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1st FloorGround Floor

Kitchen Dining Room Living Room Lobby Hall Shower Room Shower Room Utility Double Bedroom

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Floorplans

The Old Forge

(Ref. 975817)

Ilsington, Devon Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 6 Guests

  • 3 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

Features

  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (30)
  • village (21)
  • well (19)
  • pub (19)
  • shop (18)
  • comfortable (16)

43 Customer Reviews

  • "I was concerned about parking outside the cottage but it was ok, and some very large vehicles went past with no problem."

    I don't know what I was doing wrong but couldn't get the door open when I came back from shopping and was very stressed about no mobile phone signal. My son did a video call on whatsapp to try and help, then two passing good samaritans opened the door for me. I had no problem subsequently.

    Reviewed by ElizabethMar 2024

  • "The Old Forge is such a nice place."

    We had a great time.

    Reviewed by DenysAug 2023

  • "Property was as described and very clean, warm and welcoming."

    Showers were good and towels provided were lovely - soap provided. Only one small point that no shaver points in the bathrooms. Kitchen/Diner was spacious and very well equipped, and well provided with T Towels, dishcloths, washing up liquid etc Welcome gift was also very welcome - thank you so much x

    Reviewed by DebbieJul 2023

  • "The cottage is very comfortable and warm, with all modern kitchen and bathroom facilities."

    Reviewed by PeterApr 2023

  • "Gorgeous cottage in sweet village with decent shop and pub."

    Ilsington is well placed for exploring Dartmoor

    Reviewed by KerryApr 2023

  • "It's quite difficult to find interesting, quirky, and comfortable smaller holiday cottages that are suitable for the elderly."

    I booked The Old Forge as an 80th birthday treat for my mother (who now struggles with stairs) and she was absolutely over the moon with the accommodation – with the lovely downstairs bedroom and shower rooms (there are two so we had one each!) and with the quality of the interiors, and everything you could ever need provided for. It must be one of the nicest cottages I’ve ever stayed in – and I felt like a kid again, climbing the little staircase up to the wonderful upstairs bedrooms. The village is so lovely, with a shop and proper village pub ‘The Carpenters Arms’ – where we were made to feel extremely welcome by the owners and locals. I hope we can return in the future.

    Reviewed by EmmaMar 2023

  • "We had a great stay at the Old Forge which had everything we needed for a comfortable and relaxing week."

    Ilsington is lovely village, with a useful shop and a good pub, The Carpenters Arms. The location is perfect for quick access to Dartmoor.

    Reviewed by ClareFeb 2023

  • "We booked The Old Forge over New Years and had a wonderful stay!"

    It was in such a beautiful location and incredibly cosy and welcoming inside. The property got warm very quickly which was great considering it's age. The kitchen was also very well equipped and one of our group even braved making a full roast dinner in there! Having two bathrooms was super handy with 6 of us staying there, and even the little touches like umbrellas in the porch (which we unfortunately needed to use) were so thoughtful! We would absolutely stay here again in a heartbeat! Thank you for such a fantastic stay :)

    Reviewed by AbigailDec 2022

  • "Thank you for a lovely stay at your cottage."

    We really couldn’t fault it, a very comfortable and enjoyable time was had by all. Only one observation, we did have an issue with the bathroom sinks being slow to drain away.

    Thank you for your feedback. So glad you all enjoyed your stay. The bathroom sink drainage has been remedied now. Sorry you had a problem with it and thank you for letting us know. Property Owner

    Reviewed by RobertDec 2022

  • "Comfortable, cosy cottage with access to lovely walks and great restaurants."

    Reviewed by JaneOct 2022

  • "Quite probably the best property we've stayed in over 10+ years of holidays around the UK."

    The Old Forge is beautifully laid out and thoughtfully decorated; and it's even better equipped than our family home! The position next to the Churchyard is fabulous, and we really enjoyed the peace and quiet in Ilsington, despite being only a short distance from Hay Tor and the best of Dartmoor. The Carpenters' Arms just across the Churchyard is a great pub with friendly owners and locals and very good food, and the village shop is excellent. Up the road the Hotel does an excellent afternoon tea, and the spa looks great. We highly recommend The Old Forge and would definitely return here.

    Reviewed by ChrisAug 2022

  • "Wonderful holiday cottage."

    well equipped, very nice kitchen, nice garden and cozy and comfortable rooms. village shop although very small, remarkably well stocked. if I would have to name one potential improvement: soft cushions in the garden seats would make a stay even nicer (we had nice weather so we spent a lot of time in the garden). thank you for having us!

