About this property
Corncott is a luxurious couples’ retreat in North Devon set within the historic Old Mill on the award-winning Millbrook Estate near Umberleigh and Barnstaple. This romantic holiday cottage for two combines character features with modern comforts, including exposed beams, a king-size bedroom suite with freestanding bath, and a beautifully equipped kitchen with Emma Bridgewater crockery and Villeroy & Boch cutlery. Guests can wander woodland paths, relax in the wood-fired sauna, book the secluded woodland hot tub or spend serene evenings beneath dark, star-filled skies. With beaches such as Saunton Sands, Instow and Woolacombe within easy reach, Corncott offers a memorable North Devon escape for couples.
Corncott, part of the historic Old Mill at Millbrook Estate near Umberleigh in North Devon, offers a beautifully designed retreat for two in a peaceful countryside setting. The self-catering Devon holiday apartment sits on the first floor of the restored mill, where original beams and glimpses of the old water wheel reflect the building's past, while carefully chosen furnishings and thoughtful details create a luxuriously warm atmosphere. Beyond the apartment, guests are free to explore the estate's 32 acres of gardens, lakes and woodland where quiet paths thread through trees and open meadows. Time here tends to slow naturally; mornings might begin with coffee overlooking the grounds, while evenings bring the chance to watch wildlife by the lakes or enjoy the calm of the surrounding countryside. A freshly baked cake and bread await you on arrival, adding a thoughtful touch that sets the mood for a relaxed, romantic stay.
Just over a mile away, the village of High Bickington provides a traditional Devon pub atmosphere at The Old George Inn, where local ales and hearty food are served in a friendly setting. The countryside around Umberleigh and nearby Barnstaple is characterised by rolling farmland, wooded valleys and quiet country lanes that reward unhurried exploration. The Tarka Trail passes through the area, offering miles of traffic-free cycling and walking through some of North Devon's most lovely landscapes. Market towns, independent shops and farm shops provide plenty of opportunities to sample the region's produce, while historic houses and gardens offer leisurely days out in the surrounding countryside.
North Devon's coastline lies within comfortable reach, making it easy to combine rural calm with time beside the sea. Instow, around 15 miles away, offers views of a sandy estuary and waterside cafés, while Westward Ho! provides a long stretch of beach backed by dramatic skies and Atlantic waves. Saunton Sands sits around 40 minutes away, its wide dunes and sweeping shoreline drawing surfers, walkers and photographers throughout the year. Further along the coast, the renowned beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde lie roughly 20 miles from the estate and are widely considered among the finest in the country. Away from the beaches, visitors can explore fishing villages, coastal paths and gardens such as RHS Rosemoor, or simply return to Millbrook Estate to enjoy peaceful evenings beneath the dark, star-filled skies that make this corner of Devon feel wonderfully removed from everyday life.
,Accommodation Comprises: Corncott is a luxurious one-bedroom apartment for two set on the first floor of the Old Mill within the Millbrook Estate in North Devon.
Outside & Estate Grounds
Guests have full access to the 32-acre Millbrook Estate, with landscaped gardens, lakes, woodland and open meadows to explore. Paths wind through the grounds where deer, birds and other wildlife are regularly spotted. A wood-fired sauna can be booked for a private evening experience surrounded by nature. Guests can also reserve the secluded woodland hot tub cabin, offering a relaxing soak beneath North Devon's dark skies.
Two fishing lakes provide quiet spots beside the water, while alpacas grazing within the grounds add character to the rural landscape. The estate also includes a summer house and sheltered BBQ hut, available to book for cosy barbecue evenings, whatever the weather.
Additional Information
Utilities, WiFi, bed linen and bath towels are included. The apartment is on the first floor of the Old Mill and accessed via an external staircase with 13 steps. Level access throughout the apartment once inside, with a small step into the bathroom.
Minimum stay of 2 nights, with longer breaks available depending on availability.
Optional romantic packages available, including prosecco, champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling wine with artisan chocolates and silk petals. Breakfast hampers are available from the High Bickington Community Shop, and BBQ hampers can also be ordered.