Eco chic holidays at organic working farm in Devon

Middle Coombe, an idyllic Devon hallhouse, might date back to the 16th century but it boasts the eco chic expected of today’s ‘green’ cottage.

Sleeping sixteen, the beautiful Grade II* listed thatched and detached holiday home near Huntsham lies in a 200 acre organic working farm while solar panels supply energy to heat the outdoor pool and power for the house.

Guests can explore the farm on foot walking along the extensive footpaths, or pedal one of four mountain bikes available for hire from the owners. They will come across herds of Red Devon and Aberdeen Angus cattle, vegetable plots, mixed woodlands, rare plants and orchards newly planted with varieties of old Devon cider apples; they might also meet red or roe deer, a badger or other visiting wildlife.

Seasonable home-grown organic vegetables and meat-boxes are available for purchase from the owners; there is spring water to drink and a variety of recycling bins for holidaymakers’ use.

Middle Combe also has a civil wedding licence and offers Green Weddings when the bridal couple and guests are encouraged to arrive by train; collection can be arranged from Tiverton station which is just five miles away; caterers serve local produce and everything possible is recycled after the event. A renovated thatched cider barn is available for the reception.

There are livery stables for guests wishing to bring their own horse; an old barn doubles as a games room equipped with table tennis, table soccer, darts and a half-size pool table while to the front there’s an enclosed front lawn for children to play. And at the back a cobbled yard with a barbecue and furniture for dining al fresco with gardens and the pool beyond.

Inside the farmhouse kitchen/dining room has 17th century oak panels and an oil-fired Aga plus modern-day appliances; the beautiful sitting room has a big open fireplace while accommodation in the main house is in seven bedrooms, four bathrooms plus an additional bedroom and shower room in a nearby ground floor annexe suitable for the partially disabled.

Middle Coombe Farm can be booked through Helpfulholidays.com, search for ref J9. Prices start from £1,020 for a week’s stay (just £63.75 per person). Pets welcome in parts of the house.