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Verified booking
"We had a truly wonderful stay at Valerie’s place."
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed—she even left us a homemade cake and fresh milk, which was such a thoughtful touch after a long journey. The space itself was incredibly peaceful and quiet, perfect for a much-needed recharge. Waking up to the sight of sheep grazing in the back field only added to the charm. The unit was spacious, beautifully maintained, and packed with more amenities than we expected—everything we needed and then some. Valerie was a warm and gracious host, and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Michael5.0★Apr 2025
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Verified booking
"Five stars - many thanks for the delightful madeira cake - cottage was a dream, very warm and well provisioned - wood burner was a delight - perfect for families."
Reviewed by Duncan5.0★Apr 2025
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Verified booking
"The welcome pack was welcome!"
The cottage was comfortable, secluded and the kitchen equipment was very good. Wifi worked very well. We took advantage of Orchard Cottage being ideally situated for visits to Exeter and the East Devon coast. There is a large supermarket less than 10 minutes drive away.
Reviewed by Robert4.7★Apr 2025
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Verified booking
"A wonderful place to stay."
The cottage is is big for a two bed but very cosy. We enjoyed the log burner, comfy bedroom, peace just birdsong waking us in morning. Our host was friendly and relaxed. Plenty to do in area and two excellent places to eat in area, the Thirty farmer and golden pond. And the noisy neighbours (sheep) gave great entertainment. Thank you for letting us share your fantastic cottage and area.
Reviewed by Claire5.0★Mar 2025
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Verified booking
"A lovely cottage in a beautiful and quiet location tucked away from the busyness of life."
Ideal for a break away. Delicious cakes and homemade bread on arrival - much enjoyed and appreciated. Comfortable bedrooms. We loved the log burner which gave that extra cosy feel. Altogether, a lovely cottage and a very welcoming host. A great find!
Reviewed by Steve4.7★Dec 2024
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Verified booking
"We had a good stay at Orchard Cottage in November 2024."
All was as expected and the host, Val, was kind and friendly. It was well located for Exeter, the airport, and not too far from the coast.
Reviewed by James5.0★Nov 2024
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Verified booking
"What a little gem Orchard Cottage a real home from home, we arrived to a lovely welcome of a fresh baked loaf ( still warm) home baked lemon drizzle cake, milk tea coffee and sugar."
The cottage was warm clean and comfortable and had everything we needed to make our stay relaxing, location is convenient for Exeter and for exploring this part of east Devon. Thank you for a lovely stay, we hope to come back soon.
Reviewed by Julia5.0★Oct 2024
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Verified booking
"Valerie was a very welcoming host complete with fresh bread and cake."
The cottage was in an ideal location to explore South Devon. Despite a large housing development on land close by, the cottage was still very peaceful. The secure garden ensured it was dog friendly. The only thing stopping me giving '5 stars' was the fact that some of the facilities were somewhat dated but still in full working order. Great value for money and would stay there again
Reviewed by Stephen4.1★Aug 2024
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Verified booking
"Lovely relaxing property to stay in ,owners very friendly and made us very welcome, baked a very nice cake and bread and supplyed us with milk and teabags."
Loved waking up to the sound of sheep every morning.
Reviewed by Brian5.0★Jul 2024
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Verified booking
"We thoroughly enjoyed our week at the well equipped Orchard Cottage."
It is in a perfect location for a peaceful stay with brilliant access to nearby sites by car. We even caught a train into Exeter from nearby Whimple for £6 taking just 13 minutes.
The cottage is visited by many different wild birds and Val the owner is an extremely warm host. Our arrival was met with home made bread and home made lemon drizzle cake. Thank you Val for a great stay.
Reviewed by Vince4.4★Jun 2024
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Verified booking
"Had a lovely week stay the property was as we expected and comfortable."
Val the owner is great and about to help if needed. The cake/bread and milk was a nice addition. Thanks
Reviewed by Andy5.0★May 2024
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Verified booking
"Such a lovely cottage in a really nice peaceful setting."
It was perfect for our family holiday and very spacious and comfortable. Will definitely consider staying here again in the future as it was a great location for exploring the area.
Reviewed by Susan5.0★May 2024
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Verified booking
"Nice little cottage, not really what I was expecting because of the photographs online looked different."
We settled in nicely and enjoyed our stay.
Bed is small but we slept really well, no traffic noise in the morning was bliss!
Squirrels, birds, sheep, blossom, green! Excellent for a week rest!
Reviewed by Joanna3.1★Apr 2024
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Verified booking
"Just spent a lovely two night break here as we were attending a wedding down the road."
