More about Bere Alston (the location)

Description

North Ward Cottage is on the Bere Peninsula cut off from the crowds by the River Tamar on one side and the crystal clear River Tavy on the other. There is a criss-cross of paths to allow you to explore the Peninsula. Near by Tavistock is a thriving market town with swimming pool, tennis courts, putting greens, arts cinema etc. Dartmoor, good golf courses, riding, fishing, biking etc are within easy reach as are north or south Cornish beaches. But basically North Ward Cottage and its immediate surroundings are so lovely you should not need to go far.

More details

In 2009 / 2010 North Ward Cottage was extended and completely refurbished to become low carbon. Changes have included increased insulation, under-floor heating, new double-glazed windows and doors and using a heat pump to heat the cottage.

The cottage has a large, 0.8 acre garden, which overlooks the river Tamar. It is set in a lovely rural area and there are several walks that start direct from the cottage. It is about half way along the new 32-mile Tamar Discovery Trail that stretches from Plymouth to Launceston. In 2006 the Mining in the Tamar Valley was accorded Unesco World Heritage Site status. An important part of this Heritage site is Morwellham Quay where you can experience the way the Quay was in 1860 with costumed staff, railways, water wheels etc.

The Tamar Valley is officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is full of wildlife - particularly birds. Woodpeckers have been seen on the cottage lawn although finches and warblers are more common. Buzzards regularly hover overhead. This section of the Tamar valley is quiet with hardly any tourists except a few ramblers on the paths that thread through the area. Walking down the Tamar, bird watchers can see huge reed beds used by wading birds for nesting.

Bere Alston is the nearest village but Tavistock is close-by and is an attractive market town. The Wharf in Tavistock offers arts and cinema as well as tennis and bowls. Cornwall and Cothele House, a National Trust Property are just on the other side of the river, a short trip by ferry, but a longer drive. You can hire canoes and other boats to use on the river. There is mountain biking, tennis and golf near by.

You can get to the cottage by road, rail or ferry. Detailed road directions will be sent upon booking. The closest train stations are Calstock or Bere Alston. If you come to Calstock Station, then you'll need to take the ferry across the river (check times – less frequent in low season). From Bere Alston station you can walk.

North Ward Cottage (the cottage)

Near Bere Alston, 15 minutes from Tavistock, 20 minutes from Dartmoor, 30 Minutes from Plymouth

Sleeps 7 or 8.

2 double rooms (1 en-suite, both with new beds), 1 twin room and a 1 single / twin room.

2 bathrooms, 1 cloakroom, 2 sitting rooms (1 with wood-burning stove) and kitchen / diner.

An 0.8 acre garden which overlooks the River Tamar.

High chair and children's toy-box provided

Well-equipped with a double oven, hob, microwave, fridge-freezer and washing machine

Free wi-fi but no TV

Duvets and pillows provided

Bed linen, towels and tea towels not provided - see practicalities page for more details on what to bring.

Sorry, no smoking, no dogs

£300 - £650 / week (day rates available out of high season)

Extended and completely refurbished in 2010 to become a low-carbon cottage