Fremington: large village (two pubs, award-winning quayside caf, basic shops) beside the River Taw estuary, 3 miles west of Barnstaple. Its ancient quay, which serviced merchant vessels trading with Barnstaple, is now a charming place to sit, eat and birdwatch over a RSPB reserve. Tarka Trail cycle/walk way runs through it. Good beach at Instow, 2 miles. Fine beach and golf at Saunton, 8 miles (new bridge by-passing Barnstaple from spring 2007).

on the edge of Fremington, 150 yards along a farm track, one of two semi-detached cottages originally serving the farmhouse. It is now a completely renovated, delightfully cosy home, with long views to the estuary. In front and to the side, a neat shrub/lawn enclosed garden with 2 steps down to a patio (table/chairs) and the front door. Big flagstone-floored porch with washing machine, tumble drier, freezer and door to inner hall with old pine floor; pretty living room with view to garden; large dining room with comfy sofa and old Rayburn (not in use); fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave). Upstairs, three attractive bedrooms a double, a twin with pine floor/rugs, limited clothes hanging space and lovely long estuary view, and a pretty little single room also with limited clothes hanging space; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No smoking. Footpath down to the quay and caf.