We brought Downe thirty years ago. It has been our family home ever since. The outbuildings were derelict and the main farmhouse, which had been in the ownership of the same family for three generations, required substantial updating. It took us three years to complete the renovation and open for business. Jeremy ended his career in industry as Group Director of Quality for a Footsie 100 company. He brought to Downe a focus on quality and a belief in the skills and abilities of those who work for us. The best evidence of the merit of his approach is the quality of the conversion works, carried out by self employed craftsmen with minimal supervision some twenty seven years ago. The cottages are still in exceptional repair. Lynda, a mathematician by discipline, had been a housewife for twenty years and brought to Downe her passion for architecture and delight in a well run home which has defined the way in which the cottages have been created and maintained. Our Cottage Guide reflects our frequent enjoyment of restaurants, pubs and facilities across Devon and Cornwall. There is so much to see, do and enjoy.

For more than twenty five years we have lovingly created and cared for the Cottages, guided by a passion for preserving their character while ensuring every guest enjoys a truly special stay. The setting is simply breathtaking. Facing west across the Atlantic—where the next stop is America—and north towards the striking silhouette of Lundy Island and the Welsh coast beyond, the views are unforgettable in every season. The Cottages are arranged around a spacious courtyard, echoing the historic farmstead that stood here for centuries and honouring the men and women who once worked this land. Each cottage is a beautiful building in its own right, filled with character and thoughtful details drawn from its past. During the careful restoration and conversion, we added features designed to stand the test of time. The ground floors in every cottage are laid with beautiful slate floors—a rich blend of Chinese and African slate. Every staircase was hand-built on site in pine by a craftsman, becoming what we like to think of as the antiques of the future. Many window sills are made from local slate, several cottages feature ancient oak lintels, and every roof is finished with reclaimed slate sourced from reclamation yards across the county. Our aim is simple: we live here at Downe, and we want every visitor to feel genuinely delighted with their cottage. We offer holiday accommodation that is: Immaculately clean Warm and welcoming in every season Exceptionally spacious Thoughtfully equipped to provide a true “home from home” Beautiful both inside and out Set within spacious, carefully maintained grounds Guests also enjoy access to our exceptional Gym and Spa facilities. From the moment you arrive, we are here to welcome you personally, show you to your cottage, and introduce you to the Gym and Spa. We take great pride in ensuring the every cottage delivers exactly what we promise. At Downe you are not simply visitors - our are guests in our home.

Downe is located on the Hartland Peninsula, part of the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All around are cliff top walks and the quiet seclusion of the undisturbed countryside framed by the Atlantic Ocean. The area is criss-crossed by narrow rural lanes which give romance to country walks. Downe is a beautiful and, even in the height of summer, an undisturbed sanctuary yet there is a great deal to see and do within easy distance of Downe.