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Sustainable Property
Sustonica, the first global sustainability standard for holiday lets.
Our aim is to create lasting holiday memories and we intend to do so both responsibly and sustainably.
To deliver on this we've set out a number of environmental and social pledges which help to focus our efforts;
you can read more about them in our Impact Report.
This is why we've partnered with Sustonica, the first global certification for holiday lets,
to support our owners to be more sustainable.
The Sustonica certification focuses on four key areas: energy conservation, water conservation,
waste reduction and promoting inclusiveness. They are on a mission to become the most widely
recognised sustainability standard for holiday rentals and a catalyst to reduce emissions of holiday
lets and influence guests to reduce their own household consumption too.
Properties that display the Sustonica badge have successfully passed the criteria,
which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards,
and their owner has made a commitment to look after our planet as well as you.
Small, cosy and very warm. Everything was really clean and the bed comfy. Host was really friendly and helpful.
Will definitely be going back
Reviewed by Heather4.4★Nov 2024
"I so enjoyed the holiday at the old workshop, I hope to stay there again."
A very special, character filled place. Ducks a Goose and a not so shy family of Moorhens on a sheep farm, who on occasion need to be moved to new pasture through the courtyard.
My car broke down halfway through this did not diminish my stay in any way, delightful local walks including sections of the Two Moors Way. The farmer and his friendly wife could not have been more helpful.
Thank you for your kind review, it is appreciated. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay here with us. We were sorry you had trouble with your car which no doubt spoilt your stay with us but pleased you were happy to stay here and go walking and enjoy your time. We hope to see you again one day.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Anna5.0★Oct 2024
"A lovely cottage in a peaceful location."
Friendly owners & a cream tea welcome. Very nice sun-trap patio. Would be nice to have a view of the countryside but understand that's difficult to achieve with the layout of the cottage. Could benefit from having a fridge with an icebox. I would still like to return sometime.
Reviewed by Paul4.7★Jun 2024
"Very enjoyable stay in a cosy, secluded cottage on a working farm."
An ideal base for touring the coast and Exmoor. We enjoyed watching the small farm animals at close quarters.
Reviewed by Michael4.7★Sep 2023
"Place is small but we had a lovely break owners where very nice ,room was clean and tied ,Very quiet"
Reviewed by Martin4.1★Sep 2023
"The property contained all I needed for a stress-free holiday."
Thank you.
Reviewed by Steph5.0★Sep 2023
"It would have been nice to have a fridge with a freezer compartment, as no shops close by."
The best place to watch the TV was on or in bed, as it causes problems with the neck sitting in a chair. Property was in a lovely area and easy to find. The bed was very comfortable so slept very well.Owners very nice, helped and friendly.
Reviewed by Joan3.8★Jul 2023
"Lovely stay dropped for the weather so brilliant."
Lovely place to stop central location. Excellent sun trap in the afternoon. WiFi not fast enough for my son but he's a teenager so it's to be expected. Brilliant time made a few more memories. Thank you for the cream and scones took me 3 days to eat the cream but enjoyed every spoon tbh.
Reviewed by Darren5.0★May 2023
"Would benfit from he provision of a shower."
Reviewed by William Roy4.4★May 2023
"Lovely little place on a rural farm, We had a fantastic week away even after having car trouble on the way down ."
Mark the farmer and his wife were brilliant and helped us to sort out the car .. we would have been stuck without their help
We would recommend the old workshop 100%, close to local pubs with fantastic food and not far from coastal towns , The farm is a joy with its wildlife and animals and is so peaceful . It is set in outstanding scenery . Very friendly family run Business .
Thank you so much for your great review, we're pleased you enjoyed your stay here with us. We were only too happy to help with your car, these things happen and we're glad you were able to get it sorted, not easy when away from home.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Hazel5.0★Sep 2022
"A comfortable, clean little dwelling at a reasonable price with plentiful hot water."
It would benefit from some attention in the bathroom e.g. the wobbly lavatory seat etc. Some basic instructions on how to use the oven and microwave would have been useful.
Thank you for your feedback and for bringing to our attention the wobbly loo seat. A new one has been ordered. Unfortunately if people don't tell us there is a problem we don't always realise there is. If you had told us while you were here we would have swapped it over for you with another one. Again if you had asked we would have come in and run through how to use the oven and microwave with you, we are only next door. Hope this didn't affect your stay with us too much and you had an enjoyable time.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Peter4.1★Sep 2022
"Property was fine."