    Thank you for your feedback which we always welcome. I am sorry that you did not find the cushions, they are in the hall cupboard. We are so pleased to hear you had lovely weather during your holiday. Property Owner

    Reviewed by FrederikeJul 2022

  • "Fabulous bolthole to explore Devon."

    The house was well equipped and comfortable, much bigger than it looks. Perfect for our family of four, but spacious enough for 6. Highly recommend if you are looking for a quintessentially English retreat - even church bells on the doorstep.

    Reviewed by AllisonJun 2022

  • "A lovely cottage."

    Quirky, full of character yet comfortable and well equipped. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here while mountain biking around Dartmoor.

    Reviewed by KarlJun 2022

  • "What a perfect place for visiting Devon and especially Dartmoor walking."

    The cottage, like the owners are, is warm and welcoming. We had everything that we needed and more for our delightful stay at The Old Forge. The village of Islington is charming and having a local community run shop and welcoming pub round’s everything off. Would love to return without hesitation. Geoff and Shirley.

    Reviewed by GeoffreyMay 2022

  • "The Old Forge is a lovely, comfortable, warm cottage for a lovely break."

    Set in a picturesque village with Dartmoor all around is a big plus.

    Reviewed by JillDec 2021

  • "Cosy cottage but plenty of space for family of four, very well equipped, clean and tidy, good location,"

    Reviewed by MichaelDec 2021

  • "The cottage was the perfect, quiet hideaway."

    A great base to get out and about. We would come again

    Reviewed by AndrewAug 2021

  • "Great place to stay between high moors and coast."

    Beware of sat navs, it tends to direct you down very narrow lanes with little if any passing places. Very good village shop and very reasonable prices. Lovely pub also. Very Covid secure. Ideal for two generations of family. Thank you very much for a very enjoyable holiday.

    Reviewed by MichaelAug 2021

  • "Beautiful cottage which was deceptively larger than I’d imagined."

    We had everything we needed and more. We loved the cottagey feel and the beautiful surroundings. The local pub was excellent and the village shop was surprisingly well stocked. We didn’t go to any supermarkets as we had all we needed from the little shop. The memory foam mattresses are probably due for replacing but other than that everything was perfect.

    Reviewed by MikeAug 2021

  • "The TV was very difficult to Operate due to some wobbly and dodgy sockets at the back of the human box."

    This meant that reception came and went which was very frustrating. I always feel that when paying a significant amount for a rental that the kit in it should be similar to home and with 5 of us using our phones constantly there really should be a WiFi enabled music system. Same goes for the TV really.

    Thank you for your feedback, we have spoken to the owners and they have responded with the following, we are sorry you had trouble with the TV and WiFi. The Ilsington area suffers from relatively slow download speeds because the local telephone exchange in Haytor has not yet been updated to fast broadband. The TV works well in Standard Definition but there is often insufficient bandwidth for HD which causes pixilation and buffering. This is beyond our control, there is however, a WiFi booster in the cottage and also a Bluetooth music system. Both the TV and Humax box are of good quality, relatively new and the gold plated HDMI connection between the box and the TV is of the highest quality. Update - The Old Forge now has Full Fibre Broadband Property Owner

    Reviewed by JonathanJul 2021

  • "A delightful cottage in a very special and quiet place."

    We were reassured that the wonderful local pub and shop still employs social distancing rules. Be mindful of narrow roads and drive carefully, but so worth being off the beaten track.

    Reviewed by LucyJul 2021

  • "Lovely cottage, very clean and comfortable."

    Good area for exploring dartmoor and coast. Local village pub good.

    Reviewed by PhilippaMay 2021

  • "This is a great cottage, a home away from home."

    Very clean and comfy place to stay. Good location to visit Dartmoor and the coast. Clear instructions from the owners about how things work if there are any issues (which they weren’t), and on how to leave the cottage at the end of your stay. Would definitely recommend

    Reviewed by TracyMay 2021

  • "Wonderful cottage."

    Well kept and extremely helpful/ welcoming owner. My main gripe was that I used Vbro and ended up with Sykes and so had to pay extra for that but then I assume it was the owners choice not to list it directly with Vbro and I wouldn't have found the cottage otherwise.

    Reviewed by SusanApr 2021

  • "Comfy beds, well equipped, clean, great location."

