“A chic, rustic collection of beautifully appointed suites, rooms & cottages in a North Devon village. Elegant interiors stay true to the historic buildings. With a grocery store, fish & chip shop, pub/restaurant & farm on site. Top of the range modern amenities in a rural village setting”
“A chic, rustic collection of beautifully appointed suites, rooms & cottages in a North Devon village. Elegant interiors stay true to the historic buildings. With a grocery store, fish & chip shop, pub/restaurant & farm on site. Top of the range modern amenities in a rural village setting”
Hotel Review
Tech entrepreneur millionaire Michael Birch used to visit the village of Woolsery as a child. His great-grandparents built the shop and Michael’s grandmother was born above it. After selling social networking site Bebo, founded with his wife Xochi, the couple bought the Farmer’s Arms pub in 2014 which was falling into disrepair. During the 4-year renovation, more dilapidated properties were purchased and gradually the shop, chippy, Birch Farm and several cottages including the Old Smithy, were added to the burgeoning ‘collective’ portfolio.
All buildings have been sensitively restored and upgraded with four Shop Rooms and Suites available and three cottages that sleep between 2-8 people. Each space has been individually designed with a different personality - either a vintage Art Deco/1940s feel using velvet upholstery, crafted furniture and pastel bathroom suites or discreetly luxurious Colorado cabin hideaway vibe. All guest accommodation offers superbly tactile comfort, hi-tech Rako lighting, underfloor heating, soothing colour palettes, Sonos sound system, fully stocked minibar and snug seating.
Breakfast is delivered in a hamper. The restaurant is headed by chef Ian Webber using produce from the ‘edible forest’ and animals from the 150-acre farm. Wulfheard Manor is currently under construction and will open as a boutique hotel and a bakery is coming soon.
This impressive project has blown an unexpected blast of cosmopolitan air into an otherwise sleepy outpost making it an utterly unique destination.
Written by Laura Campbell
Recommended For
- Great walks
- Explore the rugged Hartland Heritage Coast, where breathtaking clifftop walks offer panoramic views and invigorating sea breezes
- Cooking classes
- Join a workshop on sustainable gardening or artisanal cooking to deepen your connection with food and nature during your stay
- Learning
- Take a guided tour of a regenerative farm, learn about sustainable farming practices and meet a variety of heritage animals
- Hotel Entertainment
- Unwind in a plush, vintage-inspired suite, where underfloor heating and a well-stocked minibar create a haven of comfort
- Families
- Kids will love the family-friendly cottages and fun farm tours, perfect for a cozy, educational getaway
- Foodies
- Indulge in craft ales and local fare, where hyper-local, plot-to-plate dining meets rustic charm
- Good wine list
- Full of character
- Family Suites
- Eco
- Owner managed
- Gourmet
- Romantic
- Restaurant
- Luxury
- Traditional
- Retro/Vintage
- Child friendly
- Village
- Chic
- Historic
- Boutique
Facilities
- Restaurant
- Good wine list
- Bar
- Family Suites
- Wifi
- Suites
- Child friendly
Activities
- Great walks
- Explore the rugged Hartland Heritage Coast, where breathtaking clifftop walks offer panoramic views and invigorating sea breezes
- Cooking classes
- Join a workshop on sustainable gardening or artisanal cooking to deepen your connection with food and nature during your stay
- Learning
- Take a guided tour of a regenerative farm, learn about sustainable farming practices and meet a variety of heritage animals
- Hotel Entertainment
- Unwind in a plush, vintage-inspired suite, where underfloor heating and a well-stocked minibar create a haven of comfort
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
The Collective at Woolsery hotel review: charming
Renovated cottages and suites with a Michelin-approved pub supplied by the local farm
Originally published by The Times (view article)
