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Barnstaple, Devon

Mortuary Cottage

The exterior of Mortuary Cottage, Devon
The exterior of Mortuary Cottage, Devon | © National Trust / Mike Henton
The sitting room at Mortuary Cottage, Devon
The large kitchen and dining area at Mortuary Cottage, Barnstaple, Devon

Mortuary Cottage

A traditional Devonian cottage alongside the meandering River Yeo with an intriguing name…

Grid of 5 images
The sitting room at Mortuary Cottage, Devon
The large kitchen and dining area at Mortuary Cottage, Barnstaple, Devon
The exterior of Mortuary Cottage, Devon
The double bedroom at Mortuary Cottage, Devon
The garden at Mortuary Cottage, Devon

© National Trust / Rhodri Davies

A traditional Devonian cottage alongside the meandering River Yeo with an intriguing name…

At a glance

Guests
2
Bedrooms
1
Number of dogs welcome
1
Reference
012002
Acorn rating

About Mortuary Cottage

Fortunately Mortuary Cottage never lived up to its melancholy name. It was once earmarked as a keeping place for air raid victims during WW2, but was never needed. Despite its name, it feels extremely homely and inviting inside with traditional slate floors, low beamed ceilings and a warming log burner. 

Its setting is quite dreamy too, with the River Yeo passing the cottage and the parkland of the Arlington estate unfolding before you. It’s not unusual to see red deer grazing on the grass nearby during the autumn months. A gently inclining three-mile stroll will lead you to the main house at Arlington Court, where you’ll receive free entry. 

The cottage is just six miles from the bustling town of Barnstaple, where you can pick up local produce from its quality farm shops. You’ll be close to the coast too, with Saunton and Croyde just a 30 minutes’ drive. But the best way to explore the north Devon coastline is by bike. Join the Tarka Trail, a 30 mile, traffic free cycle route that follows the area’s old railway lines.
 

Features and facilities

  • Wi-Fi, available
  • Garden, available
  • EV charging, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Freezer, not available
  • Microwave, available
  • Open fire / wood burner, available
  • Television, available
  • DVD, available
  • Washing machine, available
  • Dishwasher, available
  • Tumble dryer, available
  • BBQ, not available
  • Cot & high chair, not available

Location

Accessibility

Not accessible

Read our accessibility guide 

Layout

Ground floor layout

Kitchen/diner, sitting room with solid fuel stove

First floor layout

Double bedroom (4'6 bed) with en-suite shower room.

More information

Access: The accessibility guide is for guidance only. For up-to-date information, please call the team on 0344 800 2070.

Children: Due to the proximity of the River Yeo we feel this cottage is unsuitable for children

Heating: Eco-radiators included. 

Parking: There is level parking right outside the door. Although there is ample room for parking and turning, please note that the riverbank falls steeply away at the edge of the garden.

WiFi: We are pleased to provide WiFi at this cottage which is supported by BT. Please note that intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur and should not be relied upon.

Garden: There is an upper level garden for the washing line and a small grassed area where you can sit by the river.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm.

Free access to Arlington Court during opening hours.

Logs: Eco logs can be pre-ordered. A pack which should be enough for a whole day or two evenings is £9. We also offer a fire starter kit consisting of 30 eco briquettes and 3 firelighters for £9 per bag which will provide a base for approximately 3 fires.