Ref: 3218 / Branscombe
Smugglers Cottage
Smugglers Cottage is a beautiful property in a beautiful location just a mile inland from the stunning Jurassic Coast at Branscombe in east Devon.
The cottage was originally one of the farm buildings at Woodhouse Farm where the owner lives and now offers spacious accommodation for four guests in a commanding position that looks all the way down the valley. The cottage and its raised south-facing terrace face away from the farmhouse and there is a fully enclosed parking and garden area making it a great choice for guests with small children or who wish to bring their dog. An additional garden-area with a bench with panoramic views is available for guests to enjoy, where there is a little pond and beyond that a happy family of chickens in their enclosure.
Woodhouse Farm is just outside the lovely coastal village of Branscombe and is reached along a private lane, setting the scene for your holiday there. The working part of the farm is separate to the setting for Smugglers Cottage.
Inside the cottage, the kitchen extends into a large sociable dining-area. Also on the ground floor is a lovely double bedroom with its own en suite bathroom, which has a wonderful roll-top bath as well as a separate shower. The sitting-room is upstairs and as soon as you step into this room you will know why – windows open up to the Juliet balcony and the incredible unspoilt views that stretch out to the front of the cottage. The second bedroom is also on the first floor, with the flexibility of a 'zip and link' twin or super-king size bed, along with a family bathroom with another roll-top bath and a fitted shower.
Features
- Dogs welcome (1 only)
- Travel cot, high chair and stair-gate
- Arrive/Depart Friday
- Short breaks available
- Private parking for 3 cars
- WiFi
- No smoking
- Pub .5 miles
- Patio furniture and barbecue
- Full oil-fired CH
- Charging point for electric cars (at cost)
- Electric vehicle charging point
- Decorated for Christmas
- Eco Cottage
- Enclosed garden
- Private parking
- Barbecue
- Dogs welcome
- Linen and towels included
- Near a pub
- Near a beach
- Cot available
- High chair available
Availability, reservations and pricing: £566 to £1530 per week
Located Branscombe
Customer reviews
Good or bad, we publish all the reviews left by the guests who have stayed at this property.
Mrs Talmage
Our stay at Smugglers cottage was very peaceful, a real get away from it all location. Beautiful scenery surrounding the cottage. The cottage was lovely and clean and very comfortable. A lovely welcome pack was left for our arrival. The cottage is so close to Sidmouth and Seaton with some lovely places to eat, and the Donkey sanctuary made a lovely morning out. Branscombe beach is beautiful where you can also enjoy one of many cream teas with a sea view. Idyllic.
Mr Screech
I would like to thank the owners for a super holiday at Smugglers Cottage. It's in a wonderful location and the cottage itself is excellent. It is so well equipped - especially the kitchen utensils - and we were delighted with the thoughtful gifts left for our arrival. We can't wait to book again and enjoy the amazing views from the cottage once more.
Mr Durdey
A fantastic location in a beautiful village
Mr Screech
We have stayed in Smugglers Cottage before; it is set in a beautiful and peaceful location, yet still close enough to the amenities in the village. The cottage itself is well equipped and parking is excellent. We hope to return again very soon.
Me Cunliffe
We found Smugglers Cottage to be hidden gem. From the moment we arrived early evening, it was a pleasure to walk into a warm environment. The views from the property are amazing. We are looking forward to a return visit during 2025!!
Mr Voorthuijzen
Smugglers Cottage near Branscombe is so nice to stay. The views across the valley are breathtaking. The Masons Arms is very warm pub that gives you the feeling you are a guest that is visiting every week. The beach is wonderfull. The country is amazing. South Devon at its best!
Mrs Rhodes
Fabulous location. Well equipped cottage. Having a car charger is fantastic.
Ms Jeavans
Incredible location and a fabulous cottage. Spotless and well appointed. And the addition of friendly dogs and horses was a real hit with the kids. A wonderful Easter break.
Mr Simpson
Great ‘get away from it all’ cottage. Whilst convenient to beach and all you need.
Mrs Makey
If you want some relaxation, peace and quiet and an amazing view , Smugglers Cottage is the place to be. Well equipped warm cottage. Lovely walks , countryside and coastal.