Shower would be nice but not the end of the World.
Thank you for your feedback, we are pleased you enjoyed your stay here with us. We are aware the lack of a shower is a problem to some but our property listing does show there isn't one. It is something we are looking into for another year.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Robin4.7★Aug 2022
"A friendly greeting and well equipped accommodation."
Would have liked a shower attachment to the bath, but we knew there wasn't one listed when we booked.
Lovely little bolt hole thank you and nice to be able play fetch with the dog in the enclosed garden. Although it is worth noting the garden is shared with the owners and our dog ran into their house for a visit at one point, which they were very understanding about!
Reviewed by Andrea4.1★May 2022
"Cosy little home from home studio."
Very nice owners who made sure we had everything we needed. Situated on a working farm it has a genuine country feel about it and is in an Ideal position for exploring Exmoor and North Dartmoor.
Reviewed by Lena5.0★Oct 2021
"Lovely place and lovely host."
Myself and Welsh sheepdog Betty had a cosy stay and enjoyed the dog friendly beaches a drive away. A happy holiday in a lovely part of the world.
Reviewed by Joanne5.0★Sep 2021
"Although the accomodation was as described, it was very dated and basic."
There was an old dast food container catching the drips from the leaking toilet, plumbing was very noisy. The mattress was uncomfortable and pillows provided little support. Poor selection of crockery and cutlery. There was a removable hand-held shower whuch didn't seal around the taps so was unusable.
The property has potential but needs considerable updating and investment.
Reviewed by Joanne1.9★Sep 2021
"Lovely little spot on a Devon farm in the middle of beautiful countryside."
Owners made us very welcome with cream tea on arrival. Accommodation has everything a couple needs for a very comfortable stay.
Reviewed by Mary5.0★Aug 2021
"The Old Workshop is very dated and could do with being brought up to date
No ..."
The Old Workshop is very dated and could do with being brought up to date
No internet
No Mobile signal
Intimidated by East European workers that would sit right outside your property
Door lock would not open for over 30 minutes on very hot day that I had to fix
Equipment could do with being modernised and more comprehensive
Would not stay here again and would not recommend
Reviewed by David2.5★Jul 2021
"The old workshop was very dated."
The bathroom needed a complete refurbishment and the kitchenette needed replacing, having said that though, the place was clean and comfy.
Reviewed by Derek2.5★Jun 2021
"A relaxing break."
Watching the ducks and chicken in the farm yard. Homemade scones and cream and jam on our arrival,a nice surprise.
Was lucky enough to be able to feed lambs. A farmer who took time to show me round farm , then had a really nice conversation.
You will need a car to get around.
Reviewed by David4.7★May 2021
"The accommodation was perfect after the hard year we had we needed to get away with fresh scenery which there is mom better than Devon and Cornwall we were situated in the middle of the working farm and also had privacy."
Each day we travelled to different town. Whole time was magical and the Accommodation was perfect t too we recommended it whole hearted
Reviewed by Carol5.0★Apr 2021
"We had a lovely time There As stated above it was clean and warm with constant hot water and a very comfortable bed but perhaps a little dated."
Often there was no online service but just due to the valley position
Reviewed by Derek3.1★Oct 2020
"The farm location is good but you do need a car to go any were ."
If you just want to relax and read this is for you. The cottage is ok for a couple they accept a well behaved dog. It’s a bit old fashioned and could do with a proper shower but it had all other things you would need. The area is very beautiful and good for sight seeing . They also do larger cottages that cater for families.
Reviewed by Susan4.1★Sep 2020
"The only thing that would of been nice is to have a shower over the bath."
The tap shower wasn't very good. But this did not effect the over all accommodation. It was very peaceful just the sound of duck, geese and sheep which was lovely. Defiantly will recommend to others. Thank you.
Reviewed by Jo5.0★Sep 2020
"Good clean and comfortable expieriance"
Reviewed by David5.0★Sep 2020
"Hello had an amazing time such a lovely place I would just to like to mention ..."
Hello had an amazing time such a lovely place I would just to like to mention that the garden is shared with cottage next door it's just we have a dog that isn't good with other dogs but our neighbours who also had a dog were very nice
Reviewed by Cherelynne5.0★Oct 2019
"A lovely part of the country to visit we enjoyed it you do need to drive to places but worth it tiverton is the best place to buy provisions Morrison's and Tesco there."
