#{ServerName}
Back
OverviewReviewsPhotosLocation
1 / 21  
2 / 21  
3 / 21  
4 / 21  
5 / 21  
6 / 21  
7 / 21  
8 / 21  
9 / 21  
10 / 21  
11 / 21  
12 / 21  
13 / 21  
14 / 21  
15 / 21  
16 / 21  
17 / 21  
18 / 21  
19 / 21  
20 / 21  
21 / 21  

Chestnut Cottage - Westleigh

Westleigh, near Instow, Devon
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
10 more

At a glance

  • Beautiful coastal property with a blend of original cottage features and modern homely comforts
  • Spend chilly evenings curled up by the wood burner or balmy afternoons dining alfresco on the patio
  • Less than 2 miles from the beachside village of Instow with its golden sands and choice of eateries
Overview
Property code: OC-C29474

Set in the charming village of Westleigh, close to the bustling town of Bideford and the mouth of the River Torridge, this light, traditional and sympathetically updated cottage provides cosy accommodation for couples and smaller families. With ample space for up to four human and two canine guests, the coastal-themed property has been beautifully furnished and stylishly decorated throughout to make a relaxing hideaway for walkers, beach lovers and nature spotters discovering the area’s beautiful countryside and lovely seaside resorts. Featuring timber beams, exposed stonework and a welcoming wood burner, this delightful hideaway is ideally situated for exploring the stunning northern coast of Devon.

This sweet cottage has a cheerful lounge with wooden ceiling beams, a Smart TV, comfortable seating and a roaring wood burner set in a traditional stone surround. The ground floor also offers a fresh and stylish kitchen/diner with a handsome dining table perfect for sharing family meals which you can rustle up in the smart galley-style kitchen. Upstairs, you will find two cosy and relaxing bedrooms: there’s a cheery king-size room with a window seat, and a lovely triple room with a king-size bed, additional single bed and an en-suite shower room. This floor also features a handy bathroom. Outside, the private and enclosed patio has outdoor seating making a charming spot for sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book. Three steps lead up onto a charming raised decked space perfect for dining alfresco with your pets lying in the sun.

The idyllic hamlet of Westleigh lies within easy reach of the dog-friendly beaches of both Northam Burrows (3.5 miles) and Instow (1.5 miles). There are miles of wonderful rural and coastal walks to enjoy with your four-legged pal who will be welcome to help you explore the nearby Tapeley Park Gardens (1 mile).

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size with additional single bed, 1 king-size
  • 2 bathrooms – 1 family bathroom with shower over bath and WC, 1 en-suite shower room and WC
  • Electric oven and induction hob, dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine
  • Highchair and travel cot provided on request
  • Log burner (initial basket of logs provided)
  • Smart TV in lounge
  • Enclosed patio and terrace spaces with outdoor seating
  • No dedicated parking. Roadside parking available within the village, guests are able to unload at the end of lane 
  • Please kindly note there are uneven steps and narrow lanes to access the property 
  • Pub less than 100 metres, beach and shop 1.5 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Katie Ellis

This property is personally managed by Katie.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 16 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 stars4.4
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 stars4.3
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 stars4
Overall location
Overall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 stars4.2

Reviewed by Michael 19th September 2026

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The lounge, kitchen and dining areas were comfortable and well furnished. The beds were a little soft, but that is a personal preference. The main bathroom was well-appointed and very clean, but the en-suite was cramped and the extractor fan not working. However, the plumbing was extremely noisy, to the extent that vibrations upon flushing were disRead moreruptive, particularly at night. The only real issue causing concern was access. Although our party had no major problems, it should have been made clear that both the steps from the street to the entrance were very steep and the staircase similarly steep and needing a better handrail. If people with difficulty in walking or mounting steps/stairs had been amongst our party, they could well have experience problems. The issues with access need to be made clear in the web site details. Hide

Reviewed by Gabrielle 23rd August 2026

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Chestnut Cottage is tucked away down a small lane and is a delightful 400 year old cottage. Steep steps up provide a sunny decking area which is a real bonus. Comfortable sofas and really comfortable beds with lovely linen and towels. Kitchen is clean and well-equipped. Westleigh Inn kindly allowed us to park there all week. A lovely, friendly DevoRead moren pub but very mediocre pub grub in our opinion - Sunday roast not recommended. A car is essential to get to loads of great places to visit - beach walks, Exmoor, Tarka Trail, sea trip from lovely Ilfracombe. Hide

Reviewed by Susan 5th July 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cottage in an idyllic village with a great village pub. Lovely walk into Instow via the Tarka Trail and walking distance to Tapeley Park and gardens. Comfortable, cosy cottage with a well equipped kitchen. Great outdoor seating area too.