Mrs Francis
Beautiful clean comfortable cottage, one of the best we have stayed at. The countryside views are fantastic as are the chickens and horses. Friendly owners and family are there to help with any issues although we didn't have any. Thank you Ross for the welcome basket including a bottle of local gin and fresh eggs. On a clear night the starry sky is amazing. We would love to come back one day.
Mr Brophy
Best cottage we have ever stayed in , for location , plus really lovely cottage , also lovely to see Duncan the horse every morning , lovely welcome pack on arrival including a bottle of gin , just booked for next year, each member of the family were really welcoming , oh and don’t forget the dogs .
Mrs Divers
This is the ideal place to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of this wonderful valley. The views are stunning. The lay-out of the cottage is quirky and rather special. Yes, motoring in the area can be a little tricky at times, but as long as you take it slow and steady, there is no problem. This is our second visit and we know that we will stay there again.....
Mrs Tilley
Lovely, quiet location with extensive views on the edge of a picturesque village. Very spacious comfortable cottage with plenty of parking. Friendly owner on site who visited us upon arrival.
Ms Whitfield
Lovely beautiful place to stay , more like home from home than a holiday cottage . Quality furnishings and so well equipped in every way .
Mr Biggs
Very comfortable cottage and set in a very quiet scenic position. Excellent for walking straight from the cottage, or short drives to many other very pretty walks.
Mrs Freak
Beautiful cottage, lovely area. Had a wonderful stay.
Mrs Lovell
Outstanding location with great walks on the doorstep. Cosy cottage with very helpful hosts.
Mrs Ross
Great views, friendly and very helpful owner. Appreciated the secure garden. Walking into Branscombe not for the faint hearted, especially walking back up the hill.
Mr Stevens
A very comfortable, warm, clean and well maintained cottage in a very peaceful rural location convenient for the beach and coastal path both just a few minutes walk away. Having the living room upstairs may suit some but we found it inconvenient. Likewise the tiny kitchen with hardly any workspace with the fridge and dresser some way off round the corner in the adjoing dining area - it just didn't work for us. Nice beds and impressive looking bathrooms but toilet seats smaller than pans and only one with a toilet roll holder.
Mr Sinclair
Lovely cottage with beautiful views across the valley. Very quiet location just above branscombe but you can still walk to beach in about 25 mins. Highly recommend!
Mrs Heard
Perfect location. Loved the views. Cottage was peaceful, cozy & well equipped. Hosts couldn't have been more welcoming & helpful.
mr Page
Family of 4 stayed (two boys aged 13 and 10) for two weeks at Smugglers Cottage. The location is magnificent with stunning views over the valley in a very tranquil setting - an absolute haven for wildlife. The owner (Ross) was very accommodating and the boys loved playing with his friendly dogs and feeding the horses in the stable opposite the cottage. We ate at the Mason Arms on a few occasions and the food was outstanding- the walk down to the beach (1 mile) is lovely and the cafe at the beach (Sea Shanty) was excellent. The beach is exceptionally clean with crystal clear water. Would highly recommend the cottage and Branscombe in particular- the location is ideal for venturing to other nearby attractions - we went to Dartmouth (90 mins), Exeter (60 mins) and you have lovely places nearby such as Sidmouth and Beer which are well worth visiting. All in all, we had a wonderful holiday, in a beautiful location and will return one day in the future.
Mrs Snowden
Excellent relaxing stay with fantastic views and kept us fit with daily walks to the village and beach down the hill and back again. Be aware of steepness of hill if you are walking!
Miss Leyton
The location of Smugglers Cottage was perfect for us. So peaceful, and we spent hours just listening to the sounds of sheep, birds, horses, cockerels and the occasional dog. The cottage was a great size for two of us and our dog. Might be a bit cosy for four adults and the hot water supply may not be sufficient. It was lovely and clean, including all the kitchen equipment and there is ample crockery and glasses. Super comfy bed. The beach is just lovely. No frills, apart from the excellent Sea Shanty cafe which does good breakfasts and lunches. You can park at the beach, or at the village hall in the village, and walk through the fields, past the Old Bakery which serves good coffee and an array of homemade cakes. There are plenty of walks starting in the immediate vicinity or further afield. We loved Smugglers Cottage and Branscombe. We’ll be back!
