Guests say
Stoneleigh is a spacious and well-located property with comfortable beds and ample social spaces, ideal for large gatherings. The property's character and the inclusion of annexes are appreciated, and the pool table is a popular feature. The garden is well-tended, and the property offers memorable experiences for family and friends.
The property is generally described as clean and tidy, with new soft furnishings and kitchen equipment noted. However, some guests mentioned finding burnt food in the Aga and unclean patio areas, slightly affecting the overall impression of cleanliness.
The property is centrally located in a lovely area, with easy access to Bideford, Appledore, and Westward Ho. Guests enjoyed the local walks and proximity to beaches, making it an ideal spot for exploring the region.
Guests found the beds very comfortable and appreciated the good quality bedding and towels. The separate sitting rooms and dining areas were well-received for comfort and convenience. However, some guests noted issues with heating and hot water, which detracted slightly from the overall comfort.
While the property boasts a pool table and ample dining facilities, guests reported several maintenance issues such as faulty toilets, showers, and kitchen appliances. The need for better-equipped kitchens and more attention to maintenance was a recurring theme.
There is insufficient information to assess thoughtfulness as there are no mentions of gifts or special touches provided by the hosts. Therefore, this score cannot be determined from the available reviews.
About this property
Situated in Northam, one of North Devon’s most popular small towns is Stoneleigh, an impressive and unique period house dating back to 1881 and home to Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templar, head of the British army in the second world war during the 1940s and 50s. Comfortable and well loved, this striking house designed by the prominent Victorian architect William Bryden, sits at the end of its own private, gated, sweeping driveway and features ornate brickwork, original sash windows and a well-manicured wrap around garden. Enter through a sunny glazed porch to a grand front hall with restored tessellate floor tiles. From here make your way to the formal sitting room or to the peaceful drawing room, ideal for curling up with a good book. Overlooking the rear garden is the striking former library, now a smart dining area - perfect for dinner parties or that special occasion. The sitting room has an ornate ceiling a sky TV and a wood burner. The kitchen is well equipped - there's everything you'll need here to cater for your group, including a 5-door Aga and pantry, and for something a bit special professional catering can be arranged. After dinner why not retire to either the traditional games room for a round of pool or for something a little more current, to the gaming room where you’ll find an X Box games console with two controllers and a comfy sofa. A sweeping staircase leads to the first floor and six bedrooms all with big sash windows and views over the gardens; the master with handsome four poster bed and en-suite bathroom, a double room with en-suite and a twin with an en-suite shower room, two further twin room and a single room all sharing a large family bathroom.
In the rear courtyard a stone’s throw from the main house is Cider Cottage, a self-contained suite with a super king size bed and its own small kitchenette with fridge, cloakroom with WC and door to little sitting out area. Finally, a two-bedroom coach house in the grounds offers the opportunity to be a part of the group whilst retaining a little privacy and comprises a sitting area with wood burning stove, a basic kitchen/diner, two bedrooms, one with twin beds, one with a king size double bed and a family bathroom.
Outside is a large garden with a lawn, pond and decking with table and chairs. Ideal for exploring the area, nearby is the sandy beach of Westward Ho with 3 miles of golden sand, or the historic port and market town of Bideford which sits on the banks of the River Torridge offers a host of amenities including shops, cafes and restaurants. Further afield, the rugged North Devon coastline and south west coastal path, is a must for the walkers in the group. A unique and remarkable home from home, Stoneleigh is ideal for large gatherings of friends or family.
Bideford is a maritime town on the River Torridge in North Devon. Today, Bideford has a selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, a park and the Atlantic Village Outlet Shopping Centre located on the outskirts of the town. Bideford is in a fantastic location to explore the surrounding area. It is just a few miles from Westward Ho!, which is dominated by two miles of coastline. Northam Burrows Country Park, lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to England's oldest golf course. The South West Coastal Path and the famous traffic-free Tarka Trail are close by, providing walking and cycling opportunities.
Accommodation
Central heating with woodburning stove.
Microwave, 2 x fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, 4 x Smart TV, Xbox One games console, WiFi, Gas and Electric included in rent.
Nine bedrooms in total:.
Stoneleigh -.
1 x superking-size double with four poster bed and en suite bathroom, 1 x super king size double with en suite bathroom, 1 x twin with en-suite shower room, 2 x twin plus 1 x single room.
Family bathroom with bath, separate cubicle, WC and basin.
Sitting room with an ornate ceiling, wood burner and a TV with Sky TV.
Drawing room with TV.
Dining room with door to decking.
Kitchen with 5-door Aga and pantry.
Games room, gaming room.
Ground floor washroom with WC and basin.
The Coach House -.
1 x kingsize double with shower, 1 x twin with basin.
Sitting room with woodburning stove, kitchen with breakfast table.
Bathroom with shower, WC and basin.
Ground floor WC.
Cider Cottage -.
1 x super king-size double with small kitchenette, WC and basin.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available on request.
Ample off road parking.
4 Well-behaved dogs welcome (£20 per pet) More by individual arrangement.
Sorry no smoking.
Note: Check in time 5pm.
Note: There is a pond in the garden, children should be supervised
Nearby points of interest
- Saunton Sands
- Putsborough Beach
- Woolacombe Beach
- Clovelly Village
Reviews (21)
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Stephen
The pool table was a real hit, the two large living rooms well equipped and the good sized lawn a great addition. However, we all thought some attention to detail would raise it to a 5 star. We have put some of these in the visitors book, and see others have made similar comments but they donât seem to have been acted upon. There was no shower in the smaller of the 2 cottages which seems bizarre as there was so much space. A light that comes on with movement outside that cottage would be good as there are uneven flagstones. A door mat there would also be useful. Steps down to the lawn are treacherous and need urgent attention. In the kitchen we think the wooden work surfaces near the sink are a bit unhygienic - also oven gloves would be useful. There was a tiny but rather disgusting bbq in the greenhouse which no one wanted to touch. Given the size of the property, and the rental charged, we think a larger one should be provided. Patio furniture wasnât clean. Back to positives, great to have the large dining table off the kitchen and the whole house provided a very memorable family holiday for 16 people over 3 generations.
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Joanna
Such a shame! However did not detract to much from our stay in this wonderful house. Perfect for big family gatherings as plenty of places to be together and be apart with lots of lovely places to visit. We had a wonderful week and are sad the property is not available next year.
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A
I will by email there were to many faults which were past on the following day after we had arrived and nothing was done to rectify items not working no phone call or email to apologise