Hemyock Castle
Ancient Heart of the Blackdowns

Castle Cottages for Let, Unfurnished

Hemyock makes a good centre whatever the weather. The wide variety of facilities both locally and within easy travelling distance can satisfy a wide variety of interests.

There are four comfortable cottages in the castle grounds and alongside St. Margaret's Brook, available unfurnished on long lets. Each cottage has been carefully converted and modernized, preserving its original character. The cottages are called: "Mow Barton" "Oliver's Bay" "Sir William" and "Lady Margaret."

The remains of the Medieval Castle built in 1380 by Sir William and Lady Margaret Asthorpe, surround the even older fortified Manor House. (Until recently a farm house.) Parts of the massive gate house, towers, walls, and moat still remain. Much has been done to stabilise the remains, research the history and improve access to visitors. Efforts continue.

The grounds are occasionally open to the public.

The Castle Environment

Picture of the Stocks at Hemyock Castle

Hemyock, in the upper Culm Valley, is situated in the Blackdown Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty long popular with artists and writers. This is a good centre for day tours to Exmoor, Dartmoor, and both the North and South Coasts. There are also many nearby places of interest. There are excellent shopping facilities at the Cathedral City of Exeter (25 miles), Taunton, Honiton, Tiverton (11 miles and all with traditional Markets). Honiton is popular for its antique shops. Wellington (5 miles) also has a good indoor Sports Centre. Walking and horse riding (5 miles) are available nearby.

Hemyock has 2 good shops supplying day to day needs, The Catherine Wheel public house has a restaurant, and a Cafe provides a take-away food service. Other local restaurants include a popular one in nearby Culmstock.

The whole site is enclosed by substantial walls, fences and gates. Trees and shrubs give added tranquility and privacy.

Special Attractions

Devon and the West Country are well known as popular Summer holiday destinations. However in Spring or Autumn, outside the main season, Devon has much to offer:

Spring Flowers.
Autumn Tints.
Autumn Carnivals.
Special Sports.
Historic Houses.

The wide variety of cultural, entertainment and sports facilities within easy travelling distance include popular surfing beaches. When the Summer crowds have gone, there is more room for sports such as kite surfing. Local firms can supply all special equipment and training.

Castle Cottages

There are four comfortable, all-electric, unfurnished cottages. Each cottage has been carefully converted and modernized, preserving its original character and charm. Each has a wood-burner as well as night-storage heaters.

Free parking is provided for one or two cars per property.

Mow Barton Cottage

Picture of Mow Barton Cottage at Hemyock Castle Symbol of Access Category 3

Mow Barton was carefully converted from a traditional open linhay and stable block to provide comfortable family accommodation. Exposed beams, woodwork and wall lights add to the charm. The ground floor is also suitable for wheel chair access (Category 3 Access Certificate granted), including a downstairs shower-room with toilet, shower cubicle and large wash basin.

The lounge has a feature fireplace and wood-burner. The modern family kitchen has a dining area.

Upstairs, there are 3 bedrooms; a double, a twin, and a single bedded room. The bathroom has a shower over the bath, toilet, and an airing cupboard.

Outside, there is a barbecue, and a small private sitting area overlooking a large level grassed area. Walnut and other trees provide shady spots.

The Guard Houses: Sir William and Lady Margaret

Picture of Sir William and Lady Margaret Guard Houses at Hemyock Castle

Sir William and Lady Margaret are two detached guard houses named after the founders of the castle; once, they guarded the outer side of the moat and draw-bridge. The compact, comfortable, well modernized accommodation in each cottage consists of one double and one twin bedroom, bathroom with electric shower, and airing cupboard, upstairs. Downstairs, each has a living room with wood-burner and modern corner kitchen.

Oliver's Bay Apartment

Picture of Oliver's Bay at Hemyock Castle

Oliver's Bay is a spacious self-contained ground floor apartment with its own private entrance. It has a lovely large lounge with beamed ceiling and inglenook with wood-burner, one double and one twin bedroom. The modern kitchen has a dining area. The shower-room is an accessible "wet room." The WC is separate. There are night storage heaters.

There is a small private garden with washing line.

Travel Directions and Map

Hemyock Castle is easy to reach, especially from the M5 Motorway. Routes from A303 and A30 etc are available on request. (Note. Although Cullompton is in the postal address, is several miles away.)