Tamar Counting HouseNear Tavistock, Devon Cornwall border Sleeps 2–4
What a find! Peace…a lazy hideaway A hidden escape in a secret location, cradled in rich, green countryside woodland, and disturbed only by the deafening sounds of nature and the caress of fresh air.

One of two charming, unusual and special cottages an apple tree apart, overgrown with vines and ivy, a fantasy land where buildings and natural beauty combine to make an idyllic couples retreat, where the boundary between inside and outside is confused and each end of every day is celebrated with an uplifting chorus.
A finish that only time can create on the outside, sensitively refurbished on the inside. It’s simple living but with everything you need, sumptuously comfortable but thoughtfully practical.
If you are looking for complete privacy, the two cottages can come as a pair, versatile neighbours to be enjoyed how you choose, romantic couples retreat for just two, private space for two couples and unusual for families but always as guests of mother nature.
In response to demand for those looking for a cosy and romantic cottage just for two in a quiet location yet not too far from civilisation and other people, Tamar cottages are also available as individual boltholes. You may bump in to your neighbours but there is plenty of space inside and out of each cottage not to if you so wish.
“Stunning views from a lovely cosy cottage – it’s like your own perfect fairytale!” Bethany
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At a glance
| THE PROPERTY | |
| 1 double (ensuite) | 1 sofa bed |
| Log burning stove | under floor & electric heat |
| ENTERTAINMENT | |
| B&W iPod dock | satellite TV & DVD |
| BBQ | |
| TO MAKE LIFE EASIER | |
| Washing machine | Pets allowed |
| No Security Deposit | |
| FAMILY FRIENDLY | |
| Room for a very little one | Large open garden |
Comfort and heritage in harmony
Inside Tamar Counting House
- Tamar is one location but two detached cottages; Tamar Counting House is the smaller of the two but the most private as it is tucked behind the apple tree, holding a room with a view across the valley.
- Previously a traditional Devonshire Victorian mine office where the quality of the ores mined was assessed and the miners were paid. Now refurbished with all of the comforts of home but to reflect the character and period of the building.
- Perhaps you can count the boats that go by or the different types of birds that you spot. You certainly can’t help but relax in the open plan, cosy lounge with a log burning stove, iPod docking station and satellite TV and DVD (in case you tire of the view!).
- From the dining table you have an uninterrupted view across the River Tamar, being the border of Devon and Cornwall, the countryside you see is in Devon.
- If you are together with the guests from Tamar Forge then there is plenty of space for four in the open plan living area and around the dining table.
- The kitchen is well-equipped for self-catering with space for the two of you to cook together, though cooking is using a two-burner hob and combination microwave oven rather than a full gas cooker and oven.
- The cosy, double bedroom has an uninterrupted view of the valley and Devon countryside, framed by surrounding trees. The bed is made with soft cotton sheets, duvet and cosy blankets and there is an ensuite shower room.
- Hotel-style comforts with towels and luxurious robes provided.
- There is a double sofa-bed in the lounge which you are free to use (though bedding is not provided).
- Warm and toasty with electric storage heaters throughout as well as the log burner.
Outside Tamar Counting House
Outside Tamar Counting House
- The Counting House has a private and sheltered decking area tucked away at the front of the cottage. It’s tempting to sit here all day, soaking up the sights and sounds of nature all around in the woodlands and then watch the sunset over the River Tamar.
- Private, secluded paths through the trees down to the river in the Tamar valley.
Things you should know
Tamar is two separate cottages that share the same private, outdoor space. If you do book both cottages together there is space in each cottage for four people to share their evenings.
The relationship of the buildings gives privacy and seclusion to guests in each cottage and each has its own outdoor seating area.
The site is shared by the owner who is currently renovating one of the old mine buildings into a home for himself. No building work is carried out whilst guests are at the cottages.
The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking a feast though it has a two-burner hob and combination microwave oven (rather than full cooker) and does not have a dishwasher.
Mobile reception is poor depending on your network. There are telephones in each cottage for emergencies. There are no internet facilities.
Pets are most welcome at Tamar, at a small extra charge. Please get in touch to find out more.
Intriguing heritage, natural beauty
Tamar Location
- English heritage on your doorstep 4.5 hours from London: 243 miles
- Peace & valley views worth the 5 hour drive from Manchester: 296 miles
- Approached via a tree-lined bridle track, west of Tavistock & Dartmoor National Park.
