Limecombe Cottage

High on Exmoor, at 1300 feet above sea level, and a few hundred yards from the source of the River Exe lies Limecombe, hidden from sight in a private combe (valley) in the middle of the 6000 acre Exmoor Forest Estate. The estate is a working hill-farm, all within Exmoor National Park, with a large herd of beef cattle and several thousand sheep. Exmoor is an untamed wilderness of staggering beauty, but easily accessible for family and group holidays.

Limecombe Cottage has recently been completely refurbished to the highest standards from its previous use as a shepherd’s cottage. It is in the most secluded and private position imaginable, up its own mile-long track from the estate’s home farm at Simonsbath. There are no near neighbours, save for the herds of red deer which often graze in the garden and the animals on the farm. This is a place where there is total silence at night and the darkest, least-polluted skies.

The south-facing cottage, which sleeps 10 comfortably, in 5 bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, is surrounded by trees and has breath-taking views in all directions. A stream, with waterfall, runs down the combe a few yards away. There is a garden in front of the cottage, perfect for barbecues, outdoor lunches and ball games.

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Unspoiled Paradise

Though you would never know it, the cottage runs off solar panels, batteries and a backup generator, though it has all the usual appliances, including satellite TV. Water is UV-filtered from a spring. The kitchen has everything you could want and there is ample seating and dining space for all.

The range of wildlife on the estate is enormous; many different species of birds and wild animals live in this unspoilt paradise and guests are likely to see many of them during their stay. Perhaps most notable are the red deer for which Exmoor is famous and you will often find their antlers lying on the ground as you walk in the area.

Field sports have long been associated with Exmoor and the Exmoor Foxhounds are kennelled in the middle of the estate. The Devon and Somerset Staghounds, which control the thriving red deer population, meet frequently in the area. Hirelings are available in the village or guests may, by arrangement, bring their own horses and stable them in the estate yard, which has 9 looseboxes. There are leaflets and maps with recommended rides around the estate and the local area. Guided pony-trekking is also available nearby. There is much challenging shooting within the area and Limecombe is ideal for groups of guns.

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Exmoor Activities

The River Exe rises on the estate and the beautiful River Barle flows through the middle of it. Fishing is available on the Barle for guests. Walkers will love Limecombe: from Pinkery Pond, to Landacre Bridge, the Doone Valley, Exe Head (with its views to Wales on a sunny day), the Fortescue Monument, Cornham Ford and Cow Castle, there are so many beautiful walks of varying intensity. Guides to the walks and maps are available free of charge to guests at Limecombe.

The coast at Lynton is only 8 miles away, an easy drive across Brendon Common. Beautiful sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Saunton and Croyde are close at hand. Lundy Island is an easy and delightful day trip on the MS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe.

The estate has a fascinating history. The name forest derives from its use as a royal chase – large areas of land preserved for hunting and in the ownership of the crown. In 1818, the estate was bought by John Knight who intended to cultivate the estate for farming. He built a 29 mile wall to enclose the estate and began an enormous programme of agriculture and civil engineering to seek to turn the land from moorland to farmland, and to drain it. This was continued by his son, Frederick, who built the church at Simonsbath. Information about the history of the estate is available in the cottage.

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William Atkin's book, The Moor, A journey into the English wilderness, provides a fascinating account of the Exmoor forest and farm and is well worth a read if you are interested in local history. 

There are several pubs with excellent food and local beers close by: the Exmoor Forest Inn in Simonsbath (just over a mile), the Black Venus at Challacombe and the Crown and White Horse in Exford.

We look forward to welcoming you to this remote and relaxing spot.

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Limecombe Cottage Ground Floor

Ground Floor

Large, well equipped kitchen with integrated table and seating for up to 10 people. Includes, gas cooker, microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, washing machine.

Limecombe Cottage Bedroom

First Floor

Staircase leading off hallway to:
  • Twin bedroom
  • Separate bathroom
Limecombe Cottage From Outside

Outside

What is outside:
  • Picnic tables
  • Outhouse with tumble dryer and drying rack
Leading from the hallway is:
  • 2 twin rooms each with adjoining shower, basin & wc
  • Sitting Room with TV and woodburning stove
  • back door to garden area
Adjacent to the kitchen is an external entrance to:
  • 2 twin bedrooms
  • each with adjoining shower, basin & wc.
Leading from the hallway is:
  • a hallway with fireplace and seating
  • under stairs cupboard

Floor Plan

The ground-plan is to help you plan your stay.

Limecombe ground plan