Mr Lewis
A lovely cottage in a wonderful setting with views over the country-side. The cottage is welcoming, cosy and comfortable. Most practicalities taken care of in the big open kitchen. The kitchen may appear small but the easily accessible, large kitchen table offsets any potential issue. Really nice to be able to relax in the kitchen chairs after a steady climb up the hill. Whilst the hill is a little steep, it is a lovely walk down to the village, to the beach and to access the coast path. The cafe at the beach and the Tea Rooms are both highly recommended and within easy walking distance. The upside down living really works here. After long walks, dinner on the terrace, it is nice to hunker down in the cosy upstairs lounge and watch the view. Highly recommend, Branscombe and Smugglers cottage.
Mrs Jones
Wonderful location in beautiful surroundings. The cottage is really well-equipped with everything you need for a holiday away from home. Great walks out from the cottage and lots of lovely places and things to see nearby. Lovely hosts who were really kind and helpful.
Mrs Crathern
Location was amazing. Ross the owner was extremely proactive, responding to an issue with the hot water and heating immediately. Would love to stay again. Thoroughly recommend.
Mrs Barnett
Lovely cottage, local area stunning views and coastal walks and plenty of good places to eat. The elderly may find sitting room upstairs an issue and high step into bathroom from bedroom on the ground floor. Other than that we enjoyed the holiday.
Mrs Smith
We stayed as a family of 4 - two boys aged 11 and 8 along with our four legged friend. The peace and tranquility at this farm is phenomenal along with the scenery toward the valley in the fields. The wildlife surrounding the farm is a setting in itself! Nearby we walked to The Sea Shanty beach cafe at Branscombe beach and from there we walked to Beer, about an hours walk from the cafe. Stunning walk and a little more to do in Beer with another stunning beach. There is a nice pub in Branscombe - The Masons Arms, family and dog friendly. Lyme Regis is about 20 mins drive away. It was a week of switching off from the world in such a lovely spot. The electric car charger was a godsend.
Miss Shambrook
Close to several nice coastal towns
Dr White
Lovely location, would definitely visit again.
Mrs Halliwell
We really loved the cottage. It was well equipped, clean and comfortable. The welcome basket was also a nice touch. The positioning at the top of the hill was lovely and quiet.
Mr Davies
We found Smugglers Cottage delightful clean and well appointed. We enjoyed bbqing on the patio which has wonderful views. We appreciated the welcome pack especially the gin!
Ms Williams
Smugglers Cottage is an absolute delight, located in a beautiful peaceful valley and only a stones throw away from the village and beach. Most defiantly the best cottage and location we have stayed in. The owner Ross and his family are great hosts and the welcome pack was a lovely touch
Mr Kellaway
Take care, very narrow access lanes for about a mile.
Mrs Cox
If you need a quiet, restful break away from the stresses of life Smugglars Cottage is the place to stay. Wonderful walks and skies, nearby beach with great beach cafe and bar and two good local pubs. The cottage has all anyone needs for a great break away.
Mrs Kindleysides
It's a well appointed cottage in an ideal location for those who enjoy beautiful countryside views and walks from the doorstep.
Mrs Holyer
We had a wonderful stay at Smugglers Cottage, there were two of us plus our dog so we had plenty of space and garden is completely secure which was great for the dog. The cottage is furnished to a high standard and was very clean. Our welcome basket was a nice surprise and included a small bottle of local gin which was a thoughtful touch, plus fresh farm eggs and milk too. The cottage is set in peaceful countryside with beautiful views (you can see the chickens and horses). We were able to walk straight out of the cottage and access the South Coast Path which was excellent and we enjoyed several days of walking, taking in the stunning scenery. The Masons Arms in the village is worth a visit as are the cafes on the beach at Branscombe and Beer, a great place for breakfast or a crab sandwich. Definitely recommend.
