Presenting a rare opportunity to rent in the highly sought after thatched village of Otterton, The Shippen is the mid-terrace of an award-winning converted barn complex situated in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We ask all guests to read the rules carefully before booking. Please note there are 2 deposits - a damage deposit paid via VRBO, and a bedding and towel deposit paid directly to the owner 7 days prior to occupancy. The latter is detailed in house rules.
Our home is located in an idyllic courtyard consisting of 12 properties and boasts stunning views of the Otter Valley and the River Otter.
We remodelled in December 2019 to add an additional ensuite and seperate laundry area to our home. Please note, all VRBO reviews posted pertain to rentals prior to these upgrades. For recent reviews please check out our photos of guest entries into our guest book. Additionally we remodelled the other 2 ensuites in February/March 2022. The house comprises of two ground floor double bedrooms, each with en-suites, and a large double bedroom with en-suite on the lower ground floor with views over the garden and river. The beds on the ground floor are custom made by John Ryan.
The living/dining room and kitchen are on the first floor. The first floor is architecturally stunning with wood beams and glass walls allowing full enjoyment of the high-beamed cathedral ceilings, oak floors and period fireplace. The house is furnished with a mix of antiques and custom-made furnishings.
At the back of the house the large landscaped garden slopes gently down to the river. You can watch people ambling along the river path that takes you the 3.5 miles to Budleigh Salterton. The walk is flat and appeals to people of all activity levels. You can also walk out of the house and be on the Coastal Path half a mile away. Some of the path is steep but offers magnificent views.
This beautiful home offers a fabulous holiday base from which to enjoy the many natural and cultural attractions of the area. Otterton is a picturesque thatched village with a fabulous pub serving locally produced food in a warm and welcoming community. There is easy walking access to the Regency beach towns of Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton, as well as the East-West Devon Coastal Path.
Some local venues worth exploring are Otterton Mill, The Donkey Sanctuary and Pecorama with its gardens, games and trains. Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon’s glorious Axe Valley, about 30 minutes away. A short walk from the house along the up-river path takes you to the beautiful Bicton Park Botanical Gardens with its historic palm house, countryside museum and woodland railway. A trip to the caves at the seaside town of Beer and an exploration of Topsham with its little port and village charm, and of course Darts Farm shops and café are a must. Should you wish to venture further afield, the cathedral city of Exeter is only a 30-minute drive away, Dartmoor only 45 minutes and the fossil beaches of Charmouth and Lyme Regis are 40 minutes away. The whole area is well served by public transport. The village community shop is great with a good range of items to choose from. Otterton Mill also sells vegetables as well as the huge choice of bakery items.
There are lots of additional opportunities for child guests who must be over 8 years old. The facilities at Ladram Bay, 1 mile away, are available for use on a daily basis and offer play areas, mini golf and game machines. There is a lovely café at Ladram and the ice-cream is delicious.
Sidmouth is a charming town with incredible views of the Jurassic Coast cliffs and the promenade is a great place to stroll.
For dining and other visiting opportunies please refer to my personal welcome email to you.
