Entire home

Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth

Exterior
Interior
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
8 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel cot

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

8 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 14300 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Lynton, ENG
  • Watersmeet House
    5 min drive
  • Glen Lyn Gorge
    7 min drive
  • Lynton and Lymouth Cliff Railway
    9 min drive
  • Cardiff (CWL-Cardiff Intl.)
    192 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth

Oaklands is an impressive, 8-bedroom, traditional stone-built detached house sleeping 14 in comfort, situated between the open moor and the spectacular north Devon coast. Located outside the rural hamlet of Rockford with its well-regarded local inn where meals can be enjoyed. Oaklands has magical views across the East Lyn River, which falls dramatically to the sea at the village resort of Lynmouth just 4 miles away. Set in 1.5 acres with moorland garden and woods, which make great exploring, and a cascading stream and disused waterwheel from its early Victorian past, Oaklands is surrounded by one of the few remaining areas of ancient oak woodlands in England and has abundant wildlife (designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest).

Renovated to modern standards with contemporary furnishings throughout, but keeping its original character, Oaklands has a large living room with aspect over the river and oak-beamed snug with Inglenook fireplace. A large separate dining room with an Arthurian round table seating up to 14 overlooks the front of the property and the very spacious and well equipped modern kitchen also offers a smaller breakfast/dining area. The eight bedrooms, many with river and valley views, and four bathrooms are laid out over two upper floors. There is also a small study / games room which can be used as an area for the younger members of the party. Oaklands is large and roomy for one family, or provides flexible accommodation for family gatherings or groups of friends and is a wonderful rural retreat no matter what the time of the year. Parking for 4 to 5 cars. Secure barn for bike / kayak / surfboard storage. Table football, board games and Wii games console available. Pets are welcome.

Surrounded by the splendour of Exmoor, Oaklands is at the apex of Exmoor’s footpaths, cycle routes and bridle ways, offering truly inspiring walks and rides along the river, over wooded valleys and towards the sea abound. Many famous beauty spots including Watersmeet, Porlock Weir and the twin coastal resort villages of Lynton and Lynmouth with their famous cliff railway, tourist attractions for all ages and dog-friendly beach are all within short scenic drives. Magnificent high cliffs, and hidden sand and shingle coves can be found all along the dramatic Exmoor coast whilst wide sandy surfing beaches at Woolacombe and Croyde are within an hour’s drive. Horse riding stables, mountain biking and road cycling, kayaking and angling on the East Lyn and country sports are all close by. Traditional Exmoor pubs and restaurants with fine dining are within easy reach. Adventure centres, golf, surf schools, Exmoor Zoo, a steam light railway and indoor visitor attractions are further afield. Oaklands and Exmoor offers something for everyone all year round.
During your stay at this vacation home, you'll be close to Watersmeet House. The vacation home includes amenities such as free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • The vacation home offers a kitchen, a washing machine, and 4.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include a car charging station
  • Onsite recreation includes a playground
  • 5 minutes by car from Watersmeet House and 7 minutes from Glen Lyn Gorge
As a guest of this vacation home, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and local meal delivery service. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Peter Sammonds

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • On-site parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Coffee grinder
  • Paper towels
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 8 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 4.5 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Towels provided
  • Soap
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Table football
  • Ping pong table
  • Video games
  • DVD player
  • Video library
  • Music library
  • Books
  • Games
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Printer
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total pets

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Non-smoking inside. Smoking allowed in garden.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Local meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On the river
  • In a rural location
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Boating on site
  • Cycling on site
  • Golf on site
  • Kayaking on site
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Hunting nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Unit size: 3229 sq ft (300 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Two well behaved dogs are welcome.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Young children need to be supervised outside.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 14
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 78 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Oliver H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful weekend
Fantastic location, lovely house and refreshingly uncomplicated hosting - thank you very much. Running through ancient woodland and out across the moors in the autumn sunshine was truly special. We would love to return…
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic house in an idyllic location
A family group stayed for three nights in October and had a lovely time. Plenty of room for us all and bedrooms to choose from. We all found it very comfortable and spacious. The kitchen was very well equipped. The Rockford Inn really was a 5-minute walk away and there were some lovely walks on the doorstep. We wouldn't hesitate to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Khalid K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely weekend again
Oaklands in great house in a great location. We stayed as a group of 9 friends and love everything about the house. Lots of space, big rooms - fab.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Paul A.

