Lakenham Lodge, Northam is a delightful three-bedroom cottage nestled just outside Westward Ho!, where the town's three-kilometre beach stretches within a pleasant fifteen-minute walk. The well-equipped kitchen on the first floor features an electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge / freezer, and dishwasher, flowing seamlessly into a spacious dining area with a second television. Ascending the open-sided stairs reveals the comfortable lounge with its cosy woodburner-effect electric fire, TV / DVD, and patio doors.
Heading outside, the tasteful patio balcony offers a peaceful retreat for morning coffee or evening drinks whilst soaking up those sea glimpses across Bideford Bay. Three double bedrooms provide flexible accommodation: two doubles on the first floor accessed via a hallway that can accommodate an additional pull-out bed for a child (by prior arrangement), plus a master double on the upper floor benefiting from an en-suite bathroom with both bath and separate shower cubicle. A family bathroom with shower over bath serves the first-floor bedrooms, whilst the ground-floor utility room houses the washing machine and tumble dryer with ample storage space for beach equipment. Parking for two cars completes this practical coastal retreat.
Imagine lazy mornings drifting down to Westward Ho!'s glorious beach, the children splashing in the shallows whilst you breathe in that fresh Atlantic air. Wander through Northam Burrows Country Park's windswept dunes and saltmarshes, spotting wading birds and wildflowers along the way. As afternoon mellows into evening, return to your peaceful balcony, perhaps firing up the barbecue whilst the sun sinks slowly over Bideford Bay, painting the horizon in brilliant shades of coral and gold.
Lakenham Lodge, Northam places you perfectly to discover North Devon's finest coastal attractions. Westward Waves Surf School in Westward Ho! (1 km) welcomes beginners and improvers alike, their friendly experienced instructors ensuring you catch your first waves or refine your technique in the rolling Atlantic breakers. The Big Sheep in Abbotsham (3 km) delights families with live sheep shows, exciting rides, and engaging entertainment that guarantees laughter and memorable moments throughout the day. Ilfracombe Aquarium (20 km) takes you on a fascinating journey from Exmoor stream source to sea, showcasing North Devon's remarkable marine life through interactive displays and beautifully presented exhibits. Quince Honey Farm in South Molton (26 km) offers a sweet discovery, this working honey farm combining educational tours with tastings and family-friendly activities that reveal the remarkable world of beekeeping.
Venture further to uncover even more of Devon's treasures. Lydford Gorge (45 km) carves dramatically through ancient woodland, where the thundering Whitelady Waterfall cascades into the mysterious Devil's Cauldron, accessible via spectacular walking trails through temperate rainforest. Exmoor Distillery in Dulverton (48 km) crafts award-winning gin and spirits using traditional methods and locally foraged botanicals, offering fascinating tours and tastings in their atmospheric distillery. Tiverton Castle (53 km) stands proud after centuries, this grand medieval fortress combining formidable battlements with stunning walled gardens, available for private tours that bring its rich history vividly to life.
The charming river port town of Barnstaple lies just 12 kilometres away, where the historic Pannier Market has traded continuously since medieval times, offering everything from fresh local produce to artisan crafts beneath its Victorian glass roof. Meanwhile, Okehampton is 37 kilometres from the cotttage. This bustling market town is perched on Dartmoor's northern edge and combines independent shops and welcoming cafés with immediate access to the wild moorland beyond, making it perfect for provisions before venturing onto the moors or simply soaking up authentic Devon market-town atmosphere.
