Borrowers' Thatched Cottage in the heart of North Devon's unspoilt countryside

This is a rare opportunity to stay in a heritage property 500 years old. Built before 1550, it is listed Grade II*, the star putting it in the top 7% of all listed buildings. The cottage is isolated and quiet, half-way down a lane which leads only to a farm, but is within walking distance (20 - 30 minutes) of the village through a beautiful valley.

This is the thatched cottage where Mary Norton wrote some of the Borrowers books. The two BBC series of the Borrowers, approved by Mary, are available on DVDs at the cottage.

The cottage has been in the family since it was bought from Mary. It retains its original rustic charm, with exposed beams made from sunken ships, an ancient front door, flagstone-floored kitchen and latched interior doors. It is most enjoyed by those who like long walks in unspoilt countryside, particularly along the South West Coast Path which is only a couple of miles away.

The main bedroom has a double bed, plus a single bed at the far end. The small second bedroom has a single bed (and includes a cot which can be moved). The smaller third bedroom leads off the second. The cottage will therefore sleep five if the main bedroom is used as a family room, but four people will be more comfortable.

The cottage is within an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It is 2.2 miles from the South West Coast Path at Hartland Quay where there is a sandy beach. The area has appeared in a number of films. Hartland Abbey (1.3 miles away) is the location for the Malory Towers series; the local area and in particular Clovelly (7 miles away) features throughout The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; Hartland Quay was the location for Rebecca; Hartland and Black Pool Mill appeared in The Night Manager.

The local golf course is currently closed for renovation.

WiFi is available upon request between early May and late September.

How to get here: depart the M5 at Junction 27, follow the signs to Barnstaple, Bideford, Hartland and then Stoke.

At the cottage, a dedicated parking space for one car only is provided. If you intend to bring a second car, please discuss parking options with me. If you will be bringing a dog, please discuss options with me. Do ask me any questions, using the Contact Host button.