Ms Ilbery
Smuggler's was very cosy and charming - and had everything I needed to make my holiday really comfortable and pleasurable. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my stay there. Being on a farm was a new and lovely experience for me; and Mr. and Mrs Willmington were so helpful and kind. The location is ideal for walking the coast path: from Branscombe I managed to walk the SWCP from Exmouth to Barton Bradstock. An amazing stretch of coastline. and it was so good to be able to return to Smuggler's for a wonderful hot bath, and a restful and peaceful evening.
Mrs Fowler
Lovely cottage with a safe garden for children/pets to play Beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and also the owners chickens and horses. Well equipped with two seating areas so not on top of each other even on a wet day.
Mr Burles
It is such a lovely cottage in a fantastic setting, the farm is in immaculate condition and the cottage had everything we needed.. The goodies left by Ross the farmer was a nice thought.
Mrs Pile
The cottage and everything about it was excellent and we could,t of wished for a better place to stay. The owners made us very welcome to. Being country people we enjoyed meeting all the dogs and horses as well. One thing we might add, you would need to be fairly fit if you like walking, as some of the hills are quite steep.
Ms Lane
Lovely comfy cottage, great walks and beach nearby.
Mrs Casson
The cleanest cottage we have stayed in and the views were breathtaking, we felt lucky every day to wake up to such beautiful scenery. Very well-equipped with plenty of space and lovely outdoor area with loungers, patio furniture and a BBQ. We loved that we would get visited by the farm dogs (easy to close the gate so this doesn't happen if you don't like dogs) and the children could pet the horses in the stable. Lovely family on the farm and were there if we needed anything plus the welcome supplies on our arrival were very appreciated. Walking distance to the lovely village and beach. Scenic (but very windy!) roads with several attractions a short drive away. Would highly recommend Smugglers Cottage and would hope to stay there again if revisiting the area. Thank you!
Mrs Wallis
Lovely stay. Hosts were very helpful when needed. Beautiful surroundings. Tiny kitchen was just fine!
Mr. Maishman
Lovely rural setting. Lots of interesting places to visit.
Mrs Murphy
Lovely cottage, couldn't fault it, we really enjoyed our stay. Hosts were very caring and even let our daughter ride on their horse, which really made her day...Thank you!
Mrs Wilkinson
Lovely welcome from owner set the scene for a relaxing break. Extra touches including flowers in the rooms and welcome pack with local ale and freshly laid eggs added to the welcome.
Mrs Derry
Smuggler's Cottage is in a beautiful location overlooking the valley near Branscombe. The cottage was clean and comfortable and there are fantastic views from the sitting room and master bedroom windows. The weather was rather chilly and wet for our visit but the cottage was very warm and cosy to return to after a day out and the milk, biscuits and wine were most welcome. Ross, the owner, checked that everything was OK and lives nearby so is available to help if needed.
Mrs Wright
Idyllic location, utterly peaceful and wonderful starry skies. Cosy cottage in a super setting.
Miss Knight
The cottage & location was beautiful. The view was amazing. Very quiet. The local pub (Mason Arms) is walking distance but a steep walk with no pathways. Very friendly, lovely food. Our dog loved the cottage farm & its residents (horses,chickens & dogs). Highly recommend staying at smugglers cottage.
Mr Stone
Lovely location but be aware that walking into the village or to the beach involves a steep climb up a narrow lane which can be awkward if you have a dog or a pushchair, it is probably safer to drive.
Mrs Divers
The beauty of this cottage and its location is that it is far away from the madding crowd. We walked miles and miles and feel it was one of the most relaxing holidays we've enjoyed in a long while. Both pubs in the village are quaint and we enjoyed them both. We definitely intend to return!
Mr Francis
Smugglers cottage is well placed, to explore Devon, it is very light, and really cozy if you have bad weather, Walks from your door step in all direction, and pubs you can walk to, and only 1.5 mils to the beach and coastal paths, We will be returning for a 4th Time
Mr Salisbury
Lovely location and fantastic views across the valley
Mr Quayle
A lovely peaceful cottage located in a nice valley, the kitchen is quite small and for a party of 6 it would be hard to cook in it. One or two quirks but generally a superb cottage and I would go again !
Mrs Smith
Beautiful location and views but totally unsuitable for 6 people unless you wish to eat out all of the time.
Mrs Russell
Beautiful cottage in a lovely location, owners very friendly and welcoming.
