Seaside stay .Within 3 miles (5 km) of this Lynton vacation home, you'll find Watersmeet House and Sillery Sands Beach. Also, Glen Lyn Gorge is within 3 miles (5 km) and Blacklands Beach is within 6 miles (10 km).
Lynton and Lymouth Cliff Railway - 8 min drive - 4.5 miles
Valley of the Rocks - 10 min drive - 5.7 miles
Lee Abbey - 12 min drive - 6.3 miles
Exmoor National Park - 21 min drive - 11.5 miles
Getting around
Minehead Station - 35 min drive
Restaurants
Blue Ball Inn - 7 min drive
The Glasshouse - 9 min drive
The Esplanade Fish & Chips - 9 min drive
The Crown Hotel - 9 min drive
The Coffee Mill - 8 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth
Oaklands is an impressive, 8-bedroom, traditional stone-built detached house sleeping 14 in comfort, situated between the open moor and the spectacular north Devon coast. Located outside the rural hamlet of Rockford with its well-regarded local inn where meals can be enjoyed. Oaklands has magical views across the East Lyn River, which falls dramatically to the sea at the village resort of Lynmouth just 4 miles away. Set in 1.5 acres with moorland garden and woods, which make great exploring, and a cascading stream and disused waterwheel from its early Victorian past, Oaklands is surrounded by one of the few remaining areas of ancient oak woodlands in England and has abundant wildlife (designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Renovated to modern standards with contemporary furnishings throughout, but keeping its original character, Oaklands has a large living room with aspect over the river and oak-beamed snug with Inglenook fireplace. A large separate dining room with an Arthurian round table seating up to 14 overlooks the front of the property and the very spacious and well equipped modern kitchen also offers a smaller breakfast/dining area. The eight bedrooms, many with river and valley views, and four bathrooms are laid out over two upper floors. There is also a small study / games room which can be used as an area for the younger members of the party. Oaklands is large and roomy for one family, or provides flexible accommodation for family gatherings or groups of friends and is a wonderful rural retreat no matter what the time of the year. Parking for 4 to 5 cars. Secure barn for bike / kayak / surfboard storage. Table football, board games and Wii games console available. Pets are welcome.
Surrounded by the splendour of Exmoor, Oaklands is at the apex of Exmoor’s footpaths, cycle routes and bridle ways, offering truly inspiring walks and rides along the river, over wooded valleys and towards the sea abound. Many famous beauty spots including Watersmeet, Porlock Weir and the twin coastal resort villages of Lynton and Lynmouth with their famous cliff railway, tourist attractions for all ages and dog-friendly beach are all within short scenic drives. Magnificent high cliffs, and hidden sand and shingle coves can be found all along the dramatic Exmoor coast whilst wide sandy surfing beaches at Woolacombe and Croyde are within an hour’s drive. Horse riding stables, mountain biking and road cycling, kayaking and angling on the East Lyn and country sports are all close by. Traditional Exmoor pubs and restaurants with fine dining are within easy reach. Adventure centres, golf, surf schools, Exmoor Zoo, a steam light railway and indoor visitor attractions are further afield. Oaklands and Exmoor offers something for everyone all year round.
Similar properties
Cottage by the East Lyn River in the heart of Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth
Cottage by the East Lyn River in the heart of Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth
Note from host: Non-smoking inside.
Smoking allowed in garden.
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Meal delivery service
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
Near the sea
On a river
Things to do
Bicycle parking
Bicycle storage
Bicycles
Boat
Foosball table
Golf
Kayak
Table tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
100% renewable energy
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Bed sheets changed on request
Bicycle parking
Bicycle storage
Bicycles
Comprehensive recycling policy
Double-glazed windows
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Electric car charging station
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Local culture and ecosystem education
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
No plastic soft drink bottles
No plastic water bottles
Reusable coffee/tea filters
Reusable cups
Reusable tableware
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 3,229 square feet
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Cleaning: Guests should leave Oaklands clean and in good order. The property should be swept; crockery, pots and pans, etc. washed; range cooker and barbecue wiped down. Any damage should be reported.
Green: Rubbish and re-cycling must be disposed of as directed in the Oaklands Guest Folder. Radiators in all rooms should be turned off or to freezing point (in winter) to save energy.
Keys: 1 set should be returned to the KeySafe. Spare keys should be left on the Hall Bookcase.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
YOUNG CHILDREN: Your children are your responsibility at all times. Young children should be supervised outside at all times.
PETS should be kept under control, not left alone in the house and kept off furniture and out of bedrooms and not be allowed to foul the garden.
Bacterial sewage treatment package. Guests must not flush wipes, tampons, medicines, anti-bac wash etc. down lavatories and sinks.
Pets
Pets are welcome
Maximum 2 pets
Restrictions apply
For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals are exempt from fees
Note from host: Two well behaved dogs are welcome.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Young children need to be supervised outside.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Open fires/pits prohibited as National Park
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Non-smoking inside.
Smoking allowed in garden.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 14
Note from host: Open fires/pits prohibited as National Park
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 14. Note from host: Open fires/pits prohibited as National Park This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.
