West Henstill House

Customer rating

4.7★

8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
Show on map

Features

Off road parking
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

42 Customer Review(s)

Sophie
December 2025

“Gorgeous cottage with lots of character and charm.”

The views were stunning and the cottage had everything we could possibly need. The log burner was wonderful and made evenings very cosy. Everything about the cottage itself was perfect and we really appreciated all the little extras. As others have mentioned in previous reviews the lane to the cottage is very very potholed. If you have a high up car you'll be fine but one of our cars is very low and he did struggle (a fair bit of scraping on the ground which made an unhappy noise). I would ...

The views were stunning and the cottage had everything we could possibly need. The log burner was wonderful and made evenings very cosy. Everything about the cottage itself was perfect and we really appreciated all the little extras. As others have mentioned in previous reviews the lane to the cottage is very very potholed. If you have a high up car you'll be fine but one of our cars is very low and he did struggle (a fair bit of scraping on the ground which made an unhappy noise). I would recommend not bringing a low car but other than that it was great!

- Sophie, December 2025

Dear Sophie. Thank you very much for taking the time to submit a review and for your kind words. We were delighted to hear that you had such a good time and we will use your comments regarding the lane to provide further evidence to the council that repairs are needed. Thanks again and we hope we can welcome you again in the future. Jecks family Property Owner
Danielle December 2025

“Had an amazing stay over Xmas at WestHenstill House .”

It was fully equipped with everything we needed. The fire and sofas were very cosy in the evening. The location was stunning. Only thing that was a worry was it says it has a fully enclosed garden. I have a small working cocker spaniel. I did a perimeter check before I let her out and the garden seemed very secure. Wire fence all round . So I didn’t bother keeping an eye on her the first time I let her out after her pooh and wee. When I called her in she was behind the fence in between the two fences ! She must of somehow fitted through the squares in the wire fencing . So if a dog her size managed that a smaller dog definitely will. So just be aware. Apart from that the cottage is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for the Xmas tree that was a lovely sight to walk into . I would definitely recommend and rebook this cottage if the occasion arises again . We didn’t want to come home . Thank you so much x

- Danielle, December 2025

We’re delighted to hear that you had such a good time and wish you all the best for the New Year. Property Owner
Sue September 2025

“Loved this house.”

Loved its position. Just marvellous architecture, 17th century I am guessing possibly with early 20th century extension. Lovely big kitchen, fab dog garden and views. Can't wait to return. My only criticism and this is because I am terribly busy and only glance at things... is that when the email sent the address it would be good if in bold directly under the address it said DO NOT USE SAT NAV. The directions you sent were excellent and once I knew to use them found it with ease but only after spending literally hours completely lost which was very stressful. My fault I know but to save others the same fate...

- Sue, September 2025

Dear Sue, thank you very much for taking the time to submit this review and we were very pleased to hear that you had such a good time, but sorry that so much of your time was wasted in finding the property. You make a great suggestion and we will amend the details accordingly. Also, What3words is a package that is increasingly used to locate addresses and we will add the locator: ///buildings.flaking.snowmen in the notes. Thanks once again for your comments and for choosing West Henstill; we hope to welcome you back soon. Regards. Jecks family Property Owner
Rosemarie August 2025

“Beautiful cottage in gorgeous surrounding countryside.”

It contains everything you need for your stay and is in a great situation to explore the region. Crediton has a good train service to Exeter and Barnstaple which we enjoyed as well as the NT properties in easy reach. Approaching lanes to the cottage are narrow and bumpy, this is Devon and part of the charm.

- Rosemarie, August 2025

Dear Rosemarie, Thank you very much for taking the time to submit a review and for your kind words. We were delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your stay and hope that we can welcome you back in the future. Regards Jecks family. Property Owner
Peter August 2025

“Wonderful cottage in a peaceful and picturesque location.”

Would love to return one day

- Peter, August 2025

Dear Peter, Thank you for taking the time to respond and for your kind words. We very much hope that you will be able to return in the future. Regards Jecks family. Property Owner
Shari June 2025

“The cottage is in a very beautiful setting.”

