4.9★
Helpful Holidays rating
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4 Guests
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2 Bedrooms
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1 Bathroom
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Pets Yes
Features
- Off road parking
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Highchair available
- Pub/shop < 1 mile
- Dishwasher
- Sky TV
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
* Based on a combined average customer score
83 Customer Review(s)
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Catherine “Home from home , only better!”
The barn was spotless and equipped with everything you could need. Peaceful location in the middle of Dartmoor, walks from the doorstep. The perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries. Look no further!
The barn was spotless and equipped with everything you could need. Peaceful location in the middle of Dartmoor, walks from the doorstep. The perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries. Look no further!
- Catherine, June 2025 -
Gillian “We had a lovely time at The Water Barn.”
The cottage was beautiful, clean, comfy and as described. We felt very at home there. It is also very peaceful in lovely hamlet of Water. All you can hear are birds and the trickling water. The location is great for Dartmoor and local villages. I would highly recommend
- Gillian, June 2025 -
Christine “Water Barn is a lovely relaxing place to spend your time away.”
It is a beautifully restored old building with all the comforts you could wish for and a delightful garden. To top it all there are woodland walks straight out of the cottage door. It's a great place to unwind!
- Christine, May 2025 -
Julie “We had a lovely stay at Water Barn, it was a great location to walk over Dart Moor and had a friendly local pub down the lane with nice food.”
The kitchen was very well equipped with everything you will need. A powerful shower and a comfortable bed. Very dog friendly with an enclosed garden for our dog. It was everything we could have asked for and will definitely return for another stay.
- Julie, April 2025 -
Virginia “Lovely barn….”
Well equipped and very cosy. Spotlessly clean. Great location…some beautiful walks from your doorstep. I would definitely recommend this property if you like peace and quiet and want to get away from it all. Anne, the owner was very helpful with some good recommendations of places to visit. Many thanks!
- Virginia, March 2025 -
Jo “Another wonderful stay at Waterbarn, thankyou”
- Jo, March 2025 -
Alice “Third visit - the cottage works well for us; good location, walks from doorstep, cosy, comfortable, light living space, Anne is very friendly.”
Thank you for a lovely holiday.
- Alice, November 2024 -
Nicola & Chris “We found the cottage ideal for our stay, well fitted out, the garden was lovely, walks were on the doorstep all in all a very restful place.”
Highly recommended
- Nicola & Chris, September 2024 -
Jonathan “The Water Barn was lovely, clean and well equipped, and on the edge of woodlands with access to many walks for those wishing to explore or venture out.”
We stayed for a week, and it had everything we needed for a comfortable stay (2 adults and a 5 year old). We used as a base to explore local towns and the coast, which meant driving down narrow country lanes daily - this didn’t bother us - but for those less confident in driving - just be prepared to drive with a little more care, and be prepared to reverse now and then.
- Jonathan, August 2024 -
Philip “Lovely property in a quiet woodland setting with walks from the door.”
Great beamed open plan upper floor with lovely kitchen dining area and comfortable lounge area. Only criticism is that the ground floor felt damp, despite the heating on in the mornings to help with this. Friendly owner next door.
- Philip, August 2024 -
Laurence “My wife and I and our little dog rented the property in what seems like the only decent week this summer.”
The garden being of mature, but well kept was a delight. Table chairs and sun shade provided, even though the garden slopes it was easy enough to find a couple of chocks to level up the table and enjoy sundowners every night What strikes one the most is how quiet it is, and secure, especially for the dog to roam in the garden. No need to burden yourself with cooking as at the end of the lane was a pub that served fantastic food and beer, even asking them for things not listed on the menu was not a problem.
- Laurence, July 2024 -
Ekaterina “The property is in a lovely location, perfect for dogs, woodlands right on the doorstep.”
Loved the open plan layout of the barn. Kitchen has got everything you need. We enjoyed plenty of walks in the area. The only thing we were missing was the shop in the village, the nearest one being around 15 minutes drive away, but not a big issue when prepared. Would love to come back.
- Ekaterina, July 2024 -
Veronica “Excellent dog friendly property.”
