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Historic Watermill Cottage between Dartmoor and Exmoor with 4 acres of parkland

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Exterior
Living area
Living area
Private kitchen
Dining

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Crediton, England
  • University of Exeter
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Dartmoor National Park
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Exeter Cathedral
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.)
    ‪51 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Master Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Twin room

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Cloakroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Family bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic Watermill Cottage between Dartmoor and Exmoor with 4 acres of parkland

Lapford Mill Cottage overlooks the courtyard and leat serving the old watermill. The cottage has separate living and kitchen-dining areas downstairs with a W/C cloakroom, a Master bedroom with a double four-poster, family bathroom with shower-bath and twin room with two full size single beds.

The spacious modern kitchen boasts slate flagstone floor with a large oak dining table (extendable to 6+persons) overlooking the mill grounds. Kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, induction hob and cooker, microwave, kettle, Nespresso coffee machine, four-slice toaster, washing machine and large fridge-freezer.

Through the inner door to the spacious sitting room with comfy seating for four+ persons, WC cloakroom and a piano which is tuned regularly. Also has a smart Tv and internet connection with good speeds.

The cottage shares a private gated courtyard with the old watermill serving barista coffees, great local produce breakfasts (please check availability) and a licensed bar on the grain store floor during high season.

The old mill is described as one of the most intact in the area and is open to visitors at weekends during the Summer. Boasting a licensed bar serving local draft ale, larger and cider, along with a full selection of wines and spirits. The owner is also happy to open the mill privately for cottage residents and their guests who would like to see the historic machinery, host visiting friends or just to sit in the leather club chairs by the log burner and enjoy a glass or two after a long day!

The grounds of the mill comprise of a small private wheel-garden, which houses the 12-foot waterwheel, and a further 4 acres of private parkland beyond.

Across the road from the mill courtyard is a small private woodland along the Lapford Yeo river with a fire pit and our timber loft (a cabin on stilts!) for fishing, cooking, wildlife watching and relaxing. For health and safety reasons, the woodlands facilities are available by prior arrangement with the owner when available.

Lapford village has a well stocked large Spar and forecourt open to 10pm every day and an excellent dog-friendly village pub with a generous menu, all within short walking distance from Lapford Mill. There are numerous scenic walks around the area and the vast Eggesford forest offers river walks and a great place for all to explore.

Property manager

Alexander Gater
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
The property has water courses and several ponds
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Dog owners are asked to clean up after their dog
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Crediton

Located in Crediton, this cottage is in a rural area. Exeter Northcott Theatre and Royal Albert Museum and Art Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Exeter's Historic Quayside and Castle Drogo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Sandy Park Rugby Stadium or Westpoint Arena. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
Map
Crediton, England

What's nearby

  • Chulmleigh Golf Course - 11 min drive - 12.8 km
  • University of Exeter - 24 min drive - 24.6 km
  • Dartmoor National Park - 26 min drive - 25.2 km
  • Exeter's Historic Quayside - 28 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Exeter Cathedral - 29 min drive - 27.6 km

Getting around

  • Lapford Station - 7 min walk
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Waie Inn - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Old Malt Scoop Inn - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Red Lion - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Devonshire Dumpling - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Fountain Inn - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Watermill Cottage between Dartmoor and Exmoor with 4 acres of parkland pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Historic Watermill Cottage between Dartmoor and Exmoor with 4 acres of parkland?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Watermill Cottage between Dartmoor and Exmoor with 4 acres of parkland?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic Watermill Cottage between Dartmoor and Exmoor with 4 acres of parkland located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 20 miles (32 km) of University of Exeter, Dartmoor National Park and Exeter Northcott Theatre. Royal Albert Museum and Art Gallery and Exeter Phoenix Centre are also within 20 miles (32 km). Lapford Station is 7 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 102 out of 124 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 124 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 124 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 124 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 124 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Katarzyna W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay

Alex is an excellent host. The cottage is cosy, comfortable and clean, grounds surrounding the Mill are beautiful. We had great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracey W., Wales, England

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful property

We had a lovely stay here for my husbands birthday. The property was wonderful and the host Alix was so very friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Watermill Cottage

Hwe enjoyed this lovely cottage. It had all we needed and location gave choices for walks around the area. We especially liked sitting outside on the patio with a drink at the end of the day.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our holiday in Devon

Beautiful historic location & ideal base for exploring Devon. The property was clean, spacious, & comfortable. We found the property ideal for our relaxing break with our dog & we especially enjoyed the large peaceful garden grounds. We found some good woodland walks nearby & also enjoyed days out visiting the many excellent National Trust run locations nearby.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judith E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous place

Alex is a fantastic host. So helpful and friendly. The property is lovely and cosy and has extensive grounds to wander - the dog loved it. Breakfasts and Thursday music night at the adjacent mill are great - fab food and drink. We really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carole W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2 night stopover on the way to Cornwall

Lovely place, house quaint and cosy ideal for us. The gardens were great for our dog and the bonus of the cafe next door for bacon butties and cream tea was fab! Didn’t go into the village but seemed nice. Ate at pub in Crediton at night lovely little place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Andrew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

September 22

Lovely location and beautiful old mill. Alex was a gracious host and made good suggestions on where to visit. The local pub serves great food
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margaret W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short stay in old cottage with lovely grounds.

We enjoyed our short stay. The property is full of character. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. In better weather the grounds would give add an extra dimension to. the cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sue L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage With Beautiful Garden

Really enjoyed our stay at Lapford Mill. Alex was a really great host, always friendly and helpful. The cottage is in a superb setting, with a huge garden and many different places to sit. Cafe and music night at the mill on Thursday and Friday a nice chance to chat and meet with Alex and community.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

clevis j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Break Short.