Take in the coastal area it's beautiful
Reviewed by Kenneth5.0★Sep 2019
"This was a beautiful place to stay."
Although quite remote, I would recommend bringing provisions. The landlady was helpful as were her family. You can buy lovely fresh eggs from the farm which were a real treat. Ducklings come to meet you as you arrive as the duck pond is close to the studio building. We would definitely recommend a visit.
Reviewed by Jean5.0★Sep 2019
"Lovely people."
Very cosy cottage. Would suggest that anyone coming here should bring provisions.
Reviewed by Vanessa4.4★Oct 2018
"An excellent "get away" break."
Difficult to do anything but simply relax and yet plenty of shopping and browsing activities just a few miles away.
Reviewed by Owen5.0★Oct 2018
"This place is ideal for a relaxing tranquil break, it's quiet and secluded but with a pub, restaurant a few minutes away and North Molton 15 minutes by car."
We found that it was the perfect place for us.
The only thing that could improve our stay would be to improve the WiFi speed as we were unable to watch Netflix on the TV.
Reviewed by Phil4.7★Jul 2018
"Perfectly placed for walking on Exmoor and getting away from it all."
I loved seeing the geese and ducks in the farm yard. If you need a shower spray to wash your hair and a prefer a large, soft towel, then take your own. Storage heater warms the room up lovely, but just be aware this takes a while when you first arrive.
Reviewed by Jenn4.6★Oct 2017
"Beautiful location on a working farm."
To wake up to cows sheep geese and ducks was amazing. Owners are helpful and approachable. I Would thoroughly recommend this holiday
Open plan studio accommodation with double bed, kitchenette and sitting area
Bathroom with bath, basin and WC.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge,central heating , TV with Freeview, good WiFi (has recently been updated to Starlink)
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Ample off road parking
Front patio with furniture
One well-behaved pet welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Pub 10 mins walk and shop 15 minute drive ( 8 miles way )
The property
This conversion of a small barn into a double studio is on a working farm in beautiful Devonshire countryside just south of Exmoor National Park.
The stone building with slate roof is one of only two holiday cottages on West Bowden Farm and has been carefully converted and equipped to provide high-grade accommodation suitable for couples who want to experience the real farming countryside.
All accommodation is on the ground floor.
There is a studio with double bed and two large armchairs, a kitchen and bathroom, full central heating.
Next to a beautiful thatched cottage and pond, the Old Workshop is opposite traditional stone barns used for cattle.
As well as being a working farm, the owners run a small B&B in the farmhouse.
The farm is remote and quiet but, surprisingly, is less than a mile from the main A361 where there is a rest area with a diner open from 8am to mid-afternoon.
Less than a mile to the north is the 13th Mason Arms at Knowstone, a pub with a very well-regarded restaurant.
With the A361 being so easily accessible, Tiverton in one direction and Barnstaple in the other are both less than twenty minutes away.
The main attraction is, of course, Exmoor, the wild and wonderful National Park dotted with small towns and villages, with dramatic landscapes and wildlife.
The beaches of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are also only half an hour on from Barnstaple.
Tastefully done, this character conversion makes a perfect base for couples who wish to explore Exmoor and the wider attractions of North Devon while getting the full farming experience
View on map
Where you’ll be staying
KNOWSTONE
South Molton 10 miles; Barnstaple 20 miles.
Just a few miles from the southern edge of Exmoor, the quiet village of Knowstone with its thatched cottages and beautiful country church is the epitome of rural life. Surrounded by a tapestry of woodland, deep valleys, lush green meadows and winding country lanes, it is the place to relax and reinvigorate. Exmoor National Park, with its superb walking country, breathtaking scenery and rugged hills, is a short drive away, while the North Devon Blue Flag beaches are within easy reach. The nearby market town of South Molton, famous for its many antique shops and weekly pannier market, is a must, while Bampton, a small-town winner of Britain in Bloom is a mere 14 miles. The area also has several other visitor attractions such as Dulverton, the gateway to the moor – a perfect starting point for exploring the wild empty spaces of the region with its large population of red deer. Dunster Castle (NT), Wimbleball Lake nature reserve and water sports centre, the Grand Western Canal with its horse drawn barges and the surrounding area’s historic houses, beautiful gardens and country pubs will keep the active visitor occupied for days. The city of Exeter, with its Norman cathedral, vibrant shopping centre, restaurants and clubs can be reached in about 40 minutes.
This property offers the following short breaks:
Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas
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