Location is perfect for dogs being able to walk in the woods from the back garden and perfect for a quiet relaxing holiday. Facilities were 5 star. Comfortable bed, spacious shower, all the facilities you need for a trouble free stay. Lovely host! Would highly recommend this cottage and its location.
- Veronica, May 2024 -
Janet “The setting off the cottage was beautiful.”
The cottage was like home from home. Mrs .Moseley was very friendly and helpful . Lovely places to visit.
- Janet, April 2024 -
Caroline “A lovely place to stay.”
It was great to be able to walk out into the woods or up on the moor. The cottage was always cosy and homely to come back to. Friendly owner next door and lovely pub round the corner. We were very comfortable here and would recommend this place.
- Caroline, April 2024 -
Andrew “Wonderful property!”
The love put into restoring and furnishing it really shows - lovely period furniture and every home comfort! So many stunning walks from the door - we barely scratched the surface in a week. The info provided by the owners (walk leaflets etc) were really helpful too. Highly recommended.
- Andrew, March 2024 -
Joe “Fantastic stay.”
Plenty of beautiful walks in the surrounding area. Our favourite was Hound Tor and the abandoned medieval village which is right on the properties doorstep. The property was well kitted out, very clean, full of character and a perfect cozy base to explore from. Anne was a fantastic host and we hope to return!
- Joe, February 2024 -
Andrea “The property had everything we needed, it was spacious and cosy.”
Our 3-year-old enjoyed it very much as well. The autumn colours in the garden and surroundings are fabulous.
- Andrea, November 2023 -
Krystelle “The cottage is absolutely beautiful and spotless, in the lovely town of manaton, right next to Dartmoor national park, the host Ann is lovely and has made sure that there is everything you could possibly need, from a fully stocked kitchen to all the household items, even caters for you pets, with bowls and towels, there's a massive enclosed beautiful garden for your dogs to safely explore, the traditional log burner fire is such a cozy touch.”
There are lovely walks all around Dartmoor, a lovely local pub, and towns and days out just half an hour drive away. We can't wait to book again for our next holiday.
- Krystelle, November 2023 -
Mark “Owner is friendly and helpful, cottage is very clean and has everything you need for a comfortable stay.”
Beautiful location and grounds with lots of super walks. We would definitely stay again
- Mark, October 2023 -
Martin “Was a great accommodation, location, beautiful, woods,forest, hills,walks, towns ...”
Was a great accommodation, location, beautiful, woods,forest, hills,walks, towns villages,hamlets, people,the less WiFi and internet the better,, lots of granite out crops//tors in area so no satnav,, which is good thing in my opinion,,relax more and read more and chill more,, excellent all round and hostess Ann was lovely, hopefully we will return in the future without teenagers next time and just absorb all the beautiful surroundings,,beautiful spot and great accommodation to write
- Martin, August 2023 -
Lorraine “We had a lovely stay, a week wasn't enough!”
Everything we needed at the water barn. Great nights sleep, very comfortable bed.
- Lorraine, July 2023 -
Sara “Wonderful week at the Water Barn, everything you could possibly need for a comfortable stay, absolute peace and quiet.”
Spoilt for beautiful walks from your door. We’ve stayed in a good few holiday cottages and this has been our favourite, I think our pooch felt the same. Recommend the friendly Kestor Inn for food.
- Sara, July 2023 -
Gareth “Lovely self catering with a gorgeous garden and location.”
Everything in house worked and owner was very helpful. We had a great week here as there are amazing walks dire toy from the property. There is also a very good Inn 10 min walk away. The area around is stunning. Highly recommended.
- Gareth, June 2023 -
Annabelle “Fantastic location, quiet, nice walks nearby, very well equipped kitchen etc, would definitely like to stay again at sometime in the future.”
Ann was very helpful on any questions we had.
- Annabelle, June 2023 -
Michael Anthony “We loved our week away here with our two fox Red Labradors.”
Lovely enclosed garden which gates straight onto the forest moors. The Cottage was very comfortable and a perfect base to explore South Devon. We enjoyed it so much that we booked for next year before we left.
- Michael Anthony, June 2023 -
Stephen “My son and I stayed for a week in late May.”