Mr Pitcher
Branscombe is our favourite place in the UK and we return regularly. Smugglers Cottage is the best property we have stayed at in Branscombe.
Mr Francis
Great owners, lovely people
Mrs Heyes
Beautifully furnished cottage with fantastic views.
Mrs Killeavy
Just returned from a lovely relaxing week at Smugglers Cottage with my husband, son and his girlfriend and our little geriatric dog Fin! We were made to feel very welcome by Ross the owner and Fin enjoyed meeting the two girly deerhounds. There are lovely views from the cottage which had every home comfort and the village of Branscombe was a delight to explore especially the two pubs, The Masons Arms and The Fountain Head where we spent an evening listening to live Irish music. There is a nice circular walk around Branscombe taking in quite a bit of local history and you can access neighbouring villages via the coastal path. We would definitely recommend a stay at Smugglers Cottage to our pals. Thanks again Ross.
Mr Mosley
A beautiful country cottage down narrow lanes with all you could wish for in comfort, warmth and cleanliness.
Mr Peace
We had a lovely holiday in Smuggler' s Cottage. Luckily we were just 3 adults so we had enough room but there is no way 6 adults would fit in the communal areas. Any chefs should be aware that the kitchen area is very tiny so dreams of preparing gourmet meals should be curtailed. Having said that, we found plenty of fresh fish locally and managed very well. The beds are very comfy and the welcome goodies left by the owners a nice touch.
Mrs Lenoire-Payne
Smuggler's cottage is in a beautiful location and has a very welcoming owner, Ross. It was the perfect out of season holiday in this for us unknown part of Devon.
Mrs Carter
Too small for 6 adults!!
Mrs Bunce
Lovely charming cottage in a quiet and peaceful location. Received such a warm and friendly welcome on arrival and enjoyed a lovely relaxing weekend.
Mr Francis
Smugglers cottage, is the best cottage we have stayed at, Cosy, relaxing, lovely views, Idyllic location, lovely walks from the front door. The main 1st Floor bedroom with the Juliet Balcony, was so peaceful , We could not fault it, it was hard to leave it, Can't wait to return
Mr Hatch
Absolutely delightful stay at smugglers cottage.Beautiful setting and the Owner Ross ,his lovely family and their doggies made us and our dog max feel very welcome.The horses were particularly happy with our offering of carrots and we loved seeing them every day.Would definitely recommend ,it's a peaceful retreat from the hectic day to day life and we would all love to return for another holiday.Thanks to all
Mr Daly
Stayed here with my family for a short break in late Spring 2016. Wonderfully peaceful location with almost no noise apart from birdsong and the occasional farm vehicle/horse. It's properly dark at night too. The cottage has been very nicely converted from a barn (or similar) and so has lovely thick walls, stone flag floor and deep windows, some with great views over the peaceful valley. The kitchen area is smart and well equipped, but quite compact. Bedrooms are clean, comfortable and quiet. Bathrooms are sleek and stylish. If the weather is good there's an outside seating/eating area that looks over the valley and catches the sun for most of the day and evening (there's also a BBQ on it). If the weather isn't so good there's free WiFi/TV etc... If you don't want to take the car, the village of Branscombe is a 10-15 minute walk down the lanes (no pavement and quite narrow, so not ideal for pushchairs) and the beach is a further 15 minute walk along a gentle footpath that follows the stream. Overall, a superb location if you like peace, quiet, nature, access to a great beach (with excellent cafe) and generally getting away from it all. Also worth mentioning that the owner was really friendly and helpful too.
Miss Bunt
Fantastic location. Wonderful views. You can't help but relax and unwind.
Mrs Burley
Wonderful location quiet and peaceful and in easy reach of other locations
Mr Nichols
If you are looking for a tranquil spot, quiet, private and with great views, then Smugglers Cottage is highly recommended. Branscombe is an interesting base, and the Masons Arms, has to be one of the best places to relax and enjoy great food and local beers. If you take your Dog, again, smugglers cottage couldn't be better, great and safe walks as soon as you step out of the door..............
Mrs Burton
Because this cottage is advertising itself to be filled with 6+ people I have rated this 2 stars. If it was for 2 adults I would rate it higher.