Very peaceful with great views. We were disappointed with the condition of the road to cottage. It is very narrow and full of pot holes. Hedges were not trimmed, making it very hard to see. Would be best if vehicle had a high suspension to get down this one. Local cabs will not go down the road. Apple taxi will go though. Also there was a very large puddle at the bottom of the hill, covering the road. Walking path to town was actually a lot longer than what was stated. 4 miles to Crediton. WIFI only works in one corner of the living room.

- Shari, June 2025

Dear Shari, thank you very much for taking the time to post a review of your stay at West Henstill. We were pleased that you liked the location so much and hope that you had a good trip home to the USA. We wanted to address a couple of concerns that you expressed. First, as you say, the local roads are unfortunately poorly maintained. This obviously doesn’t just apply to our area; it’s common across Devon and Cornwall. I appreciate that North American roads tend to be much wider and better paved, but some find the winding nature of the country lanes with tall hedges and granite walls supporting wildflowers that have developed over centuries part of the charm of the English countryside; nonetheless I was pleased to hear from the local farmer that he trimmed the hedges during your stay. The law prevents farmers trimming the hedges earlier than was done, to protect nesting birds We do provide photos in our listings to ensure it is evident that this is a very rural location. You mentioned the broadband coverage within the house. That is actually covered within the house notes; the broadband signal to the house is unstable and we therefore provide simple two-step instructions to reinstate the extender if it becomes disconnected, after which there is excellent coverage in all parts of the house. You also state that the 4-mile distance to Crediton is incorrectly described. In the property description we do not specify the distance to Crediton, but we do say that it is 2.5 miles to Sandford and a further 1.5 to Crediton. We will have a look at the wording to remove any possible ambiguity. Thank you once again for choosing West Henstill and we very much hope that you enjoyed the family event in the UK. Regards, the Jecks family. Property Owner
Anna April 2025

“Such a beautiful house & area.”

Great Garden for children and dogs with extra patio for outdoor dining. A lovely short dog walk straight from cottage. Dog bowls provided. Logs provided. Comfortable big beds, singles slightly creaky. Spacious but very characterful cottage. Lots of lanes! Would definitely revisit.

- Anna, April 2025

Thank you very much for taking the time to review your stay at West Henstill. We were delighted to hear you had such a good time and hope we can welcome you back in the future. Property Owner
Stuart March 2025

“Had a lovely comfortable stay thanks.”

Nice and peaceful.

- Stuart, March 2025

Thank you very much for your kind comments and we are very pleased to hear you had such a good time. Jecks family Property Owner
Hope-marie February 2025

“We have just returned from a lovely stay at Henstill House.”

There were 8 of us plus two dogs and it was more than adequate. The facilities are exemplary, I can honestly say I have not had a kitchen that actually has everything you could possibly want. The surrounding area is beautiful and peaceful. My two boys loved it. Thank you so much :0)

- Hope-marie, February 2025

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our property and for your kind words. We were delighted to hear that you had such a good time and hope that we will have the opportunity to host you again on a future date. Property Owner
Jeremy August 2024

“This was a fantastic place for our families group!”

We loved it, and found it a great base to explore Dartmoor from. All the facilities you could want, as it is still used by the owner family. Kitchen is excellent for cooking large group meals and hanging out in, sitting room cosy for evening games or chats. Lanes everywhere in the area are narrow, and the approach road here is no different - just take it slow and it is completely fine.

- Jeremy, August 2024

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words. We were delighted to hear that you had such a good time. Property Owner
Clare August 2024

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at West Henstill House.”

Very well equipped house, beautiful views and local walks. Perfect location for relaxing and escaping the busyness of life.

- Clare, August 2024

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review and it’s great to hear that you enjoyed the peace and tranquility as much as we do. Property Owner
Robert June 2024

“A nice property with everything that you would need for a holiday.”

The only thing that lets it down is the access road.

- Robert, June 2024

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review and we were very pleased to hear that you had such a good time. Property Owner
Jean May 2024

“Fabulous property for 8 assorted friends and family attending a wedding nearby.”

Had everything we required!

