The Manger, Westwater, Axminster

About this property

Perched in an elevated position within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape. The Manger offers memorable views along the length of the spectacular Yarty valley. The tranquil setting, far from the noise and lights of traffic and urban life, offers circular country walks, your own enclosed grassland and orchard and quiet spaces to enjoy the exceptional location.

Perched in an elevated position within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, The Manger offers a rare blend of tranquillity, space, and breathtaking beauty, with uninterrupted views stretching along the spectacular Yarty Valley. From this unique vantage point, far removed from the noise and light of modern life, the surrounding landscape feels vast and unspoilt, creating a true sense of escape and calm.

Set within over half an acre of private garden and orchard, the property is defined by its generous, enclosed grounds, making it exceptionally well suited to guests travelling with dogs. Here, the experience becomes as much about your dog’s freedom and enjoyment as your own. The sweeping grassland, mature trees, and orchard create a stimulating environment where dogs can roam, explore scents, and move naturally through the landscape. From the moment you step outside, walks begin at the doorstep, leading into quiet country lanes and circular routes through rolling countryside. In addition, the hillside above the car park, complete with a bench overlooking the valley, is available for dog walking, offering a peaceful spot to pause while taking in the views. There is no need to plan excursions around your dog rather, they become an integral part of the rhythm of your stay.

Days naturally unfold around shared outdoor moments: a morning wander through dew-covered grass, an afternoon spent relaxing while your dog explores the orchard, or a gentle game across the open lawn framed by uninterrupted valley views. The tranquil setting allows guests to fully unwind while their dogs enjoy both freedom and stimulation. Even the smaller details contribute to the experience: the scents of wildlife, the changing seasons, and the ever-present connection to nature create a rich, engaging environment that dogs instinctively respond to.

The Manger itself is a remarkable historic building, with parts dating back more than five hundred years, and its heritage is woven into every detail. Inside, the sense of history is immediate and striking. Substantial stone walls provide a backdrop of texture and solidity, while above, a dramatic open-vaulted ceiling reveals an intricate network of exposed timber trusses. These hand-hewn beams, aged to a warm golden tone, rise up to the underside of the thatched roof, an increasingly rare feature that brings both depth and authenticity to the space.

The building’s original agricultural function remains beautifully evident in the preserved stable layout. Traditional timber stall partitions still stand, their surfaces worn smooth over centuries of use, alongside original feeding troughs and hay racks that offer a tangible connection to the past. These features are not ornamental but genuine, grounding the space in its working heritage and giving it a character that cannot be replicated.

Historic details continue throughout, from deep-set openings and thick internal walls to subtle changes in floor level that reflect the building’s original form. Underfoot, the rustic flooring complements the agricultural aesthetic, while the combination of stone, aged timber, and traditional craftsmanship creates a layered, tactile environment rich in atmosphere.

The grounds form a natural extension of the home, with the orchard and gardens creating a peaceful sanctuary that changes with the seasons. In early spring, snowdrops emerge and birds begin to nest, while May brings a nearby woodland carpeted in vibrant bluebells. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, badgers, and rabbits often seen nearby, alongside a variety of butterflies and moths. Rare bats roost in the cider barn, and the surrounding skies are animated by woodpeckers, wagtails, and swallows offering endless fascination for both guests and their four-legged companions.

As evening falls, the sense of seclusion deepens, and the night sky reveals an extraordinary display of stars, unspoilt by artificial light. After a day of exploring, there is something particularly special about returning to such a calm and private space, where you, your friends, family, and your dog can settle into the quiet of the countryside.

Despite its secluded feel, The Manger is perfectly positioned for wider exploration, with the dramatic Jurassic Coast within easy reach. Coastal paths, open beaches, and rugged landscapes provide further opportunities for memorable days out with dogs, adding another dimension to the experience.

With its unparalleled views, expansive enclosed grounds, beautifully preserved original features, and deeply immersive natural setting, The Manger offers a truly distinctive retreat where space, history, landscape, and a genuinely dog-friendly environment come together to create an experience to be shared and remembered.

Additional Information:

Please be mindful of a single low truss on the upper floor.

Adjoining barn with table tennis (shared with The Shippen).

Guests may use the village tennis court by arrangement.

Guest use of a paddock.

Travel cot and highchair available on request.

A maximum of two well-behaved dogs welcome (small additional charge). Please note: The garden is enclosed with some hedging so if you are bringing dogs we cannot guarantee it to be completely dog proof. Please keep your dogs to the ground floor and off the furniture. Thank you in advance.