    Just what we hoped for.

    Reviewed by BenApr 2021

  • "Cosy cottage with great local facilities - pub, country house hotel and village shop, all within walking distance."

    Loads of great walking from the door or a short drive away.

    Reviewed by AndyOct 2020

  • "Good location for walks and exploring Dartmoor: well equipped, clean, tasteful decor, lots of helpful information about the cottage and the area made available, friendly contact from owners."

    Convenient pub and well-stocked local shop.

    Reviewed by Terry and GillSep 2020

  • "A lovely cottage, well kept and cleaned for our arrival."

    Local pub (literally just round the corner) was very good as was the food (not a huge menu but had 2/3 vegetarian options) and friendly staff. Parking by the cottage means under trees full of crows etc so car will take a good clean afterwards!!

    Reviewed by AndrewAug 2020

  • "The cottage is beautiful and in a lovely village with a good pub and local shop."

    It is comfortable, well equipped and clean. We all enjoy sitting on the patio at the back, listening to the birds singing and the church clock chiming. My older relatives appreciate the downstairs bedroom and shower room with grab rails. Also, having 2 shower rooms is very useful.

    Reviewed by JulieAug 2020

  • "The old forge is a lovely cottage in a beautiful little village."

    The cottage has everything you need and was clean,tidy and warm. The two seperate toilets and showers were very handy and there are well thought out additions throughout the cottage. The moor is only just up the road and there are footpaths very nearby. The local pub has good ale,cider and food. We had a great time over the New Year holidays. We would definitely go back.

    Reviewed by DavidDec 2019

  • "The cottage is an ideal place to stay whilst visiting beautiful Dartmoor, it's cosy and practical but stylish and quirky ."

    Islington is a friendly village with a good pub and shop. Wouldn't hesitate to stay again if we come back to Dartmoor!!

    Reviewed by JulieOct 2019

  • "A very cosy cottage with everything you need."

    It is in a good location to visit the Moors or coast. The village shop and pub is a short walk away. We had good meals at the Welcome Stranger and the Half Way Inn. It was a nice touch to have a bottle of wine and a pint of milk. I will definitely book this lovely cottage again.

    Reviewed by DeniseJul 2019

  • "Just two marginal inconveniences: 1) parking at the cottage is complicated."

    2) it would be great if one could get through to the care taker via phone. Cottage itself was superb, comfy and great to stay in! :-)

    Reviewed by NadjaMay 2019

  • "A perfect location for Dartmoor, lovely cottage, fully equipped in a lovely village."

    Everything we could have hoped for.

    Reviewed by KirstenApr 2019

  • "All went well, with ease."

    No problems.

    Reviewed by JohnFeb 2019

  • "Pros Very comfortable and well thought out house."

    Well equipped throughout and in the Kitchen there is nearly every aid. Location in a small quiet village but with a pub and good shop within easy walking distance. Different colour towels for each person so no chance of mix up. Hooks on the back of every door for practicality WiFi that works The hot water failed and was fixed very rapidly. Eventually one of our boys, 41 years old French admitted to going through the English menus on the the thermostat and possibly causing the problem. Cons These are very minor cons Close to road. One wall and several windows are directly on to the road. Not really a problem as 1. The sound insulation is very good. 2. Theere are only about 5 cars per hour and it is not a problem. 3. There are only about 2 people per hour who pass on foot. Access to the village is by some single track road so passing can be interesting. Again traffic is very light so the chances of encountering another vehicule is low. Only one medium sized frying pan. If you are cooking eggs for 6 people it has to be done in batches.

    Reviewed by ShaunAug 2018

  • "Excellent cottage in a local village Thanks"

    Reviewed by JamesJun 2018

  • "Heavy winter duvets should be changed lighter, low tog for summer use."

    we bought two low tog duvets much more comfortable.

    Reviewed by DavidJun 2018

  • "This is a beautiful cottage both inside and out."

    It is well situated for us, being in the village and near the moors. We find having two shower rooms particularly useful, especially having grab rails in one. The kitchen is well equipped and all the rooms are comfortable. We love sitting out on the patio and listening to the church bells. There was plenty of information to hand and we had no difficulties using anything. We had a fantastic week - thank you.

    Reviewed by JulieMay 2018

  • "The owners of the Old Forge had anticipated all our needs and much much more."

