The Linhay
Devon, United Kingdom
Butterhills Escapes Linhay
- Barn for 2 from £94 per night (read our low price promise)
- King-size bed on mezzanine level accessed via ladder and one double futon sofa-bed on ground floor
Overview
It’s hard to imagine The Linhay – pronounced Lin-hee – as just three crumbling walls, given its splendid restoration. Natural textures abound, with slate in the open-plan kitchen and lovely oak floors, plus a proper loo. Despite this it’s gloriously off-grid: you’re surrounded by acres of farmland and screened by woods, the only sound the babbling brook and the coo of a wood pigeon. Inside there’s space for four to sleep and dine quite happily, with a pull-out bed downstairs and a mezzanine above. Lazing by the firepit, grilling on the barbecue and dipping a toe in the stream all aid in your relaxation, with no Wi-Fi to interrupt your Zen. It’s a two-minute walk to the car, but a wheelbarrow makes it easy to pack for days out at the beach. When the weather’s not playing ball, curl up in front of the wood-burner with a book, but when it is, the dark Exmoor skies are great for stargazers. Bring a torch for outside rambling – this is the feeding corridor for the rare greater horseshoe bat, so there are no lights outside.
The Linhay offers that rare find – being disconnected while still close to things to do. Take the tribe on walks around the farm and den-building in the woods, or down to the Crown Inn for dinner or a pint – the local community store is also walkable. Venture further to the beaches at Woolacombe and Croyde, packing a farmer’s market picnic bought in Braunton or pretty Ilfracombe. Recommendations for things to do come courtesy of the Welch family – they’re the third generation to live here and rebuilt their own home at Butterhills nearly 30 years ago. Caroline’s got grand plans for a cabin and a potager but until then they’re focused on living sustainably and they’ll ask you to do your bit with recycling too. A traditional Devon cream tea awaits you on arrival, and Caroline can also whip up home-cooked meals and cakes (using their own eggs, of course).
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in: 3 pm - Please message or call the owner in advance to let her know what time you expect to arrive in order for her to be there to meet you after 3pm
- Check out: 10 am
- Children over the age of 5 can stay under the same price as extra adults
- Please bring torches, wellies and walking boots
- Be aware that the king-size bed is accessed via a ladder
- Mobile phone signal limited to provider - o2 and Vodaphone work well
- No WiFi
- Electric socket and USB charging points in the open garage by the parking area and a secure lockable cupboard for charging phones.
- Logs to get you started provided for the wood-burner and wood for the firepit. Additional bags available to purchase for £5 per bag.
- Sleeping arrangements
- King-size bed on mezzanine level accessed via ladder and one double futon sofa-bed on ground floor
Extra space available
Space for 1 pet from £20 per pet per stay No enclosed area so pets must be well behaved as there may be livestock in neighbouring fields
Space for 2 adults from £10 per adult per night sleeping on the sofa-bed. Children can stay for same price. Please put adult or child in the notes.
Cooking
- 4 burner gas hob
- Oven above wood-burner
- Cool box with ice blocks
- Fridge freezer by the car park
- BBQ
- Gas kettle
- Cooking utensils and equipment provided
- Wicker picnic hamper for guests to use
Washing
- Large walk-in shower
- Hot and cold running water
- Flushing WC
Heating, lighting & bedding
- 100% cotton bed linen & towels provided
- Wood-burner
- Solar battery lighting (very reliable, even in the winter months!)
- Torch and re-chargeable lanterns
- Electric socket and USB charging points in the open garage by the parking area and a secure lockable cupboard for charging phones
Entertainment
- Useful guides and nature books
- Cards and games
- DAB radio
Getting there
Butterhills, Braunton, Devon, EX33 2NJ
Entrance to car park: ///extreme.hypocrite.pencil
By car
If using SatNav, Google Maps or Waze then search for Butterhills Escapes do not use the post code as it will take you to a neighbouring farm on a different lane. It's also worth noting that SatNav can take you down narrow or unsuitable lanes so do check the route beforehand.