It was a bit tricky to find in the dark, but the directions were good so we found it eventually. Everything had been thought of, it was cosy, welcoming, clean and comfortable.
Reviewed by Linda5.0★Feb 2024
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Verified booking
"We loved everything about Orchard Cottage."
From the warm, friendly welcome, the convenient location and the well furnished comfortable property to the amazing lemon drizzle cake and freshly baked bread that awaited us. We had a lovely relaxing week here - some days we explored east Devon but other days we just chilled in the cottage garden. Would certainly recommend.
Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Sep 2023
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Verified booking
"Lovely and private cottage with its own little garden over looking a small field with sheep."
The cottage is well supplied with everything for a comfortable holiday, lovely comfy beds, great sofas and farmhouse table. Good wifi signal too. The owner is very friendly and ready to give advice if needed . We were welcomed with milk in the fridge, homemade bread and delicious lemon drizzle cake which was a nice surprise.The cottage is well placed for easy access to everywhere in East Devon with a good road system. Lots of friendly places and pubs for eating out locally. Highly recommend this little oasis of calm, and we will certainly be returning.
Reviewed by Averelle5.0★Sep 2023
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Verified booking
"Our first stay at Orchard Cottage and it was lovely, the owner was very welcoming."
Thank you for the yummy homemade bread and cake you left us. The cottage is very comfy with everything you need, nice to have a little garden for us and our dog and the location is just right as you're 30 mintutes drive away from lots of places to visit. We would definitely recommend two pubs, The Thirsty Farmer and The New Inn, 8 mins drive from cottage, food was lovely and welcoming owners, plus very dog friendly. You can walk from the cottage to cranbrook walking area, or drive and park 5 mins, this is a perfect walk for the dog and nice for us, you wouldn't expect it there within the houses. We did feel we were in a little pocket of country in the cottage but not far from things to do.
Reviewed by Rachel4.1★Aug 2023
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Verified booking
"A generally nice place to stay"
Reviewed by Leslie4.7★Jul 2023
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Verified booking
"Lovely owner who provided a surprise of freshly baked bread and scones and milk in the fridge on arrival."
Beautiful rural location, comfortable accommodation and all that we needed/required for our stay.
Reviewed by Samantha4.7★Jun 2023
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Verified booking
"Our second visit to Orchard Cottage still lovedit even though the family enjoyed i t myself arrived Saturday tripped over and broke my knee family comfortable i was sort of comfortable in Exeter Hospital for the whole week!"
!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by Jane5.0★Jun 2023
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Verified booking
"We had a lovely weeks stay at orchard cottage, it was a very accommodating cottage."
The beds were super comfy and the gesture of homemade bread and lemon cake along with milk left in the fridge on arrival was a lovely gesture. The beaches which were local to the cottage (around 20mins) were mainly shingle beaches but we did take a liking to Exmouth beach(long stretch of Sandy beach) the far end is also dog friendly ( a lot of beaches aren’t dog friendly throughout may-sept) The cottage however if anything maybe a little dated - storage heaters and no radiators. Some recommendations if any, is to update the pictures on Sykes website( the garden is much smaller than expected). Update the info folder within the cottage as some info was dated back to 2010!! A replacement of the high chair, it wasn’t the cleanest and quite a few tare marks. A deep clean throughout the bathroom too, as the grouting round the bath has turned black and cobwebs and dust were visible on arrival. The bedding and towels also had a musty smell to them, as they mustn’t of been fully dried. Following on from these recommendations the oven could do with a thorough clean and was very difficult to know if the oven was on,due to there being no light in the oven and lastly we all decided that for the size of the living area the tv is slightly on the small size. We had a lovely stay but a few things that needed improvement.
Reviewed by Vanessa3.1★May 2023
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Verified booking
"A lovely cottage in a lovely location quiet secluded with enclosed garden for our dog perfect base for exploring Devon."
Owner was very good and left us a home made cake and bread much appreciated highly recommended great place to stay
Reviewed by Mark5.0★Apr 2023
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Verified booking
"We had a very enjoyable stay at Orchard cottage."
The location is delightful, very much enjoyed waking up to see the sheep happily grazing in the field. We had everything we required, the beds were very comfortable and the property was warm and clean. Easy parking right outside and a very warm welcome. Most certainly we will be back.
Thank you
Reviewed by Frances5.0★Apr 2023
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Verified booking
"The cottage was in a great location, very comfortable and Val the owner was so helpful."
