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Holiday Cottage Reviews for Higher Wiscombe

Average rating: (18 reviews)

5 18

Higher Wiscombe, Southleigh, Colyton, Devon, EX24 6JF

Description of the cottage holiday

Three luxury cottages, two three bedroom, all ensuite, and one huge 10 bedroom cottage with nine bathrooms. All cottages separate with private gardens and reserved parking. Contemporary barn conversions with lots of light, but still retaining original features. Set in 52 acres of rolling Devon pasture and woods with wonderful uninterrupted views from all cottages. Wonderful selection of local activities and walks.

Best Features

Fully inclusive pricing

Beds made up on arrival

Heated pool in Summer, games room all year

Near the beaches at Sidmouth, Beer and Lyme Regis

Five Star Graded

Gold Green Tourism Award

Sleeps: from 6 to 32

Pets: No

Contact Details

Contact Name: LornaHandyside

Telephone: 07772 630104

Email Agent or Owner

Reviews

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35 of 66 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 07/2014
Cottage Review:  

The thatched barn was perfect for a family holiday! The best bit is the location and incredible view from the open plan living area. Also lovely to have our own private garden as well as all the surrounding countryside. Having a toddler meant I could let her play outside knowing she couldn't go too far.

The cottage was extremely well equipped and your every need has been thought of. The only disappointing thing was the hard, thin pillows. Also not having windows in the twin rooms to outside meant they were very stuffy. You could open the door but this is not ideal in bad weather or with children.

Make up of party:  Couple with toddler and another couple with child.
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: mkechance Review Added: 10.08.2014
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38 of 70 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 06/2013
Cottage Review:  

Entirely lived up to our expectations. A house of high quality which catered for everyone's needs, including those who preferred baths to showers, and younger members who preferred to avoid running water! Facilities excellent-you really do get what you pay for. It was very useful to have the very helpful owners close at hand who were always very friendly and willing to attend to any slight problem which 18 people will inevitably have.

The owners are well aware of the aspects where we had a difficulty and, as they do, will consider for the future. These were the lengthy and rough drive, which admittedly did slow cars down; the misfiring grill in our oven; and the timetable for use of swimming pool, which sometimes made planning a day out with 6 children rather difficult if we were given the 2 o'clock slot.

Make up of party:  8 adults up to age71; 6 children;a few 'drop in' friends
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: As above Review Added: 12.09.2013
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Owner response:
Thanks for the review, much appreciated. We are working to complete the drive, we can\\\'t do anything about the length, or the speed bumps, but are dealing with the rough patches.
We will stick with the timetable for the pool though, with the large cottage having twenty people staying it can make it impossible for couples with small children in the smaller cottages to get a look in, so the booking system gives exclusivity to all. Many of our guests work together to swap slots, which works well.
Thanks once again, Alistair and Lorna

24 of 59 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 03/2013
Cottage Review:  

We stayed at the thatched barn for Easter this year and is was just wonderful. The setting is amazing and the views and countryside were beautiful. The barn was very warm and welcoming. All the rooms are of the highest standard and the finish is high. The owners were extremely helpful and thoughtful and we had a fabulous time . Would recommend the barn to everyone .

Make up of party:  Mum n Dad with their son and daughter and their partners and a 7 month old. Suited everyone . . . . .
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: Peanutts Review Added: 11.06.2013
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Owner response:
Thanks for the review, much appreciated and really glad you enjoyed your stay.

Alistair and Lorna

38 of 95 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 03/2013
Cottage Review:  

A really wonderful barn in a fantastic setting. The countryside all around with spring lambs added to it all . the barn is beautiful with all you you could wish for,Very comfortable and little luxury touch's. Will return again and again. Owners very helpful and well equipped for the baby. Thankyou for a fab week....

Make up of party:  Family sharing with a 9 month old
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: Peanutts Review Added: 03.04.2013
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Owner response:
Thanks Peanuts, much appreciated, it was great to have you to stay.

Alistair and Lorna

36 of 74 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 03/2013
Cottage Review:  

We stayed at the thatched barn for Easter this year and is was just wonderful. The setting is amazing and the views and countryside were beautiful. The barn was very warm and welcoming. All the rooms are of the highest standard and the finish is high. The owners were extremely helpful and thoughtful and we had a fabulous time . Would recommend the barn to everyone .

