The Haven Ugborough
Warning: The Haven is set over three floors so there are a lot of stairs. This is not an ideal holiday let for anyone with mobility issues.
You enter via a small entrance lobby, where original floor tiles set the tone for the home’s period charm. From here, step into the sitting room — a warm and inviting space with comfortable sofas and armchairs, an electric stove for cosy evenings, and a smart TV. A large footstool cleverly conceals a selection of board and card games, while a basket of Ordnance Survey maps and books on local walks will help you plan your days out.
A door leads through to the open-plan kitchen and dining area, the heart of the home. The dining space features a table with seating for six, alongside original Victorian recessed shelving and a cupboard, complemented by ample additional storage. Here you’ll find all the crockery you might need, along with thoughtful extras such as a first aid kit, sewing kit and beach blankets.
The kitchen itself is bright and airy, thanks to a large glass roof that fills the space with natural light. It is fully equipped with a gas hob, electric oven, microwave, integrated fridge and freezer, and dishwasher, as well as a toaster, kettle and Krups Nespresso coffee machine. A small recessed utility area houses the washing machine for added convenience.
Just off the kitchen, near the back door, is a downstairs cloakroom.
Step outside from the kitchen into the enclosed rear garden — a peaceful, private space with lawn and flower beds, a stone terrace, and outdoor seating. There is a kettle barbecue for al fresco dining, a garden bench for quieter moments, and a retractable washing line (pegs provided). Stone outbuildings offer additional storage and house the bins.
Bedroom 1 (Main Bedroom) is located on the first floor and overlooks the rear garden. It features a king-size bed, built-in wardrobe and drawers, and a writing desk with chair — a quiet spot for reading or working. The en-suite shower room is finished to a high standard and benefits from underfloor heating for added comfort.
Bedroom 2, also on the first floor, is a flexible space with a king-size bed that can be unzipped to form twin beds if preferred. Original recessed storage adds character, while a generous desk and chair with lamp and power socket provide a practical workspace. A comfortable bucket chair by the window is perfectly positioned to watch village life in the square or take in views stretching down the valley towards the coast.
Bedroom 3, on the top floor, offers a cosy and characterful retreat beneath the eaves. It also features a king-size bed that can be converted into twins, along with a small original recessed cupboard and built-in drawers set into the sloping ceilings. A compact desk and stool, complete with lamp and power socket, provide a useful workspace.
On the top floor, the spacious family bathroom features a full-sized bath and a separate walk-in shower with both a standard and rainfall option. A large skylight fills the room with natural light, enhancing the sense of space. Underfloor heating and a heated towel rail add an extra layer of comfort.
The main bedroom on the first floor benefits from its own en-suite shower room, also equipped with underfloor heating and a heated towel rail.
There is also a downstairs cloakroom, conveniently located just off the kitchen near the back door. While its position may be slightly unconventional, it proves very practical for day-to-day use, particularly when spending time in the garden.
While The Haven is designed as a place to relax and switch off, we know from experience that it is often helpful to have a comfortable space to work for a few hours when needed. With this in mind, each bedroom has been equipped with its own dedicated workspace.
In the main bedroom, a compact desk (which can be extended) overlooks the rear gardens, offering a quiet and calming setting. Bedroom 2 features a generous desk with ample space for laptops, notebooks or maps, and benefits from excellent natural light through the south-west facing window. On the top floor, Bedroom 3 provides a more compact but perfectly functional workspace, with a stool that tucks neatly away when not in use.
WiFi is strong and reliable throughout the house, including on the top floor. In fact, the connection is often better than mobile signal on some networks, making it an ideal base for catching up on emails or taking the occasional call.
The Haven is blessed with a sunny, fully enclosed back garden — a peaceful and private space to relax and unwind.
From the kitchen, step outside and follow the path between the stone walls, turning right, then left, and up a few steps to reach the lawn. It’s a slightly hidden approach, but one that adds to the charm of the space.
Like much of Ugborough, the garden comes with a touch of history and intrigue. You may notice that the gardens sit behind one another in an unusual arrangement — ours behind next door, theirs behind the next, and so on. Local lore has it that this dates back many years, when gardens were apparently wagered (and lost!) in card games. Whether entirely true or not, it’s a wonderful story and part of what makes the setting so unique.
Despite this quirk, the garden itself feels like a tranquil haven. The only sounds are usually the gentle cooing of doves from a nearby dovecot and the church bells — Thursday evenings for practice and Sunday mornings. It is fully enclosed with secure, dog-proof fencing; our own Working Cocker has never found a way out.
There are also two stone outbuildings (attached to the neighbouring property but belonging to The Haven). One houses the bins and recycling, while the other contains the barbecue and a selection of beach equipment — all of which you are very welcome to use during your stay.
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