The garden was great, overlooking fields with sheep in and fully enclosed so our little dog had a great time too. OIt was a lovely surprise to find freshly baked bread and cake, milk in the fridge and flowers on the table when we arrived. Wish we could’ve stayed longer. Thank you.
Reviewed by Julie5.0★Apr 2023
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Verified booking
"The Cottage was very welcoming and warm when we arrived and the welcome gift of milk, lemon cake and homemade bread meant we could enjoy a cuppa and cake almost immediately."
Val was a lovely host and made our stay that much more enjoyable. The views from the windows were great and we even saw some deer one morning in the fields. Would recommend this cottage to others as it was well situated to explore East Devon and Dorset.
Reviewed by Carol Anne5.0★Mar 2023
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Verified booking
"What a delightful cottage."
It was perfect for our family’s stay in Devon. The downstairs living area was spacious and full of character, the bedrooms were perfect size and had lovely views over the neighbouring fields and the children adored the friendly sheep. Val is the best host and I would thoroughly recommend Orchard Cottage.
Reviewed by Paul5.0★Mar 2023
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Verified booking
"Couldn't keep the fire going in the evening."
Water pressure in the shower/ bath is non existent. Either boiling hot or cold. Stairs are a bit dodgy for elderly. Toilet too low for those with dodgy knees. Not sure the oven works properly. Instructions left for using a meter box for electric, but not found. New estate has amenities that are not mentioned. Got sent to Ottery st Mary for fish and chips when there was one just up the road.
Good points. Very quiet. Dogs had fun running around the nearby paddock. Cosy place to stay.
Reviewed by Anne3.8★Mar 2023
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Verified booking
"This property has such potential to be 5 star but sadly the issue of a shower that just trickles and a hot water bath tap that just dribbles, that has been mentioned in previous reviews, remains unfixed."
Also the oven was in desperate need of a deep clean. The double bed although a soft comfy mattress was oddly short (our feet stuck out over the edge) and the mattress bed linen was not deep enough so kept crumpling up which made for uncomfortable sleeping and one of the two single beds creaked badly with the slightest move so was not at all relaxing to sleep in. Add to this the surcharge of an additional £20 for fuel when there is just one storage heater to heat the open plan downstairs, unless you use the logburner (which we struggled to get going) for which you still have to pay £3 for each extra bundle of wood, or a noisy fan heater that eventually stopped working brings this property down to just two stars in our opinion.
If only the owners take note and act then all can be put right which would enable a higher rating to do justice to this very roomy and potentially very comfortable property that is totally dog friendly. The location feels very private with lovely countryside views despite being attached to the owners and very near to a major new build development (despite the property address it is effectively Cranbrook and some distance from the village of Whimple). It is worth noting there is no pub or shop nearby but this was not an issue for us as the location is ideal to explore the section of East Devon Coast from Exmouth down to Lyme Regis, and is close to Exeter and is just 15 minutes from Killerton National Trust house and grounds.
Thank you very much for your review of our country cottage it is always helpful. I am sorry that you had problems with the shower. There have been a few issues with the pressure since the new houses have been built. A pump is being fitted next week
which should rectify the problem.
The bed is a normal 4’6” double bed. I am sorry that the linen was not to your liking.
A surcharge of £20 is added between the months of September and May because of the extra cost of electricity.
On your arrival I did show your husband how to light the fire with the firefighters and kindling. I left logs for you outside of your cottage each day at no cost to you as it was so cold.
I do live next door and am happy to help at any time.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Joy2.5★Feb 2023
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Verified booking
"We had a fabulous time at this beautiful cottage !"
So welcoming with a roaring fire fresh bread and mince pies. The host was very friendly and accommodating. We toured around to visit family and thoroughly enjoy
Reviewed by Mary5.0★Dec 2022
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Verified booking
"Stunning cottage, really nice and comfortable with everything you need."
Only one issue for me and that was the shower, not enough pressure water just trickles out so could really do with an upgrade.
Reviewed by Stephen4.7★Dec 2022
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Verified booking
"What a lovely cottage."
My grandson and I stayed for a week and loved every minute. The bed was sooo comfy and it was a delight to see the sheep at the bottom of the garden. The owner was lovely too, making us fresh bread and a gorgeous cake. We would thoroughly recommend this cottage.Katy ball.
Reviewed by Katy4.7★Oct 2022
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Verified booking
"We had a good stay at Orchard Cottage and the owner left a beautiful loaf, cake and milk for us on out arrival."
However, the cottage is no longer right in the middle of countryside, sadly, you drive through a huge housing development to get to it. The photos need updating as the garden looks nothing like the photo which shows a new patio and what appears to be a large garden (which it isn’t). The shower definitely needs sorting out….. very temperamental and unfortunately we had to sweep the floor down stairs when we arrived. We left the cottage having had a lovely week, despite these minor concerns, but felt we needed to mention them.
We wish the owner all the best as she was taken unwell while we were there.
Reviewed by Nicola3.1★Sep 2022
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Verified booking
"A lovely stay at orchard end."
The layout if the downstairs area is lovely and was cool in the blazing hot weather. Lots of areas to explore and local facilities.
I wish the shower had worked though as it was temperamental.
Reviewed by Karen4.4★Aug 2022
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Verified booking
"A most comfortable stay, central to many places."
It was a lovely welcome with fresh baked bread and biscuits along with milk and butter and all the facilities to make a welcome cuppa ( the biscuits were really yummy)
The owner Val was extremely friendly and helpful and we would be more than happy to return in the future.
Reviewed by Edward4.7★Jul 2022
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Verified booking
"We had a very comfortable stay at the cottage."
The owner was extremely helpful and friendly throughout our stay and provided a lovely welcome pack of fresh bread, milk and delicious lemon drizzle cake.
Reviewed by Suzanne5.0★May 2022
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Verified booking
"I would sincerely like to thank Valerie for providing such a wonderful accommodation and holiday."
The fresh bread and cake was such a lovely touch, nothing was a bother. I could not recommend orchard cottage enough.
Reviewed by Abigail5.0★May 2022
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Verified booking
"Stunning cottage, spacious, well presented, cozy and picturesque surroundings."
We can not fault this property or the host. Ms Bloom is a lovely, helpful lady who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect.
When we first arrived we was greater by homemade bread and the most delicious homemade lemon drizzle cake! We was lucky enough to be here while they was lambing and The children throughly enjoyed feeding them every morning.
We can not recommend enough and will be back again!
Reviewed by Kathryn5.0★May 2022
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Verified booking
"We really enjoyed our stay with our 2 doggies."
The fresh bread and lemon drizzle cake were delicious and the facilities for us and the pooches were spot on.Look forward to staying again in the future.Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Stephen5.0★May 2022
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Verified booking
"Myself, my partner and my dog stayed in Orchard Cottage for two weeks during April, overall we had a very enjoyable time and wouldn't hesitate to stay again."
On arrival we initially struggled to find the cottage as the sign displaying 'Orchard Cottage' is very small and hard to see when you're driving so a slightly larger sign may be welcomed by future guests. We were greeted by homemade lemon drizzle cake (which was still warm), fresh bread and milk which was a very nice touch.
The kitchen is very well stocked with all sorts of utensils and cooking equipment, full size fridge freezer, dishwasher (with tablets provided by Val) and washing machine.
The lounge is super spacious and the ideal chill out space, two very comfortable sofas with cable tv and a log fire.
The twin bedroom we didn't use so I can't comment on that, however the double bed in the main bedroom is super comfortable and has been redecorated since the photos were taken on the website (the walls are no longer pink and the furniture has changed slightly).
The bathroom is functional, however the water pressure for the shower is terrible. You have to put the hot water tap on full blast which only provides a hot trickle of water, if you turn the cold water tap even the smallest amount it changes from red hot to ice cold - however you get a nice pressurised shower if you do have the cold water tap on albeit very cold (which we could only cope with for about 2 days). It resulted in us having to bath every night, which is inconvenient if you want to be in and out quickly.
The garden is spacious and the resident sheep in the adjoining field fascinated my dog for the whole two week period.
Val provided us freshly laundered bedding and towels after one week which was greatly appreciated.
There is ample off road parking just outside the front door of the cottage.
There is an abundance of leaflets in the very bottom drawer in the kitchen giving you plenty of attractions and events to visit whilst down there, even highlighting some dog friendly places. We went on a couple of Stuart Line Cruises from Exmouth which allow dogs and thoroughly enjoyed it - something I would definitely recommend.
We felt very relaxed and Val is a very friendly and welcoming host.
Reviewed by Yasmin3.8★Apr 2022
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Verified booking
"This property had everything you could possibly need to have a quiet, relaxing holiday."
We arrived to find milk, butter, tea, coffee, sugar and even homemade bread and cake. There is plenty of space to stretch out and make the most of your holiday, and sitting in the garden watching the sun go down with sheep just the other side of the fence was really special. The owners live on site but never intrusive. If we return to this area again this would be our first choice of where to stay.
Reviewed by Andy5.0★Sep 2021
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Verified booking
"We had a lovely stay in this cottage."
