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Wildlife haven with river

Photo gallery for Wildlife haven with river

The River Carey
the shippen
living area
tawny owl
Female roe deer

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Cornwall
  • Place, Launceston Steam Railway
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Launceston Castle
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Launceston Golf Club
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Shower room 1

Shower only

Spaces

Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Wildlife haven with river

The Shippen at Coombe Mill is a one-bedroom detached property for two people that is close to the River Carey and surrounded by a private nature reserve of 34 acres. It is the perfect retreat for those who enjoy wildlife and peace and quiet. There are kingfishers, dippers, owls, deer, foxes, badgers, otters and bats as well as butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Now we're getting regular visits from beavers although they tend to be nocturnal. The Shippen is situated some distance from the main house and has its own parking and entrance. FOR BEST PRICES PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER.
The property has a small secluded garden with table and chairs. It is situated six miles from Launceston,once the ancient capital of Cornwall, and only four miles from the A30. Its central position close to the Devon/Cornwall border means most places in either county are less than an hour's drive away including Dartmoor National Park, Bodmin Moor, the Tamar Valley and the spectacular north coast of Cornwall.
REGRETTABLY THE PROPERTY IS UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND NO PETS ARE ALLOWED..

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House Rules

Check in after 4:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We ask people simply to let us know of any damage or breakages during their stay

Important information

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Launceston

Located in Launceston, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Launceston Steam Railway and Lawrence House Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Dartmoor National Park and Tamar Valley. Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre and The Hidden Valley Discovery Park are also worth visiting. Windsurfing, sailing and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
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Map
Cornwall

What's nearby

  • Launceston Steam Railway - 12 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Launceston Castle - 13 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Launceston Town Hall and Guildhall - 13 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Launceston Golf Club - 13 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Roadford Reservoir - 14 min drive - 12.7 km

Getting around

  • Okehampton Station - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eliot Arms Pub - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Newmarket inn - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Arundell Arms Hotel and Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Clovelly Inn - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Wildlife haven with river pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Wildlife haven with river?

As of 12 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Wildlife haven with river on 16 May 2026 start from AU$248, 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.

How much is parking at Wildlife haven with river?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Wildlife haven with river?

Check-in begins at 4:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Wildlife haven with river?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Wildlife haven with river located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Roadford Reservoir, Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre and Launceston Steam Railway. Launceston Golf Club and Blagdon Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 117 out of 120 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 120 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 120 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 120 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 120 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A peaceful hideaway.

Cosy accommodation, friendly and helpful hosts and some lovely wildlife right on the doorstep.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous location

Just the spot to get away from it all. Beautiful woodland with the river running through it, always with the chance of seeing something special. Thank you Jon and Janice for letting us share your wonderful space.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terry M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A haven of peace & tranquillity

Clean & well equipped bungalow Onsite entertainment at the Bird feeders Nature walks with the thrill of meeting Foxes a Badger & the spectacle of Butterflies, insects & Dragonflies, Walking by the river & spotting Kingfishers Staying at the Shippen recharged our batteries
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roger S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Shippen

Overall a very good holiday. Jon and Janice were excellent hosts with a cream tea to welcome us. Jon gave us an excellent tour of the reserve and seeing the badgers and fox with him in the evening was very special. We had a peaceful and relaxing time and going again next year. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A very special place!

Staying in this lovely bungalow with the river at the end of the garden was idyllic. You are surrounded by nature here. We had wonderful views of Kingfishers. We saw Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Tit, a Barn Owl, and Swallows were nesting in an Outbuilding. So many other birds too!... there were Deer, Hedgehogs, Badgers, Bats, Foxes. There was a vast array of insect life too, with some beautiful damsel flies, dragonflies, butterflies, and moths, Recommend arranging the tour with Jon, he was great! We had so many peaceful walks and feel very relaxed - we both want to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Anthony A.

Away from the maddening crowds.

A very relaxing, peaceful stay. Shippen was well equipped with everything you could need. If you love a natural environment then this is definitely for you. It was wonderful to wake up and watch all the birds and squirrels feeding whilst having breakfast. We enjoyed walking around the reserve and spotting all the butterflies, we managed to spot a Kingfisher too. The owners Jon and Janice were very friendly and available if you needed anything. We frequented the local pub "Pint and Post " and found the owners and locals extremely welcoming. Would also recommend the Elements an Italian Restaurant near Bude and The Port Gaverne Hotel near Port Issac. There were plenty of lovely coastal walks within 20 miles. All in all a very beautiful place to go.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