We could both have asked for more. The cottage had everything we needed and the surrounding area is beautiful. My 2 dogs came with us and had an absolute ball. Would stay again for sure.
- Stephen, May 2023 -
Neil “This is a lovely property and location.”
Ann was very welcoming and the accommodation is spotless and very comfortable. We will definitely stay here again!
- Neil, May 2023 -
Sarah “Fantastic place, absolutely beautiful.”
Dog walks straight out of the front door. We felt very welcome. Everything you need, very well stocked & organised. Very clean. Gorgeous tranquil place to be. We will be back.
- Sarah, May 2023 -
Petula “Beautiful cottage.”
Very clean, comfortable and relaxing.
- Petula, May 2023 -
Alice “Our second visit - different weather (!”
) but just as lovely. The cottage is a lovely base to return to after a wet walk, very cosy and comfortable. It is well situated with lovely walls from the doorstep. Ann is a perfect host - helpful when you want it but leaving us to get on with things. Thoughtful things are left in the house (firefighter/dishwasher pills etc). We hope to be back for a third stay. Thank you Ann.
- Alice, November 2022 -
David “Beautiful property, wonderful location, peaceful and restful.”
So many walks and stunning places to see and so close. Very comfortable cottage with excellent facilities.
- David, November 2022 -
Andy “Beautiful cottage in a stunning landscape.”
Wonderful stay for one week. Ann (owner) was very helpful during our time there. Couldn't believe the peace and quiet. Would definitely stay again
- Andy, August 2022 -
Nick “Lovely quiet place to stay.”
Well-equipped with everything one needs for a week away. Lovely quiet garden. Didn't hear a sound all week except for when the sheep were headed right past the front door! Walks from the door into the woods and out to the moors. Note if you're bringing a dog - it's great dog-walking county with very few stiles (we only came across one) but do make sure your dog's tick meds are up to date (or they have a tick collar) - we pulled >10 ticks off our dog every day (in July), though thankfully none latched on to us. This is definitely tick country.
- Nick, July 2022 -
David “Lovely place and great to be able to just walk out into the ancient woodland through the garden gate.”
Our dog thought the garden was great. The barn was clean, comfortable and everything we could have needed for our short stay was there. Would we go back?.....absolutely.
- David, July 2022 -
James “This is great cottage in a great area.”
Would love to go back sometime.
- James, July 2022 -
Donna “Water Barn was lovely - had everything you could wish for during a staycation.”
Set in fantastic woodland on your doorstep - ideal if you enjoy long walks. Was used as a base for great days out to local beauty spots and villages.
- Donna, June 2022 -
Malcolm “A fabulous holiday experience for the whole family.”
Ideal cottage in the most tranquil setting. Really nice and accommodating hosts. The walks from the rear of the barn were superb. A really relaxing holiday
- Malcolm, May 2022 -
Catherine “We had a wonderfully relaxing week at the Water Barn.”
Great location with lots of walks straight from the barn. Anne was a wonderful host. The barn was lovely with everything we needed.
- Catherine, April 2022 -
Dave “Amazing Amazing what more can you say (want to put something horrible so I can ...”
Amazing Amazing what more can you say (want to put something horrible so I can book it again because it's so difficult too book and I can understand why ) we had a fantastic week, the barn was spotless facilities you couldn't ask for anything more ,the dogs loved it to they were so relaxed, loved the walks in the woods so did we ,and the pub you won't be disappointed we weren't trust me couldn't recommend the water mill enough really do want to come back again
- Dave, March 2022 -
Kim “Lovely stay, lovely property in a wounderful location.”
Thank you
- Kim, February 2022 -
Helen “A lovey cosy and characterful barn in a beautiful setting .”
Always a pleasure to stay.
- Helen, February 2022 -
John “Lovely spacious cottage in great location with lots of walks within a few yards of property.”
Nice pub within. a few minutes walk. Owner friendly and helpful
- John, December 2021 -
Andrew “Second visit.”
