About Tarka Country
As is the way throughout Britain, holiday regions are often rebranded under a name linked to a famous person, a long-running television series, a dramatic film or, as in this case, a popular book. For Tarka the Otter is the case here. The fictional story of the adventures of a otter roving the rivers and estuaries of North Devon was written by local author, Henry Williamson. A book popular with all ages, it was made into a film in the 1960's, I recall.
Nowadays, Tarka Country generally refers to that rural area of lush pastures, lazy rivers, fat cattle and fly fishermen, to the south and south-east of Barnstaple. Narrow country lanes meander amongst the rolling hills flushing out a hilltop hamlet with its welcoming tavern or an open garden.
South Molton awakens from its slumbers every Thursday morning to welcome what seems to be the entire farming community from miles around. A livestock market held in the heart of the town starts its sales at eleven in the forenoon, often not finishing 'til after two. The pannier market close by has more genuine country traders than those in the larger towns.
SELF CATERING
Animal Ark Cottages
East Kerscott, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, EX32 0QA. Tel: 01271 831138.
Website: www.animalark-cottages-devon.co.uk
One character cottage converted from 17th century barn beside farmhouse; set in 4 acres with duck pond and friendly farm animals. Featured on TV's Channel 4 'Pet Rescue'. One mile from pretty village with character pub. Lovely countryside for walks and wildlife. 6 miles east-south-east of Barnstaple.
Weekly Tariff: £350-£675, reductions for 2, 3 or 4 people. Electricity/Gas: included. Linen: included.
Units: 1 Cottage. Bedrooms: 1 Family (3), 1 Double, 1Twin.
Sleeping: 6/7. Open: All year round. OS grid ref: SS 634 294.
Availability (week beginning Saturday): 4Sep@£675, 11Sep, 18Sep, 25Sep, (last updated 23Jul)
SELF CATERING
Simmons Farm Cottage
Simmons Farm, Chittlehamholt. Tel: 01769 540360.
Website: www.simmonsfarm.co.uk
Three bedroomed cottage, being a wing of the farmhouse, on 80 acre working farm, in the beautiful Taw valley. Dishwasher and double glazing. Cosy, beamed sitting room with exposed original fireplace and bread oven, new woodburner and free logs. Large garden, ponds, pets corner, woodland walks. Thatched tavern (good food) in village. Glorious, rolling Devon countryside and pretty villages. 12 miles south-east of Barnstaple.
Weekly Tariff: £175-£500. Electricity/Gas: extra. Linen: included.
Units: 1 Cottage. Bedrooms: 1 Double, 1 Twin, 1 Single.
Sleeping: 5. Open: All year round. OS grid ref: SS 629 205.
Availability (week beginning Saturday): 21Aug@£500, 28Aug, 4Sep@£450, 11Sep@£425, 18Sep@£420, 25Sep@£400, 2Oct@£350, 9Oct@£300, 16Oct@£275, 23Oct@£350, 30Oct@£350, 6Nov, 13Nov, 20Nov, 27Nov, 4Dec, 11Dec, 18Dec, 25Dec, (last updated 23Jul)
PRICE REDUCTIONS
Autumn and Winter prices now reduced by £65 per week - new (reduced) prices shown in availability section.
SELF CATERING
Swallow Barton
Little Barton, Yarnscombe, Barnstaple, EX31 3LP. Tel: 01769 560583.
Website: www.swallowbarton.co.uk
Situated in the small, rural hamlet of Yarnscombe, near Great Torrington, the cottage was built in 2003 on the site of an old barn which was once part of a working farm. It was named Swallow Barton because of the swallows which nest in adjacent buildings.
Two bedrooms. Well-equipped kitchen/diner including washer/dryer and dishwasher. Galleried lounge with TV, Freeview, VHS video and DVD players, HiFi with CD player. Travel cot and highchair, children's games and puzzles etc.
Weekly Tariff: £248-£535. Electricity/Gas: included. Linen: included.
Units: 1 Cottage. Bedrooms: 1 Double, 1 Twin.
Sleeping: 4 + cot. Open: All year round. OS grid ref: SS 561 235.