fantastic find and great stay

everything was great - the communiction beforehand was good, Jon made enquiries as to what wildlife we may be interested in so he could keep his eyes out for us in the weeks before our stay. When we arrived it was late, the keys were ready for us and The Shippen was a lovely home for our holiday - everything we needed, and a very welcome Devon cream tea waiting to welcome us. On our first day we had arrived with Jon for a tour of the reserve, this was perfect. Jon was great telling us about the history, the wildlife, the seasons and spotting birds as we walked for a happy 3 hours. This gave us a great show of the reserve, and we walked and walked the reserve in the days we were there. The birds came to the feeders in The Shippen garden in great numbers which was fantastic to watch, along with seeing them on the reserve too. There was a very cold snap during our stay and Jon kindly checked on us and made sure we knew of the -5 prediction (that did happen!) being able to communicate well made our holiday so enjoyable and we would totally recommend. We did look at trying to return in 2023, but see it is so very full already, a good sign that our visit was loved by so many as well. A great find and a wonderful oasis of wildlife.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elaine G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

anniversary trip

Very peaceful lovely setting owner Jon very helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Shippon

If you're interested in wildlife or simply want absolute peace and quiet - this is the place for you.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danny D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

5 stars

Wonderful hideaway in a gorgeous setting with excellent hosts who sensed that we were after a quiet holiday and so while offering options did not push them. Really nice people and let us stay a bit longer on check out day.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place!

We cannot recommend the Shippen enough, what an amazing place! We felt so privileged to be surrounded by 34 acres of wildlife and Jon and Janice were such thoughtful hosts - from the fresh flowers and a cream tea on arrival to the hedgehog bowls and food that allowed us to have regular visits from our prickly friends. The cottage is lovely, very cosy, well equipped, tastefully decorated and very clean. Everything was very environmentally friendly too, which was a pleasing bonus. Very impressed with the shower, very powerful! The 'tour' from Jon was great, he is very knowledgeable and friendly and it helped us to get our bearings on the beautiful reserve. Our only complaint is that the week disappeared too quickly! Would love to visit and see the reserve at other times of year too. Idyllic!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

West Country Wildlife Haven. If you are a lover of wildlife this is a must

The property is small but ideal for a couple. Clean and well presented. Apart from livestock in nearby fields the only sound was birdsong and the river running through the reserve. Jon and Janice, the owners, very pleasant and knowledgeable.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and tranquil natural oasis

The Shippen is a perfectly-sized cottage for two in an idyllic, peaceful woodland setting. The cottage amenities were ideal for our needs and we only ventured out of the grounds on two occasions, the rest of the time choosing to stay on the reserve and enjoy all it had to offer. The owners, Jon and Janice, were perfect hosts – respectful of guest privacy but also on hand and keen to ensure you had everything you might need. We are so glad we arranged a tour with Jon on our first day – it was an interesting and informative introduction to the reserve which set us up nicely for the rest of our stay. There is so much to explore and take in; from sitting enjoying the lulling sounds of the river Carey, to walking the old railway line, investigating woodland or butterfly-spotting in the fragrant meadows. The abundance of wildlife we saw during our stay was incredible (and this review can't possibly do it justice). Highlights - from the back garden daily visits from a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Nuthatch, and Wrens. On the reserve itself we enjoyed multiple sightings of Roe deer, Kingfishers and Treecreepers, as well as a Tawny Owl, Brown Hare and hoglets! The evening spectacle of hundreds of bats leaving the owners’ house will stay with us for a long time. The reserve is a very special place, and we feel privileged to have had the opportunity to spend quality time there. You can truly unwind and lose yourself in the green oasis – where else could you experience a nature reserve to yourself? - it is the perfect antidote to the clamour and rush of modern life. We fully intend to return (and hopefully encounter the elusive otters next time) and would recommend without hesitation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louise W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect relaxing getaway

A cosy hideaway in the middle of a nature reserve, perfect for a quiet relaxing break. The cottage is well equipped, covering your every need. The guided tour was very informative and well worth participating in.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hilary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anniversary present

We booked the Shippen for our parents' 68th wedding anniversary. They thoroughly enjoyed their stay despite the weather, exploring the reserve in between the rain. They found the Shippen to be well-equipped, warm and comfortable. and they very much appreciated the thoughtful touches provided by Jon and Janice - from hedgerow flower arrangement to the cream tea on arrival. They want to return in the main field season to enjoy other aspects of the lovely woodland, fileds and riverside .
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful wildlife haven

We loved every moment of our stay at the Shippen. The clean, comfortable and cozy cottage has everything you could possibly need and you are truly immersed in a spot of untouched, beautiful nature. We've been looking for great birding spots in the UK for over 15 years and are so glad we've finally found it. You can spend your days exploring the beauty of this idyllic spot (with the possibility of seeing a kingfisher, dipper or otter on any of the many beautiful walks on the nature reserve), and your nights admiring the dazzling night sky. We highly recommend the Shippen and the tour with Jon and are very much looking forward to our next visit.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay surrounded by Nature

