Welcome to The Barley Mill; an enchanting, 19th century Cornish Mill hidden deep within the Marsland Nature Reserve. A holiday cottage we promise you will never want to leave... Described as something out of a fairytale, (think Hansel & Gretel,) the Mill is incredibly fortunate to be one of the very few cottages in the reserve itself. From the Mill you are afforded some of the most spellbinding views of the ancient woodland where you can sit back and relax to the sound of the river. It's also a mile walk through the woods, along the river, to the coast where you can bask on Marsland Mouth Beach. However, the coast is only a tiny part of what this exceptional part of the world has to offer. There is an abundance of walks for all ages and abilities right from the front door, and all outdoor activities and tourist attractions are conveniently located close by.
The Barley Mill has undergone a complete makeover since it was bought by its new owners in 2021. Amy & William Searle were looking for a new venture once they moved to Cornwall. They also own a stunning cottage in Snowdonia called Celyn in the villiage of Nant Gwyannt which they bought once they sold their former business, - Plas Curig Hostel in Capel Curig (also in Snowdonia). Their hostel, which they bought as a ruin in 2011 and completely refurbished, was awarded the only 5 star hostel grading in Wales and was dubbed the poshest hostel in the UK. It recieved rave reviews from the media and it's guests for the 8 years they ran it. The Barley Mill is now their second property located at their family home, Gooseham Mill House. To view Celyn
INSIDE THE BARLEY MILL
SLEEP
Sleeps two in a double bed.
All linen provided.
WASH & DRY
We do not have Washer or Dryer but we have a drying cupboard for wet walking gear.
SOAK
Shower room with WC, sink & shower. Towels provided.
AL FRESCO
Balcony & Garden with spectacular views. Outdoor seating & bbq/firepit provided.
PARKING
There is parking. The lane to the house is narrow & steep.
EAT
Fully equipped kitchen with hob, combi-microwave, fridge / small freezer. (NO cooker)
CONNECT
We have superfast Fibre Wifi
RELAX
Cosy lounge with log burner (initial fuel provided) , 2 seater sofa & smart TV.
OUTSIDE THE BARLEY MILL
THE VALLEY - Marsland Nature Reserve
A magical, secretive mix of woodland, coastline and butterfly-filled meadows - all in a single stream valley. At 212 hectares it still retains a feeling of intimacy and an air of secrecy. Marsland is tucked away along the length of a steep-sided stream valley which straddles the Devon-Cornwall border. At the valley's head are a series of large open woodland glades. In spring and early summer it's here that two rare UK butterflies, small pearl-bordered and pearl-bordered fritillaries, take to the wing. In all 34 species of butterfly have been recorded at Marsland. Further down Marsland Valley a network of paths wind though a green canopy of woodland, dominated by oak, ash, holly, hazel and sycamore. Woodland gives way to open coastal heath with its mix of grasses, heather and gorse. The sounds and smell of the sea accompany some spectacular views of part of one of the UK's wildest coastlines. The South West Coast Path and the cliff tops beyond signal the edge of this wonderful nature reserve. Marsland's position on the Coast Path make it a great destination for walkers to explore. It is a mile to walk to the beach from the Barley Mill.
Just a 5 minute drive away there is a local shop called Furze Stores in the villiage of Shop. There is also The Old Smithy Inn a 20 min walk away and The Bush Inn & Rectory Tea Rooms are a 10 min drive away in Morwenstow.
CLOSEST TOWN - Bude
Bude is a 25 minute drive from the mill. Bude is quite a remote spot and sits on its own stretch of wild and rugged coast backed by miles and miles of countryside. For this reason it is largely self-contained, yet has not become too big, or too commercial. Bude Canal forms a picturesque backdrop to Summerleaze beach. The section towards the breakwater is one of the prettiest parts of Bude, with cottages to one side of the canal, the beach to the other along with what passes for the town's harbouor. Located right on Bude's main Summerleaze beach is the 1930s sea pool. Given that all of the area's beaches face into the full might of the Atlantic Ocean and the currents can be strong this provides the perfect, safe environment for getting in the sea. Part natural and part man-made the Bude Sea Pool is impressively large, measuring nearly 300 feet (90 metres) in length. That's longer than an Olympic swimming pool, so this tidal lido is big enough for even the most serious of swimmers. Bude is also home to fantastic coastal walking and surfing. There are all the shops, restaurants and ammenities you should need.
BEACHES - Distances from The Barley Mill
Here are a few of our favourites within driving distance...
Duckpool - 15 mins (5 miles)
Sandymouth - 20 mins (7 miles)
Widemouth - 30 mins (15 miles)
Hartland Quay - 30 mins (12 miles)
Within walking distance we have :
Marsland Mouth & Welcombe Mouth
There are others that require larger hikes.
VILLAGES & TOWNS - Distances from The Barley Mill
Clovelly - 25 mins (12 miles)
Bude - 25 mins (12miles)
Bideford - 40 mins (20 miles)
Appledore - 45 mins (22 miles)
Boscastle - 50 mins (25 miles)
Tintagel - 55 mins (30 miles)
Port Isaac - 1hr 5 mins (35 miles)
Polzeth - 1hr 10mins - (40 miles)
Padstow - 1hr 20mins (40 miles)
Lynton & Lynmouth - 1hr 30 (45 miles)
BOOK & CONTACT
Please go on our online booking system to check availabilty, prices & book.
Please send enquiries to thebarleymillcornwall@gmail.com.
For urgent assistance call 07921589655.
The address is:
Gooseham Mill House, Gooseham, Bude, Cornwall. EX239PQ
Check-in 3pm / check out 10am
DIRECTIONS
A satnav will take you directly to the Barley Mill if you put in the Postcode. Please make sure you come through Gooseham itself, you will then travel down a long narrow lane that will get steeper to a sharp bend left, take a right at the bottom of the lane and you will see the Barley Mill on the left. The lane cannot fit large vehicles down it so please contact us if you want to check if your vehicle will fit! There are no train stations or reliable buses nearby so a car is strongly recommended.
CANCELLATIONS
Full payment is taken upon booking.
Cancellation 14 days prior to stay =100% refund
Cancellation 7 days prior to stay
= 50% refund
Cancellation within 7 days of stay
= no refund
Our cancellation policy is strict so please make sure you have holiday insurance.