Take the A361 Ilfracombe road out of Braunton and carry on through Knowle, where you will past a garage on the right-hand side. Carry on along the main road until you reach a crossroads called Heddon Mill Cross. There is a bus stop on the right-hand side that is signposted to Halsinger, turn right here. Drive along this lane until you reach another crossroads, there should be a cream cottage on the right-hand side, turn left here. Follow the lane, past a turning on the right and take a sharp bend to the left followed by a right-hand bend over a small bridge and Butterhills is on your right-hand side.
When you arrive at Butterhills please come straight up the drive towards the wooden outbuildings and park opposite under the trees by the Butterhills Escapes sign.
Parking is a 2 minute walk away and the owners will transport all luggage to and from The Linhay on arrival and departure days. A wheelbarrow will be provided for use during their stay.
The Linhay is 1 mile from the main road of Heddon Mill Cross and approximately 4 miles from Braunton.
By public transport
The nearest train station is Barnstaple which is under 10 miles from Butterhills Escapes.
The nearest bus stop is 1 mile away at Heddon Mill Cross on the A361. Buses run every 20-30 minutes.
Food & Drink
At The Linhay
A proper Devon cream tea is provided on arrival as well as eggs from the owner's chickens (subject to availability) or local organic eggs
Caroline and Nick offer a shopping service whereby guests can order in advance from Braunton Fine Foods (lots of local Devon & West Country goodies!) They will then collect and put the food in The Linhay ready for arrival.
Local shops
There is a community shop at West Down which is about a mile and a half away. Just like Caroline and Nick, they also offer a home shopping service. Guests will be sent details of these a few weeks before their arrival.
Pubs & Restaurants
The Crown Inn, West Down (1.5 miles) - Caroline and Nick's local within walking distance so perfect for a pint or a bite to eat when you don't want to drive.
Thomas Carr at The Olive Room, Ilfracombe (6 miles) - The owners are proud to have this Michelin starred restaurant on their doorstep which uses locally sourced produce wherever possible
Squires Fish & Chip shop, Braunton (4 miles) - According to Caroline and Nick, this is just the best fish and chip shop which wins many awards! Eat in or take then to the beach at Saunton and watch the sunset over the sea
The Thatched Barn Inn, Croyde (5.5 miles) - Iconic pub loved by locals, surfers and holidaymakers. Great food & a great atmosphere.
Barricane, Beach Curries (6 miles) - The worst kept secret in North Devon so get there early!! Take your own drink and eat your Sri Lankan curry on the beach
Activities
At The Linhay
Explore the farm and woodland
Nature and bird watching
Collecting wood for camp fires
Places to visit
There are regular farmer's markets in Braunton that offer great local produce
The traditional Pannier market in Barnstaple on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays and Butcher's Row in Barnstaple for local produce and bread.
Croyde is a great location offering sandy beaches and beautiful scenery
Ilfracombe is a superb seaside resort with a small harbour surrounded by cliffs
Other picturesque villages and traditional market towns include:
Woolacombe, Lynton, Lynmouth, South Molton, Mortehoe and Clovelly
Outdoor & Active
Exmoor National park (30 minute drive) - Brilliant walks over a unique landscape
Fabulous renowned surfing beaches - Croyde, Woolacombe, Putsborough and Saunton
Sailing and diving clubs at Ilfracombe
Meet your hosts
Meet Caroline & Nick
Caroline and Nick live just 10 minutes away with their teenage daughters, 2 dogs, a few chickens and of course, Hugo the cockerel. Caroline has worked in the holiday letting business for many years, helping owners get bookings and welcoming their guests so she is now truly excited to finally become a host herself. Nick is a Building Services Engineer, he moved into teaching some time ago and his practical skills have been very useful in breathing new life into their beautiful Linhay.
They have invested a lot in their surrounding land over the years, both in terms of money and time, The Linhay is their legacy and also part of a future proofing plan for Butterhills so that it can become more sustainable. As well as this, the pair are very grateful and fortunate to live in such a lovely place, feeling that it's only right and fair to share it with others.
The Linhay is their first project and was the most pressing due to its disrepair however Caroline and Nick already have exciting plans for more projects to come!
Wildlife & Environment
Butterhills extends to 30 organic acres, with 10 acres consisting of woodland, stream meadows, pasture and another part being designated as a Devon County Wildlife site due to the special flora. There is an abundance of wildlife including the rare Greater Horseshoe bat, otters, deer, badgers and buzzards as well as wildflowers, butterflies and plenty of birds. The Linhay is off-grid with gas heated hot water, a wood-burner fueled by their own logs and a fire-pit for starlit evenings outside. Caroline and Nick have installed reliable solar battery lighting and they also provide USB lanterns.
Butterhills has just been accepted into Mid Tier Stewardship which will help the pair to continue to manage the land sympathetically and ensure the continued diversity of wildlife and wild plants. Their spring water makes the best cup of tea (they believe) and think that it tastes so much better than municipal tap water. Caroline and Nick are passionate about recycling and their guests will be encouraged to do the same as they will be provided with a recycling box for their own use and a small compost bin in the kitchen for organic waste.
Our guests say...
Couldn’t have asked for a better stay. The place was beautiful, simple yet provided everything needed. We will definitely be back. The surrounding woods were a joy for the kids, sunrises were heavenly and I miss my morning coffee listening to the running stream outside. If you want peace, time to reflect and a little slice of heaven then this is the place for you.
27/12/2019Michelle
We absolutely loved staying at the Linhay. Perfectly secluded spot, so nice to be right in nature and the stars at night are beautiful. The Linhay has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The woodburning fire was a particular highlight. It was amazing being off the grid. We really liked that the Linhay is run so sustainably, with solar panelled energy and water from springs. So many beautiful villages and beaches to see nearby. Caroline and Nick are fantastic hosts, very approachable and easy to get in touch with if needed. Also the scones we got on arrival were delicious.
29/11/2019Olivia
I am sorry it’s a late post The linhay Well this was truly awesome place a hard to find don’t follow yr sat nav My wife was surprised I’d found this place Met Caroline at the gate showed & told us what we needed to know It’s the perfect chill space. Teddie our puppy loved it My fav was cooking on the the little wood burner How wonderful it was fantastic Beaches around are awesome I say loads but the best words say Go tho the Linhay you will love it HAPPY HOLIBOBS
22/11/2019Bruce
Really relaxing and peaceful stay, super cosy accommodation and spent our days exploring nearby towns and moors. Loved how secluded we felt surrounded by nature and had everything we needed at the Linhay.
04/10/2019Lauren
The Linhay was idyllic and in a real beautiful location. Caroline was a very warm host, who was incredibly welcoming and even made us a cream tea on arrival (including a vegan cream tea!). The accommodation was beautiful - very rustic with a stylish flare. We really enjoyed our stay and loved being in the countryside for a bit of rest and relaxation.
23/09/2019Rochelle
Love this place? Tell everyone!
Booking Terms
Canopy & Stars low price promise
Book with us in confidence knowing you won’t find that place cheaper elsewhere. All of the prices we display are set and matched by our Owners. (In this world of foreign currency, we do have to say 'subject to exchange rates' for some of our European places.)
What does ‘from price’ mean?
Our ‘from price’ is based on a four night stay in low season and designed to help you to compare different prices across our collection. Some of our Owners vary their nightly rates and check in days throughout the year, so it may differ from the rate quoted below the calendar. It is quite common (although by no means universal) for places to charge a little more in peak season or for shorter stays, to cover changeover costs. Consider booking longer stays during the cooler months if you’re looking for the lowest nightly rates.
