The Anchorage is one of a handful of holiday cottages let by the owners of Putsborough Manor Farm, not to be confused with Putsborough Manor who also let out pleasant cottages in the pretty, rural and immaculate hamlet of Putsborough. The property was the home of the owners for several years and we could tell that their interesting houses are well loved and cared for. We have stayed in various fascinating, often off track, self-catering accommodation and this is certainly at the top of the quality league for the likes of cleanliness, practicality (e.g. warm outdoor shower for après swim wash down) and ensuring that what self-catering holidaymakers need is available; (an eye for detail based in part on the owners’ experiences while themselves on holiday). Wonderfully quiet as well.
The twin bedroom provides access on the first floor from one end of the house to the other, having latch doors at each side of the room. The downstairs double bedroom and bathroom can be shut off from the rest of the house for more privacy if that is needed. The bedroom at the rear is not overlooked. The upstairs en suite double bedroom/bathroom is terrific; stacks of space including the large walk in shower area at least twice as long as a standard cubicle, and you can virtually swim in the bath. An exaggeration admittedly , however it is big enough for two. Also, a spacious lounge with wrap around settee and nested side tables to get cosy in front of the TV, for a chat or play games. There is an excellent long utility room with freezer, washer and dryer plus coat hooks and additional sink off the kitchen with a small latrine room at the far end. A pleasant modern furnished dining room adjacent to the spacious well equipped kitchen caps things off.
We enjoy the outdoor life and the long mainly glass and brick porch at the rear adjoining the kitchen is great for hanging up coats (take care of the white washed walls for your clothes; it brushes off), storing wet suites (there is a drier in the garden but obviously don’t let the sun get at them for long) and other outdoor paraphernalia such as walking boots, back packs etc. A handy long bench as well. All very practical to keep outside separate from inside. The driveway easily accommodates 2 cars and could fit 4 such vehicles if needs. A steep upward incline, then flat at the top. Tight’ish off the lane. The roads in these parts are often narrow, so we had to be careful and switch off dreamy holiday mode when negotiating them. Be prepared to reverse….a lot. The garden is laid mainly to lawn and is secure for children (ours are grown up so not relevant) with its own gate, plus there are gates at the foot of the driveway and a lovely secured arched gateway leading to the front of the property.
The house is about a quarter mile from the award winning first class Putsborough beach via the owners’ clearly marked private pathway past their farm dwellings and via two of their fields. We took care to ensure the gates were shut tight since there were sheep around. Alternatively the clean vehicle park above the beach is free of charge for Anchorage dwellers…..and what a beach that park looks onto with a pleasant café and yes perhaps you’ve guessed it, all three are owned by the same family. Large photogenic rock formations as well as ‘sandy grain’ on Putsborough. Novice sea swimmers beware: the low to hide tide is massive (normal really) hiding many barnacled rocks just below the surface when on the up, and to think it’s in and out more or less twice a day. The long arching crescent of the bay including Woolacombe beach has similarities to Sennen Cove near Lands End, another haunt of ours. Plenty of rock free sand slightly further along for swimming, surfing, body boarding and the like. When we were there it was ‘low viz’ snorkelling due to the extensive sand, gently sloping beach and the pull and draw of the water. Seems safe, however this beach is not staffed by lifeguards so if you prefer that maybe try Croyde beach nearby, which also tends to have larger waves partly due to its smaller cove. No doubt the owners or their staff can advise and there is an independent surf board/wet suite hire & lessons store in the far corner of Putsborough car park. They are bound to know about the idiosyncrasies of the tides and any eddies. If sandcastles are your thing, you could build a city, there is so much space. Bring your wallet because car parking can be expensive along this section of coast if you are not prepared to walk a bit further. Cheaper car parks include at Braunton off Caen Street, Mortehoe (great walks and pubs), Croyde centre and Sandy Lane (see below).
The Anchorage has other buildings quite close to it, so views are glimpsing rather than extensive. The barns immediately to the rear are, we think, for storage; definitely not for livestock. No matter to us, we were in the country and the views that there are from each window have their own interest and charm.
It is obvious that the owners take enormous pride in their properties and the running of their business. Everything is ‘just so’. They were around if needed, however absolutely let us get on with enjoying ourselves without intruding.
Walks: maybe try Morte Point, or closer to (holiday) home the slightly gentler Baggy Point: both have wonderful views; perhaps you will respectively by chance join the Marines as they ‘train’ in the extensive dunes of Braunton Burrows. Sandy Lane car park is we think the best starting point if arriving by vehicle. Take great care if the red flags are up because live small arms firing may be taking place. Thank goodness these good folk are on our side: Very modest; very capable. It’s a pleasant walk to Saunton Sands from Sandy Lane and be careful to keep your bearings if choosing to meander through the extensive dunes. For those who prefer less ups and downs Putsborough to Woolacombe is a lovely walk for beach buffs, or perhaps try a circular walk around Croyde taking in the surf. Coastline excursions: How about Lundy Island? If tempted, pre book the ferry from Ilfracombe or Bideford (2 hours each way; 4 hours on the island)-not cheap but worth it. We recommend sitting outside for the views if good weather and you queue early enough, or if in winter and you have the money take a helicopter from Hartland); or perhaps Clovelly (both we think somewhat humanised natural rugged beauty) plus Hartland Point (slightly remote and a great majesty) and surrounds.
Pubs: all sorts including two in nearby Georgeham, and in summer perhaps pre book to be sure of a table. Ice cream: Yum at decent prices e.g. in Croyde centre you can purchase tasty scoops in cones from the ‘Old Cream Shop and Tea Garden’ and similar from other nearby outlets.
One last interesting point we think: The Anchorage has two staircases having in the 1960s been developed from a barn into attached dwellings, then more recently converted again by the present owners. This farm area has been in the family for many a year now run supremely well as a laid back, pristine outdoor holidaymaker’s dream. Back on the stairs theme, it can be novel varying the routes for us ‘one staircasers’…or was that head casers?
Summary: A marvellous home in a wonderful location. Plenty of room inside for wet days and stacks of outdoor possibilities and beauty.
All bookings are direct with the owner 