Reviewed by Brian 16th May 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

It was a very cosy cottage. 400 years old. Quirky. A lovely pub within 50 yards.

Reviewed by Angela 31st December 2025

Guest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 stars

Take no notice of the photographs it's a lot smaller than they try to represent. If you have mobility issues I wouldn't even book a stay . Parking is a big problem as there isn't any near to the property. Don't take to much notice about being able to park in the pub car park the owner is not keen but you may be able to leave one car if you proviRead morede your registration number. You will need a wheel barrow to transport your luggage to the cottage unless you have a very small car able to reverse down a lane to the cottage. If you book in the winter months take your own logs and fire lighters we had to buy some after the first day because they only provided a basket full. The cottage is well equipped in the kitchen department but is a bit thread bare elsewhere. When we stayed the shower in the en suit leaked everywhere and unless you are short the shower in the family bathroom is a challenge. The beds are very comfortable and the bed linen was clean as were the bathroom towels. Be careful of the steps going into the garden and the fence and posts around the decking area. The village itself is very quaint very narrow and there are numerous walks . There are many places nearby that are worth a visit and make sure you visit the pub which provides great food and has a great atmosphere very friendly. Dogs are welcome and the locals are very friendly. The church and the church yard are also well worth a visit. Hide

Reviewed by Wendy 29th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cottage, great log burner, comfy beds, well equipped kitchen, nice raised decking area a bonus, excellent wifi and dog friendly.

Reviewed by Gill 26th September 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Deborah 2nd September 2025

Guest rating 2.4 starsGuest rating 2.4 starsGuest rating 2.4 starsGuest rating 2.4 starsGuest rating 2.4 stars

Location for visiting family in the village is ideal but unfortunately wont stay again as overpriced for a cottage not maintained. V expensive for 3 nights and left after 2. Uncomfortable bed, shower leaking, tap not working, light bulbs not working, dirty kitchenware although bathrooms and kitchen v clean, thin curtains and thick Winter quilts in Read moreSummer. Not up to standard for a rental property. It was v clean though and felt cleaners did excellent job. Hide

Reviewed by Alison 26th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Graham 7th July 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Julia 3rd May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage is in a small village with very narrow roads, although very easy to navigate. It's impossible to park near the entrance of the cottage as this is down a very narrow entrance. You can park quite close though and be prepared to carry your luggage to the property. The cottage itself is cosy and well equipped. We were blessed with lovelRead morey hot weather and spent alot of time outside on the decking. The pub is well worth a visit. Just a few minutes walk. We have 2 dogs and the property and surrounding area is very dog friendly. Although there is no where in the village to let them off lead as the only footpath had sheep in the field. Hide

Reviewed by Alison 30th March 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

A nice place to stay. Its accessed via very narrow roads so be aware. Parking is tricky so ask at the pub. Lisa, the Manager was lovely and asked for our car reg which was fine. We ate thete twice on pur 3 night stay, very good food. Its a great location for Istow beach which is a great place for dog meet ups. Our two had a great time. Try JohnsRead more, the deli and cafe after your walk. Its such a treat with locally sourced food. The crab baguettes were so yummy. Not cheap at 14.50 but well worth it. I was a bit disappointed with the cottage in that it was much smaller than the pics suggested. The terrace is a potential danger point as the wooden fence is loose. If you need to hold on to it to ascend the stairs, please dont. Saying that we enjoyed our family time together. We wouldnt re book tho. Hide

Reviewed by Rebecca 14th January 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

This is a lovely homely cottage for a family or two couples. Great location for the pub and visiting Bideford. Parking can be an issue, but we managed to park ok for our stay.

Reviewed by Maurice 5th January 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

A very nice cottage with a few downsides. Having no downstairs WC was inconvenient, parking was almost impossible, the pub kindly let us park there. Unloading our luggage was awkward as we were unable to get close to the entrance. The roads are extremely narrow which wouldnt suit everyone. That said we did enjoy our stay here.

Reviewed by Andy 24th November 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Lovely location for access to North Devon. Well equipped and comfortable.

Reviewed by Barbara 20th October 2024

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Nice stay ,great location for visiting nearby beaches. Excellent pub the Westleigh inn 2 minutes walk from the cottage, excellent food , friendly welcoming staff, dog friendly.

14 more
Photos
Show 9 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Canine Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.