We should mention
To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
How close is Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth to the airport?
This vacation home is 122.8 mi (189-min drive) away from the Cardiff International Airport (CWL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth to the beach?
This vacation home is 2.8 mi (7-min drive) from Sillery Sands Beach and 3.9 mi (9-min drive) from Blacklands Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth to downtown Lynton?
This vacation home is 2.9 mi away from Lynton.
Reviews
Large Period House set in Ancient Woodland in Exmoor National Park near Lynmouth Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
8.8/10
Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 89 reviews
10 - Excellent
61
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 89 reviews
8 - Good
25
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 89 reviews
6 - Okay
3
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 89 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 89 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jack R.
Sep 12, 2025
Jack R.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Stephen C.
Sep 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great property for a family holiday in a beautiful setting would certainly recommend it.
Stephen C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrew E.
Aug 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful family holiday at beautiful Oaklands ! The location with the East Lyn river opposite was fantastic. We enjoyed great days out at Woolacombe and Lynmouth/Lynton. Lots of great holiday memories to cherish!
Andrew E.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Lawrence H.
Aug 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Family Gathering
Good size house for our extended family. Very steep access from parking area (4 cars) to house. Kitchen fully equipped. Good fun with table tennis, darts and table football. Disappointing ‘1.5 acre‘ wild grounds as they were very steep and slippery.Ok for a lads challenge but not much else.Wi-Fi was adequate.
Lawrence H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sue W.
Aug 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This is an excellent house, in an absolutely beautiful location, surrounded by mossy ancient oak woodland & ferns, with the sound of a lovely rocky river in the background. There is a really beautiful spot to swim in the river about 10 minutes walk downstream past the friendly pub. There are loads of stunning walking trails from right outside the door.The house has lots of bedrooms, all of which were very comfortable and well furnished, plenty of bathrooms, a well equipped kitchen that wasn’t missing anything, good lounge and dining room, and is surrounded by lawns & outbuildings that you can use. loads of cool things to do in the area. Plenty of private parking. The tapwater is from its own spring and is delicious. The owner is really good at communicating.Useful tips: it’s shady & humid in the woods & only a drying rack for clothes, although there’s a good tumble dryer, so pack things that are easy to dry. And it’s a special eco drainage system, so don’t buy dishwasher tablets- special Eco ones are provided, as well as special shower gel etc.
Sue W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Carol C.
Jul 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a really good few days here - a spacious well equipped house, in which everything worked, and everyone was comfortable - in spite of the heatwave - in a perfect peaceful spot in the trees. It was lovely to fall asleep listening to the river.
Carol C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
8/10 Good
Lisa O.
Jun 6, 2025
Wonderful weekend for large family
Great weekend getaway. Beautiful house and location. Nice little pub 5 mins away.
Lisa O.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
8/10 Good
Caroline N.
Apr 24, 2025
Large property set in beautiful surroundings
Communication and check in was easy and simple. We were provided with clear instructions on how to access the property and the amenities available in plenty of time. The property itself is large with plenty of room. It's quite eccentric and old but comfortable. Some areas were not as clean as we would have liked but it did not ruin the experience. The beds were not the most comfortable but we managed for a few nights. Location is stunning. Amazing walks and local pub. We also went house riding at Brendon Manor and i could not recommend this more highly. Excellent and a must for both adults and children.In all this is a great choice for a large group. We were 3/4 different families and fitted perfectly. The location is stunning with plenty to access in surrounding area. Had a small kitchen bundle which was a nice touch along with plenty of dishwasher tablets, soap and toilet paper. Also plenty of board games etc and table tennis. It's the small things that make a difference. The electric car charger is also great for convenience as the nearest charger is about 20 minutes away and a low voltage. Would recommend a visit.
Caroline N.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jen
Apr 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful house
We had a delightful week at Oaklands, there's not many places where you can come out of the house and walk in any direction (ok - mostly up) and be in the middle of beautiful countryside without seeing another person on your walk. From the bats in the barn to the 31 different species of birds we heard, the sheep in the garden and the spectacular starry skies Oaklands puts you right in the middle of nature. Even on rainy days there was plenty to do, both in the house and outside. Peter was an excellent host and everything in the house worked without issue - the only thing it would benefit from is a coffee machine. We were sad to leave.
Jen
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Steven P.
Mar 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous family holiday
The property is very big with.real character. The grounds and surroundings are lovely with a lovely small river in gront of the property which made a lovely soothing sound, so relaxing.The property had everything you could wish for.
Steven P.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Gill H.
Dec 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Christmas holiday
The house and location was just perfect for a family ranging in age from 5 to 66. Plenty of room for everyone. The house has everything you need. We spent Christmas here and didn’t want for anything . Warm, comfortable and homely.Good communication with host. We will definitely be back.
Gill H.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Oliver H.
Oct 21, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful weekend
Fantastic location, lovely house and refreshingly uncomplicated hosting - thank you very much. Running through ancient woodland and out across the moors in the autumn sunshine was truly special. We would love to return…
Oliver H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sharon W.
