The Quarry
A large, luxury, 19th century Victorian villa surrounded by gardens, with sea views, and easy access to coastal walks, beaches and Ilfracombe
A house with history
Built in the 1890s as a holiday home for an Admiral and his family, The Quarry was blessed with many impressive features – many of which can still be seen and enjoyed today. The house has been sympathetically restored, to create a relaxed and stylish seaside home, and has been featured in Conde Nast Traveller, The Guardian, The Mail on Sunday, Red Magazine, Real Homes, Grazia, 25 Beautiful Homes and Homes by the Sea.
With seven bedrooms, outstanding views, log fires, and terraced gardens being just a few of the many features that make The Quarry the most wonderful location for a holiday, or celebration.
At a glance
Dog Friendly
Parking
Antique claw foot bath
AGA
Log fire
1/2-acre terraced gardens
Fantastic views
Barbecue
7 bedrooms
4 bathrooms
Travel cots and highchairs
5 min walk to the beach
Sky television
Washing machine
Tumble drier
Dishwasher
Wi-Fi
The ground floor
Entrance
There is a large attached conservatory/entrance porch. This room is full of logs, and is the ideal place for storing wellies, shoes, and pushchairs. Through this room you enter into the long hallway, which has hooks for coats at the end.
Kitchen and second dining room
Similar in size to the sitting room and dining room, the kitchen features a Miele extra size oven and grill, Miele gas hob with extractor, Gas 2 oven AGA (always on), dishwasher, American fridge freezer (dispenses filtered water and ice), toaster, kettle and Nespresso machine. In addition, there are delightful French doors leading to the kitchen terrace, with a walk-in larder with a microwave and wine racks.
Laundry room
With a butler’s sink, washing machine, and tumble drier, the laundry room is well-equipped should you wish to do your laundry during your stay. There are plenty of hooks for coats, and ample space for boots and shoes.
Ground floor WC
The ground floor also features a WC.
Dining Room
This dining room seats 6, and features French doors to the side, which allow access to the side garden.
Sitting room, formal dining room and library
A magnificent 34-foot-long room with windows and French doors, which look out onto the sea view terrace.
There is a working log fire at the sitting room end, and a 42" widescreen plasma TV with full Sky package, DVD player (we have many DVDs in the library), and seating is spread across the three large sofas. There is also an iPod dock and radio, should you wish to use those.
The dining room features a large oak table with chairs to seat 12, and the library is filled with various books, games, and toys for children.
The first floor
Bedroom 1
The large bay window offers outstanding views over Ilfracombe and out to sea, which can be enjoyed from the sofa. The room comes equipped with a comfortable king size bed, wardrobe, and a chest of drawers.
Bedroom 2
With two sash windows with views over Ilfracombe and out to sea, a super king bed (zip and link, can be 2 single beds if needed), wardrobe, chest of drawers, and a dressing table.
Bedroom 3
The cosy third bedroom has a single bed, and has lovely views of the surrounding countryside.
Bedroom 4
With an en-suite, king size bed, and steps to the Victorian conservatory room, bedroom four offers a delightful stay at The Quarry.
Main bathroom
Huge bathroom with original Victorian claw foot bath, separate shower with 14 inch rose, toilet, and sink.
The second floor
Bedroom 5
Featuring a double bed with views over Ilfracombe and out to sea, a single futon chair bed, and a wardrobe.
Bedroom 6
This king size en-suite bedroom has wonderful views over Ilfracombe and out to sea, and a TV. The private en-suite has shower, sink and toilet. There is also a single futon armchair which can be made into an extra bed, if required.
Bedroom 7
With a large king size bed, and countryside views up to the hills.
Bathroom
A lovely bathroom with bath, shower, toilet, and sink.
Art room
This former artist’s studio room has a long sink, armchair and table and chairs, and provides access to the back garden.
Outside
The secret garden
Half way up the drive you can find the ‘secret’ garden, this secluded, pretty, and level garden is surrounded by a range of shrubs and flowers, and is the ideal place to hide away with a book.
Detached vine room
This large Victorian conservatory has grape vines and a nectarine tree – which you are welcome to eat. This room is a great place to relax, and is has a terrace which seats 14.
Kitchen terrace
The kitchen terrace has a bench, pots and washing line, and a large charcoal barbecue for you to use.
Front terrace
The front terrace is easily accessed from the sitting room and dining room, and offers views over the town and sea. There are ample table and chairs, which seat 6. The front terrace also leads to the side garden which is home to a large sunny decked area, and has steps to the back garden.
Back garden
With a large sloping terraced area, the 'natural' garden with mature trees, provides direct access onto the South West Coastal path and down to the secret beaches at the back of the house.
Parking
There is parking by the house for 3 cars, also lots of parking on the road at the bottom of the drive.
Children at The Quarry
The Quarry welcomes children, and the house is the perfect setting for a family holiday. We have equipped the house with robust furniture, wooden floors and leather sofas which can be cleaned easily.
There are two high chairs, two travel cots, and two single futon beds – do let us know if you wish to use them (no charge for the cots or highchairs, but we do ask for £20 per futon bed to cover linen etc). There is a selection of toys, children’s books and kids’ DVDs. There's a small collection of buckets, spades and fishing nets for you to borrow (but please return them!).
While the house and garden are great fun for children, The Quarry is a Victorian house, built on a steep slope and while we have tried to create safe places, like the front terrace, young children will still need to be supervised.
There is a large section on the links page with great places to take kids. One of the perfect spots - Tunnels Beach - is just a 5-minute walk away. This has a beach with a safe tidal pool (great for inflatables) and wonderful rock pools.
We can also connect you to local baby sitters if you require them.
Catering at The Quarry
We have two wonderful caterers who can fully cater dinners at the house (and clear up), or just prepare delicious meals and for you to reheat in the AGA and homemade cakes for tea time.
Please let us know if you're interested and I'll supply their contact details. In addition Ilfracombe has a fantastic traditional local butcher, veg shop and fishmongers - all deliver to the house.
In the 'Things to do' section you'll find sections on food including local suppliers, and restaurants where we have carefully selected and recommended local places to eat.
Ready to book?
We use Airbnb for all our bookings, where you can find everything you need to reserve your stay including rates and availability