Hope we can come again. The owner Ann is lovely, very welcoming and helpful. The location of the cottage is perfect, on the edge of the woods of Lustleigh Cleave, with the open moors in the other direction, and a pub with good food almost next door. What more could you ask? Andrew and Felicity
- Andrew, December 2021 -
Jane “The Water Barn provided everything for an enjoyable and relaxing stay.”
From a store of wood, kitchen equipment, ( including knives that work) to a supply of maps and information nothing was lacking. Being able to walk into the woods and onto the moor from the barn was a delight. We had fabulous autumnal weather so the colours were stunning. A quick amble to the friendly local for a drink,, a longer trek to Lustleigh and farm shops at Ullacombe provided culinary delights.
- Jane, November 2021 -
Heather “We had a wonderful week at Water Barn.”
Ann was completely unobtrusive and left us to ourselves. The barn was clean and exceptionally well equipped. There are wonderful walks straight from the door and pub is only a few metres from the door. You could actually spend the whole week without using the car but great places such as Bovey Tracey, Widdecombe, Haytor, Hound Tor and Lustleigh are all within very easy reach (20 mins at most). My one minor gripe is that it would have been better if the beautiful garden had been completely separate from the owners as we worried about our dog trespassing into their area. All in all, a beautiful barn and a fabulous area that I would recommend to anyone.
- Heather, November 2021 -
Lucy “Beautiful and cosy stay in a lovely cottage.”
Had everything we needed. Good kitchen facilities, lovely bedding and good info leaflets and walks. Lovely and clean when we arrived. Windows are amazing as you can’t hear the water at all! We would love to return one day. For other visitors: we’d recommend the cleave inn, ullacombe farm shop and the butchers there, canonteign and Becky waterfalls, cheese shed/butchers/bakery and greengrocers in bovey. Kestor good for a local drink.
- Lucy, October 2021 -
Veronique “Stunning property in a beautiful location.”
The walk were stunning. The Keaton Inn pub a few minutes walk away was outstanding. Highly recommended.
- Veronique, October 2021 -
Sarah “The location of the Water Barn is perfect for walks and visits to Dartmoor National Park.”
The accommodation is quirky and comfortable. The setting is beautiful and peaceful, as quiet as lockdown but anxiety free.
- Sarah, September 2021 -
Gwenda “We have been hiring holiday cottages for over 30 years and this barn is the best one we have ever stayed in.”
Beautiful location,everything we needed and so much more. Excellent dog friendly pub just a 5 min walk down a country lane. Now that we are home, we miss the pretty garden and the sound of the water wheel. The icing on the cake - a delightful owner. Thanks so much Ann , we hope to see you again.
- Gwenda, July 2021 -
Gary “Been here a few times,fantastic location an lovely cottage”
- Gary, June 2021 -
Robert “The barn was exceptional every thing there that we needed beautiful grounds barn itself cuffy & clean with a lovely owner to .”
- Robert, May 2021 -
Adrian “A fantastic place to stay its like home from home and Ann makes you so welcome.”
Plenty of walks and places to visit. This is our second time so that says it all really.
- Adrian, May 2021 -
Philip “Good location,good walks on your doorstep.”
Good pub in walking distance.
- Philip, October 2020 -
Jessica “Water barn is an idyllic holiday home.”
The location is beautiful, surrounded by dramatic woodland. The owners were brilliant and we couldn’t have asked for anymore. The kitchen has excellent facilities if you like to cook and a very homely feel. It’s an amazing place if you have a dog and the house was spotless. I hope we can return.
- Jessica, October 2020 -
Helen “Water Barn was warm, comfortable and spotlessly clean.”
We immediately felt at home. There were beautiful walks from the front door without the necessity to drive anywhere. Alternatively there were plenty of places to visit within 40 minutes to an hour away. A really lovely pub just 5 minutes walk away and the food was absolutely delicious. Also a Co-op and M&S food store at two local filling stations just 10 minutes drive. Thoroughly enjoyed our holiday
- Helen, September 2020 -
Andrew “What a lovely place, hidden on the edge of Dartmoor, perfect for our family holiday to Devon !”
- Andrew, July 2020 -
Terry “The Water Barn was a super place to stay.”
It is delightfully decorated and furnished and very well equipped. We hope to stay again when we look forward to visiting more places of interest. Due to the developing Coronavirus situation we just stayed on the moor. We were lucky; a week later and I doubt we would have gone. Hard though to think of a finer spot for social distancing and our dog loved all the walks we did straight from the door.
- Terry, March 2020 -
Craig “Exceptional little rural cottage, great hosts, cake on arrival, perfect location for exploring Dartmoor”
- Craig, February 2020 -
Victoria “A perfect cottage in a wonderful location.”
Well appointed and very comfortable
- Victoria, December 2019 -
Russell “Perfect Scenery amongst woodland and countryside.”
Idyllic serene setting. Open fire like no other. Peaceful and calming. A must Visit!
- Russell, November 2019 -
Helen “Lovely relaxing and cosy barn despite the rain.”
A warm welcome from the owner and delicisious cake on arrival. We all loved returning to Water Barn . Thank You Ann.
- Helen, November 2019 -
David “Brilliant location safe for the dogs a comfortable well equipped cottage that feels homely.”
Plenty of walks near by and an excellent welcome from the owner.
- David, October 2019 -
James “Could not find any fault with the Water Barn, perfect location, my dog had the time of his life, lovely owner with lots of nice added touches.”
- James, September 2019 -
Dirk “A lovely place, very kind and helpful owners, absolutely to recommend”
- Dirk, June 2019 -
Anthony “The warm welcome, with milk in the fridge and cake on the dining room table.”
Walkers will find foot paths not far from the front door.
- Anthony, May 2019 -
Debbie “The owner of the property, Ann, was extremely friendly and helpful.”
She really has gone out of her way to provide very comfortable holiday accommodation. The location is quite magical and we are lucky that she shares it with so many others. It was a beautiful and tranquil place to spend a holiday. We save all year just to be able to have a one week holiday and this was pure heaven : ) I don't mind you publishing my feedback providing it doesn't use my full name (no surnames). Thank you
- Debbie, May 2019 -
Adrian “Fantastic place to stay with the water wheel going and beautiful colours in the garden .”
Loads of places to see and great walks . Very dog friendly. The owner of the property was a delightful lady and nothing was to much trouble. A beautiful place to stay .
- Adrian, May 2019 -
Anne “Superb! A hidden gem.”
We had a wonderful week in this beautiful cottage with very peaceful surroundings. Simply home from home. The owner was very helpful and the cottage has everything you want. A wonderful week was had by all. Can’t praise it highly enough. Definitely want to return and would certainly book through Helpful Holidays again.
- Anne, May 2019 -
Glynis “Fabulous place, wonderful cottage, we loved it!”
- Glynis, April 2019 -
Frances “Exceeded expectations.”
Welcoming for both visitors and two dogs. Ideal for walking with choice of four directions just outside front door. Thoughtfully planned comfortable and very well maintained throughout. Owner nearby quietly helpful but not intrusive.
- Frances, January 2019 -
Eric “Met rather than exceeded because we have been there before!”
It was, as previously, very comfortable and very well equipped. Some very nice touches including a lovely lemon drizzle cake!
- Eric, December 2018 -
Jan “We had a lovely stay at Water Barn.”
It provided everything we needed for a warm,comfortable and relaxing holiday. The kitchen is very well equipped,the bed extremely comfortable and the shower is excellent. We enjoyed wonderful walks from the door and further afield, especially Lustleigh Cleave. We thoroughly recommend Water Barn and hope to return in the future.
- Jan, October 2018 -
Carole “The cottage was fabulous, everything you needed plus a magnificent garden.”
We couldn't keep our dogs on our side but the owners said they did not mind. The walks from the cottage are superb. Not stayed on Dartmoor before and we were not disappointed. The whole holiday was magnificent
- Carole, October 2018 -
Marion “Lovely cottage and surroundings.”
Friendly and helpful owner. Only drawbacks: A bit chilly downstairs despite heating due to position of bedrooms on the ground floor. Mostly very clean but bathroom floor / skirting boards / beams need attention.
- Marion, September 2018 -
Justine “Cottage was beautiful and is booked for absolute peace and tranquillity, ...”
