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Just above the tidal waters of the Tamar, nestled amongst the trees on the south facing bank, lies the Count House. Seeped in history of the area, it has had many uses. Now it exudes calm and cosiness. The kitchen has bifold doors onto a terrace with spectacular views up and downstream. Nearer at hand two donkeys, Arabella and Willow, help to keep the old orchard trimmed. Between the apple trees rare jonquils thrive and flower in early spring. A Rayburn keeps you warm and slowly cooks your meals and heats the water and radiators. The sitting room has a wood burning stove and pictures and books from another age. Surprisingly there is good wifi and mobile coverage. The bedroom has a super king bed with a pocket sprung mattress and that view to greet you in the morning. Next door is a bathroom with a double ended bath. If you can tear yourself away there are plenty of good walks from the doorstep. Venture down the steep steps to the jetty to swim at high tide or explore the upper reaches of the Tamar by canoe or rowing boat.
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South Hooe Mine is a great place to stay. The owner makes you feel very welcome there. Great views and very peaceful we went for 2 weeks and going again. When you are staying there you feel like you are at home. Lovely people we would not stay any where else when going to Bere Alston
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Date of stay: August 2013
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We absolutely loved our time in this gorgeous cottage and are missing it already, with its peaceful and beautiful location and the comfort of the place it’s a perfect retreat. The cottage was so nice, and the owner Trish is so lovely, leaving us some homemade marmalade (so tasty!) and some salad leaves that she had grown in her garden and some milk, sugar tea and coffee in the kitchen as well as herbs and spices and from time to time she also offered us some of whatever she had just grown/picked, so sweet, and even offered to teach me how to make Elderflower Cordial which we did and I now proudly have 3 bottles of the homemade cordial at home. The cottage also had a little herb garden on the patio which we could use which was such a nice touch. She has 2 gorgeous donkeys, a soppy dog who is so adorable and friendly and 2 chickens who all seemed to take to us pretty quickly and we really loved them. The donkeys were a little hesitant at first but after the first day they sussed us out as animal lovers and then quite happily came up to us for cuddles. Surprisingly they love tea and are quite posh as they prefer earl grey!!
The view and surrounding area over the forest and lake is really stunning, we enjoyed walking through the forest and back across the beach when the tide was out (although it can be a little slippery on the seaweed and boggy on the sand so longer walks may not be for those with mobility or balance problems). The cottage decor is perfect, it’s so cosy and comfortable, with books (modern and antique) everywhere as well as magazines, CDs and DVDs. I loved cooking on the Rayburn when Trish had explained how to use it, and even used it to boil water the most of the time with the old fashioned kettle that whistled when ready. It does take longer than a conventional oven but I agree with Trish when she said to us at the beginning of our stay that the food somehow tastes better, maybe it’s that extra time that makes all the flavours come out more or infuse better. The only thing we didn’t manage to master on the Rayburn was boiled eggs, as the yolk was always set and when we tried to make soft eggs the yolk was still set but the white was only half set, so we went back to the conventional hob just for these. The sitting room was great, much larger than we were expecting and the fireplace was fantastic. Although the days were much hotter than we expected, the evenings were also cooler than we thought they would be so we did end up using the fireplace and enjoyed playing scrabble by the fireside. The bed was so comfortable, I had the best nights sleeps in this cottage, there is also good storage space. I also loved the roll top bath in the bathroom.
It can be a little tricky on the local roads which are often narrow, bumpy and occasionally steep. I think that a car is needed here, all the better if you have a 4x4. We had a little car trouble and found excellent and friendly mechanics in the unfortunately named village of Crapstone which we were passing through by chance on the way out to do some sightseeing, who very kindly and on short notice secured our window (mechanism had broken) so that it would be safe in the torrential rain due that night and also for our continuing journey.
We had such a fantastic and relaxing stay, this is such a peaceful and comfortable retreat. We would definitely return and are looking forward to a time we can plan a return trip.
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Date of stay: June 2015
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The term rustic splendour might have been coined for the Count House cottage. If you want to roll, reluctantly, from an enveloping bed, to be welcomed into the day by the open arms of the cormorants, and brought news from upriver by the morning squadron of geese, before breakfasting under the watchful eye of an inquisitive but respectful border collie, this is the place for you. Bere Alston itself isn't exactly a postcard village, but its central position is within a reasonable drive of both north and south coasts. We were in Rame one day, Tintagel the next. Contrary to reports from the Outer Limits elsewhere on this thread Mrs Dugmore is a very agreeable hostess, who showed us considerable kindness, at some inconvenience to herself, when we had to change booking arrangements at short notice.
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Date of stay: September 2014
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gorgeous views over the River Tamar estuary; beautiful antiques and homely donkeys.
However, spooky as can be with a heavy presence and possibly Pagan Rune evidence to ward against.
Unprotected sheer drop in close proximity to the building which poses unavoidable danger to children and family pets.
Plus a rude and bad tempered owner who strongly objected to us having outside lights on overnight and the warmth of a radiator during the day - in the midst of winter during unprecedented stormy weather.