We would like to thank Jon and Jan for a great stay. Thanks for the guided tour of the Nature Reserve, the scones, the flowers and for all your care for the creatures that live on the reserve especially the brilliant birds! A wonderful oasis!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

A relaxing break. Jon gave us a fantastic walk around the reserve pointing out various birds and insects. Thank you to Janice & Jon
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Nice Place in a Beautiful Natural Area

The property is perfectly located to facilitate trips to the north or south coasts. The property is very clean and modern, and is located in a beautiful location with lots of birds flying around the house. A great to get away from it all and take in the very natural environment. We will be visiting again.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place to spend an Anniversary

We spent a fantastic 4 nights in thus stunning cottage, perfect for 2 people over the New Year. The kitchen is great and stocked with everything you would ever need. The lounge and sofa is extremely comfortable and looks out into the garden where you can sit and watch the wildlife all day. There is no wifi but the phone signal was still pretty good. Great TV with a supply of up to date dvds that were great for relaxing in the evening. The bathroom is extremely clean and tidy and the shower was bliss and very powerful, just what was needed after a long day walking. Whilst there is no pics of the bedroom on the site, you will not be disappointed as it is very spacious and lots of storage space in the form of a large wardrobe and chest of drawers and the bed was very comfortable for a good nights sleep. The property has underfloor heating right the way through which works extremely well and really adds to the cosiness. The little touches by jon and his wife made the stay very personal and we would not hesitate to return in the spring when I'm sure the nature reserve and surrounding area will be even more full of wildlife. We can't recommend this property enough if you want somewhere away from the daily rush as you will come away feeling very relaxed and ready to face the world. A wedding anniversary never to be forgotten and we cant thank Jon enough for allowing us to stay on a special occasion.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sara h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Shippen wildlife haven

This was the nicest getaway holiday cottage we have ever stayed in. As soon as we walked in, we loved it. With the opportunity to watch the wildlife, which was why we chose The Shippen, and the friendliness of Jon & Janice, this was the best short break we’ve had in the UK.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter and Bunty W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Blissful and recreating peaceful healing holiday

This was our third stay at Coombe Mill and as previously we have returned home today much rested and refreshed. Already booking another for 2020. Highly recommended especially for the quietness and the opportunity to see over 17 species of birds outside our accommodation door, also butterflies and a young fox basking in the sunshine. Our hosts are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Silke S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gemütliches kleines Cottage in der Natur

Hier hat man alles was man braucht für einige entspannte Tage in der Natur. Zum Frühstück könnten wir Vögel (Meisen, Eichelhähre, Fasane, Rotkehlchen) und Eichhörnchen im Garten beobachten. Nachts sieht und hört man die Eulen. Küche auch mit allem ausgestattet! Wir haben tolle Wanderungen in der Umgebung unternommen. Sehr zu empfehlen ist auch das nächste Pub Pint and Post in St. Giles in the heath, ca 25 min zu Fuss. Sehr nette Wirte und leckeres Essen. Vielen Dank auch Jon und Janice für die Gastfreundschaft! Die beiden helfen bei allen Fragen weiter.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kay L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect hideaway in an idyllic location

The Shippen is the perfect place to relax and watch all kinds of wildlife. The number and variety of birds visiting the feeders in the garden was amazing. Jon’s tour was very enjoyable and is highly recommended. We had a lovely break and hope to return soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

fabulous

Lovely people, beautiful setting, excellent accommodation . a really fabulous , away from it all stay in a lovely nature reserve. Jon and Janice are superb hosts. Take a tour of the reserve with Jon to get the most from the feast of nature on the doorstep. Thoroughly recommended !
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by Jon Valters

Host profile image
We're both passionate about wildlife and we're living the dream as there is so much of it here. The owner was a TV journalist in current affairs and spent several years working on wildlife programmes.

Why they chose this property

We bought Coombe Mill and The Shippen in 2012 after moving from the New Forest in Hampshire.
We fell in love with the place when we realised how much wildlife was here. Several years later and its still surprising us as we discover new species. It is a real privilege living so near to a river as it brings so many scarce species close to us.
Most days here it is wonderfully peaceful; our nearest neighbour is quarter of a mile away.

What makes this property unique

The Shippen is situated in the middle of a private nature reserve; the diversity of wildlife is extraordinary and some of it is right on your doorstep!
The river is close by and the reserve also has a pond, fields, woodland and a former railway line. It is also a great place for star gazing; there's no light pollution here!
Despite its remoteness Launceston is only a 20 minute drive away and there's easy access via the A30 to most places in Devon and Cornwall.

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English
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