West Lyn Farm

Wind your way along the lanes of Exmoor National Park to the twin seaside villages of Lynmouth and Lynton – then wind your way a little further to West Lyn Farm. As the seagull flies, this farmhouse B&B with a shepherd’s hut (set in a separate private area further down the farm track adjacent to one of the fields) lies a mile inland and upland of Lynmouth and neighbouring Lynton. Anticipation builds through the leafy Devon roadways and is rewarded by a warm welcome and simply spectacular sea views.

Your host here is Astley. She’s been in the B&B business for almost 20 years but has only been feathering this particular nest for a few. She knows that a slice of lemon drizzle on arrival is a sight for sore eyes and that breakfast is best when it’s locally sourced – but she’s also breathed fresh life into this old farm. The two en-suite guest bedrooms have been decorated with taste and flair. Deep colours and bold designs in each are paired with French antique-style furniture, including a king-size bed. It’s sumptuous enough to feel special but not too much for a location that encourages walks with the dog. Four-legged friends are welcome in the Garden and Sea View rooms, as well as in Sea Shack, the shepherd’s hut outside. And opposite the main house, you'll find West Lyn Farm's rather lovely gin terrace and chicken coop.

While B&B guests can make tea and coffee in their rooms and have breakfast at the farmhouse table, Sea Shack guests self-cater. And while B&B rooms have flatscreen TVs and WiFi, the shepherd’s hut offers a radio and board games, not to mention excellent 4G mobile signal in and around the hut. It’s a more outdoorsy way to stay in the farm’s most scenic spot and there's a luxurious outdoor wood-fired bath, furniture and a fire pit in your private garden to help you enjoy it. Inside, there’s an en-suite shower and toilet, a kitchenette, a fold-down double bed and a log burner. So you're both perfectly self-contained and also warm and toasty whatever the weather.

If it’s fine, you might want to tackle the walk to Lynmouth. It’s a good one: steeply downhill through woodland all the way; a taxi back up is a tempting idea after an ice cream by the harbour and a ride on the famous cliff railway or a visit to Glen Lyn Gorge. If you’re a keen walker though, the hike back, like longer routes on the Two Moors Way and the South West Coast Path, is a pleasant challenge. One that’s rewarded, of course, with those spectacular views once again.