Bedroom details
2 Bedrooms (Sleeps 3 + cot)
Nestled in a village on wild and wonderful Dartmoor, Lopes Cottage is a characterful, beautiful dog-friendly home stay with parts dating back to the 12th century. As you would expect from a lovingly cared for home, it's brim-full of original features from the undulating granite walls and dark wooden floors to the whitewashed beamed ceilings and huge inglenook fireplace. Cool during hot summers and cosy warm during the colder months, this is exactly what you want from a traditional holiday cottage. Combined with gorgeously lush furniture, all the mod cons you need (including underfloor heating) and the most beautiful collection of vintage collectables on display, this is an exquisite looking property too.
Living
The fabulously cosy sitting room is just divine; with plush sofas to recline on, a roaring wood burning stove in a huge inglenook fireplace and beamed ceilings, it's a real step back in time but with super-modern touches such as the underfloor heating and large TV to catch up on all those films you've been meaning to watch. In addition, there's a snug with lovely single bed - perfect for an afternoon nap, and a large hallway/corridor - ideal for storing boots and giving your woofer a rub down after a long walk on the moor.
Eating
The cute cottage kitchen with eggshell-blue cabinets and white walls comes complete with everything the modern chef needs to rustle up a romantic feast or two for their loved one, including the all-important Nespresso coffee machine for a wake-me-up brew in the morning. Windows look out over the garden and you can watch birds - such as spotted woodpeckers - feeding, whilst the round dining table at the far end of the kitchen is made for intimate meals - just idyllic!
Sleeping and bathing
Tucked away on the first floor and accessed via a special staircase in the living room, the romantic, country-fresh bedroom has a lovely king size bed with Feather and Black mattress, gorgeous White Company linen and striking yellow throws and cushions to ensure an epic nights' sleep before gently waking to the sound of church bells - how romantic! The stunning original wood floor has been darkened by years of polishing, whilst we love the antique chest of drawers and stack of vintage suitcases. The en suite bathroom, with 'Jack and Jill' doors (meaning another door also leads into the main hallway) has a large walk-in rainfall shower and separate bath for long leisurely soaks, plus a heated towel rail.
Outdoor space
The large garden (which is fully dog proof) opens out onto verdant mossy lawns, colourful flower beds and fruit trees. From the garden you can see the church tower (also dating back to the 12th century) and the rolling moor beyond. Pop yourself onto one of the sun loungers or hide yourself away in a shady arbour for an hour or two - this blissful spot is just made for relaxing, and you can even forage for wild strawberries during early summer!
WiFi
Lopes Cottage has WiFi so if you need to stay in touch with the outside world you can.
Dogs
Up to three dogs are very welcome at Lopes Cottage. Being located on the moor, this is a perfect spot for dogs with a plethora of walks available right on your doorstep. From the banks of the River Taw to the high moor, there's a walk for every need. Suggestions for good local walks will be left in the cottage for you. Please bear in mind that as the cottage in the National Park there are free-roaming ponies, sheep and cattle nearby and dogs must be kept under control in the village and on the moors, especially between March and July. Please note, there is an additional fee per dog, per week or short break.
Parking
There is private parking for one car to the front of the cottage and room for a second car in front of the owners' barn across the road.
In the Area
Lopes Cottage is made for exploring. Step through the side gate and walk down the lane for 100 yards and you're on the moor, with bountiful paths and trails underfoot taking you to stone age settlements and primeval woodland. Make time to visit the little villages in the area such as Chagford with its independent shops, or bigger more well-known towns such as pretty Tavistock where you're bound to pick up gifts or goodies to eat back at the cottage. In addition, there are National Trust sites to visit such as Lydford Gorge, local vineyards and even the coast - just a 45-minute drive away. You're also spoilt for fab places to eat - from the village pub (less than a minutes' walk away!) to Gidleigh Park, run by the head chef previously at Nathan Outlaw.
