The Old Telephone Exchange
Description
The Old Telephone Exchange is a wonderfully distinctive hideaway, tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Mamhead near Cockwood in Devon.
Once serving the local community, this characterful building has been thoughtfully reimagined as a single-storey retreat with a quirky mezzanine level, offering something a little different for families or friends craving time away from the everyday.
Its elevated position gifts far-reaching views across rolling fields, stretching out towards the sea at Exmouth and Dawlish, while nearby National Trust woodland provides beautiful routes for woodland walks and quiet exploration.
Enter through the charming stable door into a compact yet well-planned kitchen, equipped with everything needed for easy self-catering, from the electric hob to the micro combi grill oven and under-counter fridge.
A cosy dining table creates a sociable spot for shared meals, while the sitting area invites you to settle in with a sofa, armchairs, an electric-effect fire and FreeSat TV, perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors.
French doors open onto an enclosed, wrap-around gravel patio, where you can sit back with a drink, breathe in the fresh air and take in the wide-open countryside views.
Mobile WiFi is planned, and strong 4G coverage keeps you connected should you need it.
When it is time to rest you'll find the main sleeping area is separated from the living space by a curtain, while a loft-style ladder leads up to the mezzanine double bedroom, creating a snug and characterful space best suited to adults or older children.
Two armchair beds in the lounge provide additional options, making the property adaptable for different group sizes.
Beyond the property, there is plenty to discover.
The surrounding area is dotted with renowned vineyards offering tastings and tours, ideal for a leisurely afternoon.
Teignmouth tempts with its sandy beach, classic pier and lively arts scene, while Exeter offers a rich blend of history and culture, from its striking cathedral to the bustling quayside lined with cafés and independent shops.
Torquay brings a splash of the English Riviera, with coastal paths, beautiful gardens at Torre Abbey, and wildlife encounters at Living Coasts.
The Old Telephone Exchange offers a memorable Devon escape, perfect for those who enjoy character, countryside and easy access to some of the region’s most appealing destinations.
Your dates
Everything you'll need
- Wifi
- Garden / Patio
- Ground Floor Bedroom
- Ground Floor Accommodation
- Pet Friendly
- Wifi
- Garden / Patio
- Ground Floor Bedroom
- Ground Floor Accommodation
- Pet Friendly
- Smoke Free
- Near Walks
What guests are saying
This quirky cottage is located in an outstanding position for peace and quiet.
We totally relaxed in the beauty of the countryside. Just big enough for two and our dog. The bed was a tad hard and the settee but we managed. Meeting Bea the owner was sweet as are her ample paintings, all over the cottage. She seemed a bit unsure of our booking and length of stay, perhaps she could of been better informed by Sykes? Still missing the serenity of the place
We really enjoyed several aspects of our stay here.
The location is beautiful – peaceful, with lovely views, and it feels wonderfully tucked away while still only being a short drive to shops and amenities. It was also a huge bonus to find somewhere that welcomed our three dogs, as that can be quite difficult to find. The accommodation was a good size for two people, and we especially appreciated the French doors at the end of the bed, which made letting one of our dogs out during the night so much easier. There are also plenty of lovely walks nearby, which made it a great base for us. The only area we felt could be improved was the cleanliness. On arrival there was a musty smell, particularly in the bathroom, and the bathroom continued to feel damp throughout our stay. We also noticed some rubbish left behind from a previous guest, visible dirt on the floors, and the shower did not appear as clean as we would have expected. We ended up vacuuming on the first evening and would have appreciated a fresh washing-up sponge rather than one that looked used. Overall, this is a lovely place in a fantastic setting with real potential, and with a more thorough deep clean and a little extra attention to housekeeping, it could be an excellent stay.
Good to know
House Rules
Good housekeeping bond
This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £150
Smoking
Not permitted
Property notes
Note: 2 night minimum stay
Stay Information
Check-in / Check-out
14:00 / 11:00
Property ref
1195745
Guest & Pet Policy
Pets
Allowed
Children
Children and infants welcome
Accessibility
Ground floor