A Romantic Sanctuary in Rural Devon
As the soft evening light washed over the whitewashed walls, we arrived at Rose Cottage in High Bickington, immediately captivated by its historic thatched beauty. Stepping through the ancient stone wall felt like entering a page from Wordsworth or Coleridge, where subdued lighting highlighted ancient beams and the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air.
Intimate Touches and Modern Comforts
The cottage masterfully blends 18th-century origins with 21st-century amenities. We discovered a welcoming inglenook fireplace opposite a dining table set for two, complete with flowers and homemade lemon drizzle cake. On a leather settee, teddy bears cuddled while reading a local history book - just the first of many charming details.
The romantic theme continued throughout, from red rose petals scattered across the master bedroom's white duvet to the champagne waiting in an ice bucket. A freestanding copper bath for two stood in the adjacent room, complemented by a LOVE sign on the wall. Outside, a private hot tub remained warm throughout our stay, perfect for evening dips with wine from the honesty bar.
Exploring Devon's Countryside and Coast
During our three-day stay from 21st November 2025, we explored the rolling North Devon countryside. The community shop, run by volunteers in the old chapel, served Devon pasties and afternoon tea on Ming Rose Coalport China. We ventured to nearby Instow and Saunton Sands beaches, enjoying near-deserted golden sands in the autumn sunshine.
The property offers exclusive access to the Millbrook Estate's BBQ house and sauna, both available for private bookings. A dedicated Rose Cottage app provides comprehensive local information, while the Tarka Trail at Fremington Quay offered spectacular birdwatching opportunities.
The Ultimate Romantic Escape
Evenings found us returning to the cottage's secluded comfort, where firelight flickered and the Sonos system played soft music. We cooked homemade banquets in the well-equipped kitchen before settling down with The Oxford Book of English Love Poems. The experience proved so inspiring it moved me to compose verse about our sanctuary.
On our final morning, we explored the village proper, chatting with locals and admiring St Mary's Church with rectors dating back to 1202. After farewells at the community shop, we departed convinced this ranks among Britain's most romantic cottages.
Factfile: A week's stay for up to four people starts from £1,274, with three-night breaks from £644. For bookings and information, visit www.rosecottagedevon.co.uk or call 01769 629069.