Oct 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic house in an idyllic location
A family group stayed for three nights in October and had a lovely time. Plenty of room for us all and bedrooms to choose from.
We all found it very comfortable and spacious.
The kitchen was very well equipped.
The Rockford Inn really was a 5-minute walk away and there were some lovely walks on the doorstep.
We wouldn't hesitate to stay again.
Sharon W.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Khalid K.
Oct 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely weekend again
Oaklands in great house in a great location. We stayed as a group of 9 friends and love everything about the house.
Lots of space, big rooms - fab.
Khalid K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
8/10 Good
Paul A.
Aug 27, 2024
Whole Family Holiday.
My first impression was of surprise to the location. I don't remember reading any warning about anyone having mobility issues. The pathway and steps are very steep, and the surface and steps could be better. I did have a fall, thankfully I didn't hurt myself. Perhaps a hand rail. Inside the property you could say was well lived in. We wouldn't expect it to be clinically clean but it could so with a little spruce up. The Fridge wasn't the cleanest, with black bits floating in the water dispenser. Hairs found on beds; the sofas needed a hover. My daughters were disappointed with the cleanness of the kitchen cupboards. Saying all that we had a nice holiday to celebrate my 70th Birthday.
Paul A.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
8/10 Good
Jean S.
Aug 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Oaklands
Truly pretty off the beaten track. VERY beautiful location. Perhaps not for folk who were not good walkers. Very steep valley with walk along the little road only for the elderly.
Lovely though. House commodious - lots of hot water
Jean S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
jennifer P.
Aug 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property in stunning surroundings
We loved our stay at Oaklands, check in was very easy, the owners were very helpful, the setting for this house is simply breathtaking, the bedrooms are spacious and the kitchen well equipped. Pony trekking just up the road. Would definitely come again..
jennifer P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Christopher B.
Jun 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great break, lovely property
Very enjoyable weekend in a well appointed house. Everything as described, perfect communication, thanks for a great stay.
Christopher B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael M.
May 21, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway for a large group.
What a great place for a large group to stay. We were a group of 10 friends who based ourselves here for a long weekend. The location is idillic in the bottom of the valley next to the river…it even has its own waterfall and former mill.
The parking is ample with an EV charging point. The house was spotless and the kitchen extremely well equipped. We had great weather so we’re able to also take advantage of the BBQ.
If you didn’t want to cook, the 2 local pubs (Rockford & Staghunters) within walking distance both served food and were very welcoming.
There was a games room including a games console (although we were all a bit old to use it 😉) and plenty of things to entertain kids if you went as a family.
Communication from the host was excellent and made the whole experience easy.
I would definitely recommend staying here.
Michael M.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alison W.
Jan 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Oaklands
We had a fantastic weekend at Oaklands. The location is beautiful & the house had everything we needed. There were logs ready by the log burner and the welcome biscuits were, indeed, very welcome!
Alison W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
William B.
Dec 30, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location for a Family Christmas
Large comfortable house in a valley with views over the river at the bottom of the valley. Lots of room for everyone with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms. The host was extremely helpful in responding quickly to emails and calling us on the day of arrival to check that all was OK. Minor drawback is the steep path to the house (but worth it for the view!). Would definitely recommend if you want a comfortable get away from it all stay.
William B.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Khalid K.
Oct 16, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fab location
A great location and spacious place.
Clean, tidy with everything you need a for an idyllic stay in Devon. Would happily return for another stay. We all loved it.
Khalid K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Andrew F.
Sep 28, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend break
Lovely house in beautiful surroundings
Andrew F.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Mary B.
Aug 28, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Family holiday
Very interesting location which took a bit of exploring. We lived the surroundings and the house and fiynd lovely places to go rriymd about. The weather was difficult to gauge as we learnt that it seemed less sunny in the forest than up the hill!
We thought there were 2 en suite badrooms and struggled a bit to dry clothes at first but small snags on a lovely holiday.
Mary B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
8/10 Good
Catherine C.
Jul 31, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A very pleasant and well equipped home
We have just enjoyed a family reunion/holiday. Oaklands is a period home and the owners have gone to a lot of trouble to stock it so that it is well supplied with games and equipment for large mixed age groups. We very much appreciated the large round table in the dining room which seated our party of 7 adults and 6 children ages 2-9yrs. We ran into trouble when the stairgate gave up on us. We texted the owner in the evening and by early the next afternoon a replacement had been delivered, for which we were most grateful. The owners run the house in an eco friendly manner and we found supplies of suitable washing and cleaning materials provided. We were short of dishwasher tablets and couldn’t purchase these locally. We didn't think to contact the caretaker and sourced these some way away. All other supplies were quite sufficient for our needs. Perhaps of note to other mixed age families. the route to the front door is up a steep incline and as the owners mention is not suitable for those with restricted mobility or a buggy. Also, the hillside (lovely) garden is only suitable for primary school aged children with adult supervision (again, as mentioned in the house description). There are several areas in the garden with steep inclines. The surrounding area offers much for families to do and we barely scratched the surface. We therefore had a wonderful time at Oaklands The house is welcoming and comfortable and the owners have worked hard to make it so.