- Jean, May 2024

Thank you very much for taking the time to review your stay at West Henstill to celebrate your friends’ wedding and for your kind words. We were very pleased to hear that you had such a good time. Property Owner
Helen March 2024

“This was not our first choice for our holiday but with only a week to go before our break was due it was a property with similar facilities to our original choice.”

The layout was great for a three generations family but we couldn’t use one of the kids rooms as it was invaded with flies each day. Getting to the cottage was a challenge for my daughter’s car. Narrow roads expected in Devon, but the pot holes/ craters are a dam disgrace. Her car was left in the garage, too concerned to use until we went home. The long road to the cottage was a game of dodge and our 4x4 was a god send but certainly suffered.the area is lovely but won’t wish to return to this particular cottage

- Helen, March 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We recognise the poor state of some Devon lanes which, of course, also affects many other areas in the UK. Most of our guests enjoy the tranquility that results from being situated at the end of a peaceful lane, but it clearly isn’t suitable for all. Thank you taking the time to review this. Kind regards, Jecks family Property Owner
Malcolm September 2023

“This property has to be one of the best in rural Devon for up to 8 people.”

Very spacious lounges with a fully equipped kitchen. one of the bedrooms only suitable for one adult or two children. Unfortunately windows could not be opened in two of the bedrooms. The outside was perfect. The house is situated over 2 miles from Sandford village via narrow single track roads with limited passing spots which were full of pot-holes. During our one week stay we had to back up on five occasions, once over a quarter of a mile to let two very large tractors and trailers through. on other occasions three cars backed up for us. I would not recommend to inexperienced/nervous drivers or to owners of sports/electric cars..

- Malcolm, September 2023

Dear Mr Leavens, Thank you very much for your helpful feedback after your stay last year. We just wanted to let you know that your concerns over the windows have been addressed. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review. Jecks family. Property Owner
Ian September 2023

“This is a fantastic isolated retreat.”

Great country walk's, ideal for large families with well behaved dog's. The cottage has all anyone would need for a relaxing break.

- Ian, September 2023
Shaun August 2023

“Very quiet and very peaceful my family and myself had a wonderful visit”

- Shaun, August 2023
Roald August 2023

“Beautiful house, so peaceful.”

Only minor question mark, with my four year old grandson, was no dryer. And next door’s tummy rub little dog- nearly took him home. Would we stay again- absolutely, yes please!!!

- Roald, August 2023
Catherine August 2023

“We had great week at the cottage, it was very clean and we had a very comfortable week living there, it's well equipped with everything you should need, apart from a tumble drier, but we were very lucky with the weather so hung out all the washing on the line in the garden.”

The garden is lovely, very quiet and relaxing, I sat out a few times in the sun. The location is extreamly rural, the cottage is accessible via multiple lanes, one of which is very narrow indeed,infact the branches in one scraped down the side of our new car on both sides but when you leave the cottage, if you get used to turning right after the first lane then it is much wider and far more car friendly.

- Catherine, August 2023
Bradley July 2023

“Lovely property in the middle of nowhere great views all around but could do ...”

Lovely property in the middle of nowhere great views all around but could do with slight redecorating as it is a little dated ie needs new carpets and lick of paint but overall a very nice and comfortable stay would definitely recommend, it provided us with everything we needed

- Bradley, July 2023

Thank you very much for your feedback and constructive observations, which we will consider carefully. We were very pleased to hear that you had a good time. Jecks family. Property Owner
Justine May 2023

“A comfortable, relaxing, well equipped cottage.”

Didn't want to leave! A wonderful stay, would highly recommend!

- Justine, May 2023

Thanks very much for your kind comments. We were delighted to hear you had a good time. Jecks family. Property Owner
Steven October 2022

“A beautiful cottage in a tranquil location.”

The cottage was fully equipped and met all our requirements. Plan to return again

- Steven, October 2022

Thank you very much for the kind comments. We were pleased to hear that you and the family had a good time and hope to welcome you back in the future. Regards Jecks family. Property Owner
Tracy September 2022

“Lovely house in rural location.”

