Stay at The Old School House, a large and spacious character cottage situated in an elevated position above the pretty village of Instow - perfect for family or friends getaways.
Featuring many of the schoolhouses' original features, the home-from-home is advantageously located very close to the sought after the North Devon coastline and beaches. Guests can enjoy views over the countryside to the estuary, or step outside onto the sunny and secluded decked rear garden.
The Old School House can host up to eight guests over four generously sized bedrooms. Two king size rooms, with an additional two twin rooms can accommodate all family members. The heart of the home is undoubtedly the living area, with comfortable sofas, wood burning stove, pool table, smart TV and Wi-Fi included during your visit. The fully fitted kitchen provides all modern amenities needed for a self-catering stay including dishwasher, microwave, oven, and fridge/freezer. You'll find a downstairs bathroom with shower, WC and basin, with additional family bathroom on the first floor.
This enchanting coastal town of Instow is a wonderful spot for a North Devon break. Its central location along the coastline allows the opportunity to venture to the local larger towns of Bideford, Barnstaple, and Westward Ho! There are many breath-taking beaches to discover nearby, and the picturesque steep hillside fishing village of Clovelly is only 15 miles away. All in all, a perfect place to base a holiday in this beautiful area as there will be something to entertain all ages.
Please note this property has a spiral staircase leading to the bedrooms on the first floor. Parking is available outside of the property on the roadside. The Old School House is suited to groups of families/friends and is not suitable for any stag/hen parties or large events.
While we allow well-behaved dogs, please refrain from allowing them on sofas, soft furnishings and upstairs in the property.
Please note that no workers are allowed to stay at the property.
For more information and bookings please contact Finest Retreats.
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The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Bideford
Located in Bideford, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. While the natural beauty of North Devon Coast and Woolacombe Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Ilfracombe Harbour.
The Big Sheep and St Anne's Arts & Community Centre are also worth visiting.
South West Coast Path Section 7 Trailhead - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
South West Coast Path Section 6 Trailhead - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
West Appledore - 15 min drive - 9.4 km
Woolacombe Beach - 44 min drive - 32.1 km
Getting around
Barnstaple Station - 15 min drive
Restaurants
Fremington Quay Cafe - 10 min drive
Cafe du Parc - 8 min drive
Royal North Devon Golf Club - 9 min drive
Williams Arms Wrafton - 17 min drive
White Hart - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Old School House at Instow pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total). There's a fee of GBP 30. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much does it cost to stay at The Old School House at Instow?
As of 17 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Old School House at Instow on 28 June 2026 start from AU$532, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at The Old School House at Instow?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Old School House at Instow?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Old School House at Instow located?
Situated near the beach, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Instow Beach, South West Coast Path Section 7 Trailhead and South West Coast Path Section 6 Trailhead. West Appledore and Northam Burrows Country Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
8.4
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Comfortable and clean, easy to access, enjoyed the pool table. Comfortable rooms location in a quiet hamlet, parking okay on road
nothing
Denis
Verified
8/10 Good
simon
22 Jan 2025
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Very nice property. Cleanliness was OK but not great. Very little to welcome guests on arrival. Overall good value for money.
simon
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
From a partner site
8/10 Good
David
7 Jan 2025
Jan 2025
Beautiful spacious house. The beds were very comfortable, and the bedrooms a lovely size with nice views. The pool table was a welcome treat for the family. The living area was spacious and more than enough room for the 7 of us. The location was brilliant for Appledore, westward Ho! Lovely coastal walks.
David
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Mar 2025
Thankyou David for your wonderful review! We are glad to hear that you had a fun and comfortable stay! We hope to take more bookings from you in the future.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Christina
6 Oct 2024
Good.
Parking was really hard as have a large van and no private parking is available. Very noisy on week days as opposite a primary school, and if you meet the traffic it can be a nightmare. But with all things said it is a stunning house with all we needed and felt very comfortable and relaxed there. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Christina
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Jenny
6 Sept 2024
August stay
Location was good and easy to walk into Instow, large house but needs updating and cleaning thoroughly. Loved the pool table.
The cooker didn’t work, no guides to operate any of the appliances, cooker hood didn’t work, lots of hairs left on stairs and bugs we had to hoover up on arrival. Dirty stains on toilet seat which needs replacing and downstairs bathroom needs a complete refurb. Garden overgrown and dangerous with crumbling walls so unsuitable for children. Wouldn’t stay again, poor quality and standards
Jenny
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2024
Hi Jenny,
Thank you for your review. I am glad you were able to appreciate the location and enjoyed going on walks as well as a few games of pool.
We are on hand throughout your stay to offer advice and to resolve nay issues faced. It is important to reach out to us so we can help with situations such as the cooker and get these resolves as soon as possible. Thank you for sharing.
About the host
Hosted by Finest Retreats
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests