This stunning contemporary yet family-friendly conversion of a former barn is picture-perfect both inside and out. Its setting is idyllic, being on seven acre small holding just a few miles from the the coast at Bude and nestled between two nature reserves with abundant wildlife - Bambi spotting anyone? Its interior could grace the pages of a glossy magazine with charming features such as oak frame ceilings and romantic log burner, mixed with funky prints and colourful accent walls, along with vintage and contemporary furnishings. Best of all, being under an hour from the Exeter turn-off of the M5, its far more accessible that the average Cornish getaway.
Owners Conrad and Karen, live just across the courtyard, although not overlooking, so they and their two young sons are always on hand for tips and advice, or as playmates for younger guests. Their experience with their own brood has encouraged them to equip the barn with families in mind and it boasts a useful list of baby gear and toys (see grey box left). Best of all, they keep a large organic vegetable garden and chickens, and often invite guests to help themselves to fresh produce and eggs to get the most from this country idyll, complete with private woodland.
Accommodation Overview:
The 2-bedroom barn has an 30ft open plan yet cosy living area opening out onto a large decked area and its own private garden, which is perfect for football, al fresco breakfasts (with eggs from the free range organic hens of course!) or evening sundowners.
Back inside, the open plan lounge, kitchen, diner is loved by new toddlers and crawlers as they can roam freely (a stairgate blocks the stairs) whilst always being in sight of parents. the kitchen is equipped with all mod cons including family life savers such as a dishwasher, microwave and washing machine. There's two highchairs to go with the four-seater dining table and two comfy sofas in front of the log burner and flat screen TV with DVD player.
Downstairs, the barn has both a twin and a double bedroom, both decked out with Egyptian cotton bedding and ample storage. The large bathroom has a bath, shower, a heated towel rail and lots of shelving for storage.
Inspired to protect the environment by the barn's beautiful surrounding, there's underfloor heating throughout powered by renewable energy from a Ground Source Heat Pump. This also provides all of the hot water supply... green and stylish! There is also the wood burning stove with complimentary basket of logs is supplied from the estate's own woodlands.
Just a short drive away is Bude- a reasonably quaint Cornish seaside town with a few half decent restaurants, some good local produce suppliers (inc organic) and three well stocked major supermarkets. The ‘Life’s a Beach’ Café bar overlooking Summerleaze beach in Bude comes highly recommended for its beach-side location, stunning views and rare combination of good food, a drinks licence and a kids menu – even if it is fish fingers and chips etc.! The lido beneath it is ideal for safe splashing around and is patrolled by life guards in the main season.
If less than perfect weather forces you indoors, the nearby Trethorne leisure park, Milky Way and Big Sheep are good distractions. Each of them has special zones for babies and toddlers with ball pools, soft play and ride on tractors
Click to enlarge
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Arrival: , Departure:
Price: GBP
Unlet dates within 7 days are discounted by £10.00
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The Barn sleeps 4 plus infants in 2 bedrooms, 1 double and 1 twin. |
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![]() | Many beaches within a few miles |
![]() | The nearest shop/ pub is a couple of miles away so a car is recommended. |
![]() | This child friendly cottage has a steriliser, bed guards, baby bath, cots, highchairs and a microwave |
![]() | There is a selection of toys, books and children's DVDs. |
![]() | Arrival night meal available from £10 per adults. Waitrose delivers to the cottage for those wishing to pre-order groceries, read-meals, toiletries, nappies etc. |
![]() | Trampoline |
![]() | stairgate on top of stairs |
![]() | There is generous grassy space for little ones to run around in plus a decked terrace. |
![]() | WiFi is available at the barn. |
![]() | mini guests are welcome to help feed chickens and collect eggs |
![]() | Gold courses with easy reach by car. |
![]() | Two cots and highchairs available on request. Cot is travel type but with extra thick mattress |
![]() | Log burner in the lounge |
Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
The owners are incredibly welcoming and friendly. We ended up staying in the cob which is beautiful. Everything was clean and the beds are seriously comfortable! The area is really lovely with loads to do for all ages.Review dated 09/10/2014
Lovely setting, fantastic hosts, great house.Review dated 15/09/2014
Fantastic barn conversion, with excellent interior and real sense of cosiness and privacy. Highly Recommended!Review dated 07/11/2012
We had such a great holiday , and it was all thanks to Conrad , his hospitality and the fabulous Red Barn. The garden was so spacious and being able to collect eggs every day from the chickens , was a delight for the kids.Review dated 16/08/2012
Beautiful property, stunning toddler-friendly gardens, chickens, a trampoline, great beaches nearby... what more could you ask for?Review dated 27/07/2011
We enjoyed our stay in The Dairy, very baby/toddler friendly and our grandchildren age 2yrs and 4yrs had a wonderful time with lots of fun to be had around the farm. Lovely warm welcome from the owners on our arrival and would not hesitate to recommend to friends. A lovely family break.Review dated 29/06/2011
We had a fantastic week. Karen,Conrad & the boys were lovely. The little extra touchs like suggested places to visit & lcoal aminities show on a map was really appriciated. We would certainly recommend red barn.Review dated 02/06/2011
We just had the best possible time at the Red Barn. It is a magical place and the welcome could not be warmer. We felt like we had a week straight from the pages of Country Living and loved doing everything in their local guide. So relaxing and a perfect location for exploring.Review dated 03/05/2011
Beautiful barn conversion. Before I stayed there I thought baby friendly and boutique accommodation were two ideas that could never be combined - but how wrong I was! Karen and Conrad were really friendly and helpful and the area is really lovely and again, so child friendly with heaps of things to do. We all left with smiles of on our faces and are returning for a second week in May this year!Review dated 19/01/2011
*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 13 guests.