Very peaceful, great views and wonderful sunrises. Very clean and comfortable. Had a wonderful stay

- Tracy, September 2022

Dear Tracy, thank you very much for the feedback and kind comments. We were delighted to hear that you had a good time and hope that we might welcome you back in the future. Jecks family. Property Owner
Fozia July 2022

“We had a really enjoyable week at the cottage.”

The location was so peaceful and picturesque. Everything was provided including a thoughtful welcome pack of essentials! We would definitely like to come back again as a week was not enough. Photos and description was accurate. Instructions to the cottage were really helpful. The garden was fully enclosed allowing our dog ample space to run around and explore. We would highly recommend it.

- Fozia, July 2022

Thank you very much for this helpful feedback and your kind comments. We were delighted to hear that you had such a good time and hope that we can welcome you back in the future. Regards Jecks family. Property Owner
Jane June 2022

“Beautiful house, very comfortable, relaxing and very well equipped with everything we needed.”

Idyllic, quiet and peaceful surroundings - just the sounds of birds.

- Jane, June 2022

Thank you very much for this positive feedback and we were delighted to hear that you had such a pleasant stay. We hope to welcome you back in the future. Jecks family. Property Owner
Nigel June 2022

“A very lovely cottage/farm house , very peaceful, the lanes were a challenge (knowing which one to take) but we succeeded, Disappointed with the internet (but hope it’s fixed for the next family.”

, otherwise very pleased .

- Nigel, June 2022

Thank you for your feedback, we can confirm the wifi is back up and running. Property Owner
Tanya May 2022

“What a beautiful cottage, stocked with everything you could imagine in the kitchen accessory-wise including a really generous gift of a bottle of Prosecco in the fridge.”

Our only issue was that we couldn’t stay for longer!!

- Tanya, May 2022

Thanks very much Tanya. We hope to welcome you back in the future Property Owner
Alison May 2022

“Lovely Location, stunning views from every window.”

Birdsong, cows in the buttercup meadow. Very well equipped cottage. Would come again.

- Alison, May 2022

Thanks Alison. Glad to hear you had such a good time. Property Owner
Dale April 2022

“Drive very uneven”

- Dale, April 2022

Thanks for the feedback Dale. We subsequently spoke to Devon County Council and they have patched the access lane. Property Owner
Carly April 2022

“Very well equipped and clean property.”

Lovely stay with relaxing evenings in front of the fire. Would definitely return and recommend.

- Carly, April 2022

Thanks for the feedback Carly and we were delighted to hear you had such a good time. We hope to welcome you back in the future. Property Owner
Elaine June 2021

“The cottage is absolutely fabulous, very well equipped, lovely furnishings and very clean.”

The cottage had so much character but with a modern twist. WiFi and phone signal is not great. The only downside would be how isolated it is, roads are very small leading to the cottage but you definitely get the peace and quiet. All in all a very comfortable, clean, homely place to stay.

- Elaine, June 2021
Franco June 2021

“A superb cottage with outstanding views of the Devon countryside.”

Fantastic, facilities throughout.

- Franco, June 2021
Susan May 2021

“Lovely house but quite remote.”

We thought we could walk to the pub but it was quite hilly and either on muddy paths( it had deluged for our first couple of days) or on narrow lanes with no footpath. We made up for this by lunching out a lot!! Kitchen extremely well equipped other than no lidded large casserole.. yes I’m being picky. But it did have both hand mixer and separate blender!! Dog and grandchildren fascinated by young cattle in adjoining field....me fascinated to find owned by Michael Jecks the novelists family.

- Susan, May 2021
Jonathan September 2020

“The owners had done everything possible to make us comfortable, things we hadn’t thought of bringing (tea bags, bin bags, dishwasher tabs etc).”

Really nice cottage in a lovely setting. I’d happily stay at the location again

- Jonathan, September 2020
Stirling October 2019

“Lovely well equipped home.”

Very warm and cosy for the October weather and plenty of space for a family get together. It could just do with some drying facilities - a tumble drier would have been great - especially as we had young Children in our party. Otherwise a super cottage in a beautiful - if remote location.