Agency Terms & Conditions
Except where otherwise specified, we Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd Company No 09088366 of Merchants House, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RW act only as an Agent in respect of all bookings we take and/or make on your behalf. Sawday’s Canopy & Stars is part of the Alastair Sawday’s Group of Companies. We accept no liability in relation to any contract you enter into or for any services or arrangements you purchase (“Booking(s)”) or for the acts or omissions of any supplier(s) or other person(s) or party(ies) connected with any Booking. For all Bookings, your contract will be with the supplier of the Booking in question, and in most cases this will be the owner of the property you’ll be staying at (“Owner(s)”). When making your Booking we will arrange for you to enter into a contract with the Owner of the Booking. Your Booking with us is subject to these Agency Terms & Conditions and any specific booking conditions of the relevant Owner(s) you contract with. The Owner’s booking conditions may limit and/or exclude the Owner’s liability to you.
You may decide to make more than one Booking with us at the same time. The price charged in total for more than one Booking will always equal the prices charged separately for each individual Booking. All Bookings are available to be purchased separately at the same price as they are when more than one Booking is made. This means that any multiple Bookings do not constitute a package as defined in the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.
By making a booking, you agree that:-
- you have read these Agency Terms & Conditions and agree to be bound by them;
- you consent to our use of your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy;
and
- you are over 18 years of age and where there may be age restrictions in place, you declare that you and all members of your party are of the appropriate age.
The Canopy & Stars online booking system enables Guests to make Bookings 24 hours a day. A Booking is confirmed on receipt of a 25% non-refundable deposit for all Bookings with check in dates of more than 10 weeks away. For all Bookings that have a check in date of less than 10 weeks before check in, payment for the Booking will be required in full and the entire Booking will be non-refundable. The Canopy & Stars telephone booking line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. When using the online enquiry form, for those Properties without online booking, please allow 24 working hours for us to contact you by telephone to confirm the Booking. If we are unable to reach you by phone we will attempt to contact you by email. We will contact you during Canopy & Stars working hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm). Online or email enquiries will be dealt with in the order they are received, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee reservation of your selected dates until the receipt of suitable payment. Therefore, if possible, we do recommend that you book on the Canopy & Stars website using the online booking system.
1. Booking and payments
1.1 In order to confirm your chosen Booking, you must pay a non-refundable deposit as required by the Owner of the Booking in question (or full payment if booking within 10 weeks of the date of your check-in).
1.2 Your Booking is confirmed and a contract between you and the Owner will exist when we receive payment of the deposit and send you a booking confirmation on the Owner’s behalf. This booking confirmation will normally be sent out within 24 hours in the case of email and seven working days in the case of post, and will contain the details of your Booking and of payments made and due. If you have not received your booking confirmation within the specified time, please notify us as soon as possible by email (bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk). Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to us immediately. As we act only as booking Agent, we have no responsibility for any errors in any documentation except where an error is made by us.
1.3 Where a deposit has been paid, full balance payment will be due 10 weeks in advance of your check in date and a reminder will be sent to you two weeks prior to this date, where applicable, by email. We automatically take the balance payment using the same card as used to make the deposit payment. It is your reponsibility to advise us if we should use a different card and to contact us by telephone (0117 204 7830) to arrange for alternative payment method. If the balance payment does not successfully go through as there is a problem with your card, such as it expiring, then we will contact you to try and take alternative payment. If we have been unable to take payment after two weeks of the balance due date, then with regret, we will notify the Owner who may cancel your Booking.
1.4 Except where otherwise advised or stated in the booking conditions of the Owner concerned, all monies you pay to us for a Booking will be held on behalf of the Owner(s) concerned.
1.5 Credit Card payments are processed via Alastair Sawday’s Publishing Co. Ltd who provide merchants services facilities to Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd.
2. Cancellation and Amendment by You
2.1 Any cancellation or amendment request must be sent to us by email (bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk) and will be considered and responded to within one working day of receipt. You are also advised to confirm all changes to our Customer Services Department by calling 0117 204 7830. Please ensure that you have received written confirmation of any changes to your Booking prior to travel. Whilst we will always try to help, we cannot guarantee that such requests will be met.
