Lydford: Village on Dartmoor’s western edge, of Saxon origin and medieval importance (castle ruins), now famous for its gorge (Nat. Trust, very beautiful walk by the River Lyd with pools, boulders and waterfalls, deep in woods). Two good food pubs, church, shop; trout/sea trout fishing in the Lyd; riding stables locally. Sea/beaches, about 25 miles, north or south coasts. Roadford Lake, 9 miles. Tavistock (market town), 5 miles. The amazing tor-top church at Brentor, 3 miles.

... 2 miles south-west of Lydford and 1 from its gorge, 400 yards of private farm-lane end at Burnville Farm, a lovely farmstead amid beech trees. It is on the side of a shallow stream-valley with supreme views of Dartmoor hills and tors, and to Brentor’s peak-top church, from almost anywhere on the 250 acre working farm (direct moor access from it). There are sheep, cattle, ponies, pigs, chickens, ornamental pheasants. You can go anywhere (owners) on the farm and help is most welcome. Stabling/grazing for your own ponies/horses, a pond (picnicking), with mallard, moorhen and usually Canada geese in spring; badgers and foxes about. Clay pigeon shooting and instruction, and mountain bikes (adults’ and children’s) by arrangement. Outdoor heated swimming pool (32’ x 16’ and 3’6 to 8’ deep, available 23 May to 13 Sept) and hard tennis court shared with owners. Fun badminton and volleyball. Games room ( size snooker table, table tennis, skittle alley) and well-equipped gym in a newly refurbished barn. Lovely walled vegetable garden. Fresh veg. available in season, and eggs. Golf and gliding, 2 miles.

For you to stay in are the original stone farmhouse (A121) or a large Victorian house (A122), 200 yards up the private lane, a converted coachhouse (A120), roughly midway between the two, or a converted barn (A51) a mile away. The extremely nice owners live nearby but out of sight and do B&B in their own house.

The converted coachhouse has its own indoor swimming pool (17’ x 8’ x 3’ - ‘endless pool’ with variable river flow) and sauna in a separate building just a few yards away with double doors opening to patio (table/chairs). Own heated games room (snooker, table tennis, table football, CD player), another lovely paved patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and approx. 1 acre garden (partly stepped or sloping, but with large level lawn areas, sandpit, wooden playhouse). Inside, delightful, well-decorated and furnished, mainly big rooms with many windows (original coachhouse openings). Elegant living room with big fireplace (open fire), big arched French windows, CD player; dining room with big ornamental fireplace and arched windows, slate floor, glazed door to patio; smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, larder fridge); maple-floored den with woodburner, TV and video and French windows to forecourt; laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer, big Belfast sink); children’s snug with wooden floor, beanbags, toys; boot room, and downstairs shower-room (suite). Upstairs, five bedrooms - master double with en suite shower-room (suite), another double (mahogany bed), one twin, one single, and children’s room with two sets of bunks (one set 2’6); two bathrooms (suites). Payphone. Arrival after 4pm, departure by 11am. Cautionary Deposit £100.

We very much like this farm, the houses, whole atmosphere, and they have been much praised. Tremendous freedom and number of things to do for children and adults. Sumptuous evening meal menu. Excellent owners. Outdoor swimming pool available 25 May to 15 September.