Whole Family Holiday.
My first impression was of surprise to the location. I don't remember reading any warning about anyone having mobility issues. The pathway and steps are very steep, and the surface and steps could be better. I did have a fall, thankfully I didn't hurt myself. Perhaps a hand rail. Inside the property you could say was well lived in. We wouldn't expect it to be clinically clean but it could so with a little spruce up. The Fridge wasn't the cleanest, with black bits floating in the water dispenser. Hairs found on beds; the sofas needed a hover. My daughters were disappointed with the cleanness of the kitchen cupboards. Saying all that we had a nice holiday to celebrate my 70th Birthday.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Jean S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Oaklands
Truly pretty off the beaten track. VERY beautiful location. Perhaps not for folk who were not good walkers. Very steep valley with walk along the little road only for the elderly. Lovely though. House commodious - lots of hot water
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

jennifer P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property in stunning surroundings
We loved our stay at Oaklands, check in was very easy, the owners were very helpful, the setting for this house is simply breathtaking, the bedrooms are spacious and the kitchen well equipped. Pony trekking just up the road. Would definitely come again..
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great break, lovely property
Very enjoyable weekend in a well appointed house. Everything as described, perfect communication, thanks for a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway for a large group.
What a great place for a large group to stay. We were a group of 10 friends who based ourselves here for a long weekend. The location is idillic in the bottom of the valley next to the river…it even has its own waterfall and former mill. The parking is ample with an EV charging point. The house was spotless and the kitchen extremely well equipped. We had great weather so we’re able to also take advantage of the BBQ. If you didn’t want to cook, the 2 local pubs (Rockford & Staghunters) within walking distance both served food and were very welcoming. There was a games room including a games console (although we were all a bit old to use it 😉) and plenty of things to entertain kids if you went as a family. Communication from the host was excellent and made the whole experience easy. I would definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Oaklands
We had a fantastic weekend at Oaklands. The location is beautiful & the house had everything we needed. There were logs ready by the log burner and the welcome biscuits were, indeed, very welcome!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

William B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location for a Family Christmas
Large comfortable house in a valley with views over the river at the bottom of the valley. Lots of room for everyone with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms. The host was extremely helpful in responding quickly to emails and calling us on the day of arrival to check that all was OK. Minor drawback is the steep path to the house (but worth it for the view!). Would definitely recommend if you want a comfortable get away from it all stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Khalid K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fab location
A great location and spacious place. Clean, tidy with everything you need a for an idyllic stay in Devon. Would happily return for another stay. We all loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend break
Lovely house in beautiful surroundings
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family holiday
Very interesting location which took a bit of exploring. We lived the surroundings and the house and fiynd lovely places to go rriymd about. The weather was difficult to gauge as we learnt that it seemed less sunny in the forest than up the hill! We thought there were 2 en suite badrooms and struggled a bit to dry clothes at first but small snags on a lovely holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Catherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A very pleasant and well equipped home
We have just enjoyed a family reunion/holiday. Oaklands is a period home and the owners have gone to a lot of trouble to stock it so that it is well supplied with games and equipment for large mixed age groups. We very much appreciated the large round table in the dining room which seated our party of 7 adults and 6 children ages 2-9yrs. We ran into trouble when the stairgate gave up on us. We texted the owner in the evening and by early the next afternoon a replacement had been delivered, for which we were most grateful. The owners run the house in an eco friendly manner and we found supplies of suitable washing and cleaning materials provided. We were short of dishwasher tablets and couldn’t purchase these locally. We didn't think to contact the caretaker and sourced these some way away. All other supplies were quite sufficient for our needs. Perhaps of note to other mixed age families. the route to the front door is up a steep incline and as the owners mention is not suitable for those with restricted mobility or a buggy. Also, the hillside (lovely) garden is only suitable for primary school aged children with adult supervision (again, as mentioned in the house description). There are several areas in the garden with steep inclines. The surrounding area offers much for families to do and we barely scratched the surface. We therefore had a wonderful time at Oaklands The house is welcoming and comfortable and the owners have worked hard to make it so.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Louise H.

