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The Manger

Westwater, Axminster
3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
5 guests
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Features

 

Description

Perched in an elevated position within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, The Manger enjoys uninterrupted views across the striking Yarty Valley, offering a rare sense of tranquillity and escape. Set within over half an acre of private, enclosed gardens and orchard, it is particularly well suited to guests travelling with dogs. The expansive grounds provide space to roam freely, while quiet lanes and countryside walks begin straight from the doorstep, making dogs a natural part of the rhythm of your stay.

Days unfold slowly outdoors, whether wandering through dew-covered grass, relaxing as your dog explores the orchard, or simply taking in the far-reaching views. The surrounding landscape, rich with wildlife and changing seasons, creates an engaging and calming environment for both guests and their four-legged companions.

The Manger itself is a remarkable historic building, with origins dating back more than 500 years. Its heritage is evident throughout, from substantial stone walls and deep-set openings to a dramatic open-vaulted ceiling with exposed timber trusses rising into the thatched roof. The building’s agricultural past remains beautifully preserved, with original stable partitions, feeding troughs, and hay racks still in place, giving the space an authenticity and character that cannot be replicated.

Outside, the gardens and orchard provide a peaceful extension of the home, alive with wildlife, seasonal colour, and dark, star-filled skies at night. Despite its secluded feel, the Jurassic Coast lies within easy reach, offering further opportunities to explore with your dog.

With its combination of far-reaching views, enclosed dog-friendly grounds, and exceptional historic character, The Manger offers a distinctive countryside retreat where heritage and landscape come together in a setting designed to be enjoyed by both you and your dog.


Additional Information:
Please be mindful of a single low truss on the upper floor.
Adjoining barn with table tennis (shared with The Shippen).
Guests may use the village tennis court by arrangement.
Guest use of a paddock.
Travel cot and highchair available on request.
A maximum of two well-behaved dogs welcome (small additional charge). Please note: The garden is enclosed with some hedging so if you are bringing dogs we cannot guarantee it to be completely dog proof. Please keep your dogs to the ground floor and off the furniture. Thank you in advance.

Property Layout

Ground Floor:
Kitchen
With an induction hob and electric oven, microwave, fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher and washer/dryer.
Sitting room and dining area
Set within the original, heavy horse manger stalls with a 30 inch flat screen digital television, DVD player and music centre with iPod dock. Stairs up to first floor.
Dining area with table seating six guests.

First Floor:
Bedroom one
With a 5' king-size bed and open-plan en-suite.
En-suite bathroom
Divided by a screen, with a bath and hand-held shower attachment, wash basin and WC.
Bedroom two
With a 5' king-size bed.
Bedroom three
With a 3' single bed.
Family shower room
With a shower, wash basin and WC. Wardrobe located in the corridor opposite the shower room.

Outside:
Adjoining barn with table tennis (shared with The Shippen)
Green oak terrace leads to open field and valley views.
Enclosed acre of garden. Garden furniture and barbecue with charcoal available.
Guest use of a paddock.
Ample parking.

Location

Information correct at time of writing.

Nearby are three excellent family-run farm shops, River Cottage HQ and Canteen as well as nationally acclaimed eateries and a choice of pubs known for good cooking and beer.
Have dinner at the Tuckers Arms in Dalwood.
Cider is made in the main barn.
The nearest post office and cafe is a mile away in Membury.
Within a 20 minute drive is the seaside town of Lyme Regis, a World Heritage Site famous for fossils. Branscome, Beer, Axmouth and Charmouth are only a little further down the coast. Within an easy forty minute drive are Dartmoor and Exmoor.
The antique and second-hand book town of Honiton is on the way to the Devon Cathedral town of Exeter.
Just over the border into Dorset are many Iron Age Hill Forts.
Astronomy enthusiasts will appreciate the Dark Sky area.

Reviews

H, M, G and Bruno, Dorset
On Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Thank you for a lovely short break in this peaceful, stunning location - just sitting in the shade in the garden was good for the soul!
M.M - (Berkshire)
On Saturday, 24 Aug 2024
‘Another great visit to what is becoming one of our favourite spots – an annual tour. Such a lovely location – very calming and de-stressing – great views with so much going on – did not know how therapeutic watching cows can be!! Lots to do out and about but just as easy to stay in a chill out. Thank you for the hospitality.
C.S (Merseyside)
On Monday, 27 May 2024
Had a lovely stay – terrific scenery, great cottage, well-equipped and very welcoming. Weather variable but sunny when it counted! Highlight of trip – Beer Quarry Caves. Longish session at an hour and a half but actually very interesting; just that young ones didn’t have my stamina for excessive history intake while on holiday! Thanks again.
Susie & David
On Friday, 18 Mar 2016
We loved our stay - The Manger is really lovely with absolutely everything we needed. Amazing considering most cottages don't even have salt! Bed is so comfy, cottage really warm. Great for the dog too, lovely walks especially no2 circular walk from Dalwood. We ate in the Tuckers Arms which was incredible! Lyme Regis was very lovely too. With many thanks and now back to work! P.s I loved the cake :-)
Your booking will be completed with our sister company Devon Hideaways
Availability
Subtitle
Guests
Max Adults:
5
Max Children:
4
Max Infants:
1
(0-2 years)
Note: Infants sleeping in cots are not counted as part of the capacity total
Maximum number of adults and children is 5
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