Lower Merripit Cottage in the heart of Dartmoor

Lower Merripit Cottage is a very special place, situated on an ancient family hill farm and place of wild sanctuary in the middle of Dartmoor. It is both spacious and cosy, with a large secluded garden that backs onto an organic wild flower meadow. Located at the end of a private lane with beautiful views over a wide valley with woodland, peat bogs and streams, and direct access to the open moor. The cottage is perfect for those seeking days surrounded by nature and evenings beside the fire. The space Lower Merripit Cottage is a 16th century farm cottage with many unique features including granite fireplaces, traditional bread oven, oak beams and two cosy sitting rooms, each with a wood stove. It was built primarily from Dartmoor granite and was extended in the 1980's from its original 2-up, 2-down layout into what were once barns, so that it now offers very spacious accommodation, including a long upper corridor running the length of the building with large windows overlooking the beautiful views. The four bedrooms are all double in size, simply furnished, with quality cotton sheets and luxury down duvets. The cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, full laundry facilities and two large secluded garden areas. It is fitted with solar-connected central heating which is run partly from battery storage, partly from mains electricity. There is ample parking directly outside the cottage and additional spaces in the lane if needed. The cottage is located on the high moors, in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park with amenities (food shops, pubs, eating places) within 15 minutes drive, plus many local activities including horse riding, canoeing, climbing and some of the best walking in the country. Walks can be made in all directions from the cottage without having to use a car. Guest access Guests have exclusive use of the entire cottage and a large private garden area to the rear of the building. A quiet public bridleway passes along the lane in front of the cottage and through the farmyard, giving access to the open moor - the bridle path may also be accessed directly from the cottage back garden. There is a gated area in front of the cottage with room to park 3-4 cars with additional parking available on the right side of the lane immediately before reaching the cottage. There is a small gate from the garden that leads into a small meadow-side pine grove where guests may also sit. The rest of Lower Merripit Farm remains private to the family. Please note that the cottage is offered as a holiday venue to groups of friends, families or like-minded folk, but not for fee-charging retreats or publicly advertised workshops. Other things to note Lower Merripit Farm is one of the oldest dwellings on Dartmoor, established as one of seventeen ancient tenements in the 13th century and estimated to be at least 1000 years old. The cottage was originally built in the 16th century as part of the ancient farm settlement, to house family and farm workers. Our family came to the farm 30 years ago and since then the cottage has been a place of restful enjoyment, wild sanctuary and creative exploration for family, friends and thousands of people from all around the world. As well as being a wonderful holiday location, many retreats, music events, workshop experiences, walking trips and other gatherings have been held here. Lower Merripit Cottage is run and cared for by the Cottage Collective, whose vision is to maintain, nurture and share this place of wild sanctuary for the benefit of the nature that dwells on this land, and for the enjoyment and nourishment of those who come to stay. We run a small organic hill farm with particular attention to nature conservation and protection of biodiversity. The cottage uses an environmentally-sustainable reed bed sewage system - we supply guests with a full range of biodegradable laundry and cleaning products free of charge and ask guests not to use products that are not eco-friendly. All the water in the cottage is sourced from a spring-fed well, offering some of the sweetest water in the country; the water is filtered, and tested annually. As well as mains power, the cottage is fitted with solar panels and a battery system to supply and store plentiful renewable electricity. We invite guests to help us by appreciating the ethos and policies of this farm around caring for the land and wildlife. Please note that there is wifi available throughout the cottage; there is no mobile signal here but it may be found when walking up the lane. All duvets and pillows contain high quality down & feather but we have some replacement non-feather duvets and pillows available - please let us know in advance if you require this bedding option. We provide shared hand towels and individual bathroom towels.