Parracombe, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31

Voley Farm is a truly rare Exmoor holding, tucked away in its own secluded valley at the end of a half-mile private lane. Set within around 47 acres of a beautiful mix of farmland and ancient woodland, the setting is wonderfully unspoilt, with far-reaching views, a deep sense of privacy and a network of footpaths that lead directly from the property onto the moors and towards the coast.

At the heart of the estate sits a detached period farmhouse, incorporating a self-contained annexe—ideal for multi-generational living, independent guest accommodation, or potential additional income (subject to any consents and licensing).

The farmhouse offers versatile accommodation of approximately three to four bedrooms overall, making it equally suited to family life, a lifestyle change, or a home-and-income arrangement.

A major highlight is the established and highly regarded holiday letting enterprise, operated successfully for many years. The complex includes three charming four-star self-catering cottages—Bramley Bottom and Mole Cottage (each sleeping six), together with a Mill Cottage (sleeping four)—created from traditional stone buildings including a Victorian stone barn and a watermill.

From an operator’s perspective, the guest experience is strengthened by the quality of shared amenities on offer. There is a games barn (ideal for rainy days and multi-generational groups), a safe play field with children’s equipment, and a deliberately quiet courtyard environment—features that consistently broaden appeal and support strong repeat custom. In addition, the set-up includes safe parking, secure storage for bikes/surfboards and a laundry/utility facility, all of which help support week-long stays and peak-season changeovers.

The Holiday Cottages:

Brambley Bottom Cottage (sleeps 6)

One of the two larger family cottages, Brambley Bottom is arranged to sleep six and is particularly well suited to traditional family holidays. Accommodation includes a large double bedroom and two twin bedrooms, complemented by both a shower room and a separate bathroom (ideal for busy changeover days and larger groups). The sitting room is arranged around the warmth and atmosphere of a wood burner, with generous seating, while the kitchen/dining space is designed around a farmhouse-style table—exactly the sort of layout that encourages longer stays and that “home from home” feel.

Mole Cottage (sleeps 6)

Mole Cottage is another excellent family cottage, sleeping six and offering a lovely combination of character and comfort. Alongside a double and two twin bedrooms, it benefits from a bathroom with over bath shower and an en-suite shower room —an attractive feature for guests booking as two families or mixed generations.

Externally, the wider setting and shared outdoor space is a real draw, with guests enjoying the courtyard, play areas, fenced orchard for dog exercise and a relaxed farm environment. Third-party marketing also highlights the cottage’s sense of character—vaulted ceilings, original beams and whitewashed walls—and an open-plan living arrangement with doors opening out to the garden.

Mill Cottage (sleeps 4)

Mill Cottage provides a slightly smaller option within the complex, sleeping four—ideal for couples, smaller families, or guests seeking a quieter bolt-hole while still benefitting from all of the on-site facilities. The cottage offers a double bedroom and twin bedroom, a shower room, a welcoming living area with wood burner, and a kitchen arrangement with a breakfast bar together with a cooker, dishwasher, and full-height fridge/freezer.

The setting—approached via the private lane and surrounded by woodland, pasture and birdsong—strongly supports the “escape” factor, and the wider 47-acre valley backdrop is frequently referenced as a key part of the guest experience.

The Business Opportunity

This is a superb lifestyle business with a successful holiday cottage complex currently operating seasonally (March to October), producing an excellent turnover. There is clear potential to extend the season, increase income through broader year-round trading and, subject to any necessary consents, explore further letting options including the annexe and/or future barn development. Accounts will be made available to genuinely interested parties after inspection.
Leave the M5 motorway at junction 27 and take the A361 (North Devon Link Road) signed to Tiverton and Barnstaple. Follow signs to Barnstaple and South Molton. 2 miles after the South Molton turning, turn right off the roundabout onto the A399 tourist route signed Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe. After approximately 12 miles turn right at Blackmoor Gate onto the A39 sign posted Lynton/Lynmouth. Follow this route for approximately 1 mile, turning left sign posted to Parracombe, but rather than going down into the Village turn immediately left at Rowley Cross. Follow the road for 1/2 mile to a T junction and turn left. Take the right fork after 250 yds before the sign for Hele (dead end) for 1 mile passing West Hill/Gratton Cottage and West Middleton. Voley Farm is on the left clearly displaying a slate sign on the grass verge. Follow the 1/2-mile driveway down to the bottom of the valley where the farm can be found on the left-hand side.