Lemons Cottage, Atherington, Devon

This pretty, Grade II-listed thatched cottage sits at the end of a quiet lane in the bucolic village of Atherington, close to North Devon's picturesque coastline. With 16th-century origins, the house has been sensitively renovated; the interior now combines characterful original features, such as plank and muntin screens and beams, with contemporary interventions like a glazed door to the garden and a sleek, modern kitchen. Unfolding over 1,400 sq ft, the house is light and airy, and immersed in greenery, with a large cottage garden and a babbling stream at its foot.

Setting the Scene

Although dated to the 16th century, this wisteria-covered tenement farmhouse likely has an even earlier fabric now concealed. It was partly rebuilt in the 20th century, with features like an exposed-brick inglenook, stone floors, and chamfered beams preserved. Clues within the house to suggest that, at one stage, it might have been an open hall house. An interesting feature is the alcoves in the outside wall of the sitting room. It is likely that they were used for making clotted cream.

Atherington village itself is steeped in history, with its name supposedly derived from the 10th-century Anglo-Saxon king, Æthelstan. He was famous for driving away the Danish invaders, making nearby Umberleigh his royal seat. Most of the village's existing buildings date from the 15th and 16th centuries, much like Lemons Cottage.

The Grand Tour

The front door, positioned in the centre of the white-washed cottage's façade, opens to a hallway that in turn leads to a dining room. This is home to a large inglenook, complete with an historic bread oven and its wooden lintel. Beyond is a bright and airy kitchen that comprises refined cabinetry with Carrara marble worktops, a Rangemaster and a traditional butler sink, all set against Amazone Beige Limestone floors. A utility room/boot room is beyond, as is a downstairs WC.

Oak-panelled walls and exposed timber beams create a cosy ambience in the sitting room. A second large inglenook is here fitted with a wood-burning stove. Beyond, the furthest living area is currently used as a brilliant cinema room, with a romantic window seat set into the deep walls.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms and a shared family bathroom. The principal bedroom has wonderfully high ceilings and exposed beams, as well as an en suite bathroom with a pink-painted freestanding enamelled bath. Navy blue tongue-and-groove panelling has been applied to the walls. The family shower room shares the same panelling, and smart white metro tiles. Both have ambient underfloor heating.

The Great Outdoors

On summer mornings, a glazed door in the kitchen opens onto a sunny terrace, perfect for a coffee. The same terrace would be the perfect place for a barbecue on balmy evenings, and there is plenty of space to place a table and chairs, and listen to the birdsong.

Across the lane is a sweeping garden, with a babbling brook at the bottom of it. Here, there is potential for a kitchen garden, or to preserve its lawn, already surrounded by mature trees and plants. There is also a workshop, with parking multiple cars adjacent to it.

Out and About 

The house is situated on the edge of the pretty village of Atherington, North Devon, complete with children's playground (including zipwire!), outdoor tennis court and a thriving community centre nearby. There are outstanding views over Devon's beautiful countryside in every direction.

For exceptional walks and cycling routes, the open moorland of Exmoor National Park is within easy driving distance. Devon's north coast is also close by, with pretty villages such as Appledore and Clovelly. The South West Coastal Path provides incredible coastal walking which becomes particularly beautiful around Devon's nearby Hartland Heritage Coast.

Incredibly, Clovelly is host to an annual Herring Festival, which always falls in November and celebrates the coming of the so-called 'Silver Darlings'. Kitchens on the quay serve food and beer tastings, which sit alongside craft stalls.

The Masons Arms in Knowstone is an award-winning restaurant that has held a Michelin Star for 15 consecutive years. Chef Patron Mark focuses on local produce and some of the finest seasonal ingredients.

Also nearby is the National Trust's Arlington Court, an unexpected jewel on the edge of Exmoor; a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The collection consists of treasures from model ships to shells, collected over several generations. The Georgian house was built in 1823 and extended in 1860.

Halsdon Nature Reserve is a short distance from the house and is excellent for long walks. Additionally, a short drive away is the RHS Rosemoor Garden, known for its afternoon tea. For further amenities, the historic market town of Great Torrington is close and has various grocery stores and a selection of excellent pubs.

Braunton is half an hour from the house and offers an excellent range of local facilities, including a theatre, cinema and leisure and tennis centres. The busy town of Barnstaple is around 20 minutes' drive, while the surfing beaches at Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay and Woolacombe are all within short driving distance.

Umberleigh's train station - which is on the picturesque Tarka line running regularly from Exeter to Barnstable - is also only a five-minute drive from Lemons Cottage. Exeter Station provides regular train services to London Waterloo in three and a half hours, while its airport has connections to London as well as other major UK and select European cities.

Council Tax Band: D