- In Cornwall but with views of the rolling Devon countryside across the Tamar valley.
- Sitting in a very private location above the River Tamar, the border of Devon and Cornwall.
Things to do near Counting House...
Out and about near Tamar, our favourites…
- Calstock village, with pub and local store, is only a short walk away
- Beautiful gardens and history abound within eight miles at The Garden House, Buckland Abbey, Cotehele House and Morewellham Quay
- For something different and more active, spend a day in a canoe on the Tamar river
- Nearby Dartmoor offers great walking, biking and watersports on the lakes
- Further afield, visit the Eden Project and the beautiful beaches at Whitsand Bay
- More things to do near in Exmoor and Devon…
If you want to know more about what’s happening nearby throughout the year, follow the links below.
When you book, whatever your passion; just let us know, we’ll find all of the information you need and include it in your personal, tailored guide sent to you before you arrive.
Call or email us to find out more:
01865 764087
inspired@sheepskinlife.com
Adventure and Activities nearby
For the more adventurous there is so much to do near all of our properties. From fishing and mountain biking to caving and coasteering…
Canoe Tamar
Enjoy the riverside wildlife while gliding silently past in your own canoe boat at Canoe Tamar…
Tamar Valley walks
30 miles of walking in the Tamar Valley, worthy of its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Finishing touches, personal service
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We know that your perfect break needs time to search and organize, so we do the searching for you and help tailor your stay to what you love to do. We’ll find all of the information you’ll need and include it in your personal, Example tailor-made guide sent to you before you arrive. |
When you arrive at our cottages you will find beds made with soft cotton sheets, marshmallow duvets, cosy welsh blankets & generous bedspreads
Hotel style comforts with sumptuous Sheepskin bathrobes, fluffy cotton towels, an occasional sheepskin rug and B&W iPod docking station so don’t forget your iPod!
We provide all that you need from tea towels, toilet tissue and dishwasher tablets to a generous supply of logs for the log burner and a jute shopping bag (as part of your welcome gift) to take home with you!

With our compliments, for your arrival, there will be a Sheepskin jute bag for you to keep. In the bag you will find; extra virgin olive oil, natural rock salt, fresh black peppercorns, Sheepskin’s own blend roast and ground coffee, tea bags and some tasty treats!
You can also add your own finishing touches by choosing one of our two delicious Tapas selections. Ordered separately and delivered to your cottage, our tapas are a perfect solution for an informal, delicious meal when you first arrive at the cottage or simply when you don’t want to cook, see our delicatessen page for more details.
Tamar Counting House press
Tamar Counting House has been recognised by guests and press alike.
Here is a selection of press articles in which Tamar Counting House has been featured…
Tamar counting Reviews
“Stunning views from a lovely cosy cottage – it’s like your own perfect fairytale!” Bethany, December 2011
“We had a lovely stay at the Counting House…what a beautiful cottage in a perfect location! I am sure we will be booking another break soon.” Deborah, March 2011
Tamar Counting House Availability
As with all of our properties we are as flexible as possible with arrival date and length of stay with a minimum booking of 3 nights. However from Easter until the end of September and other peak holiday times this property is only available for a minimum of 7 night stays.
Please do contact us to confirm availability for the dates you are looking for or to ask about short stays.
If you want to see dates for all of our cottages, please go to our all availability page.
Please use the left and right arrows to scroll through the months.
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Prices for Tamar Counting
| Sleeps | 2 people | ||||||
| Nights | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | ||
| £ | 325 | 420 | 515 | 615 | 710 | ||
| € | 390 | 504 | 618 | 738 | 851 | ||
| Available for short breaks year round, except for May to end September and other peak holiday times. Please get in touch to check these. | |||||||
| Tamar cottages can be rented together to sleep up to 4 people at the rates shown below | |||||||
| with Tamar Forge £ | 660 | 865 | 1065 | 1265 | 1430 | ||
| Tamar cottages welcome pets at the additional charge as below | |||||||
| pets charge £ | 30 | per pet | |||||
Book now
When we receive your booking form we will reserve your requested dates for 5 days and we will be in touch to confirm all the finer details with you.
If you prefer call or email:
+44 (0) 1865 764 087






