Why we love it
What makes Vale Cottage worth seeking out is its sense of continuity: a 15th-century Devon longhouse, still standing under thatch, still close to the rhythms of Croyde, but now restored with enough care that it feels both grounded and easy to inhabit. This is not a polished coastal rental with borrowed character; it has the settled, affectionate feel of a house that has been properly lived in, remembered and returned to.
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About the Property
Vale Cottage Croyde is the kind of place that suits families or old friends who want North Devon’s beaches close at hand, but don’t want to retreat each evening to somewhere anonymous. The cottage dates back to 1470, with cob walls, a thatched roof and the pleasingly irregular character that comes with age. A thoughtful renovation has kept that history intact while making it comfortable for modern stays, so the overall feeling is warm, unshowy and generous rather than styled. Days here are likely to fall into an easy pattern: beach mornings in Croyde, walks along the coast path, then back for supper around the table or time outside in the covered courtyard or separate garden. Out of season, it feels especially appealing, when the village and beaches grow quieter.
Location
Croyde
Croyde is one of North Devon’s best-loved coastal villages, known for its broad sandy bay, dependable surf and easy access to the South West Coast Path. Even in high season it retains the feel of a proper village rather than a purpose-built resort, with thatched cottages, a handful of good places to eat and a landscape that quickly opens out into dunes, cliffs and open sea. Beyond the beach, this stretch of coast invites long walks, cold-water swims and days spent moving between Croyde, Saunton and Putsborough, with Exmoor and the wider North Devon countryside within reach.