Cottage was beautiful and is booked for absolute peace and tranquillity, unfortunately ruins by the owner arranging for a strange work then to be in my garden for a two solid days with a blowtorch and power drill repairing have water mail arrived when myself and my friend were in our pyjamas and was therefore two solid days absolutely ruined our holiday and we came home early Sykes sort it out the complaint satisfactorily but unfortunately this only needs to realise when her cottages rented she should not have access and disturb pwoplw And certainly should not be so disrespectful as to do everything without even asking if it’s okay
- Justine, August 2018 -
James “Water Barn is in a lovely location with great woodland walks right from the door.”
Thoroughly recommended.
- James, August 2018 -
Max “Excellent location for walking and exploring Devon.”
Extremely well equipped we didn't need half of what we brought Local pub (Kestor) easy 5 minute walk Would highly reccomend this cottage
- Max, July 2018 -
Geoffrey “Enjoyed our stay here, very comfortable and relaxing.”
Great location for both Dartmoor and the coast. Excellent walks starting next to Barn garden make it ideal for dog walking before breakfast!
- Geoffrey, June 2018 -
Claire “The location is fantastic as you can walk for days from the cottage without having to get in the car.”
The cottage is fully equipped with everything you might need and the hosts are lovely too. The garden is stunning and you'll struggle to leave it on a sunny day! Overall, a stunning place!
- Claire, May 2018 -
David “Completely satisfied - Top marks in all departments.”
- David, May 2018 -
Kevin “It is a lovely property set just into Dartmoor with beautiful views whichever way you go from Manaton.”
Water Barn is always clean,is well appointed and comfortable and the owners are friendly and helpful.Very highly recommended.
- Kevin, April 2018 -
Jennifer “Water Barn has a lovely atmosphere of comfort and aids a sense of togetherness.”
It is very well equipped.
- Jennifer, March 2018
Summary
- Two bedrooms: 1 x king size double, 1 x twin
- Bathroom with bath, shower over bath, WC and basin
- Upstairs open-plan living/dining/kitchen with wood burning stove
- Downstairs hall.
- Central heating with wood burning stove
- Microwave, fridge, freezer, washer-dryer, dishwasher, TV with Sky DVD, WiFi, Phone, Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Highchair available on request
- Off road parking for two cars
- Barbecue
- Two well-behaved dogs welcome, Sorry no smoking
- Pub less than 1 mile from property.
The property
On the edge of Manaton, an exceptional conversion of an ancient granite barn into a spacious cottage in a beautiful place.
Peaceful, sheltered, it is on a lane in a hamlet of old cottages, farmhouses and trees, 400 yards from Manaton’s pub and about ½ mile walk through woods from Lustleigh Cleave and the River Bovey.
Next door to the owners’ former mill (water wheel), it has its own charming natural garden (lawn, boulders, oak trees, daffodils, garden furniture, barbecue).
Woodland/moorland walks from the cottage.Inside, excellent decor, lighting, furnishings: comfort and warmth; immense trouble taken.
Upstairs, all open-plan - picture windows at each end - divided into living (woodburner, TV/Sky/DVD) and dining area and large, well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, larder fridge, freezer, electric cooker) with granite worktops and pine floor.
Stairs (stairgates) down via half-landing (half-glazed door to garden) to hall, front door and two very pretty bedrooms - a king size double, and a twin; bathroom (suite, shower over bath).
A tranquil escape. Manaton: pretty little village (pub with small shop, tennis court, playground, church) in a beautiful part of Dartmoor, and close to spectacular rock tors (Hound Tor, Bowerman’s Nose) and lovely tree-filled valleys (Lustleigh Cleave).
Golf driving range, 5 miles.
Nearest shop, 5 miles.
Riding stables not far; Chagford, 6; the sea (Teignmouth/Torbay), 15.
Floorplans
1st FloorGround Floor
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.
View on map
About the location
Manaton
Lustleigh is a picture postcard village set on the deep wooded slopes of eastern Dartmoor and within Dartmoor National Park. With a pretty church, village shop and excellent pub along with lots of thatch cottages you can see why Lustleigh made it to the Telegraph's top villages.