- Stirling, October 2019
Karen August 2019

“On arrival the cottage had not been cleaned.”

we were warned by caretaker a few days earlier that cleaners were new company and not that reliable and may still be there when we got there. However when we arrived the gardener who was there (and very friendly) told us that cleaners had not arrived! she went off and spoke to the caretaker who apologised profusely and said they would pay for a meal for us all all as way of recompense. I have still to claim this. The gardener and her daughter ended up cleaning the house (to high standard) and caretaker came next day to apologise and to give us another bottle of prosecco. After that hiccup all fine, beautiful setting, very spacious, showers good, beds comfy, well equipped kitchen etc. The only slight quibbles we would have would be 1) lack of tea towels (although this had been set out in the information, I missed it) and 2) no tumble drier.,

- Karen, August 2019
Elaine August 2019

“Comfortable cottage and very well equipped with cot and high chair as requested, games and decent beds.”

We would have used the garden more if weather had been better, but a good base for touring central and south Devon. Instructions for all equipment very well presented in a file with another of guidance on all other facilities you might need.

- Elaine, August 2019
Janice August 2019

“It would be good to specify the number of car parking spaces.”

The baby gate was a good idea to keep dogs in the kitchen. Wasn't sure where the washing drier pole went. The Lamb Inn has gone down hill a lot. Best pub we visited was the Red Lion in Shobrooke.

- Janice, August 2019
Louise May 2019

“Had a great week made extra special by the fabulous weather.”

Four generations staying together the house was big enough to still find a quiet spot if you wanted. Comfy beds, stunning views, lovely log burner and so very peaceful! We will be back!

- Louise, May 2019
Neil April 2019

“An ancient property but with all home comforts.”

A place isolated enough that we could experience real isolation but still within an hour of Dartmoor and exmoor.

- Neil, April 2019
Kerry December 2018

“West Henstill house was a lovely cottage in an idyllic location, so peaceful and just what we needed for a relaxing Christmas break.”

Could not fault the property at all. Had everything you needed for a family holiday. The log burner was just the best way to spend family time together and playing games, we all just sat around it. We would for sure recommend this cottage to anyone that is looking for something bigger that would accommodate two families, plenty of space of you require some quiet time.

- Kerry, December 2018
Shirley June 2018

“The only negative thing, was the baby equipment, ie high chair and cot.”

High chair was broken and flimsy and we had to wash cover before we could use it. **Owner response**. Thank you very much for bringing this to our attention and as a result the items were replaced the moment we were informed of your comment. Thank you also for your kind words in the visitors’ book and we hope to welcome you back to West Henstill House again in the future.

- Shirley, June 2018

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Summary

Four bedrooms: 1 x king size double with en suite shower room with shower, WC and basin, 1 x double, 2 x twin
Bathroom with bath, separate shower, WC, basin
Ground floor kitchen with dining area and doors to garden
Sitting room with wood burning stove
Hall
Ground floor WC with basin.
Central heating with wood burning stove
Microwave, fridge-freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with DVD, WiFi - Plus Net WiFi used regularly for Zoom calls and streaming), Phone incoming calls only only, Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Cot and highchair available on request
Off road parking for three cars
Enclosed garden with barbecue
Two well-behaved dogs welcome
Sorry no smoking
Note: Dogs are permitted in the kitchen only
Note: The gardener may attend during your stay to cut the grass and weed the flower beds
Note: This property will only sleep a maximum of 8 people including babies

The property

In glorious rolling Devon countryside, 2½ miles from Sandford and the award-winning dining pub, a gorgeous, Grade II listed, thatched, detached house with 16th century origins, looking over green meadows and wooded hedgerows.

It is approached via typical Devon hedgerow-lined roads.

At the back, a suntrap patio (table/chairs, barbecue, lighting) for alfresco meals and evening drinks, steps (gate) up to enclosed lawn and, at the front, a field for energetic ball games and letting off steam.

Inside, a smart and peaceful haven with original charm and history including warmly patinated panelling, beams, low lintels (from 5'8") and uneven walls, beautifully combined with stylish modern comforts.

Porch to large well-equipped kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge-freezer, electric range-style cooker, iPod dock) with glazed doors to garden.

Big, cosy living room with massive inglenook fireplace (woodburner), ancient panelling and TV/DVD.

