Bickleigh Farm

Overview

Bickleigh Farm is a serene and secluded family-run farm that has been operating for three generations. It covers a vast expanse of 300 acres of rented land, situated just a mile away from Halwell. The farm follows the traditional Devon mixed-farming approach, with a herd of South Devon/Simmental suckler cows and breeding ewes that graze the pastures alongside arable crops. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including self-catering, bed and breakfast, and a cosy shepherd’s hut, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway.

Activities

The farm has a spacious indoor heated swimming pool in a beautiful “Carpenter Oak” building. The main pool measures 40′ (12 m) x 20′ (6 m), while the toddler’s pool measures 8′ (2.4 m) x 8′ (2.4 m). Changing rooms are available, including hot showers, toilets, an accessible toilet, and a baby changing area.

A wide selection of inflatable toys floats, and games, including water polo and volleyball, are provided for the guests’ entertainment. Comfortable chairs are also arranged around tables for those who prefer to relax and watch the swimming activities.

The pool is open all day and can be accessed by anyone, but an adult must accompany children under 16 at all times. The swimming pool door can only be accessed by adults, who will be given the key code.

In addition, the farm offers a games room with Wi-Fi available, which is great for teenagers to hang out in. Comfy chairs and table tennis with books and board games. There is a fridge, if needed, for guests staying in the shepherd’s hut to keep anything cold. A large netted trampoline and play area outside, equipped with a fort, slides, swings, a cargo net, a selection of toddler toys, and a sand pit.

The farm is part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which aims to preserve and enhance the traditional features of the farm. Visitors can enjoy a walk around the farm and take in the breathtaking views of the sea in Torquay and Dartmoor. The farm has a green lane that runs through it, providing a well-maintained pathway for walking.

Food

Bickleigh Farmhouse offers three light and airy en-suite rooms, a large dining room for breakfast and a cosy sitting room with a wood burner. All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities and biscuits,’
A breakfast menu is available to choose from daily using, wherever possible, locally produced fayre.

There is an excellent selection of local pubs within a few mile’s drive of Bickleigh Farm.

Accommodation

Bickleigh Farm offers four charming, spacious holiday accommodations with unique characters and features. Two holiday cottages, East Bickleigh and Oak Tree, were restored from an 18th-century Devon Longhouse in 2000. They can sleep up to 8 and 4 guests, respectively, and both boast traditional features and character, such as oak floors, beamed ceilings, and wood burners. Additionally, they have under-floor heating, which provides a cosy welcome all year round.

Apart from the cottages, Bickleigh Farm offers two converted stone barns: The Roundhouse and The Hay Barn. The Roundhouse can accommodate up to 18 guests in seven en-suite bedrooms, while The Hay Barn can sleep up to 5 guests in two large en-suite bedrooms. Both barns feature large living rooms with leather sofas, under-floor heating on oak, slate, tiled floors, and plenty of oak beams.

The Hay Barn was completed in July 2007 and offers a quality barn conversion with traditional features such as stone, wood, slate, and modern comforts. It has two large oak-floored en-suite bedrooms, a large living kitchen, and a comfortable lounge. The lounge features large leather sofas arranged around a stone fireplace with a wood burner and a flat-screen TV/DVD with Freeview. Bedroom One boasts a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, while Bedroom Two features a Super King size bed that can double up as twin beds and another single bed and an en-suite shower room. There is also a patio for guests to enjoy.

The Round House is a magnificent detached barn conversion with seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, offering a total bed space of 18 guests. The living area and kitchen are arranged cleverly’ upside-down to make the most of the huge, vaulted “Carpenter Oak” ceilings. The upper floor boasts good views over the rolling farmland and a suite with a king-size bed, a truck bed, a living area, and a large bathroom. The large open-plan living room features a wood burner, a huge flat-screen TV/DVD with Freeview, and sumptuous red leather sofas.