Liked: Cleanliness
A very enjoyable holiday
We were a large party coming together to celebrate a family event. The house was a really lovely place to stay. It had everything we needed and helped make out weekend so enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Large house ideal for family get together
The property has plently of space for a family get together . Set in a remote location , with a pub 5 minutes walk away. Bedrooms are set over 2 floors with ample bathroom / shower rooms to accomodate large groups. Outside is a lawned area and seating with a small enclosed area for small children. The kitchen is fully equiped with a double oven and plenty of crockery, cooking equipment and tableware. There is a large table which seats 13. We had a great time with family
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Weekend Away
We love this area of Exmoor, it is absolutely beautiful, with fantastic walks along the river. Oaklands was perfect for our stay with our extended family and the children had a fantastic time, with plenty to occupy them, within and without the house. Peter, the owner, couldn't have been more helpful and accomodating. The house is beautiful and well stocked with everything you need. I would highly recommend a stay here. We can't wait to visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

6/10 Okay

simon h.

Annual Autumn short break with friends
We enjoyed our stay after an initial poor experience. Specifically the cleaners were still on site @ 4.30 PM , so the floors were all very wet and the heating wasn’t working so the house was very cold. To be fair the caretaker did call out a plumber who fixed the heating, but advised us not to use the hot water until the following morning. Not the end of the world , but not a great experience given we had been playing golf in the afternoon and needed showers. The house is a great space for a larger group and is well equipped. The location is fantastic if you want rural peace with amazing vistas and just perfect night time stars
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julia H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place
The whole process of booking this lovely house was so easy ,and the owner kept in constant touch ,the house had everything a famiy could want ,from books CDs games ,table tennis in barn ,,and kitchen equipment was great pleny of everything ,and the surrounding area is stunning ,loved it ,
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sita S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful house for large groups in North Devon
The house was precisely as described in the online listing. Loads of room for our group of 12 adults, many bathrooms, excellent amenities. Everything worked, we had some fabulous family meals around the big table. The house is very well equipped, and we had everything we needed. Lots of nice walking within minutes and the surrounding countryside is gorgeous. This was a great base from which to explore the North Devon coast. Our group, ranging in age from 5 to 76, found plenty to do. The host was responsive, helpful and very charming. As warned in the listing, cellular reception is poor in the valley, but wifi was good, and there is a landline for calls. We enjoyed our stay very much and would most certainly go back.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tracy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Oakland
Nice big house with plenty of room for 10 of us. Beautiful night skies and fun watching the bats flying around at dusk. 2 decent pubs within walking distance. Lovely river close by with nice walks.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Erika B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous stay
We had a lovely stay at Oaklands. The house was well equipped. The children enjoyed having the games room and football table. My dogs loved there walks such beautiful surroundings. Peter was very helpful and provided us with all the required information.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Trevor C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Holiday by the river
Really enjoyed the stay here, lovely location.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dawn G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect accommodation
We all had an amazing time away. The house was perfect for our family, having so many bedrooms and bathrooms suited our needs. Just brilliant and can't wait to visit again
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caroline T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house in an amazing location
Spacious house, very well equipped, simply furnished but with everything you need. The location is amazing - set amongst the trees and alongside the rushing waters of the East Lyn river, I cannot think of a more perfect and tranquil place to be.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022