2.2 Amendments and cancellations can only be accepted in accordance with the booking conditions of the Owner of your Arrangements. The Owner may charge the cancellation or amendment charges shown in their booking conditions (which may be as much as 100% of the cost of the Arrangements and will normally increase closer to the date of departure). The Owner may charge cancellation or amendment charges in accordance with its own booking conditions, however for the sake of convenience only, we have outlined the Owner’s charges at clause 2.3 and 2.4 below. Please note that these are the Owner’s own cancellation and amendments charges, not Canopy & Stars’, and therefore the Owner may vary their charges as they wish, without notice to us. The correct charges will be notified to you at the time of your cancellation or amendments.
2.3 Owner’s General Cancellation Charges:
2.3.1 Cancellation by you at any time will result in your deposit being forfeited, as all deposits are non-refundable.
2.3.2 All monies paid for a holiday (deposit and balance) are non-refundable within 10 weeks before check in date.
2.3.3 Cancellation of any holiday after it has been paid in full and at a date 10 weeks or more in advance of your check in date, will result in forfeiture of your deposit (or an amount equivalent where one was not paid as the holiday was paid in full) and the balance being returned to you.
2.3.4 Cancellation insurance is available but will be a third party arrangement and not involve Canopy & Stars or the Owner in any way.
2.4 Owner’s General Amendment Charges:
2.4.1 Alterations to your Booking can only be made more than 10 weeks prior to the check in date, after which time alterations will be treated as cancellation. All alterations are subject to availability and may incur a £30 adminstration fee.
2.4.2 Differences in the total amount payable resulting from alterations will be refunded to you in the case of a decrease in price and paid by you in the case of increases in price.
Special note: Generally Owners will charge the above cancellation and amendment charges, however we must stress that these are a guide only and charges may differ from those shown here depending on the Owner. The exact charges will be notified to you by the Owner at the time of cancellation and/or can be found in the Owner’s own booking conditions which are available from the Owner on request.
3. Changes and Cancellations by the Owner
We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if the Owner needs to make a significant change to your confirmed Arrangements or to cancel them. We will also liaise between you and the Owner in relation to any alternative Booking offered by the Owner but we will have no further liability to you.
4. Complaints
Because the contract for your Booking is between you and the Owner, any queries or concerns should be addressed to them. In the event that you have any complaint about your stay, please notify the Owner as soon as possible. If you don’t follow this procedure there will be less opportunity for the Owner to investigate and resolve your complaint and so make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Delays may also mean that amount of compensation you may be entitled to may be reduced. Whether or not your complaint is dealt with satisfactorily, please also contact us as we appreciate all feedback. It’s important to us and the Owner to know that you’ve enjoyed your stay or if anything could have been improved.
5. Pricing
Canopy & Stars reserve the right to amend advertised prices at any time on behalf of the Owner. We also reserve the right to correct errors in both advertised and confirmed prices.Special note: changes and errors sometimes occur.
6. Information & Accuracy
The information and prices shown on this website are varied from time to time and may change between the time you first view a property and make a Booking. You should check that all the details are as you expect prior to making a Booking. It is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the properties (including the features and extras available) may be incorrectly described and/or priced. If we discover this is the case after you have made a Booking, we reserve the right to contact you with details of the correct information and/or pricing and will give you the option to:
(1) proceed with the Booking based on the correct information and/or pricing, which may require the payment of an additional amount by you;
OR
(2) subject to availability, change your booking dates to dates when the pricing can be honoured ad so no additional charge to you. In the event that a lower price can be offered for alternative dates then the difference would be refunded;
OR
(3) cancel the Booking. If we do not receive your instructions within 5 days of contacting you, we reserve the right to cancel your Booking without liability to you.
