The Holt

4.5★

6 Guests
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Electric car charging
Hot tub
Off road parking
Ground floor accommodation
Ground floor bedroom
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Games Room
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

25 Customer Review(s)

Christine
August 2024

“We had lovely days in the cottage, quiet and relaxed.”

We were able to go on many nice excursions from there. Including many hikes, some directly from the accommodation. Our dog was also welcome and had plenty of free run! We really enjoyed our stay there.

We were able to go on many nice excursions from there. Including many hikes, some directly from the accommodation. Our dog was also welcome and had plenty of free run! We really enjoyed our stay there.

- Christine, August 2024
Penelope August 2024

“We were delighted to arrive at ‘Holt’ Cottage.”

A large bottle of milk, cookies, tea, coffee and sugar had been left for us to use which was wonderful. A beautiful little cottage. We loved using the hot tub and playing table tennis too. So close to Sidmouth and the beach. We wished we had stayed longer. Thank you.

- Penelope, August 2024
Nicki August 2024

“Wonderful holiday at The Holt within a gorgeous setting and with tennis court, table tennis and a hot tub.”

The private enclosed garden was an asset with the dog as was the fields and paths around the house. The kitchen facilities were good but we would have liked to have had better frying pans and some bigger pans. The garden did need some tending. Generally though, we loved it and would definitely return.

- Nicki, August 2024
Diane July 2024

“We enjoyed our stay - mixed party Grandparents to children The facilities were ideal - the decoration a little tired here and there, but adequate for our week stay.”

Ideally situated for Donkey Sanctuary our main reason for booking in this area. the coast was only a short drive away also supermarkets short drive. Best local fish and chips and the Blue ball pub was walking distance and accepted our 4 legged friend too. Tempted to book the same cottage again for next year.

- Diane, July 2024
Lynn July 2024

“What an absolutely beautiful cottage.”

There were 6 of us ranging from 21 years old to 86 and everybody loved the stay . All the beds were very comfortable, the living area was great and big enough for us all to sit comfortably. The kitchen was well stocked woth all the utensils we needed The highlight though for us has to be that beautiful secluded garden and hottub .The garden is so pretty We spent every evening out there it's just perfect. The Holt is in a quiet picturesque area and great places to visit are only a short drive . The Holt is in a quiet area which is really

- Lynn, July 2024
Ann June 2024

“The property was a little disappointing for the money.”

The sign at the end of the lane was obscured by greenery & so not easy to see. We booked it to cater fo my elderly parents as it was listed as having a walk in shower in the downstairs bathroom. This was not the case, it was a shower cubicle with a large step up into it & so my parents were unable to use it. I was told the bed downstairs could not be configured as twin beds, when in fact it was two single beds attached so this could have been done. The property could have been cleaner, coffee stable was dusty & the bed & bedside cabinets in the downstairs room have clearly not been pulled out & behind them cleaned in months! The oven was difficult to use & once we had turned it on (after speaking with the owner) it also needed a good clean as once it was hot the fumes when you opened the door made your eyes water! Beds were comfortable & clean but the bath towels were awful & not much bigger than the hand towels - you couldn't wrap one around you after a shower as they were way too small. Location was good

- Ann, June 2024
Carol May 2024

“The property had everything we wanted.”

Cleanliness first class, and everything in the cottage as expected. The hot tub was such a extra bonus and well appreciated and so clean. So close to a lot of places to go and an amazing local pub serving excellent food

- Carol, May 2024
Caroline April 2024

“This was a really lovely find.”

The cottage was very comfortable. Had everything we needed. Not many people were staying in the cottage complex so it felt very private.

- Caroline, April 2024
Alexander January 2024

“The Holt disappointingly feel short of our expectations.”

There were a couple of significant issues which shouldn't have happened. However overall it is a lovely well equipped cottage in a good location which serves as a good base to explore East Devon. Regarding the listing, it doesn't make it clear that you're actually on a holiday cottage site with 7 other cottages. One of these is directly overlooking the garden/hot tub area. The cottage is overlooking a car park. The directions to the property are also incorrect. Everything else in the add is as described. It's furnished well and the rooms and comfy and cosy. Regarding the issues. When we arrived there were shards of glass inside and outside the property. I actually cut my hand on these when sitting in the chair. We had a very young baby with us which meant we had to be very careful on where we put here. It was all over the garden too which meant the dog couldn't go out. It was also all by the hot tub. Our first night was spent trying to clear all this up. The second day someone came to try and clear it up. R.e. cleanliness, there was a unempited bin full of used sanitary products and the hot tub had a bloody plaster in there and grime around the sides. We never really got an apology for the issues we raised. It looks like the site is for sale which goes some way to explaining management's lack of disregard. Overal a nice stay in a nice cottage, but we paid a lot of money and shouldn't have encountered these issues. Maybe try once under new management.

