A luxury rural retreat, Barnstaple, perfect for couples and families, set in glorious North Devon

We've just got back from another wonderful week at Courtyard Cottage. The location is great, it really feels like you are in the countryside, but the town is 5 mins away. We spent several days at the sandy beaches (only 20 min car journey) that are perfect for body boarding and surfing, enjoyed sea kayaking and loved the coastal walks and views. The cottage has everything you need and to a high spec, making it feel luxurious. The owners are attentive, the welcome pack was delicious, and our children loved seeing their dogs and eating Smores by the firepit one evening. Overall a fantastic stay, we'd definitely go back again, there's still more to explore!

Nestled in a peaceful spot just outside Barnstaple, the cottage combines the charm of the countryside with easy access to stunning beaches, coastal villages and the rolling landscapes of North Devon. The cottage itself is finished to an exceptionally high standard - spacious, beautifully decorated and equipped with everything you could possibly need. It's clear that Mika and Mark have put a great deal of thought into every detail. The welcome pack was such a thoughtful touch too - freshly baked scones, clotted cream, local jam, Devon cider, ginger beer, fudge and more. It was such a lovely way to begin our stay and really set the tone for the week. We felt truly spoilt and looked after! Mika and Mark were fantastic hosts - warm, helpful and always on hand if needed. They went above and beyond to make our stay special, kindly lending us their body boards for beach days and even taking our daughters blackberry picking, which they absolutely loved. It was those thoughtful, personal touches that also made the experience stand out. We came for a relaxing countryside and coastal escape, and Courtyard Cottage delivered on every front. We’re already planning our return!

Our ideal cottage which is why we have visited every year for the past 5 years. It looks like new and is kept spotlessly clean and so well equipped that we've subsequently bought stuff that we've seen or used in the cottage for our own home. The location if perfect as it's 1/2 way up the side of the valley with Barnstaple Hospital just below and the town just below that. 5 minutes in the car and you can be parked in the centre on town and yet all you hear at the cottage is the wind in the trees and the birds. Perfect peace. The owners are on site but the layout means that you very rarely see them - unless you go and knock on their front door - great if there are any problems or you want advice about where to visit in the area. 3 patios of which one is always in the shade and 1 in the sun. We will be booking to go back there next year as there's still lots of things we want to do/see in the area.

Our needs for this property wasn't for a holiday unfortunately, however mika and Mark were extremely kind helpful and very accommodating for our situation. The views from the property are great and there are multiple areas for seating to have a drink and something to eat. The accommodation is only a short drive from various towns and seasides. The property is highly recommended its comfortable warm and very well equipped the underfloor heating is great and the log fire a bonus. I'll be back again for a visit under different circumstances without a doubt. Thankyou mika and Mark.

Courtyard Cottage is a beautiful place to stay. The cottage has been lovingly renovated and decorated and is incredibly comfortable in beautiful surroundings. The owners are very welcoming and accommodating. A lovely welcome pack is left for you. Everything about this stay has been well thought through - a beautiful home from home.

Our first visit to Courtyard Cottage. We were met by our host Mark & Mika who extended to us the warmest and friendliest “meet and greet” every experienced arriving at a holiday cottage. Though only about 10 minutes from Barnstable, Courtyard Cottage offers a secluded and peaceful location with fantastic views over Barnstable. The cottage is extremely well equipped to a very high standard, from the comfy beds, very good quality towels and linen, beautiful ensuite shower rooms and comfortable lounge furniture. The cottage was extremely well presented and immaculately clean. During our late winter break we always found the cottage to be warm and the addition of a log burning stove provided additional heat along with a warm and comforting ambience. From the welcome pack to the installed high end electrical appliances, everything was faultless. It is very obvious that a great deal of attention and detail had been given to ensure that the cottage provides all that is required for what can only be described as a luxury cottage experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday at the Courtyard Cottage, the best cottage we have stayed in, and would not hesitate in recommending or returning.

Just spent 2 weeks at this lovely cottage. This was our 4th visit so probably not a surprise that we rate it very highly. Decor and fittings are stylish & top quality. Everything has been thought of and provided. Comfortable, warm and spotlessly clean inside - nicely integrated into the surrounding buildings and grounds. Owners are on site if any problems but due to the way the buildings are laid out the cottage gives you lots of privacy. Peace & quiet is what you get as the cottage is quite a long way up the side of the valley with Barnstaple below and nothing but trees above. Great views across the valley and the adjacent garage roof also serves as 1 of the 3 patios and is the best sun trap late afternoon/early evening (especially with a G & T in hand). Barnstaple is a great base for visiting North Devon and the Atlantic Coast of Cornwall and is an interesting place to visit itself with lots of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Nearby Instow is a must for it's long sandy beach and glorious views across to Appledore.

Courtyard Cottage has everything one would need. It is equipped to a very high standard and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. The hosts, Mika and Mark, are very helpful and go out of their way to provide any extra information that you should need. We would definitely stay there again if we are in the area. Overall excellent and definitely recommended.

We spent a delightful week in this stunning property, which has been so beautifully designed and furnished to an incredibly high standard. The owners live on site and were keen to check we had everything we needed as well as providing some helpful local advice. We had good communication with them from the moment our cottage was booked. Self catering cottages are our regular choice of UK holidays and this has to be in our top 3 places. Gorgeous inside and out with attention to detail everywhere. There is nothing we could even suggest that could have been changed or added. The location is ideal for wonderful coast, gardens and National trust properties. Our idea of heaven. Thank you Mika and Mark for having us.

We stayed for a week in this lovely cottage. The kitchen was amazing and had everything you could possibly need. It was light and airy and spotlessly clean. It was very centrally placed for visiting all North Devon has to offer without travelling too far. The owners live next door and were very welcoming, kind and helpful, especially with suggestions of places to visit and eat. We would love to stay again one day.