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Philham Water Cottage gallery Gallery

View of thatched-roofed Philham Water Cottage in Bideford, Devon from front garden - a secluded spot with a babbling brook alongside the cottage
View of thatched-roofed Philham Water Cottage in Bideford, Devon from front garden - a secluded spot with a babbling brook alongside the cottage
Peaceful spot in the garden at the back of Philham Water Cottage with picnic bench laid for supper, a quiet bench to read a book, and the brook running past
Peaceful spot in the garden at the back of Philham Water Cottage with picnic bench laid for supper, a quiet bench to read a book, and the brook running past
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Philham Water Cottage

Bideford, Devon
Self-catering
(001) 415-897-4698
Visit owner's website

Per night
£99 - £175
Per week
£750 - £940

1 bed

Bedroom

1 bedroom

Sleeps

Sleeps 2

Pets welcome
Babies welcome

Straight out of a fairy tale, a rustic cottage by a babbling brook: a magical escape for couples, the craggy coast in easy reach

Per night
£99 - £175
Per week
£750 - £940

Visit the owner's site and book direct with them. No fees or fuss from us.

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£99 - £175 per night

£750 - £940 per week

The Experience

This friendly little one-up, one-down, built in the 15th century, is rumoured to be the oldest cottage of its kind in Devon. Perched between a leafy lane and a stream, it seems to blend seamlessly into the rural landscape, the cob and stone of its walls dug from the surrounding fields hundreds of years ago.

It’s easy to stay sitting snuggled on the sofa while the wood-burner blazes in the ancient fireplace, the outside world a distant memory. Gardens fore and aft are unfussy and informal, wildlife havens with a frog pond, the sound of the stream mingling with chirrups from tits, robins, chaffinches and more. Best for a couple but there is an extra sofa bed too.

Walk to the dramatic and craggy coastline, join the coastal path for challenging hikes in either direction, drive into Hartland for supplies – you’ll be glad to return to your quiet nest. The only crowds you’re likely to meet are dairy cows strolling up the lane for milking. Time to switch off.

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Peaceful spot in the garden at the back of Philham Water Cottage with picnic bench laid for supper, a quiet bench to read a book, and the brook running past

We think you'll love

  • Staying in an ancient cottage in a peaceful valley with the stream running by
  • Resting by the wood-burner after a long walk on the Coast Path
  • Visiting the gardens at Docton Mill and Hartland Abbey
Philham Water Cottage - Gallery

You should know

  • Because of the dangers of the pond and stream, only babes-in-arms are welcome
  • The well-equippped kitchen and bathroom are practical, not posh
  • The valley setting means sunlight moves around the house and garden

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

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Pricing

Nightly price
from £99
Weekly price
from £750
Damage deposit
£150
Surcharges
Singles £770-£940. Extra bed/sofabed available at no charge.
1 Cottage for 2
From £991 bed1 bedroom

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Information

Special offer: Special Christmas offer of £150 discount for a week in the cosiest cottage in Devon! Use dicsount code XMAS at checkout.

Booking information

Check in
From 4pm
Check out
By 10am
Other details
Extra double sofabed available.
Closed
Rarely.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Dogs

Dogs welcome, £35 per dog. Dog bed, blanket, towel and treats available.

Meals
Pubs/restaurants 5-minute drive.

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Reviews

So very pretty on an early spring day with primroses, birdsong and sunlight on the seat by the stream. The cosy living room has a properly old-fashioned feel. The double bedroom is rustic cottage dreamy and the simple kitchen has all the kit a keen cook needs.
Inspected Annie Sawday's Inspector
Danai, London

Thank you for a magical stay at this gorgeous cottage! I fell in love with the stream next to it and being able to look out at it as I made coffee in the morning. Everything about the cottage is beautiful and it made us feel like we were in a fairytale, cut off from the outside world for a few days. The nature and walks around are also stunning - I really liked the woodlands by Hartland Abbey and the views at Hartland Quay. We enjoyed a delicious traditional cream tea at "Coffee on the Square" in Hartland today. Would love to come again! Danai and Danny, London

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Sue, Hampshire

What a lovely place! Have been very lucky with the weather and been able to sit in various parts of the garden and enjoy the tranquility of the place. Enjoyed a walk to Docton Mill Tea Rooms, and then on to Speke's Mill Waterfall. Would recommend both. Booked the place as a solo artist retreat and managed some sketching and lots of photos. But mostly enjoyed the peace and quiet and beauty of the place. Sue P. 29th August - 1st September 2025

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Jason and Kelly, USA

We have checked out and made sure all was in its place and tidy. Everything worked perfectly - a testament to your upkeep of this wonderful property. It was everything we had hoped for and more! Thank you for allowing us to have such a fantastic time - I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more peaceful than I did, getting comfortable on the couch each evening while the wood burner kept us warm :)

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Nick

We enjoyed our stay very much. The cottage is very picturesque and comfortable. The surrounding countryside provided wonderful scenery and we enjoyed walking along the coast and visiting Clovelly. I have already recommended it to a friend.

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Location

The neighbourhood

The Hartland Peninsula combines lush farmland and forest with a dramatic craggy coastline, easily explored on foot from the cottage. When you need to resupply, you’re two miles from the town of Hartland, with shops, pubs and potteries, and six miles from the picture-postcard charm of Clovelly. Head south and you’re soon in Cornwall – a 25-minute drive gets you to Bude’s golden sands. Your private parking space is at the end of the garden.

Local points of interest from Miranda Bostroem

  • Make your way to the beach for the South West Coast Path and catch incredible scenery in any season. Or take a day trip to Lundy Island when it’s sunny and admire the views and wildlife.
  • Rural Hartland (2 miles) has craft shops, potteries, tearooms, a carnival in August and a lighthouse serving light lunches. For swimming at high tide or watching the sunset over the Atlantic, nothing beats the Wreckers Retreat at Hartland Quay.
  • A visit to Springfield Pottery in Hartland is a must – you’ll see some of their pottery in the cottage.
  • Fishing village Clovelly is just 6 miles away with its beautiful harbour, ocean-side pub and tearooms. Visit Bude for surfing (hire gear at the Surf Cabin), sandy beaches and pasties.
  • Take a historic break at stunning Tintagel Castle an hour to the south, reputed birthplace of King Arthur - or go a little further to the Eden Project.
  • Take a gentle cliff-top walk in Morwenstow to Hawkers Hut, the perfect hideaway of poet Reverend Robert Hawker and one of our favourite places to visit. The Rectory Tea Rooms by the church has the best cream tea around.

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Introducing

Miranda Bostroem

Having travelled all her life, Miranda now lives in California – but when her children were young, this is where they came for their holidays. Back then it had an outdoor loo, water came from a spring and she cooked on the open hearth. Today Miranda still comes here sometimes with her grandchildren and potters in the garden. While she’s stateside, there’s a property manager on call for emergencies, and keys in a secure keybox on the premises.

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