- Alexander, January 2024
Christine December 2023

“Everything was fine and we enjoyed our stay and were very comfortable.”

However the oven didn’t work properly but grill was fine. Hot tub was lovely

- Christine, December 2023
Diana November 2023

“Firstly take the first right to the Farm, not the long way suggested by Sykes.”

Good points, cottage was spotless. Not good, 'Garden' is a few sq feet of scrub behind the hot tub, the fence one side is 3ft high, (not dog safe), the other fence (4ft high), has gaps in through to the large car park, (not dog safe or suitable in our opinion). As others have said kitchen equipment is poor we like to cook and had just enough utensils 6 wouldn't manage. Our 'welcome' pack was a small packet of biscuits!! If you like quick cook food/eating out great for families. 1 hour after arriving a women walked through our path/garden to reach the next cottage! We could find no one on site to speak to and without a mobile phone couldn't phone the number provided. We left early disappointed.

- Diana, November 2023
Kiersten October 2023

“Thanks for a very relaxing break!”

The Holt is a lovely cottage in a beautiful location. Everything was very comfortable, clean, and also very peaceful. We had pretty much everything we needed in the property. Fantastic location for dog walks. Owners were helpful, but unobtrusive. We will definitely be back.

- Kiersten, October 2023
Clive October 2023

“First the downside - we know the owners have asked Sykes several times to amend the directions because they take you down a farm track totally unnecessarily when there is an easy access from the main farm entrance.”

It really should be corrected to make access far more easy. On the plus side the cottage was very comfortable and pretty well equipped. Any problems were dealt with rapidly by the onsite owners. The owners and the housekeeper were all very friendly but not overbearing. The hot tub was fabulous and kept very clean. The dog exercise field was very useful because the garden was quite small. A very quiet and peaceful location but close to all the amenities. The recommended eateries by the owners were as good as they said - The Bowd Inn and The Anchor Inn.

- Clive, October 2023
Jill October 2023

“The cottage was in a beautiful setting with lots of walks from the door.”

The beds and sofas were very comfortable and we had everything we needed for a lovely holiday - tucked away in the Devonshire countryside yet only two minutes drive to a main road. The directions provided by Sykes were completely wrong - do NOT follow them!!

- Jill, October 2023
Victoria August 2023

“Thank you so much for a wonderful stay.”

We have had an amazing week. The Holt is very well equipped with a lovely comfortable sofa, beds and everything we needed. We liked the added more personal touches such as quirky whale light, rope side light, paintings etc. Flowers, biscuits, milk, teabags, coffee pods etc were also well appreciated touches. The hot tub was wonderful and lovely to have it regularly cleaned and perfectly located in a gorgeous sunshine trap. The Wi-Fi and smart tv were both excellently received by our teenagers. Our ideas on very small improvements that might help future guests - • A keysafe to leave key when out if more than 1 adult couple here. • Recycling is great but took us a few days to find it as gate was closed over so maybe more signposting or a plot map of entire area in the instruction booklet. • Entry gate was just secured with string and not that strong as latch is broken especially with a dog • There is space for 6 guests but the saucepans and oven trays are not that big for cooking for 6 so we did purchase more while here which we have taken back with us but may be worth getting • The garden has an apple tree which is full of rotten apples and all over the patio as a result there are many wasps and many stings had. If the over hanging branches were cut back this would help a lot All in all we have had a wonderful stay and hope that we may return another time. Many Thanks

- Victoria, August 2023
Margaret July 2023

“The Holt was in a quiet area within walking distance of a good pub.”

We were not told there was other accommodation on site or that the hot tub was only for 16 and over as we had gone with a 10 and 12 year old. Cooking for 6 with the small pans was difficult. There was plenty of parking space and an electric charger for our car. We had no dog but there was plenty of space for walking a dog.We were disappointed we had no contact at all with the owners or manager.

