Just 2.4 miles from Widecombe-in-the-moor in the heart of Dartmoor National Park is the little hamlet of Lower Cator, a hill farming settlement brilliantly placed for moor exploring and home to Pond Cottage.
Pond Cottage is one of two cottages converted from a former stone barn, this relaxing upside-down cottage sleeps up to four guests and is ideal for a couple or small group of friends looking for a base to enjoy walks and outdoor adventures on the moors.
Reached by a quiet lane, the local traffic typically comprises sheep, cattle, ponies and the occasional tractor.
The front door opens to a large hall, perfect for taking off your walking boots before climbing the open-tread wooden staircase to the first-floor sitting/kitchen/dining room.
This lofty open-plan living space has an impressive scissor-beam ceiling and a bright and airy aspect, with a woodburning stove at the heart of the room to keep you warm on a winter's eve.
With a large dining table to gather around in the evening, tucking into home-cooked meals made in the contemporary kitchen space, complete with a breakfast bar, electric oven and hob, fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher.
Be drawn into the inviting sitting area with an L-shape sofa and armchair to choose from; unwind here while you choose a film to watch on the TV, relax with a good book or pick from a selection of board games.
From the sitting room a door leads down granite steps to the enclosed garden beyond, a pretty space with a large lawned area along with a patio and seating.
A kettle BBQ is provided and there is a lockable shed for bicycle storage.
The garden is ideal for alfresco dining and the lack of light pollution makes it the perfect spot for stargazing on a summer’s night whilst enjoying the quiet of the Moor.
When the evening draws to a close, head downstairs to the ground floor to find your sleeping spot; to one side is a room with two single beds and echoes of the buildings former use with three original stone troughs in the wallwall.
To the other side and up a few steps is the master double bedroom with a neat en-suite shower room, and completing the interior is the ground-floor bathroom with freestanding bath.
The surrounding area is fantastic for walkers with a myriad of routes to take over the rolling moorland, with some routes following the tributaries and watercourses of the River Dart making for a truly scenic and tranquil outing.
Keep an eye out for the varied wildlife in this beloved National Park, with otters, falcons, Dartmoor ponies, and red foxes among the residents to be seen.
The nearest village is Widecombe-in-the-Moor, famed for Widecombe Fair and the legend of Old Tom Cobley, home to a local village store, several cafés and an ancient pub, The Old Inn plus The Rugglestone serving acclaimed food and real ale.
For the adventurous the walk home from the pub is a delightful half hour across stunning moorland.
Enjoy a day of exploring the Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park, breathing in some of the purest air in England and boasting 50 acres of woodland roam as well as being home to Becky Falls waterfall measuring 70 foot in height!
The River Dart Valley Park is a great place to try out some exciting activities like canoeing, zip-wire courses, bike trails and even water zorbs, there's something for everyone and little ones too!
The historic town of Ashburton is a little further afield, or for a day by the sea, there are many sandy beaches in Torbay to try.
Pond Cottage is a comfy base to explore the Dartmoor wilderness and beyond.