Business Details
35 Years
experience
Self-Catering Holiday Cottages in Devon
We are a family-run business operating Highdown Farm since 1991, offering self-catering accommodations on our 450-acre organic dairy farm in Devon. Our two cottages, The Old Farmhouse and The Cider Barn, provide comfortable stays for families, couples, and larger groups, with stunning views across the Culm Valley. We prioritise sustainability, having been certified organic since 1996, and our location serves as an ideal base for exploring Devons natural and cultural attractions. Guests can engage with our farm activities, including watching milking sessions and meeting our animals, while enjoying modern amenities like free WiFi and ample parking.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our thoughtfully equipped cottages, which feature organic bedding, woodburning stoves, and private gardens. We actively support local tourism by highlighting nearby attractions such as the Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor, and Exmoor National Parks. With over 30 years of experience, we ensure a welcoming, home-from-home experience tailored to both relaxation and adventure. Our team personally manages the farm and cottages, ensuring guests receive authentic, hands-on service rooted in our deep connection to the land and community.
Services
Self-Catering Cottages
Farm Tours
Play Area
WiFi Access
Parking
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer family-run, organic farm stays with over 30 years of hospitality experience.
- Our cottages provide direct access to Devons top attractions, including national parks.
- We feature child-friendly amenities like play areas and interactive farm activities.
- Our properties include free WiFi, parking, and energy-efficient heating systems.
- We guarantee a home-from-home experience with organic bedding and towels.
What people say
Peaceful location
Family-friendly amenities
Stunning views
Close to attractions
Comfortable accommodations
Services
Self-Catering Cottages
Our two cottages, The Old Farmhouse and The Cider Barn, offer fully equipped accommodations for up to 14 guests. Each property features organic bedding, woodburning stoves, and private gardens with panoramic views. Ideal for families, couples, or group celebrations, the cottages combine modern comforts with rural charm.
Farm Tours
Guests can explore our organic dairy farm, watch milking sessions, and interact with animals like goats, ponies, and chickens. The tours highlight sustainable farming practices and provide educational opportunities for children and adults alike.
Play Area
A dedicated play space with swings, slides, trampolines, and football goals ensures children enjoy outdoor activities safely. The area is integrated into the farm environment, encouraging interaction with nature and wildlife.
WiFi Access
Free high-speed WiFi is available across all cottages, enabling guests to stay connected for work or leisure. The service supports streaming, video calls, and browsing without compromising the tranquil setting.
Parking
Ample on-site parking is provided for all guests, with dedicated spaces adjacent to each cottage. The facility ensures convenience for visitors arriving by car, with easy access to properties and farm grounds.
People
Sandra Vallis
Owner
Sandra co-runs Highdown Farm with her husband Graham and daughters Laura and Emily. With over 30 years of experience in organic farming and hospitality, she ensures guests enjoy a warm, authentic rural experience.
Graham
Owner
Graham manages the farm's dairy operations and guest interactions. His expertise in organic farming and commitment to sustainability underpin the business's ethos of environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Laura
Team Member
Laura assists in farm management and guest services, blending agricultural knowledge with hospitality skills. She contributes to maintaining the farm's organic standards and enhancing visitor experiences.
Emily
Team Member
Emily supports farm operations and guest activities, ensuring visitors connect with the farm's heritage. Her role includes educating guests about organic practices and local wildlife.
Questions
What types of accommodations do you offer?
We provide two self-catering cottages: The Old Farmhouse (sleeps 8) and The Cider Barn (sleeps 2), both with modern amenities and organic bedding.
Are pets allowed on the farm?
We welcome well-behaved pets in designated areas, but they are not permitted inside the cottages to maintain hygiene and comfort for all guests.
How far are the cottages from local attractions?
We are within 15 minutes of attractions like the Bear Trail, Diggerland, and Exeter. Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks are also easily accessible.
Can guests visit the farm animals?
Yes, guests can interact with our goats, ponies, chickens, and pigs by prior arrangement, offering a hands-on rural experience for all ages.
Is there internet access in the cottages?
Free high-speed WiFi is available in all properties, ensuring connectivity for streaming, browsing, and remote work.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our policy allows free cancellations up to 30 days before arrival. Within 30 days, refunds depend on re-letting the property.
Reviews (6)
Janine Goatham
Aug 17, 2021
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A beautiful home from home cosy cottage, with everything you would need.
Fantastic views all around, lots to see on the farm, and nice walks as well. A lovely welcome from host Sandra, nothing is too much trouble for her
I would highly recommend a stay here
Fantastic views all around, lots to see on the farm, and nice walks as well. A lovely welcome from host Sandra, nothing is too much trouble for her
I would highly recommend a stay here
Lois Smith
Apr 23, 2021
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Utterly charming; beautiful touches everywhere! We stayed in the Cider Barn, which was very warm and comfortable. There were gorgeous views, a lovely play area for the children and an outdoor area to sit down, sheltered from the wind. Everything we needed was there: we hope to go back very soon!
John Hurst
Oct 09, 2019
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Excellent one week stay in Cider Barn which is comfortable, well equipped and a beautiful setting looking across the countryside. Ideally situated for exploring the local area and further afield since only a few minutes from the M5. Sandra is the perfect hostess. We look forward to coming back.
Rachel Kelly
Jul 28, 2019
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Lovely cottages on a working farm near Cullompton. We stayed in Poormans cottage. The beds were comfortable and there was plenty of space for our family of 4. The shower was decent too. Nice children's play area with a slide, swings, trampoline and Wendy House. Beautiful views across the valley. Lots of animals on the farm including pigs, goats, sheep and cows, plus a friendly dog. Very convenient location off the M5 on the way to Exeter. There's lots to see and do in the area including beaches and national trust properties.
Tony Hackett
Jun 18, 2018
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Eight of us stayed here in June 18 for our daughter's wedding at Hillersdon House in nearby Cullompten. All of us loved it! Sandra welcomed us with her delightful grand daughter, Rose. All the rooms are big, well furnished and spotless. The location is picture postcard perfect.
Lee Hopper
Jul 21, 2016
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This is a beautiful place to stay in a beautiful area. We have stayed at Highdown Farm twice in the Cider Barn. It is fully furnished with everything you need in the Kitchen and throughout the cottage. For example, towels, shampoo, kitchen roll, pots, pans, potato peeler, etc. There is also a lovely wood fire in the living area (make sure you ask for some logs and they will supply some). It is just 2 minutes drive from the nearest town that has a Tesco, Aldi, Home Bargains and a few restaurants and takeaways. There are also loads of places to visit in and around this area, so you won't be bored
