Natsley Farm

Getting everyone together is much easier when there’s room for all of you, including the dog. Natsley Farm is a six-bedroom farmhouse in a peaceful, remote valley within Exmoor National Park, about eight miles from the market town of South Molton in North Devon. Sleeping up to 12, it’s surrounded by 200 acres of organic farmland, with panoramic views over the Exmoor countryside.

This is a historic building that’s been sympathetically renovated by local craftspeople, using traditional materials and techniques. The heart of the house is a huge open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, with an Aga, an inglenook fireplace with a log burner, and a table that seats all 12 of you. There’s a second large living area with a full-size American pool table, four double bedrooms, two twins, and three bathrooms plus a downstairs WC.

Outside, the fun really starts. There’s a large swimming pool heated to 30 degrees, a hot tub, and a BBQ and seating area for long evenings. Guests can also use two mountain bikes, and a beach hut at Saunton Sands that comes with surfboards and boogie boards. There’s even a yoga studio, available at an additional cost, which is perfect for retreat weekends.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome by arrangement, so have a chat with the owners before you book. Natsley Farm is home to a pedigree herd of Ruby Red beef cattle and Exmoor sheep, so please look after your dog near the livestock.

Many of Exmoor’s footpaths and bridleways can be reached right from the farm, and the Two Moors Way and Tarka Trail are close by if you fancy going further. The North Devon coast is an easy day out too, with Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe to explore, and South Molton’s shops, tea rooms and pannier market are on hand for a gentler afternoon.