- Margaret, July 2023
Colin July 2023

“The holt is a lovely property in a great location.”

Facilities are very good, and we had a comfortable stay. Would love to stay there again sometime. First class.

- Colin, July 2023
Marion June 2023

“Thank you for a wonderful stay.”

The Holt was as described all home comforts, great to have milk and biscuits, also tea and coffee on arrival. The owners were very approachable. So much to do in area. Very dog friendly, lovely walks from cottage would definitely recommend.

- Marion, June 2023
Rosemary May 2023

“A very comfortable, well equipped place to stay.”

Staff were friendly and helpful, without being intrusive. A great set up with our own private garden, garden furniture and hot tub-it really was a delight! The ‘shared facility’ laundry and outside games area was a bonus, not to forget the mowed track around the fields to walk the dog!! Central to many of the tourist destinations, if that’s what you’re looking for. Great place to stay with dogs. We will definitely be back!!!

- Rosemary, May 2023
Charles April 2023

“A clean and well presented, comfortable cottage with all the requirement's needed.”

Situated just in the right location to visit local areas and places of interest would revisit at a later time.

- Charles, April 2023
Sophie April 2023

“The owners were helpful.”

This property was well-equipped with comfy beds. Good location for Sidmouth, Exmouth and local shops. Nice touch to leave us milk, biscuits and coffee Hot tub was the showstopper!

- Sophie, April 2023
Pixie March 2023

“Beautiful, homely cottage.”

It was perfect for us (4 adults and 1 large puppy dog). It is walking distance to the local high street and two pubs. However the cottage is located in farm land so quiet at night. Comfy beds, open planned, good heating. We took fully opportunity of the fire pit for a bbq dinner and the hot tub, wish me had more time to use the tennis court. The owners are really nice, approachable and easy to talk too. Great location for travelling to do more activities: beaches, donkey sanctuary, go-karting and Greendale Farm shop all near by.

- Pixie, March 2023
Harriet February 2023

“Beautifully appointed cottage, within lovely grounds and very close to Sidmouth.”

The Holt is very comfortable and we had a fantastic february half term break. The ping pong table and games area outside were a great addition to the house. Our only disappointment was that there was no recycling facilities. A glass/plastic bin would have been good. As a family with three boys we’d also have liked a drying rack to dry out stuff after a day on the beach. The beaches nearby and at Lyme Regis /Charmouth are fantastic for dinosaur-mad children!!! Thank you for a great holiday.!

- Harriet, February 2023
Carrie February 2023

“We had a lovely time here, such beautiful surroundings with lovely walks in the nearby fields.”

Sidmouth is only just down the road and donkey sanctuary is 5 minutes away.

- Carrie, February 2023
Paul November 2022

“We had a lovely stay in The Holt for a weekend in November.”

The owners were super friendly and made us feel very at home. The cottage had everything we needed and the beds were very comfortable. The hot tub was a real wow factor! Our dog had plenty of space and was also made to feel welcome. A really spacious and comfortable cottage which we would use again.

- Paul, November 2022

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Summary

Three bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor super king-size, 1 x super king-size, 1 x twin
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin, and WC
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, and WC
Kitchen
External shared utility
Living/dining room
External shared games room
Electric heaters
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, and slimline dishwasher
Smart TV, WiFi, games room activities
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Highchair, stairgate, and travel cot available upon request
Off-road parking available with EV charging point
Enclosed front garden with patio, furniture and hot tub
Two well-behaved dogs allowed
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.8 and pub 0.8 miles
Note: The owners live on site
Note: Guests will need to enquire if they wish to bring more than two pets
Please Note - This property is situated on a site with 6 other cottages

The property

Sidford 0.9 miles.

Resting in Harcombe, near the pleasant village of Sidford in Devon, is this charming cottage, The Holt.

Positioned in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, showcasing stunning landscape views and boasting original features throughout, this property welcomes a group of friends or families alike, as well as two well-behaved dogs, to relish in an idyllic countryside retreat.

Enter your new kitchen, well-adorned with everything you may need for a self-catered stay before settling down at the dining table to tuck into a feast; an open-plan living space reveals a plush sofa and Smart TV so you can enjoy light entertainment at any time of day.

