StyleNest headed to the Dorset-Devon boarder for some countryside R&R, at one of the Cranberries Hideaways’ luxury cottages and converted barns.
With the summer holidays in full swing, we bet a countryside staycation to entertain the kids with and give mum and dad some peace and quiet, has never seemed more tempting. The Cranberries Hideaways, tucked away on the Dorset-Devon boarder is just the place.
Set across seven converted barns and farm buildings, the Cranberries was at one time a working, 18th Century dairy. It’s now home to a nest of luxury, self-catering properties, from the Tack Room to The Stables, the Milking Parlour to the Dairy, where we had the pleasure of staying.
Nestled down a winding country road above the Axe Valley, the Cranberries sits up on a slight hill of its own, making its impressive view all the more spectacular. Set within over 100 acres of private countryside, the Cranberries view is simply sprawling hill after sprawling hill.
From the outset the old farm is a no frills affair, in fact on first inspection it could easily still be a working farm, albeit a very well-kept one. Inside however, each converted property houses its own unique charm, from the plush Milking Parlour that has an incredible six en-suites to its six bedrooms, to the two-storey old Dairy; homely, cosy and perfect for a family with young children.
Heading through the Dairy’s charming old farm door we settled into our abode for the weekend. The open kitchen/living/dining area is cosy and comfy and felt like home. In the summer open the glass doors that look out onto a beautiful private patio, or in the winter draw the curtains and cuddle up under tartan rugs in front of the huge inglenook fireplace.
The kitchen area is small but fully equipped, so make sure you load up the car in the nearby Waitrose or Tesco.
Next door sits the master bedroom. Again a simple affair but the bed was very comfortable and the original thick stonewalls not only make the room feel rustic but keep the property warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But it was the sheer tranquility and quietness that really allowed us to sink into a much-needed slumber, and wake bright and early to the sound of the birds chirping outside.
Upstairs lays a light-drenched twin room perfect for little ones. With open wooden stairs leading up to the first floor and a slanted roof with skylights, if you’re staying with kids they’ll have a secret hideaway of their very own.
During our stay we headed to the nearby River Cottage farm, restaurant and cookery school that TV’s Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall put firmly on the map. There’s a wealth of activities to delve into nearby – kids will love a trip to the Jurassic Coast to hunt for fossils, or simply stay at the Cranberries and make use of their own activity menu, which includes everything from chocolate making classes to a circus skills class.
There really is no end to this area of England’s things to do. If like us you stay for a night or are lucky enough to stay for an entire week, you can rest assured you’ll have a wonderful time.
The Cranberries has definitely become our new secret UK hideaway.
Need to Know
Rooms: 7 properties around the farm, catering for everything from 1 – 6 bedrooms. The Stables sleeps 4.
Rates: Prices start from £220 per night for a stay in The Dairy
Facilities: Free WiFi, LED TV, central heating, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, dishwasher, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, linen and towel provided, daily clean, cots and highchairs available on request, welcome pack of essential groceries can be arranged, BBQ hire available, child’s play area and parking. There are over 100 acres of private countryside, woodland and fields with rivers to be explored on the farm
Check out time: Arrange your check in and check out times with the friendly and very accommodating Cranberries staff.
How to get there: The Cranberries Hideaways sits on the Dorset/Devon boarder above the East Devon village of Kilmington. Driving from London will take approx. 3hours and around 40mins from Exeter. Regular trains operate from London Waterloo to nearby Axminster and take approx. 2hours and 40mis.
Cranberries Luxury Hideaways, Hills Farm, Kilmington, Devon, EX13 7NS Tel. +44 (0) 1297 33193 www.cranberrieshideaway.com