7
4 Rooms
3 (all year)
Yes
Yes
Yes
2 Dogs
4
Stairs
Memory House sits right on Woolacombe’s Esplanade in an enviable spot where you’re literally a few steps from three miles of award-winning beach. This elegant Victorian house was once owned by Lady Chichester and named after her beloved dog – there’s proper history here. The house has been completely renovated and the owners have done something really special with it, keeping all the period charm whilst creating luxurious contemporary spaces. Four bedrooms sleep seven (with an extra one on the pull-out bed), each with its own bathroom, and the whole place has been furnished to an exceptional standard. Walk in, and you immediately know you’ve arrived somewhere wonderful.
Woolacombe is on North Devon’s coast on a stretch of beach that keeps winning awards for good reason. The sand is golden, the water's clean (the Blue Flag award is testimony), and three miles gives you space even in the height of summer holidays. You're right in the middle of it all here on the Esplanade – The Boardwalk restaurant is along the front with its views across the beach, Bar Electric does everything from coffee to cocktails, and there are enough cafés, bars, and fish and chip shops to keep you going. The Jubilee Inn (known by locals as The Jube) sits on South Street with local ales and decent food, while Meraki Coffee Co., a bit further back, does proper coffee if you're that way inclined. The village itself has kept that laid-back surf town feel without being stuck in the past. Woolacombe Beach is genuinely brilliant for surfing – North Devon was designated the UK's first World Surfing Reserve in 2022 – with surf schools all along the sand if you're learning. When it’s calm, you can try paddleboarding or sea kayaking instead. Walk north along the front, and you hit Barricane Beach, a tiny cove that’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest because Caribbean shells wash up there (genuinely). The café does Sri Lankan curry on summer evenings when the weather’s right, and locals gather with firepits watching the sunset.
Walk from Memory House straight onto the South West Coast Path in either direction. Head north towards Morte Point and you’re scrambling up a dramatic headland with views that stretch forever – on a clear day you can see across to Lundy Island where puffins nest. The village of Mortehoe sits up on the hill with the Chichester Arms and a heritage centre in an old cart shed telling stories of shipwrecks and smugglers. Bull Point Lighthouse is about a mile from Mortehoe and you can see it from the coastal path. South takes you past Putsborough towards Baggy Point at Croyde, another surf spot with a different vibe. Woolacombe Down behind the village is National Trust land where Exmoor ponies graze and you might spot peregrines if you bring binoculars. Borough Farm runs sheepdog displays if you’ve got kids, and there’s horse riding on the beach at Woolacombe Riding Stables. Ilfracombe is up the coast with its Victorian harbour, Damien Hirst’s Verity statue (you’ll either love it or think it’s ridiculous), and the Tunnels Beaches – Victorian tidal pools cut through rock. Combe Martin has the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, whilst Arlington Court inland is a National Trust house with a famous carriage collection. Croyde and Saunton Sands both have their own beaches and surf culture. This holiday cottage in Woolacombe puts you right on one of Britain’s best beaches, with coastal walks, surf culture, and proper seaside living all from your front door.
Owner details:
Amanda Tassell (Bkgs Officer) joined Independent Cottages in January 2025
Accommodation Comprises: Luxurious and spacious self-catering accommodation in Woolacombe for 7 guests in four bedrooms with incredible ocean views.
Ground Floor
First Floor
Second Floor
Outside
Wraparound terrace with a private hot tub for six, an outdoor shower (brilliant for sandy feet and wetsuits), a BBQ, and outdoor furniture. Landscaped gardens make the most of the position. Off-road parking for two cars with a Tesla charger.
Additional Information
Central heating throughout. WiFi and Sky TV with all the channels. Bed linen and bath towels provided. For use of the pull-out bed, request linen before arrival (no extra charge). Travel cot available on request (bring your own bedding), highchair provided, dressing gowns for guests over 14 (request numbers when booking). Children’s books and toys are available. The house officially sleeps eight, but only seven guests are accepted to maintain comfort. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on request (additional charges apply). Saturday changeovers during peak season. Supermarket delivery available. Refundable security deposit of £1000. No stag or hen parties. Non-smoking property.
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