Original hall.

Loo.

Stairs (stairgate) up to four bedrooms - a double (5' bed with footboard) with en suite shower-room (suite), another 5' double (footboard), a twin, and 2 shallow steps down to a second twin.

Bathroom (suite with separate shower).

2 well behaved pets welcome (permitted downstairs only, not on the furniture).

A fabulous, welcoming retreat in a beautiful tranquil spot for relaxing and walking, with lots of country footpaths to explore.

Sandford (2½ miles, 45 mins on foot, 10 mins in a car) pretty little village (PO/shop, church, two pubs - one excellent and award-winning) in the beautiful and rich red-soil farmland of mid-Devon.

Cycle/foot path (1½ miles) Sandford to Crediton (good local shops, indoor swimming pool, railway) through the wildflower Millennium Green.

Exeter (city amenities), about 8 miles.

Dartmoor National Park, 11.

Exmoor and sea/beaches at Exmouth, about 20.

Floorplans

1st FloorGround Floor

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

View on map

About the location

SANDFORD, DEVON

Crediton 1.5 miles; Exeter 8 miles; Dartmoor National Park 11 miles miles; Exmouth 20 miles.

A pretty little village (PO/shop, church, two pubs- one excellent and award-winning) in the beautiful and rich red-soil farmland of mid-Devon. Cycle/foot path (1.5 miles) to Crediton though the wildflower Millennium Green.

Note: No Stag/Hen or similar
Note: Dogs are permitted in the kitchen only
Note: This property will only sleep a maximum of 8 people including babies

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Gorgeous cottage with lots of character and charm.”

“Had an amazing stay over Xmas at WestHenstill House .”

“Loved this house.”

“Beautiful cottage in gorgeous surrounding countryside.”

“Wonderful cottage in a peaceful and picturesque location.”

“The cottage is in a very beautiful setting.”

“Such a beautiful house & area.”

“Had a lovely comfortable stay thanks.”

“We have just returned from a lovely stay at Henstill House.”

“This was a fantastic place for our families group!”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at West Henstill House.”

“A nice property with everything that you would need for a holiday.”

“Fabulous property for 8 assorted friends and family attending a wedding nearby.”

“This was not our first choice for our holiday but with only a week to go before our break was due it was a property with similar facilities to our original choice.”

“This property has to be one of the best in rural Devon for up to 8 people.”

“This is a fantastic isolated retreat.”

“Very quiet and very peaceful my family and myself had a wonderful visit”

“Beautiful house, so peaceful.”

“We had great week at the cottage, it was very clean and we had a very comfortable week living there, it's well equipped with everything you should need, apart from a tumble drier, but we were very lucky with the weather so hung out all the washing on the line in the garden.”

“Lovely property in the middle of nowhere great views all around but could do ...”

“A comfortable, relaxing, well equipped cottage.”

“A beautiful cottage in a tranquil location.”

“Lovely house in rural location.”

“We had a really enjoyable week at the cottage.”

“Beautiful house, very comfortable, relaxing and very well equipped with everything we needed.”

“A very lovely cottage/farm house , very peaceful, the lanes were a challenge (knowing which one to take) but we succeeded, Disappointed with the internet (but hope it’s fixed for the next family.”

“What a beautiful cottage, stocked with everything you could imagine in the kitchen accessory-wise including a really generous gift of a bottle of Prosecco in the fridge.”

“Lovely Location, stunning views from every window.”

“Drive very uneven”

“Very well equipped and clean property.”

“The cottage is absolutely fabulous, very well equipped, lovely furnishings and very clean.”

“A superb cottage with outstanding views of the Devon countryside.”

“Lovely house but quite remote.”

“The owners had done everything possible to make us comfortable, things we hadn’t thought of bringing (tea bags, bin bags, dishwasher tabs etc).”

“Lovely well equipped home.”

“On arrival the cottage had not been cleaned.”

“Comfortable cottage and very well equipped with cot and high chair as requested, games and decent beds.”

“It would be good to specify the number of car parking spaces.”

“Had a great week made extra special by the fabulous weather.”

“An ancient property but with all home comforts.”