The host Alex was very helpful from greeting us until we left the property was exactly as advertised and very clean.perfect for a visit to the area. Would recommend to anyone.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Country Cottage

We stayed a week in Lapford Mill Cottage. It’s better than the photos! The house was comfortable and had everything we needed. The grounds were beautiful with loads of space to explore and lots of places to sit, relax and just laze away. Alex was great to deal with! He’s very communicative and personable. All around a great host! There are several weekly events on the property such as live music, theatre, Sunday brunch…. The cottage is centrally located so there are many different types of activities and restaurants within a short distance. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacqui E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded all expectations

Wanting a central base for down time and exploring, Lapford Mill exceeded all expectations. Alex made us feel so welcome we didn’t want to leave! Thank you Alex and we look forward to seeing you soon! X
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

2/10 Terrible

Kaye e b.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Massively disappointing

On opening the door the owner told us he’d recently painted and the dishwasher didn’t work. The paint smell was very strong and this affected my sister who suffers with lung issues. There are not 2 bathrooms in this place there is a bathroom and downstairs toilet. Hygiene in the kitchen was poor eg microwave food deposits, washing machine draw dirty, coffee machine old water, dried urine on toilet rim, cobwebs on curtain rails. There’s an interconnecting glass door to main premises that we didn’t like. The smell of paint did not lessen after one night of airing and heating and caused my sister breathing distress so we left. We are now in a battle to get a refund for the remaining days. General Area was a bit overgrown and unkept. Not like the photos. I would not recommend this property.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Axel L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Historische Mühle, super.

Die Unterkunft hat alle Erwartungen übertroffen. Der Gastgeber war sehr freundlich und stand immer mit Rat und Tat bei Seite. Kann ich nur empfehlen.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michaela A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

Great place
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alexis Weedon

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Autumn break

We found it very convenient & comfy. Walks round Lapford across the mid Devon countryside. Convenient shop open late and early 2 mins away. Hosts were perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

James J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely quiet stay

Lovely Mill cottage stay. Alex, the host, was very helpful and even offered to give us a private tour of the Mill.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

julie t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay in beautiful surroundings.perfect weekend of nothingness.

Communication with Alex was easy. Thank you for being a perfect host...will definitely see you, and your mum, again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deana E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

A lovely family break in a beautiful setting. Very welcoming and helpful host.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Ineke C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Communication

Lapton Mill

We zaten verder van Exeter, dan we op basis van de advertentie verwachttten. Alexander is een prima gastheer, die altijd voor je klaar staat. Een minpunt was het zwakke internet.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Lilian R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

It is comfortable & there is everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Daniel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning property in a great location

We had a great time staying here during the Jubilee week. Alex was a great host and very welcoming. The grounds to the Mill are beautiful and our dog loved running around (And barking sorry!) . The cottage was clean and a good base to relax in after long days on the beach or in the woods. If you get the chance have a coffee in the Mill as Alex has a vast knowledge on the workings and history. See you again!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

Very quaint cottage in a beautiful spot. Local shop extremely well stocked and staff very helpful. The grounds of the property are extensive and interesting to explore but a look round the mill, an ongoing project, is something to definitely look forward to. Very pleasant and friendly owners of the cottage who go out of their way to accommodate visitors and are close at hand if needed. Dogs made very welcome which was a bonus as they were able to explore the grounds and enjoy themselves. The beds are fabulous and so I would recommend this cottage for the sleep quality as the area is dark and quiet. The kitchen is very easy to use and everything in good working order.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lapford Cottage

Lovely cottage and host. Particularly appreciated having access to gard n and grounds - great for the dog.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Katherine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for dog walking break

Relaxing cottage with nice grounds for the kids and dog to explore. Looking forward to seeing Alex’s plans for the mill fully rolled out! Really friendly host. Intermittent Wi-Fi. Great days out to coast, forest and gorge and close to quaint pub with decent food.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

About the host

Hosted by Alexander Gater

Host profile image
We are three generations of the Gater family who lived at Lapford Mill from 1425 to 1850. The property has passed through several occupiers and is now back in the hands of the Gater family, namely, Ann J Gater Snr, son Alexander and grandson Connor.
Ann is now retired and enjoys working in the garden and planning improvements to the parkland. Alex (48) has spent his professional life working in media and IT, and continues to do so from home in the mill house whilst undertaking the restoration of the water mill and Connor is taking his GCSEs and helps his father with the mill at weekends.
Lapford Mill is host to the local music festival Lapstock once a year in the summer and details can be found at the Lapstock website.

Why they chose this property

Lapford Mill is described by Natural England as a rare example of Devon's watermill heritage and is in very good condition, however the water is currently shut off from the mill whilst the watercourse undergoes maintenance.
The mill building is available for guests to visit and Alex enjoys nothing more than showing this old gal to interested visitors, however the mill is not open to the general public.
Being a watermill, the immediate area is interwoven with water courses, comprising a long mill leat and the Lapfod Yeo river, which is part of the Taw River system, boasting good fishing for trout and improving for salmon.
The private park behind the mill is bordered to the north by the mill leat and farmland, and to the south by the old Tarka line which runs a small, two-carriage train once an hour! Across the road from the mill is the private woodland and conservation area, which is bordered by the Lapford Yeo river.

What makes this property unique

The property is a detached part of Lapford Mill complex, a private courtyard surronded on three sides by the cottage, the mill house (the owner and family), and the mill building which is licensed and open on occasions or by arrangement with the owner, who is always delighted to welcome guests in! The mill is a rare treat, a fascinating example of the period and a great place for a Sunday croissant and coffee or an evening by the fire with a glass!

Languages:

English

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