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Date of stay: December 2013
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After a very long, wet and scary drive on the motorway I was relieved to turn off onto beautiful winding Devon roads, the sort where you hope not to meet a car coming the other way...rural beauty, with sparrows suddenly fleeing the tall hedgerows at each corner. Following the careful directions I had been given, I hesitated to check the route at a crossroads, whereupon I heard a cheery "Are you Janie?" coming from a car going past. It was like the start of a film. I duly followed, glad to be shepherded through the last few winding roads where grass grows along the middle, and eventually we turned into South Hooe Mine. The setting is absolutely stunning, and took my breath away; just what I had hoped for. I was not disappointed!
A long drive led to a large house nestled in a wooded hillside, overlooking the beautiful Tamar River, with views of the water from every window. The quiet was broken by calling birds and the odd chug-a-chug of passing boats.
My stay was, courtesy of Trish, quite remarkable. Gracious and amiable, she treated me like an old friend, and I found myself cocooned in a warm and nurturing environment that was hard to leave. With Trish being a great cook and a wonderful host, I had to keep reminding myself that I was in a B&B and not visiting a friend I hadn't seen for years. There are delightful corners to sit all over the place, a jetty to launch the canoe from, a swing chair to doze in, a platform to meditate on....but even if you have your tea indoors in the kitchen you can still see the endless stretch of calm water from your chair, smoothing out the spiky edges of stress and a busy working life. I don't really want to tell to many people about it - as is the way with wonderful finds like this - but if you are looking for a peaceful slice of tranquility and kindness head this way. The self-catering cottage is separate from the house, perfect for a romantic break, complete with two friendly donkeys gazing the lawn! Perfect as a writer’s get-away. The cottage is available for long term rental through winter. Everything in both the house and cottage is in the best taste, not quite faded grandeur, not slick and modern but homely (in the English sense!) with fresh flowers in the rooms and bathrooms for every guest ...I will definitely be back.
PS Please ignore the strange review about it being spooky and foreboding...and as for rude, I just cannot imagine how anyone could have experienced that here.
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Date of stay: August 2014
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So full of idyllic charm, the most perfect setting in the world. Service was faultless. We are totally refreshed and ready for anything. We'll definitely be back and would thoroughly recommend to anyone.
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Date of stay: April 2014
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you want to get-away-from-it-all, look no further. Bird song and rustling leaves are the only thing that disturbs the surrounding peace and quiet. And the birds are such fun entertainment too! So yes, I've enjoyed another delightful stay in the Count House. It's such a cosy warm charming nook. And with the mild Devon weather here, it does offer the best of times for this (winter) season. It's lush green valley is very picturesque, and once again most of my days were bright and sunny and perfect to go walking (I choose a couple of new routes which were enjoyable adventures). The local pub was also on my way back to enjoy a half in, and the food looked very tempting too (I've dietary restrictions so have to be very careful with all my food). It's location is off the beaten track but Nick was the perfect welcoming party and chauffeur in collecting and returning me to the local station (approx 5 minutes by car), which is a godsend in knowing that I didn't have to worry about this logistical part of the journey. And of course the well equipped and comfy cottage was sparkling clean and fresh on my arrival. There's also a log fire, but still haven't got round to trying this out, so shall go back and make this a top priority on my next visit! So many thanks again Nick, Greg & Jess 😊
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This beautiful cottage is located in the middle of the Devon countryside overlooking an estuary. It was extremely peaceful and on clear nights, the sky was filled with stars. The cottage came with a Rayburn cooker as well as an extremely deep freestanding bath and a utility room with all the amenities.
The area teamed with wildlife...not just the owner's donkeys and border collie...but hares, squirrels etc.
Plymouth is only 45mins away while the nearest town, Bere Alston, has a small Coop with a Morrison's supermarket further down the road in Tavistock. The cottage itself was ideally placed for long walks towards Bere Ferrers and the train service (and cracking town pub) it provides.
The owner, Trish, was extremely helpful and personable and left us to it. She offered the use of her quay and canoes as well, although I would recommend keeping an eye on the tides in the estuary because it can change quickly.
We would definitely recommend this cottage.
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Date of stay: September 2015
Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am currently sitting in the idyllic cottage looking out at the water and feeling very blessed that we found this tranquil spot. Trish is so welcoming and the cottage is a home from home for our week stay. Our little puppy (6 months old) is having the best time investigating the gardens under the watchful eye of Trish's beautiful collie. I would recommend this place highly, for the walks, the peace, the warm welcome and the views. We slept so soundly each night. We have had many great walks on the moor followed by some great pub grub. The perfect holiday!
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Date of stay: April 2015
Value
Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you are looking to recharge your batteries, get away from it all and turn off the noise of everyday life, then this is the place for you. Surrounded by nature, you can just stop the clock and watch Autumn roll in. Having been seasoned campers up until this point, this cosy little cottage was heaven. With its warming Rayburn and the choice of a log fire, we could have easily hibernated for the winter. The lovely lady who owns this property, is a delight, welcoming us with vegetables and herbs from the garden and preparing the rooms with fresh flowers. Her friendly collie 'Rags', likes to visit and we took great joy in going down to the waters edge to throw sticks. If you get the chance, park your car at Calstock and walk into Cotehele, where you can either visit the National Trust property or just wander through the woods and down to the Quay. I would also highly recommend a good set of binoculars, as we spent hours just looking out over the water, watching the tide ebb and flow. This little hideaway is a gem and we can't wait to return.
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Date of stay: October 2014
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Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandDevonBere Alston
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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