Holiday Old Keeper's Cottage in Topsham, Nr. Exeter, South Devon, England, UK

Old Lock Keeper's Cottage in Topsham, Nr. Exeter, South Devon, England, UK

Old Lock Keepers Cottage by Canal and River
Unique and Beautiful Location in Wildlife Preservation Area
Sleeps up to 6 (2 Bedrooms)

Owner profile Check availability  Contact owner 
Topsham Lock Cottage from other side of canal
Topsham Lock Cottage from other side of canal
The living room
The living room


Set in the island between the banks of the river Exe and the old ship canal in a very pretty wildlife conservation area and birdwatchers, canoeing, cyclists, walkers and fisherman's paradise. The secluded and quirky cottage dates back to 1832 and was refurbished in 2010. With outlooks over fields, marshlands, canal and Topsham town across the river, the cottage is a perfect location for a secluded break from the business of everyday life. There is car free cycle path (national cycle route 2) all the way to Exeter, in the opposite direction you can cycle, walk or paddle to the popularly located Turf Lock Pub. Across the river is the pretty town of Topsham with lots of small independent shops, cafes, restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool. Arrive by the foot ferry from Topsham, by cycle, foot or boat (weekly pass for Topsham car park available). Availability calender always kept up to date, please check for your dates (press 'check availability' above).



Along the path to the cottage
Along the path to the cottage
Arriving by the ferry boat from Topsham
Arriving by the ferry boat from Topsham

 

More photos
Prices Currency Conversion
Rental Period Per Night Per Week Per Month Min. Stay (Nights)
30 March 2012 - 27 April 2012 £350 3
27 April 2012 - 1 June 2012 £400 3
31 August 2012 - 1 October 2012 £420 3
1 October 2012 - 2 November 2012 £320 3
2 November 2012 - 21 December 2012 £220 3
21 December 2012 - 28 December 2012 £350 7
28 December 2012 - 4 January 2013 £300 7
4 January 2013 - 15 February 2013 £220 3

 

Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in UK pounds. Half weeks are Friday to Monday or Monday to Friday. The cost of half week bookings are half of a week booking plus £50. The prices are for up to 4 persons, there is £10 extra charge each for 5th and 6th person. One dog allowed, £20 extra charge.

Changeover day
Friday or Monday.

Check availability Accommodation

Bedrooms: Upstairs bedroom with a double or 2, 3 or 4 single beds.
Lower ground floor bedroom has 2 single beds or a double.

Bathrooms: One bathroom on the ground floor with WC, basin and shower cubicle.
Kitchen: Well equipped kitchen with oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, sinks, 2 fridges (one with ice box), bread maker, food processor, cookery books, toaster, kettle. all standard crockery including wine glasses, cafetiere, etc. No washing machine.
Living Rooms: Living room with dining table and chairs, easy chairs and wood burner, shelves with books, magazines and board games, DVD player and radio. No television or WiFi. Firewood included.
Cleaning/towels/
linen/maid service:
Bed linen, towels (2 per person for week stay and 1 per person for half week stay) and tea towels are included. There are also blankets.
Amenities/Facilities: hob/stove   oven   fridge   microwave   dishwasher   iron/ironing board   barbecue  
Location Type:

 

Notes on accommodation
Wood-burner and electric storage heaters in bedrooms. Due to the close proximity to deep water it is probably not suited for small children. Please note, the bedrooms are separated from living area by stairs, no doors.

Accessibility
This property is not suited to people with mobility problems. The nearest access by car is 8-10 min walk from cottage.

Outside
Large grassed area outside as shown in photos. Public footpath alongside cottage. BBQ and some picnic benches. Very unique location with river and canal on the door step.

Coast/Beach
Nearest beach is Dawlish Warren, about 8 miles. Exmouth beach is similar distance from Topsham; regular trains from Topsham to Exmouth. Public outdoor swimming pool in Topsham. And - some older kids swim in the canal by the cottage, the canal is 3-4m deep.

