Details of The Thatched Cottage, Bideford ref 1011

This is the thatched cottage owned by the childrens’ author, Mary Norton in the 50's. It formed the setting for the 3rd book, in The Borrowers series, The Borrowers Afloat, which she wrote here. There is even a stream at the bottom of the lane, exactly as in the story.

Built before 1550, the cottage is listed as Grade11*, the star putting it in the top 7% of all listed buildings. The adjacent cottage is an old chapel, and it is believed this one was built as the minister's home. The present owner, whose mother bought it from Mary in 1959, has resisted the temptation to gentrify it. Its interior is therefore quite basic, with traditional farmhouse furniture. So, although now equipped with modern conveniences, it does still retain its rustic charm as in Mary's time. It features latched doors, exposed beams, low ceilings, uneven floors, flagged kitchen with hand-pump and traditional stone sink set into the thick cob wall, oil fired Rayburn for the winter, open fireplace and roses growing up the exterior wall.

The accommodation comprises a sitting room, kitchen and 3 bedrooms (1 double and two small singles). In the main bedroom, as well as the double there is a single bed. This single is the top half of a bunk bed which, given reasonable notice, can be reassembled in the 2nd bedroom for larger families if preferred. A bed for a sixth person could be brought in by prior arrangement, however, being a mediaeval cottage, all rooms are small and 4 is the ideal number of guests.

French windows lead off the sitting room to the terrace, which is equipped with garden furniture. The garden is west facing and catches the afternoon sun. It may also be possible to offer access to a small field. There is private parking in an adjacent lane.
Contact M J Watney 01865 744627 or PO Box 745 , Headington , Oxford , OX3 7YT