Guests say
Mere Brook offers a charming riverside setting with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and helpful owners. Guests consistently praise the beautiful location, private use of the indoor pool, and comfortable beds. The cottage is well-equipped and ideal for families, with a games room and easy access to local attractions and walks. While some mention dated décor and areas needing refurbishment, most found the property clean and homely. Thoughtful touches such as welcome refreshments are appreciated, though not guaranteed. Overall, it’s a delightful spot for a relaxing break, especially for families and dog owners.
Most guests found the cottage clean and well-presented, with particular praise for crisp bed linen and towels. However, a few reviews noted issues such as stains and areas needing more attention, which slightly lowers the score.
The location is highly praised for its riverside setting, proximity to the Tarka Trail, and easy access to Great Torrington and local attractions. Guests found it ideal for walks, family outings, and exploring the area.
Guests frequently mention comfortable beds and a homely atmosphere. While some found the décor dated, most still enjoyed a restful and pleasant stay.
The indoor pool, games room, and well-equipped kitchen are standout features, with guests especially enjoying private pool access. Some mention maintenance issues and dated fittings, but overall facilities are well-received.
Several guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as welcome packs with tea, coffee, milk, juice, and biscuits, as well as the owners’ helpfulness. Please note that these gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
A perfect retreat enjoying use of many onsite facilities yet close to attractions of the area and beaches at Westward Ho! This period cottage originally formed part of the Sawmill, provides comfortable accommodation..
Ground Floor:
Living/dining room: Smart TV, DVD Player, Books, Electric Woodburner
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine, Washing Machine
Sun Room: Books
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, Freeview TV
Ensuite: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds, Freeview TV
Ensuite: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet.
Oil central heating (controlled by owner), electricity, bed linen, towels and high speed Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair available on request. Welcome pack. Tumble dryer available on-site. Games room with pool table, games machines and outside area (shared). Terrace with sitting out area with garden furniture. 3 acre grounds with sitting-out area, garden furniture and play area (shared). Heidi’s Hideaway toddlers playroom (shared). Indoor heated swimming pool with changing and shower facilities (shared, pool 12ft x 33ft). Ample private parking. No smoking. Please note: There is a securely fenced river on-site.. Town Mills is a historic Grade II listed former mill and Manor House situated on the banks of the River Torridge on the outskirts of Great Torrington in North Devon. Built by Lord Rolle in 1823 and made famous as ‘Tarka’s Mill’ in Henry Williamson’s book ‘Tarka the Otter’, Town Mills started life as a grain mill and a saw mill, both powered by waterwheels. Now, almost 200 years later, Town Mills has been sympathetically converted into seven well-appointed holiday cottages all with their own personality. From a cosy holiday cottage that sleeps 3 people, to a larger 6-bedroom holiday cottage that sleeps 12, every cottage benefits from character and charm combined with modern convenience.
Located in the beautiful North Devon countryside, Town Mills is ideally situated for visiting the North Devon coast, Exmoor, travelling The Tarka Trail, or visiting the RHS Gardens at Rosemoor next door.
Merebrook is a very popular cottage, which used to form part of the saw mill when Town Mills was still a working mill. Set alongside the leat that powered the waterwheels, the original water wheel of the grain mill can be seen from the windows of the lounge, creating a lovely ambience.
Mere Brook has a wonderful, cosy atmosphere. As you go through the front door you enter a comfortable, bright sunroom where you can sit and relax, read, or have a glass of something whilst taking in the tranquillity of Town Mills. This leads into the lounge/diner with a staircase leading to the first floor, and doorway into the fitted kitchen. This kitchen is well-equipped and has views of the riverside garden, play area and the river itself. This two-storey property has a double bedroom and a twin bedroom, both with an en-suite bathroom with over-the-bath shower, toilet and sink unit.
On-site, there is a indoor shared swimming pool which is kept warm between 31-32 degrees, so is suitable for even the smallest guests. The owners offer the opportunity to reserve the pool for your exclusive use, allowing you the chance for a session of family fun, or a quiet moment to relax. There is a games room with a free pool table and a classic table football, along with a dart board and fruit machine. Located by the riverside, but securely fenced, the children’s play area offers picnic bench seating with swings, slide and climbing frame, as well as an elevated playhouse, its the ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon with a picnic whilst trying to spot an otter or some of the other many local wildlife visitors. For younger guests, there is a kids hideaway where they can escape to. On the opposite side of the Mill there is a garden where you can enjoy a few moments, maybe have a picnic or watch the peacocks as they wander around.
Free WiFi
For all properties at Town Mills: Shared indoor heated swimming pool available all year. We are operating a booking system to allow all guests equal opportunity to use the pool. During out of peak season, the pool is used for swimming lessons 2-4 hours a day, so if visiting out of peak season, please check with us for available pool times.
Cots and highchairs are supplied upon request at the time of booking.
The river/stream is fenced. Unfortunately, at the moment the banks of the river are not accessible for fishing, apologies for this.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Nearby points of interest
- Clovelly Village
Reviews (10)
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Ted
We spent a lovely few days at Mere Brook while exploring the local area. The cottage was comfortable and contained everything we needed. The pool, games room and play area were a big hit with my kids and a lot of fun was had. I would highly recommend!
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Jo
Very pleased with our holiday at Mere Brook. We find that whilst the bedroom and bathroom fittings are a bit old fashioned, as others have commented, they added to the charm for us - it's like stepping back in time! The sun room is lovely to spend time in and we enjoyed the variety of books on the shelf. The old mill and location is stunning and there is plenty of communal space to sit and enjoy the river flowing by. It is nice to see work being done to restore such a lovely old building. We really enjoyed the games room and the swimming pool - the pool was always warm and it was a massive treat to have it to ourselves and my son really let his hair down with the floats and inflatables we brought. It's a short walk or cycle to Great Torrington where there are takeaways and supermarkets. We got on the Tarka Trail from the property without cycling on the road and had a great ride!
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Confirmed Guest
We chose Merebrook because of its location and indoor pool. We chose well. The pool was wonderfully warm and our 4 year old loved it. An added bonus was the excellent WiFi. Town Mills is gradually being updated and looks exactly like it does in the photos. The bedlinen and towels are of an excellent standard; beds comfy and the smart TV was useful. The owners, Jonathan and Jackie, were very helpful and on hand to help out.We had a great week, in a beautiful setting even the sun appeared most days.