Special interest holidays
Cycle path is 100m from cottage, across swing bridge (see photo). The cycle path is very popular all year round, as are the canal tow paths, mainly those on the far side of the canal. The cottage is located on the border of RSPB Exminster Marshes nature reserve. Abundance of wildlife, especially birds.

Distances
Topsham 200 m across the river, Exminster village 1 mile, Exeter Centre 6 miles.

Further details
Bikes can be hired in Topsham, bikes, canoes/kayaks at Exeter Quay. This is the holiday opportunity for those who are not or who want a break from being dependant on a car. You can arrive by car; leave it in Topsham and take the little ferry boat across the Exe – it lands right by the cottage and can even be booked for crossings out of hours. You can also arrive by bus or train to Topsham, by bike, by foot or by boat. The ferry sails all days except Tuesdays from April to early October, the rest of the year on weekends only. Further details on access on owner's own website or contact owner with questions. Across the river is the pretty town of Topsham with lots of small independent shops, cafes, restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool.

Booking notes
Contact owner for booking details, however, please check availability calender first - it is kept up to date. Deposit of £50 to secure booking, remainder due 6 weeks before stay.

Guest comments
Please see comments on homepage of owners own website. There are also a TV clip (BBC Countryfile), which show bits of footage with the cottage.

Owner profile


Me on cafe opening day, image by the local paper

About the owner
My name is Vivianne Arendal and I have recently taken on the lease of this cottage. I am Danish but have lived in England for 20 years.

Why the owner chose a home in this location
I recently took on the lease of this lovely cottage from the council. The cottage was used as a cafe during August in 2010 and then changed back to a holiday cottage until summer 2011, when it will be used as a cafe in June and July. I am very excited about this project and have put a lot of thought into how to make it suitable for both uses. Many local people are very pleased to see the cottage being in used after hardly having had any use for decades - it is a bit of a landmark in this area. Also many people are very happy that there will be a cafe in the summer. I hope you choose to stay here, I think the rates are competitive and this is because I'd like the cottage to be used. Great place to stay for someone wanting something a bit out of the ordinary.

Unique benefits of the property
The property is ideally located for outdoor pursuits! Kayaking in the setting sun on river or canal. Or fishing the canal (up to 30lb carps, apparently - day/night fishing licence available). Or for getting up very early to experience the birds when most active - then popping back under the duvet again. Topsham is great for shopping - 2 minutes away by ferry boat during the summer (weekends only in winter). Loads of nice little shops, cafes and restaurants. Buy bread from artisan bakery, cheese from cheese-monger, meat from the butchers, clothes from quality shops - or go for a swim in the popular outdoor pool. You can go out for a meal in the evening and pre-book Mike, the ferryman, to take you back a night, he runs a water taxi.

 

Check availability For booking and further information

Property Ref E2136


When contacting the owner please mention that you saw this property on Owners Direct Website.

Owners Website: Click here

Send an email to owner

Items marked * are required.

Your name *
Your email *
Your tel number *
No. of people Adults    Children
Arrival date Nights
Your message *
In order to prevent automated enquiries to our owners please copy the image text in the box below:
 *
I would like to receive the Owners Direct newsletter
I accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of OwnersDirect.co.uk *
Remember me
   
Check availability

This form may only be used for genuine enquiries about renting this property. Use of this form for other purposes including unsolicited commercial marketing is strictly prohibited.

Your message will be sent by email to the property owner. Owners Direct also retains an archive copy for the property owner to refer to. If you do not receive a reply to this email within 2 or 3 days, please try contacting the owner by telephone.

Your email address will be added to our mailing list, for receipt of occasional newsletters and holiday information. If you do not wish to be added to this mailing list, please uncheck the box above. Please refer to our privacy policy.


 

This advertiser joined Owners Direct in May 2010,
and has advertised this property with us since June 2010.

Property Ref E2136
When contacting the owner please mention that you saw this property on Owners Direct Website.