Colehayes Park is an exceptional, Grade II listed country house set in 20 acres of parkland, streams and gardens 1 miles from Bovey Tracey, on the sheltered eastern slopes of Dartmoor below Haytor. Part 16th cent. with additions in 1820, it is built of Haytor granite and is available for self-catering holidays and short breaks for parties of up to 70 in 21 bedrooms. It is, we believe, the largest individual self-catering property in the UK.

The accommodation is modest throughout. Geared to stays free from the worries inherent in properties stacked full of antiques, Colehayes is unashamedly old-fashioned and relaxed, with the most wonderful atmosphere. Here is a place for really great gatherings.

Entrance into huge, panelled, high-ceilinged hall with big open fireplace, piano, CD player and enormous map of the whole of Dartmoor. Big bright bar with lovely views over the formal garden and down the valley past the giant cedar of Lebanon. Enormous living room (woodburner), also with views over the formal gardens, and French windows to the terrace. Down the corridor is a fully-equipped, commercial kitchen (6 burner gas cooker/oven, 1 minute cycle dishwasher, microwave, chest freezer, deep fat fryer); beside it, dining room for up to 70; breakfast room (microwave, freezer, TV). Laundry room (washing machine, tumble drier) and drying room. Three loos with washbasins. Downstairs bathroom (suite plus separate shower). In the cavernous basement, table tennis and a pool table. In all, 21 bedrooms: a double downstairs, and upstairs, one single, two double (one with antique four-poster bed, TV/DVD and en suite bathroom suite with jacuzzi bath plus separate shower), two twin, one double plus single bed, four rooms with three single beds, and ten ‘dormitories’ with four or more single beds (some can be made up as doubles) or bunks. Bedrooms are modest, uncluttered, light, clean and comfortable and all have washbasins. There is a total of twelve baths or showers and fourteen loos. Floor plan available on request.

The 20 acre grounds include a playing field, a lake and a nature trail through woods which are home to quite exceptional wildlife. Deer, foxes, badgers, rare bats and even glow-worms (one of the few sites in England) can be found. The owners have recreated ponds and waterfalls originally laid out in 1825. Immediately outside the bar and living room, the formal gardens sweep away from a sun terrace towards what is said to be the finest specimen in Britain of the rare cork oak.

The owners live close by in a converted coachhouse and are on hand to provide help and guidance if needed. All fuel included in the rental. The property sleeps up to 70 people but is priced for 40 throughout the year, extra people are then charged pro rata. Payphone for outgoing calls. Cautionary Deposit £250. Licensed for weddings (day guests welcome at an extra charge).