Alternatively, if you prefer to dine alfresco, step outside to the enclosed patio and soak in the last of the sun’s rays.

When the sky turns dark, retreat to one of three beautifully appointed bedrooms, one of which resides on the bottom floor and is suitable for guests with lower mobility; serviced by a shower room on both the ground and first floor, this property ensures you are equipped with a tranquil space to wash away the day or freshen up before exploring the local town.

Choose The Holt in Devon as your next home away from home.

Note: This property can be booked with Ref. 1109656 together sleeping up to 10 guests and is one of a few cottages on site

Boswell Farm Holiday Cottages

Nestled in slopes of the Sid Valley in an area of outstanding beauty, this pairing of delightful cottages offers a high standard of accommodation and are open all year round. Based around a large historic courtyard, each property boasts their own private entrance as well as their very own garden, ideal for dogs. On-site, make use of the tennis court, table tennis, fishing lake, and children's play area as well as a handy laundry room to refresh your clothing. Inside the properties you will discover well-equipped kitchens, charmingly adorned bedrooms, and plush sitting areas, so you can relax and unwind in a home away from home. Enveloped in the views of hills and woodlands, you can simply spend your days admiring the surrounding scenery, or if you want to explore, Sidmouth has much to offer including the Jurassic which is perfect for walkers and showcases breath-taking beach's where you can relax, sink your feet into the sea or even hire a paddleboard. The cottages are also within proximity to local amenities, found in the nearby village; stock up on the essentials at a SPAR, whilst the chef of your group can have a break and enjoy a delicious meal at The Blue Ball Inn. Just a stone's throw away, arrive at Sidmouth Museum, providing insight into the local history, Chit Rocks, perfect for a coastal walk, and Beer Quarry Caves, an underground quarry, made of beer stone, ideal for guided tours. Keen nature enthusiasts will enjoy treks to Hooken Cliffs, visits to Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre, offering handling experiences, and strolls around Orcombe Cliffs, with access to the turquoise shoreline. Northernhay Gardens, Topsham Museum, and Wildwood Escot, a wildlife retreat with woodlands and a maze to discover, are all recommended for a memorable stay in Devon. Make lasting memories by staying with Boswell Farm Holiday Cottages.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £350.

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About the location

SIDFORD

Sidmouth 1.9 miles; Exmouth 12.6 miles; Exeter 14.3 miles.

Sidford is a charming village resting between Sidmouth and Sidbury. The village is well-known for its exceptional location within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and offers a good selection of attractions, including the Sidford Tennis Club and the River Sid, whilst dining options include The Rising Sun and Blue Ball Inn, while you can stock up on essentials at the nearby convenience store. Within easy reach of the village is Sidmouth, where you will find the further attractions of Sidmouth Beach, Sidmouth Museum, Jacob’s Ladder, Blackmore Gardens and the Norman Lockyer Observatory.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“We had lovely days in the cottage, quiet and relaxed.”

“We were delighted to arrive at ‘Holt’ Cottage.”

“Wonderful holiday at The Holt within a gorgeous setting and with tennis court, table tennis and a hot tub.”

“We enjoyed our stay - mixed party Grandparents to children The facilities were ideal - the decoration a little tired here and there, but adequate for our week stay.”

“What an absolutely beautiful cottage.”

“The property was a little disappointing for the money.”

“The property had everything we wanted.”

“This was a really lovely find.”

“The Holt disappointingly feel short of our expectations.”

“Everything was fine and we enjoyed our stay and were very comfortable.”

“Firstly take the first right to the Farm, not the long way suggested by Sykes.”

“Thanks for a very relaxing break!”

“First the downside - we know the owners have asked Sykes several times to amend the directions because they take you down a farm track totally unnecessarily when there is an easy access from the main farm entrance.”

“The cottage was in a beautiful setting with lots of walks from the door.”

“Thank you so much for a wonderful stay.”

“The Holt was in a quiet area within walking distance of a good pub.”

“The holt is a lovely property in a great location.”

“Thank you for a wonderful stay.”

“A very comfortable, well equipped place to stay.”

“A clean and well presented, comfortable cottage with all the requirement's needed.”

“The owners were helpful.”

“Beautiful, homely cottage.”

“Beautifully appointed cottage, within lovely grounds and very close to Sidmouth.”