track with just the owners (in a well-separated house) and the wild birds and grazing animals for company. The occasional microlight aircraft adds interest, buzzards wheel and call overhead and Brown Willie and Roughtor, the highest peaks of Bodmin Moor, are an exhilarating three mile walk away, starting from our cattle grid and crossing one country road.

The north Cornwall coast path, with its famous cliffs and scenic views, and the beaches of Trebarwith Strand and Bossiney Haven, for surfing and swimming, are ten minutes drive away. A little further are the safe, sandy beaches of the Camel estuary and picturesque Padstow. Here also is the Camel Trail for cyclists (bike hire in Wadebridge, including child-trailers), walkers or horse-riders beside the river Camel. There are even river trips available in Canadian canoes.

LIVING ACCOMMODATION: Upstairs is a comfortable, light and airy, triple-aspect, open-plan living room comprising kitchen, dining and sitting areas with a small wood-burning stove. Cooking is by gas and microwave; a fridge, electric kettle and toaster are provided. There are plenty of books and games and there is a television, but the quiet peaceful space and views through trees and over undulating fields and moorland can be enjoyed for hours at a time. Night storage heaters throughout the barn keep it warm when needed and hot water is always available from an immersion heater. There is no charge for electricity (no meter to worry about) and logs are provided for the stove.

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION: The barn has a shower room and two bedrooms downstairs, each with a washbasin. The larger, south- and west-facing room has an antique brass double bedstead with new slatted base and sprung matress while the cosy second bedroom has a pine bed and under-bed, both with new sprung matresses, making a good double or twin beds as required, or a more spacious single room. Bed linen is provided at no extra cost.

GARDEN: The garden is large, lawned, not very level with meadow patches and tall trees. It is separated from the neighbouring fields by grassy banks. A swing, a hammock and deckchairs make it ideal for sunny days while for limitless space, the freedom of the moor is to be had from the cattle grid at the bottom of the drive. There is ample parking close to the front door.

CHILDREN are very welcome at Butterwell and a cot is available on request. Butterwell barn and garden are no-smoking areas and the proximity of grazing sheep on the unfenced moor and our own peace-loving cat have led us to ask people not to bring pets with them.