7. Our Responsibility for your Booking
Your contract is with the Owner and its booking conditions apply. As Agent, we accept no responsibility for the actual provision of the Booking. Our responsibilities are limited to making the Booking in accordance with your instructions and acting properly in accordance with our legal duties as an Agent. We accept no responsibility for any information about the Booking that we pass on to you in good faith. However, in the event that we are found liable to you on any basis whatsoever, our maximum liability to you is limited to twice the cost of your Booking (or the appropriate proportion of this if not everyone on the Booking is affected). We do not exclude or limit any liability for death or personal injury that arises as a result of our negligence or that of any of our employees whilst acting in the course of their employment.
8. Pets
Not all properties accept pets. If you wish to take your pet on holiday, please advise us before booking and we can check whether pets are accepted at the property. You must obtain the prior consent of the Owner before taking any pets to the property. A nightly charge may be made by the Owner for each pet and additional terms may apply.
9. VAT
Many of the Owners of properties in the Canopy & Stars portfolio are not registered for VAT in which case no tax is payable. Where VAT is payable, the tax is included in the advertised holiday rental price.
10. Visa, passport and health requirements.
Unless you tell us otherwise, we assume that all members of your party are British citizens who hold or will hold full British passports valid for the entire duration of the Arrangements you chose to purchase. Information on visa, passport and health requirements, where given and applicable, is so given on this basis. Requirements may change and you are therefore strongly recommended to check the up to date position with the Owner of the Booking, Passport Office, appropriate embassy or consulate or your doctor as applicable in good time before the commencement of your holiday.
11. Insurance
You are strongly recommended to take out personal travel insurance for all members of your party. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance you purchase is adequate and appropriate for your particular needs. Please read your policy details and take them with you on holiday.
12. Special requests
If you have any special requests (for example dietary requirements, cots or room location), please let us know at the time of booking. We will pass on all such requests to the Owner, but unfortunately, we can't guarantee that they will be met and we will have no liability to you if they are not.
13. Group Bookings
Not all Owners accept Bookings for a single sex group (for example, a stag or hen party). Guests wanting to make such a Booking should check with us beforehand to enable us to check whether the Owner is prepared to accept the Booking. We will then advise you accordingly. In event that an Owner does not accept this type of Booking then it is with regret, that the Booking may be cancelled and cancellation fees may apply. It is the Guest’s responsibility to enquire with Canopy & Stars and/or check on our website beforehand to make sure that this type of booking is permitted.
14. Maximum Numbers
Please note that except by prior arrangement confirmed in writing, only the number of persons specified on a booking confirmation may occupy a property. Most owners reserve the right to refuse admittance or revoke a booking if this condition is not observed and you are unlikely to receive any refund.
15. Your Responsibilities
Please note that you have a contract with the Owner of the property. As such you are under a responsibility to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner whilst staying at the property with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. You are responsible for informing the Owner of any losses or damage to the property as soon as possible. Please note that you will be liable to pay the Owner for any losses or damage to the property caused by you or a member of your party (except reasonable wear and tear). Some Owners will also require damage deposits. You must also leave the property by the check-out time specified on your booking. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period and/or refuse any future bookings from you. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner. In addition, the Owner reserves the right to sue the guest for any loss, damage or injury caused to the Owner, the Property or to other guests and/or their property. As agent, we will have no liability to you in these circumstances.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms and conditions have been drafted in accordance with and are governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any and all disputes arising out of these Agency Terms & Conditions.
17. Discrepancies
In case of a discrepancy between these Agency Terms & Conditions and any other Canopy & Stars literature, these Agency Terms & Conditions shall prevail.
18. Validity clause
In the event that a court finds that a condition in these Agency Terms & Conditions is illegal or void, the illegal or void provision will be severed from the remainder of the Agency Terms & Conditions, which will continue to be valid and have full force and effect.
Couldn’t have asked for a better stay. The place was beautiful, simple yet provided everything needed. We will definitely be back. The surrounding woods were a joy for the kids, sunrises were heavenly and I miss my morning coffee listening to the running stream outside. If you want peace, time to reflect and a little slice of heaven then this is the place for you.
27/12/2019