Make up of party:  Mum n Dad with their son and daughter and their partners and a 7 month old. Suited everyone . . . . .
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: Peanutts Review Added: 11.06.2013
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47 of 77 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 05/2012
Cottage Review:  

We stayed in Flint Cottage. it was perfect. Very clean and well equiped. Very comtfortable beds with lovely linen The warm swimming pool with our private allocated time was n added bonus. Amazing countryside. Super hosts could could not to more to help us. We would go again. [Added at Editor's discretion since it appears to be a helpful review and the reviewer has been authenticated]

Make up of party:  Family sharing. . . 2 couples and a baby
Cleanliness: good Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: good Overall rating:
Review Added by: mych editor Review Added: 07.06.2012
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Owner response:
Thanks, we hope to welcome you back again soon. Thanks Alistair and Lorna

42 of 74 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 04/2012
Cottage Review:  

Really well-equipped property in most beautiful countryside. Comfortable and easy to manage. We appreciated the underfloor heating on chilly Spring evenings! Owners really helpful both before and during the holiday.

Make up of party:  Myself and husband (grandparents)Son and daughter-in-lawTheir daughter (3) & baby son (8 months)This was our second visit, our first was April last year. We hope to go back again.
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: Jo Parkinson Review Added: 30.04.2012
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Owner response:
Thanks Jo, I think this visit makes you officially our most regular guest, a bottle of cold champagne awaits your next visit. Our best to you all,

Alistair and Lorna

44 of 117 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 03/2012
Cottage Review:  

A fantastic property in a stunning location.Went with a group of 20 adults and it was perfect for what we wanted, a luxury chilled out weekend. Lovely that all the bedrooms bar one were en-suite, if the last one could have a bathroom then that would be ideal.The layout was perfect and the whole property had a feeling of being light and spacious. The under floor heating was a real luxury!The caterer that was recommended for us was fantastic and well worth every penny. Would happily go back !

Make up of party:  A group of 20 adults ( 10 couples ) celebrating a 40th birthday.
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: devon10 Review Added: 11.03.2012
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Owner response:
Thanks for the review, in January 2013 we completely changed the top floor layout in the Old Winery, so now all bedrooms in all three cottages are now en-suite, all sixteen of them. The new bathrooms look fabulous with wet-room style showers and glass sliding doors. The caterer also says thanks, you were a great fun group,

Alistair and Lorna

41 of 72 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 02/2012
Cottage Review:  

Bi-Annual get together of a group of friends We hired all 3 cottages, so those without kids could "escape" occasionally! All cottages extremley well equipped and rooms and very comfortable. Great that we all called dine together in the main dining room in the Winery too!

Great little games room to, and guys managed to sneak off and watch rugby un the "secret lounge" above the garage on the sat afternoon. Branscome & Beer close by, very pretty and worth stopping in Axminster at Hugh's Canteen for a spot of lunch en-route.

Make up of party:  Large group of friends and their children 21 Adults & 12 children!
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: good
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: good Overall rating:
Review Added by: GaryDG Review Added: 10.02.2012
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Owner response:
Thanks for the review and for making full use of all the facilities, especially the cinema room which comes with any booking that includes the Flint Barn. It seems to be mostly chaps who escape there, maybe we should put a fridge in there too!

Thanks Alistair and Lorna

37 of 108 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 01/2012
Cottage Review:  

I booked Higher Wiscombe for my husbands 60th birthday celebrations and it was a huge success. The combination of the Old Winery and the Flint Barn worked really well for us as we had all adults but a mixture of friends and family. Lorna was brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble including almost being trapped under the table by one of the guests who didn't realise she was under there doing a quick fix! Bless her. It was a full on weekend including a quiz night, murder mystery dinner and several walks. The accomodation is exceptional and extremely well equipped. The location is beautiful and I am really looking forward to finding an excuse to go back. For our murder mystery dinner we used one of the recommended caterers and it worked very well for us but for them it was quite difficult circumstances as we kept moving around.They coped admirably.It was great for me not to have to worry about food for that night. The comments from all the guests were what an amazing place and where did i find it so it really does have that wow factor and looks just as good in reality as it does in the pics.

A very memorable weekend was had by all mainly because we could all eat and be together in such a great place.

Make up of party:  The party was made up of friends and family ranging from 15 - 62!!23 adults - all couples apart from 1 and 3 teenagers!!!
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: disgraceful traveller Review Added: 18.01.2012
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Owner response:
Thanks for the review and fascinated by your login persona, you were far from disgraceful. We've said before on here that it's great to see all the facilities being used, that's what they're there for. Thanks for coming and really pleased you had a great time.

Alistair and Lorna

36 of 76 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 12/2011
Cottage Review:  

We booked The Old Winery and The Thatched Barn for a weekend for a 50th birthday celebration.

The party included 16 adults and 8 children varying in ages from 3 to 9.

We had wanted a place with a large dining area to accommodate one formal, catered dinner for the adults.

It was very difficult to find any house closer to the south east homes of the guests which was high quality accommodation and had sufficently large dining and seating areas.

Higher Wiscombe had everything we needed and more.

And it was easily accessible to main routes into the south west. No endless narrow, high-sided country lanes to negotiate.

Good traffic conditions meant just over 2.5 hours from Surrey including child-friendly stops!

Despite the presence of so many adults and noisy, excited young children the main house didn't seem less than spacious.

The bedrooms were usefully 'zoned' so each couple with children had its own area.

The 'childless' were consigned [ha!] and regularly retired, when the noise became to great, to the Thatched Barn.

Simply put, the layout of the accommodation worked perfectly for us.

We used one of the recommended caterers and had a fabulous series of meals including one formal, waitressed dinner.

Masses of crockery and glassware etc. Not something one always gets at such large places.

Everyone has commented since how wonderful the weekend was - I like to think my organisation helped! - and that was undoubtedly assisted by this place.

The owners, Alistair and Lorna, were nothing less than charming and helpful throughout.

There weren't a lot of facilities on site but we had no need of them, though the games room was used by all at verious points by children and adults and the walks on the site were enjoyable and attractive and manageable for the very young on the Sunday.

Various people managed visits to Beer and Honiton and went walking locally on the Saturday. We know from past experience that the locality has plenty to do and visit if you are there for longer than a couple of days.

In all, a great place for celebrations.

Make up of party:  Friends - couples both with and without children. Age range 26 to 64 for adults and 3 to 9 for children.
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: good Overall rating:
Review Added by: wildorange Review Added: 08.12.2011
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49 of 82 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 06/2011
Cottage Review:  

We stayed in the Flint Barn which was very well appointed and exceptionally comfortable. Great location for exploring the area and good to see owner's attention to the environment. We'll be back!

Make up of party:  Family with 3 children
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: good
Facilities: exceptional Views: good
Value: good Overall rating:
Review Added by: Kenty Review Added: 01.08.2011
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37 of 71 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 06/2011
Cottage Review:  

We spent a wonderfully relaxing week at the Thatched Barn. The bedrooms are light and spacious, fresh gingham, beamed,with large comfortable beds, all with stylish modern design en suites; two with french doors opening to a quiet garden area with views of the valley beyond. Sit here and listen to birdsong, or be tempted to an early morning walk, all possible without disturbing others due to the spacious layout of the Thatched Barn.

The open plan iving area is well furnished with ample sofas and seating; a particular feature we like are the windows all round providing a natural daylight filled sunny room, and splendid views, all private. The kitchen is very well equipped with every possible implement for any chef! However there are detailed guides provided for places to eat for every budget and taste, all we tried were excellent as stated, do book if it says so to avoid disappointment.

Each cottage has it\\\\\\\'s own rotating time allocated for the private swimming pool daily, which was of a length and frequency more than needed.

The games room, table tennis, a short walk from the cottages, is a fun diversion. Overall there is a sense of space and safety for youngsters to walk down to the games room, or along a track, or to the big oak.

The owners,on site, have given attention to detail, and providing eco and recycling facilities.

It feels as though in the middle of nowhere, with the clear skies for great star gazing possible, so do remember your telescope; we had a heavy model but only needed to go a few steps outside the Thatched Barn for great views. If astronomy is a serious interest the Norman Lockyer Observatory at Sidmouth is nearby and has open evenings during the year

We enjoyed being in the quiet countryside but near the coast, a short drive to Sidmouth, Beer, Branscombe, a little further to Lyme Regis, all worth a visit with different atmospheres and things to do. We again enjoyed a day out to Pecorama,at Beer, steam train enthusiasts of all ages, with beautiful gardens for the less train enanmoured! and the cream tea aboard the \\\\\\\'Orient express\\\\\\\' look a like. Also the Seaton tramway, an old fashioned senic estuary tram ride, take binoculars for views of the migrating birds.

Arriving at Higher Wiscombe we turned in by a white gate down a long driveway to the valley, the cottages in the distance , cares drop behind and are gone as we are greeted by the welcome given from the owners Alistair, Lorna, and family.

Make up of party:  We are a family, one adult , one teenager; great location for meeting up with family, friends, or for independence. Owners family very welcoming and friendly.
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: yeld Review Added: 14.12.2011
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45 of 77 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 02/2011
Cottage Review:  

We had an absolutely wonderful stay! The Thatched Barn at Higher Wiscombe is a little bit of comfortable luxury in this beautifully rural part of the world. We really enjoyed the beaches at Beer and Branscombe, and the views from the window in the open plan living area were stunning. The owners made us feel very welcome. We will definitely be back!

Make up of party:  Family with 2 children
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: jamescollis Review Added: 12.07.2011
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43 of 76 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 09/2010
Cottage Review:  

Our stay at Higher Wiscombe was nothing short of fabulous! The cottage where we stayed, The Thatched barn had everything we needed. The view was spectacular, and we found the local towns had all we needed when we ate out, or if we decided to cook on our own. A wonderful place, with warm, friendly hosts.

Make up of party:  Our party was comprised of my daughter, husband, and baby girl. Also included were my other two daughters. Dad got the master suite :)
Cleanliness: good Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: good Overall rating:
Review Added by: malibillb Review Added: 02.09.2011
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44 of 77 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 08/2010
Cottage Review:  

We stayed in Flint Cottage during an Autumn break to Devon. The area is amazing that part of Devon is fabulous. The cottage was immaculate. The owners have obviously taken a great deal of care and attention to getting the cottages perfect.

Make up of party:  2 Adults
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: good
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: exceptional Overall rating:
Review Added by: sibain Review Added: 31.08.2011
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47 of 86 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 03/2010
Cottage Review:  

Our entire family of 18 adults and children booked into the The Old Winery and had a great week. This converted building is very large, very plush and very clean.

It's been laid out in a manner that allows everyone to enjoy a rather cosy holiday with the focus on a big central lounge with numerous sofas, big TV and adjoining kitchen space. At the same time it provides segregated sleeping arrangements across three floors with separate bathrooms and showers - so when you need a bit of privacy everyone feels like they have it.

Huge dining area and a local catering company made it feel like eating in was eating out - we did that on the last night and wished we'd done it every night before.

Location unmatched. Just the driveway (which must be getting on for 1 mile in length!) is worth a walk on its own and some of the steep hills it tumbles down are ideal for working off the previous night's grub. The grounds in which the property stands are of similar proportions and the stream at the bottom of the valley was perfect for small boys to spend an afternoon building dams.

Ideally situated for Branscombe, Sidmouth, Beer, The Donkey Sanctuary, and an old iron age fort just up the road is the best picnic spot we've found anywhere. Yes we will be going again.

Make up of party:  Five families, four of which had two children (all of which were under ten)
Cleanliness: exceptional Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: exceptional
Value: good Overall rating:
Review Added by: thwartedefforts Review Added: 14.08.2011
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43 of 73 people found this review helpful
Recommended?  Definitely Date of visit: 11/2009
Cottage Review:  

We booked the Old Winery for a 40th birthday weekend. Loads of space in nicely appointed and individual bedrooms. Plenty of ensuites and bathrooms plus nice touches like integrated stairgates for the little ones. The owners made us feel very welcome and organised top notch food from a local firm of caterers. Lots to explore and Beer beach nearby. Highly recommended.

Make up of party:  Five families sharing. 11 adults and 8 kids.
Cleanliness: good Location: exceptional
Facilities: exceptional Views: good
Value: good Overall rating:
Review Added by: asrhynd Review Added: 14.09.2011
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ - All reviews are posted by third parties. As such they do not represent the views of My Cottage Holiday Limited nor should they be taken as a recommendation by My Cottage Holiday Limited of any property. ALL reviews are the opinions of other users and may not be accurate. They do not represent the views of MyCottageHoliday or its employees. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided on the site. The reviews and property descriptions are provided by members of the public to help you choose a holiday cottage but you should personally check ALL details with the property owner or their agent before making a booking.

My Cottage Holiday Ltd, Home Farm Cottage, Knowle, Braunton, Devon, EX33 2LY, Company No. 09974415,