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PracticalitiesFood & Drink Food & DrinkThe property is fully self-catering and you will find here some ideas for places to shop and eat out. Fresh Local Produce The Barton Farm Shop, located on the outskirts of the nearby village of Woolfardisworthy, is run by Steve & Robbie and offers an excellent range of fresh local produce including home-reared beef and lamb, locally sourced pork and chicken, eggs and preserves. Marshford Organic Foods, based in Northam, offers a wide range of organic produce which could be pre-ordered and picked up on route to the house. The Hartland Pantry (01237 441 286), in Hartland, is an organic grocers run by Adrian and Anne-Marie selling fresh vegetables, home made bread and various other delights. Dan the Fishman is the local mobile fishmonger, based in Clovelly. Hartland Farmers' Market is normally held on the first Sunday of the month from April to October (not August) at the Parish Hall in Hartland village. Pubs Chris and Jill run the local pub, the Wreckers Retreat at Hartland Quay, which can be accessed via the footpath directly from the house and is stunningly located on the coast facing the Atlantic. It provides basic pub grub that doesn't try to be of restaurant quality but has a lovely relaxed atmosphere. Lee and Chrissy run The Old Smithy which is a little gem located in the nearby parish of Welcombe. The food is excellent. The Boathouse in Instow is a pubby-bistroish establishment on the sea front. The food is good, particularly the Sunday Roast although it there is sometimes a bit of a wait for a table. After your meal you can walk across the road and directly onto the beach for a stroll. Restaurants Cheristow Country Kitchen (01237 441 522). is perhaps the best known local restaurant. Graham and Wendy breed "rare breed" cows, sheep and pigs. They also raise ducks, turkeys and rabbits. Decks is a good fish restaurant in Instow (next to the Boathouse). Life's a Beach, in Bude, is well regarded. Of course for those willing to travel further down the coast there is always Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant which must be booked well in advance. Tearooms Delicious cream teas are on offer at Stoke Barton, and Docton Mill, both of which are within walking distance of the house. Take-away Din & Penny, based in Hartland, (01237 441944) can prepare and deliver a delicious Thai supper. The Square Chip (01237 441700) in Hartland does a good take-away with the chicken curry being particularly recommended. Supermarkets For those who want to do a supermarket run on the way down to the house there is a Tesco and Sainsburys in Barnstaple or a Morrisons, nearer at Bideford. Tesco will deliver to the property but must be instructed to park at the shed midway down the drive due to the lack of turning space at the end of the drive. LinenAll linen is provided free and beds are made up with duvets. You will need to bring your own towels. Electrical & HeatingThe house has an oil-fired Aga, an electric cooker, a fridge-freezer, a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, as well as a vacuum cleaner, an ironing board and iron. It is well equipped with cooking utensils, china and glassware. It has efficient oil-fired central heating throughout and an open fire in the Living Room. Logs are provided. Children & BabiesThey are welcome at any age. We make no charge for children in cots and provide a travel cot, cot linen and bedding for no charge. A high chair and stair gate is available. PetsThe countryside around Spekes is a dog's paradise and you are welcome to bring one dog with the prior permission of the owner. It is essential however that the dog does not spoil the house or garden for future guests. The permission will therefore be conditional on a number of things including that it must not, under any circumstances, be allowed upstairs or anywhere on the furniture, it must sleep in the space provided in the utility room and you will be asked to clear up any dog mess in the garden. Disabled GuestsPlease contact the Owner if you have any special requirements. Telephone & BroadbandThere is a direct-dial telephone system and wireless broadband available for laptop connection. Mobile signals, except Vodaphone, generally do not work at the house. A signal starts at the beginning of the driveway. Use of the PropertyThe Property is suitable for up to a maximum of 9 people only. It is not suitable for hen or stag parties. No SmokingSmoking is not allowed inside the house. ParkingPlease note that the parking area immediately outside the house is limited. It is possible to park three cars there but it does involve one being blocked in. There is ample alternative parking space midway up the drive in front of the shed. Rural locationPlease be aware that the essence of the house lies in its deeply rural location. It is not a holiday cottage complex and does not have any near neighbours, with the nearest village being some 3 miles away. If you are looking for a place to refresh and reinvigorate away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life then Spekes is for you! Departure & CleaningIn order to maintain our high standards of cleanliness guests are asked to leave promptly by 10 a.m on their day of departure, and to arrive no earlier than 4 p.m. It takes us a good six hours to clean the house properly. Further InfoTourist Information brochures, leaflets and guide books are available
at the house together with a Guest Manual containing all the local
information and contact numbers you should need.
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