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Stanley House, Bishops Tawton

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Stanley House is a bright reverse-level property in the peaceful Devon village of Swimbridge. This recently finished retreat sleeps up to eight guests across four well-appointed bedrooms. The private hot tub makes it perfect for group gatherings after days exploring North Devon's countryside and coast.

Swimbridge sits in a quiet valley setting with rolling hills and farmland all around. The village offers traditional Devon character whilst being just minutes from major routes to beaches and moorland.

The reverse-level layout puts living spaces upstairs where a spacious open-plan kitchen and lounge opens onto a balcony with valley views. Four bedrooms sleep eight people comfortably. Three bathrooms serve the group.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

About Stanley House

Stanley House is a bright reverse-level property in the peaceful Devon village of Swimbridge. This recently finished retreat sleeps up to eight guests across four well-appointed bedrooms. The private hot tub makes it perfect for group gatherings after days exploring North Devon's countryside and coast.

Swimbridge sits in a quiet valley setting with rolling hills and farmland all around. The village offers traditional Devon character whilst being just minutes from major routes to beaches and moorland.

The reverse-level layout puts living spaces upstairs where a spacious open-plan kitchen and lounge opens onto a balcony with valley views. Four bedrooms sleep eight people comfortably. Three bathrooms serve the group. Downstairs you'll find the bedrooms and ground-floor facilities. The modern finish throughout creates a light and airy feel.

Exmoor National Park lies 8 miles away (15 minutes). Barnstaple town centre is 3 miles (8 minutes). The sandy beach at Saunton Sands stretches 3 miles long and sits 9 miles away (18 minutes). Combe Martin Wildlife Park is 7 miles distant (16 minutes).

The combination of hot tub, valley views and spacious layout makes Stanley House ideal for families or friend groups wanting a North Devon base with both coast and moor within easy reach.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Local Insights: Stanley House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bishops Tawton, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

15°C

Partly cloudy

Updated: 29 Jul 2026, 2:50am

🌡️
15.40°C
Temperature
💨
4 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
96%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Stanley House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

32m

(105 feet above sea level)

Stanley House sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
32m
Elevation
📍
Bishops Tawton
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Bishops Tawton are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.0554350° N | Longitude: 4.046276° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Bishops Tawton (Wednesday, 29 July 2026):

4:35am

Sunrise

7:09pm

Golden Hour

8:09pm

Sunset

🌅
4:35am
Sunrise
🌇
8:09pm
Sunset
📸
7:09pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:09pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Bishops Tawton, you have approximately 15.57 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Stanley House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 29 Jul 2026 | Location: 51.0554350, -4.0462760

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Stanley House

Private Hot Tub

The outdoor hot tub provides the perfect spot for groups to relax together after exploring Devon's beaches and moorland walks throughout the day.

Valley Views from Balcony

The upstairs balcony delivers sweeping views across Swimbridge valley where groups can gather for morning coffee or evening drinks in peaceful surroundings.

Reverse-Level Design

Living spaces upstairs maximise those valley views whilst bedrooms downstairs create a practical layout that works brilliantly for larger groups and families.

Recently Renovated Throughout

The fresh modern finish and bright interiors create a welcoming atmosphere where groups can spread out comfortably across spacious well-designed rooms.

Four Bedrooms for Eight

Sleeping eight guests across four bedrooms means everyone gets proper space whilst still being together under one roof for group holidays.

Peaceful Village Location

Swimbridge offers tranquil countryside surroundings yet sits perfectly positioned for quick access to both Exmoor National Park and North Devon's sandy coastline.

Getting To Stanley House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Stanley House by car, take the A361 North Devon Link Road and exit towards Swimbridge. The property sits in the village with off-road parking available for your vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barnstaple, just 3 miles away. From there, it's a short taxi ride to your accommodation in Swimbridge.

Off-road parking available
Barnstaple station (3 miles)
Easily accessible from the A361

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Exmoor National Park
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 4QX
Combe Martin Wildlife Park
Distance: 7 miles
EX34 0NG
The Big Sheep
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 5AP
Tarka Trail
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 1EE
Saunton Sands Beach
Distance: 9 miles
EX33 1LQ
Braunton Burrows
Distance: 10 miles
EX33 1NG
Barnstaple Town Centre
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 1DA
Tesco Superstore Barnstaple
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 2BH
Braunton Village Shops
Distance: 7 miles
EX33 2EG
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 1LE
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 2AU
Local Taxi Services
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 1DA
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 4QX
Combe Martin Wildlife Park
Distance: 7 miles
EX34 0NG
The Big Sheep
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 5AP
Tarka Trail
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 1EE
Saunton Sands Beach
Distance: 9 miles
EX33 1LQ
Braunton Burrows
Distance: 10 miles
EX33 1NG
Barnstaple Town Centre
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 1DA
Tesco Superstore Barnstaple
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 2BH
Braunton Village Shops
Distance: 7 miles
EX33 2EG
Barnstaple Bus Station
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 1LE
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 2AU
Local Taxi Services
Distance: 3 miles
EX31 1DA

Is Stanley House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The Big Sheep adventure park sits 6 miles away with rides and animal encounters. Combe Martin Wildlife Park offers 7 miles of distance with daily shows and feeding times. Saunton Sands provides 3 miles of sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles and rock pooling. Exmoor National Park delivers walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities just 8 miles from Stanley House.
Groups Will Love...
The private hot tub at Stanley House creates the perfect group gathering spot after days exploring North Devon. Set in the outdoor area, it accommodates multiple guests simultaneously. The upstairs balcony overlooks the surrounding valley, providing additional social space where your group can relax together. The reverse-level design means everyone congregates naturally in the spacious open-plan living area upstairs.
Pet Friendly
Stanley House does not accept pets during your stay. The property maintains a no-pets policy throughout the year. You'll need to arrange alternative care for any animals before your visit. The newly finished interiors and furnishings are kept pet-free. Nearby kennels and catteries in the Barnstaple area can provide boarding services if required during your North Devon break.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Stanley House

The Jack Russell Inn

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX32 0QF

The New Inn Landkey

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX32 0LF

The Poltimore Inn

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX31 4EX

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Stanley House

Is Stanley House pet friendly?
Stanley House does not accept pets during your stay. You'll need to make alternative arrangements for any animals in your care.
How many people does Stanley House sleep?
The property sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. Two bathrooms serve the group throughout your stay.
Does Stanley House have a hot tub?
Yes, there's a private hot tub in the outdoor area. It's available for all guests to use during your booking.
What is the layout of Stanley House?
Stanley House features reverse-level accommodation with living spaces upstairs and bedrooms downstairs. The upper floor includes an open-plan kitchen, lounge and balcony with valley views.
Is there parking at Stanley House?
Off-road parking is available at the property. Space is provided for your vehicles throughout your stay.
How far is Stanley House from the beach?
Saunton Sands beach is 9 miles away, roughly 18 minutes by car. Other North Devon beaches are within similar driving distances.
What attractions are near Stanley House?
Exmoor National Park sits 8 miles away whilst Barnstaple town centre is 3 miles distant. Combe Martin Wildlife Park is 7 miles from the property.
Is Stanley House suitable for families?
The four-bedroom layout works well for families or friend groups of up to eight people. The hot tub and spacious living areas provide excellent group facilities.

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