Ashley Manor - Grandeur between coast and country
A pristine country home situated in three acres of verdant grounds, this handsome Grade-II listed manor exudes both refinery and warmth. Elegantly and sympathetically styled in hues which harmonise with the surrounding landscape – between the rugged beauty of Exmoor and No...
HIGHLIGHTS
PROPERTY DETAILS
THE SPACE
INSIDE
The splendour of a historical Devon manor infused with the warmth of an inviting, welcome home.
Ashley Manor has been meticulously restored to reflect this treasured home’s captivating personality. There are period features throughout – from Victorian-tile floors to grand staircases, vaulted ceilings to its magnificent picture windows.
From the moment you step through the corniced brick portico, Ashley Manor beckons you to explore. From the period-tiled floor, through striking celadon green doors, each room has a signature style. Immediately to the left, is the library in a soothing tinted blue to escape into the pages of a classic.
The main sitting room lies opposite is the main sitting room. Bathed in natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy captivating views from the plush sofas, especially from the giant bay window.
Walk beyond the centrepiece staircase and you’ll find the manor’s magnificent dining room. From suppers to banquets – dining becomes an event for up to 14 family and friends.
The large country kitchen with its flagstone floor and two range cookers, speaks to its honesty of past times when cooks and kitchen staff catered for the masters and mistresses of the manor. There’s also a refectory dining table for a relaxed morning coffee.
From the kitchen is a further shower room with WC. Then onto the snug room with large smart TV, exposed stone walls, deep greens and reds, and plush u-shaped sofa tempting you or the children to gather round and share movie night. The adjacent games room - replete with cocktail bar and table tennis table - leads onto the garden. Adjacent to the kitchen is a boot room and a utility room with a washer and dryer. Step down into the cellar and you will find the large cinema room with 70-inch smart TV - a real escape for the children.
BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS
On the first floor, you’ll find seven bedrooms. There are two en suite superking bedrooms – one with a separate shower cubicle, and the other with an overhead bath shower. There are two en suite kingsize bedrooms; and three bedrooms with configurable zip-and-link beds (one of which has an en suite shower). There are family shower rooms on both the first and ground floors.
OUTSIDE
Ashley Manor is set in three-and-a-half acres of prime Devon countryside. Take to the tended lawns for a spot of croquet or badminton. Then picnic in the sunshine or, for larger feasts, gather around the table to enjoy the barbecue and fire pit.
STAYING RULES
No fireworks under any circumstances.
Dogs must be kept under control so as to not bother any sheep in the local rural area.
No trespassing on adjoining land and please keep noise down to a minimum after 11pm.
GUEST ACCESS
Fresh Escapes will provide access details to the property exactly 48 hours before you check in. Ashley Manor is for your exclusive use. All seven bedrooms are on the first floor, but three of them are accessed by a further, small flight of stairs.
INTERACTION
Ashley Manor is professionally managed by Fresh Escapes. A Devon based privately owned Vacation Rental and Management company who are here to ensure your stay runs as smoothly as possible.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
Two travel cots and two high chairs are provided.
We cannot accept hen or stag parties - only mature same-sex groups.
GETTING AROUND
Ashley Manor is easily accessible by road - just five minutes’ drive from the A377 Exeter-Barnstaple road. And there’s ample parking for up to 10 cars.
Umberleigh train station is less than 10 minutes’ drive. There are hourly trains to Barnstaple and Exeter, from where there are direct mainline services to London, the Midlands, Wales, northern England, and Scotland. Umberleigh is a ‘request stop’, so passengers need to signal to the driver or the conductor to board or alight.
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Sleepy villages, traditional inns and hostelries, wild moorland, rugged cliffs, and expansive sands - Ashley Manor is perfectly placed to enjoy them all.
20 minutes away is the ancient river-port town of Barnstaple. Grand buildings tell the success story of its rich history - from the historic and opulent to the functional (the Pannier Market is one of Britain’s largest indoor markets). Peruse the wealth of family-run and big-brand shops before lunch in one of the many delis and brasseries. By evening, choose from fine dining, to eclectic contemporary eateries, to laid-back bites.
Immerse yourself in Devon’s wild side - the abundance of nature that calls Exmoor home. This breathtaking National Park is the domain of its iconic red deer, the Exmoor ponies, as well as providing sanctuary to some of the UK’s rarest butterflies. It’s one of Britain’s finest landscapes - broad open moorland, deep wooded valleys, babbling streams, and rugged coastline.
Some of Devon’s finest beaches are just half an hour’s drive. The sands of ‘Westward Ho!’ are spacious and welcoming. Perfect for a family day out and with dog-friendly zones. North of the Taw estuary is Saunton Sands - an ideal surfing beach. A little further up, beyond the National Trust’s striking Baggy Point, is Woolacombe Beach, with its wide sands, broad vistas, dunes, and cliffs. A beach picnic here is a must but not to forget Putsborough - three miles of golden sands stretching north towards Woolacombe and Morte Point and south towards Baggy Point. It's one of the finest delightful beaches in the South West - the sea is inviting, the surf is of the highest quality, and the surroundings are simply stunning. It is perfect for walkers and children with many rock pools to discover.
AMENITIES
- BBQ grill
- Cable TV
- Dishwasher
- Dryer
- Free parking on premises
- Heating
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- TV
- Washer
- Babysitter recommendations
- Bathtub
About BARNSTAPLE
North Devon’s blessed with a superlative landscape with everything from quaint villages to rugged coastline, sublime beaches to bustling historic market towns and the wilds of, not one, but two National Parks – Exmoor and Dartmoor.
There’s the village of Umberleigh on the banks of the River Taw. Dining and drinks can be had at The Rising Sun – a traditional locals’ inn, with outside seating for fine day al fresco entertaining or – in the cooler months – warm up by the wood burner set in the imposing stone fireplace. It’s also a stop on the Tarka Line – a rejuvenated railway linking Exeter and Barnstaple (it’s a request stop, so you need to signal to the driver or the conductor to board and alight).
To the west, on the edge of Exmoor, is the ancient market town of South Molton. The impressive historic buildings which line the central square illustrate how much importance South Molton had in the area’s lucrative textiles industry. The vibrant and diverse market still thrives today, joined by high-quality cafés serving locally-produced fare. A great resting stop after a day exploring the wilds of the National Park. Independent shops and boutiques tempt customers – from handmade tasty treats to crafts-made homewares.
To the north, the river port of Barnstaple is eight miles away. Built on the riches of the lucrative wool industry and early trade with America, Barnstaple today hosts a diverse range of unique shops, family attractions, and dining for every age, palette, or atmosphere. These independently-owned eateries pride themselves on using locally-sourced produce for their mouth-watering creations – world cuisine without the food miles. Barnstaple’s vast and varied character is celebrated by a burgeoning arts and crafts scene, plus live music and theatre.
Head beyond Barnstaple to the shore to pick up the South West Coast Path at Croyde. This quaint village excels in serving beachgoers everything they need. Stock up on refreshments, Devon ice cream (and buckets and spades!) before enjoying the golden sands of the cove. Then head back to drink and dine at a traditional inn or the bistro.
For a more expansive beach experience, head a little further up the coast for the sublime Putsborough Sands. As popular with families as it is with surfers, this award-winning beach stretches for three miles. There’s a beach shop, café, ample parking – and spectacular sunsets.
