Lovehayne Farm is hidden away from the road by traditional high Devon hedges and banks and situated in its own private valley, surrounded by the 200 acres of the farm’s fields and woods.  You can meet our rare breed Dorset Down sheep and horses and ponies on the farm. There are bantams roaming loose in the yard in front of the cottages, and call ducks and mallard on the ponds in the valley. Children are welcome to help feed them and collect any eggs. The ducks love any spare breadcrumbs too.

We have found records of families living here since 1549, but there are the remains of Bronze Age burial mounds in some of our fields dating from 2000 to 550 B.C.

Nowadays we try to farm in an environmentally friendly way, using no artificial fertilisers and as few chemicals on the land as possible. We have restored all the hedges, planted more trees, restored the old orchard by replanting old varieties of Devon apples and fruit trees, re-established the ponds and planted them with native species of water-loving plants.

When you stay in either of the holiday cottages you are free to enjoy all our facilities which include the Hard tennis court, and lead-rein pony rides for children which are given under our supervision.

You are also welcome to explore the farm yourselves; we have two walks which take you round the farm, or come on a guided walk with a member of the family. There may be the chance to help move the sheep, watch the shearing in the barn or feeding or help with haymaking, depending on the time of year you wish to come.

In Spring, our woodland is carpeted with bluebells under the bright green beech leaves and the hedgerows are full of wildflowers. The ewes and lambs are turned out to graze in the sheltered fields and are worth watching.

Come in the summer with the children and let them enjoy the safe space and freedom here. Introduce them to badger watching, a game of tennis, mackerel fishing and fossil hunting as well as all the usual beach activities. Bring your bikes to explore the quiet lanes and tracks or walk the Southwest Coastal Path or the 40 mile East Devon Way.

In the Autumn, the colours of the turning leaves, the misty views, the peace and quiet, watching the deer or a green woodpecker swoop from tree to tree all make a visit here worthwhile.

Lovehayne Farm, Southleigh, Colyton, Devon EX24 6JE

Mrs Philippa Bignell, Lovehayne Farm.  stay@lovehayne.co.uk, +44 (0)1404 871216

Design by Hoop Associates 01404 812478