    ..A beautiful cottage with a delightful courtyard (we had all our meals out of doors as the sun shone for us...)and, inside, the furniture together with excellent china, glass and cutlery more than met all our expectations, down to tasteful stylish furnishings and lovely pottery on the windowsills with the feeling everywhere of being in a centuries-old much-loved home. The kitchen was well equipped which suited us as we spent the days out delighting in Haytor, Widecombe, Parke, Hound Tor and many other local places, on the way exploring whole fields of bluebells and buttercups and delighting in the ponies and sheep who wandered not only on the moors but also in the road...and then we came back to cook in the evening, eating either in the courtyard or in the dining room which had a large pine sideboard table and chairs, interesting paintings and wall art and a wooden floor. The village shop, open 12 hours a day, and run by volunteers, stocked a very wide range of comestibles including local cheeses jams and chutneys. Everything was perfect.

    Reviewed by PeterMay 2018

  • "Forge Cottage was set in a beautiful village."

    Cottage had all the facilities you need for a comfortable break. The village pub and shop were excellent. Roads were a challenge but that is Devon, if you can drive in Devon you can drive anywhere.

    Reviewed by MaryMay 2018

  • "Very comfortable cottage that was full of charachter."

    Very well located for walking on Dartmoor and local shop and pub. Our three teenage children were happy with it too.

    Reviewed by WendyApr 2018

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Summary

  • 1 x double bedroom downstairs and two shower rooms with showers, WCs and basins
  • Two bedrooms upstairs: 1 x double, 1 x twin
  • Downstairs kitchen with dining area
  • Sitting room with gas stove
  • Lobby.
  • Oil fired central heating with gas burning stove
  • Microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, Smart TV, Full Fibre broadband/WiFi, induction hob
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Parking is usually available on a quiet road nearby
  • Enclosed garden
  • Sorry no pets and no smoking
  • Pub less than 1 mile from property
  • Note: This property does not accept children under 6, except babes in arms, due to steep stairs.

The property

This wonderfully pretty, thatched, detached cottage close to the pub and shop in the lovely Dartmoor village of Ilsington was once the village forge.

Now it is comfortable and friendly with generous rooms, wood floors and attractive views across the church and surrounding countryside from the upstairs windows.

The church bells chime beautifully on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings in true Devon village style.

Leave your coats and boots in the entrance lobby, then head on in to the cosy sitting room with its living flame gas fire or listen to music on the Bluetooth speaker whilst you prepare delicious meals in the kitchen with dining area.

There is a handy double bedroom on the ground floor, as well as two smart shower rooms, or head up the steep old stairs to two more snug bedrooms under the eaves through little old fashioned doorways.

Outside, your small garden is safely enclosed, a fine suntrap with outdoor furniture and storage for your bicycles.

This is wonderful unspoiled cycling and walking country on the southeastern slopes of Dartmoor, leading to the beach at Teignmouth.

Marvel at spectacular Haytor on the open moorland or enjoy the birds and butterflies in the countryside around the cottage.

Tennis courts, a small skate park and children's play area are a 10 minute walk away.

Golf is available at Stover and Bovey Tracey, both 4 miles away, horse riding 6 miles away at Shilstone Rocks and there is also an outdoor heated pool at Bovey Tracey.

The historic towns and villages of Ashburton, Bovey Tracey and Widecombe in the Moor are all within a 15 minute drive, offering a huge choice of cafes, pubs, restaurants and local amenities.

Just two miles away from the famous Haytor Rocks,The Old Forge is an excellent base in a welcoming Devon village for venturing out by bike or on foot.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.

View on map

About the location

ILSINGTON

Bovey Tracey 4 miles; Newton Abbot 7.2 miles; Torquay 14.2 miles.

Ilsington is a village and civil parish in Devon, England, situated on the eastern edge of Dartmoor. Situated within close proximity to the market town of Newton Abbot and just under 15 miles from the seaside resort of Torquay, you are ideally placed for exploring all this beautiful region has to offer. Discover many quaint and sleepy villages, thriving market towns and many picturesque and historical sites in the Dartmoor National Park. The village offers a shop, post office and local pub for your immediate amenities, while Newton Abbot provides a more extensive range of shops, pubs, restaurants, supermarkets and cafés to explore. Delight in the award-winning country house hotel and spa in Ilsington, which serves the delightful Devonshire cream tea, with homemade scones and strawberry jam. A quaint village resting on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park.

Note: This property does not accept children under 6, except babes in arms, due to steep stairs.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas