A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CONTINUING our series on Britain’s best places for a staycation, this week we check out a 15th Century manor house on the edge of Exmoor.

WHERE: West Challacombe Manor sits high above the village of Combe Martin on the North Devon coast. THE PROPERTY: Remote and isolated, the manor house, which sleeps five, dates from the 15th Century and is stuffed with antiques. The large kitchen/dining room comes with a Rayburn and quarry tiled floor, while the cosy sitting room has a wood-burning stove. It has three bedrooms and a vast upstairs drawing room with a magnificent oak-framed ceiling. The former stables in the enclosed courtyard are now home to barn owls and bats. WHAT TO SEE: The South West Coastal Path is just yards from the front door. A short hike takes you to Great Hangman Gut, the highest sea cliff in England, or you can join a wildlife cruise from Ilfracombe to see dolphins and porpoises.

WHO TO CONTACT: The National Trust (nationaltrustholidays.org.uk, 0344 800 2070), which has more than 400 holiday properties.

HOW MUCH: Rates range from £386 for two nights to £1,190 for a week-long stay.

VERDICT: A secluded retreat for nature-lovers and hikers, staying in a historic setting.