It was the most comfortable holiday cottage I’ve ever stayed in! Val the host was very welcoming and we were delighted with the welcome gifts. Can’t fault it. It had everything you could possibly need.
Reviewed by Hannah5.0★Jul 2021
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Verified booking
"A really nice cottage in a farm setting."
Peaceful looking across field of lambs. Ample parking in the gated farm yard. Garden enclosed which was great for the dogs. Comfortable accommodation well supplied for self catering. Fantastic hosts with a really warm welcome.
Reviewed by Phil5.0★May 2021
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Verified booking
"The cottage was clean, warm and all the facilities worked (although we didn't try the shower)."
We were just a little disappointed by the size if the garden as it seemed much bigger in the photo online, however it was nice and secure for the dogs. The lane running up to the cottage was fine, in my opinion, with plenty of passing places and no coins needed for the electricity meter at the house. The owner was very friendly and it was lovely to arrive to a homemade cake and loaf of bread.
Reviewed by Helen3.4★Oct 2020
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Verified booking
"Enjoyed our stay immensely."
Lovely cottage and hosts, a beautiful area. The only minor issue was the shower which had been noted before by another customer. There is major building work nearby but this didn't really bother us. Lots of good eating pubs in the area, we never had a disappointing meal wherever we went.
Reviewed by Royston4.7★Sep 2020
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Verified booking
"Good location for base if you need access to Exeter and beaches
Quiet and comfortable"
Reviewed by Susannah4.1★Aug 2020
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Verified booking
"Pluses: Generous supplies available on arrival of tea, milk, bread, butter and homemade cakes."
Spacious, comfortable, cosy. Well equipped. Bath mat provided. Good broadband. Good parking. Attractive garden. Quiet location within easy reach of Exeter and Honiton. Plenty of good towels.
Negatives: Extremely poor hot water pressure - showering is virtually impossible. Very deep and narrow bath. Double bed rather narrow and too soft for our liking. Having to feed a coin meter every day for electricity. Russian roulette of the long single-track lane to access the property!
Reviewed by Nick3.4★Oct 2019
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Verified booking
"On arrival lovely cake and milk butter fresh baked bread."
Reviewed by Christina5.0★Aug 2019
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Verified booking
"The cottage was very clean and comfortable and had everything you could need."
Gerry and Val are lovely and unintrusive and we were delighted with their provisions on arrival. Val's shortbread and home made loaf were really nice. We were there for two weeks and after one week we were given clean bedding and towels. Would highly recommend as the bedrooms have been decorated and modernised since the online photos were taken. Overall 10 out of 10 from us.
Reviewed by Frances4.7★Aug 2019
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Verified booking
"Friendly, very handy for wanting to visit other places for example Jurassic coast, Lyme Regis Exeter and Weymouth."
Walking distance for places to eat. The cottage is lovely extremely clean everything you want home from home . Peaceful just the sheep and the birds to listen to it was a lovely holiday .
Reviewed by Eunice5.0★Jun 2019
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Verified booking
"This is one of the best cottages we've ever had, well equipped warm comfortable, nice quiet garden, and friendly owner's."
Reviewed by Trevor5.0★May 2019
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Verified booking
"Lovely quiet PERFECT location about 15minutes from Exeter centre."
The owners had baked a fresh loaf of bread and buns waiting for us on arrival which was a lovely touch to start our week away. 100% recommended and will be booking to come back.
Reviewed by Grace5.0★Mar 2019
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Verified booking
"Such a beautiful cosy cottage
We was made very welcome by owners Jerry and Val."
The warm homemade bread and shortbread waiting for us on our arrival was very much appreciated.
A perfect location for exploring the Jurassic coast with lots of lovey beaches.
If you like peace and quiet and lots of places to visit then this cottage is ideal.
Reviewed by M5.0★Feb 2019
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Verified booking
"Val and Jerry made us very welcome and everything that was needed was in the cottage."
Superclean with nice touches such as freshly made bread and cakes on arrival. Felt like staying at a friends house. Would definitely recommend.
Reviewed by Philip5.0★Jul 2018
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Verified booking
"A very comfortable and quiet cottage ideally placed for visiting a range of visitor attractions in the area."
Pleasant and thoughtful owners gave us a warm welcome (and still warm loaf and fruit shortbread).
Reviewed by Martyn5.0★Jun 2018
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Verified booking
"We really felt at home in Orchard Cottage and were made very welcome by the Owners."
We were able to settle in and relax the moment we walked through the door and for us that is a great plus when we go on holiday.
Reviewed by Michael5.0★Jun 2018
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