Throughout the upper floor, guests can enjoy spectacular oak roof beams and large windows that give the impression of a cathedral-like space. Oak flooring and radiators are fitted throughout the upper floor, while the king-size bedrooms at each end of the upper floor feature en-suite bathrooms. The ground floor boasts a large entrance hall and five large bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom. The Roundhouse also features a children’s TV/games room with suspended “rocking chairs”, a downstairs cloakroom, and a main king-size bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and French windows to the front terrace.

If you like the idea of Bed and Breakfast, we have three rooms for guests, each with unique features. The Garden Room is a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed, oak furniture, two easy chairs, and subtle shades of yellow and blue-green décor. The room features an en-suite shower room with a power shower. Additionally, we offer a single bed and cot for extra guests/children. The room boasts beautiful views of the newly converted traditional barns and the old orchard. Outside, there is a slate patio area with teak garden furniture.
Please note that access to the room requires climbing four slate steps.
The Green Room is another large bedroom that can be configured with a super-king-size bed or twin beds. The room features pine furniture and is decorated in pale creams and greens. It has a spacious en-suite bathroom with a bath and power shower. We also offer a single bed and cot for extra guests/children. This room offers beautiful views of the newly converted traditional barns and the farmland beyond.
The Family Room is a king-size room that connects to an adjacent twin room, making it perfect for families. We offer a reduced rate for children.

A favourite for many is the stunning Shepherd’s Hut, which is in a cosy orchard on a working farm. It provides ample space both inside and outside and features two built-in beds arranged as bunk beds. The beds can accommodate two adults and two to three children.
The living area has bench seats around the table, while the kitchenette has all the necessary cooking equipment. There is an outdoor sink, fire pit, and BBQ, with seating outside; the perfect spot for a sunset.
Please note that the hut does not have a toilet or running water, but showers and WCs are available nearby at the pool.

Overall, Bickleigh Farm prides itself on its attention to detail and the space guests can enjoy in all its properties. Whether it’s a family vacation or a group gathering, Bickleigh Farm has something for everyone.

Nearby

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Woodlands Leisure Park, Dartmouth (01803) 712598

(Vast leisure park in woodlands with fun for all ages)

Dartmouth Golf & Country Club (01803) 712686

(Championship golf course, leisure centre & restaurant)

Pennywell Farm, Rattery (01364) 642023

(Children’s attraction with a variety of animal displays)

China Blue, Totnes (01803) 860905

(Pottery painting and gift shop)

River Link, Dartmouth (01803) 834488

(Cruises up/down the River Dart from Totnes and Dartmouth)

Greenway House & Gardens, Galmpton (01803) 842382

(Former home of Agatha Christie, now run by The National Trust)

Coleton Fishacre House & Gardens (01803) 752466

(National Trust run art deco houses and gardens)

Bickleigh Farm is conveniently located in the heart of South Devon, equidistant from the charming towns of Totnes, Dartmouth, and Kingsbridge, each just 6 miles away. The nearest beach is just a 10-minute drive away, while Dartmoor is only 20 minutes away. This makes Bickleigh Farm an ideal base for exploring the many attractions of South Devon.

Totnes is a medieval market town on the River Dart banks. It offers a wide variety of alternative shops, cafes, and restaurants. Every Friday, there is a market day where you can find jewellery, antiques, fresh produce, and other bric-a-brac.

Kingsbridge is an estuary town located near Salcombe and boasts numerous sandy beaches. It is a thriving market town with many traditional shops. Every Tuesday, there is a market day.

Dartmouth is an attractive town on the edge of the River Dart and is home to the Britannia Royal Naval College. It is a small town with many shops focusing on boating and sailing and several excellent restaurants. Every Tuesday, there is a pannier market.

Summary

Bickleigh Farm is situated amidst the picturesque South Hams towns of Totnes, Dartmouth, and Kingsbridge. It’s just a 10-minute drive from the nearest beach and 20 minutes from the beautiful Dartmoor. This location makes it an ideal base to explore the numerous attractions that South Devon has to offer. Moreover, you can enjoy the luxury of being away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life and relax in the outdoor swimming pool while enjoying the fabulous accommodation on a genuinely stunning working farm.