Christian Holiday Farmhouse, Exmoor | Perfect Farm Stay, Sleeps 10

Christian Holiday Farmhouse, Exmoor — Near an 800-Year-Old Village Church

Ovis Farmhouse is home to Peter & Brioney, pastors of The Rock Church in Bideford. The church is part of the International Network of Churches. They open up their home, on the edge of Exmoor, to Christian guests throughout the year.

It is a genuine working sheep farm rather than a converted holiday let, and that lived-in, welcoming character carries through everything from the Aga-cooked kitchen to the freedom to pray, sing or hold a Bible study in peace. Guests have their own living room, kitchen and landings.

Two and a half miles down the road, the village of Bratton Fleming takes its unusual name from Erchenbold le Flemynge, a Fleming granted the manor shortly after the Norman Conquest. He added his own name to the older Saxon settlement of Bratton, recorded in the Domesday Book.

The village parish church, St Peter’s, records its first rector in 1213: William de Raleigh, who went on to become a royal justice and then Bishop of Norwich and of Winchester, despite a famously stormy relationship with King Henry III.

The oldest surviving fabric of the church, in the north chancel chapel, dates from the 14th century. The tower collapsed onto the nave at the end of the 17th century, and further major rebuilding followed in the 1850s and 1860s.

The village church has a more recent story too. Rather than continuing separately, the Anglican and Methodist congregations joined to worship as one church in the same building. When the old Methodist chapel and schoolroom were sold, the proceeds helped fund a modern extension to St Peter’s.

With Exmoor’s ponies, moorland and coastline all within easy reach, and North Devon’s beaches a short drive further out, Ovis Farmhouse offers a genuinely restful, unhurried base. For more options nearby, HolyHols lists further Christian holiday accommodation across the South West of England.

Perfect for:

Families and larger groups needing seven bedrooms across two guest staircases
Guests wanting a genuine working-farm experience, including lambing season
Those seeking a quiet, prayerful space to relax without pressure or interference
Walkers exploring Exmoor National Park and the surrounding countryside
Anyone drawn to a warm welcome from hosts who are themselves in ministry

Location

Ovis Farmhouse, Barnstaple, North Devon

How to get there:

Normally by car.

Public transport option:

Train to Barnstaple; bus to Bratton Fleming; taxi from Bratton Fleming village to the farm, or all the way out of Barnstaple on the Bratton Fleming Road.

Nearest Towns:

Bratton Fleming village 2.5 miles, Barnstaple 8 miles, Combe Martin 10 miles, South Molton 12 miles.

Local Area

We are on a working sheep farm, with private access to amazing walks across the fields, through ancient woodland and along the river Bray. You may be able to see deer, buzzards, otters, kingfishers, foxes, squirrels, pheasants and a host of other countryside creatures. The woods are particularly stunning when the bluebells are in bloom. You can often hear owls at night.

Please follow the Countryside Code when out walking.

No heavy machinery is used on the farm as it is not agricultural, but you may hear the quad, the odd small tractor and a lot of sheep!

You may also have the chance to experiencing the lambing season, and even bottle-feed a tame lamb.

We are on the boundary of Exmoor National Park, with its many walks, ponies and areas of outstanding beauty.

Bratton Fleming shop, 2 ½ miles away, sells all the basics. The staff are friendly and helpful.

Barnstaple, 8 miles away, has a range of supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsburys, Lidl, Aldi, M&S etc.

Many pub meals are within a range of 5 miles.

Exmoor Zoo is just up the road, and we are within easy driving distance of Exmoor National Park.

A range of beautiful beaches are a drive away, including Westward Ho!, Woolacombe, Saunton, Instow and Croyde

Facilities

Hello. We are local pastors and Ovis Farmhouse is our home. It is a very big house with a separate guest living room and big kitchen/dining room on the ground floor for our guest’s sole use. There are 2 separate (and steep) staircases leading to private guest landings.

On the 1st floor is a double bedroom and a shower/toilet. On the 2nd floor is a triple (consisting of a double and a single) a further double, a twin and 3 singles. Also a shower/bath/toilet. A further mattress can be added to a room.

A travel cot is also available for your use. Two high chairs are available for your use, as well as a baby monitor and a set of walkie-talkies.
A third toilet is located in the front porch.

The living room is equipped with TV, board games, books and toys. We have an old piano in the hall for any budding musicians, or just feel free to worship.

The big and beautiful dining room doubles up as a fully equipped kitchen, with an easy-to-use oil-fed aga. Just pop food in the ovens, or place pans on the hotplates. It’s that simple. There is a big table that sits 10-12, and an extremely useful ‘lazy Susan’ above the aga for drying clothes on rainy days. Toaster, microwave, airfryer and coffee machine are provided.

You will have your own fridge and freezer, washing machine and dishwasher located in the front porch.

Your break will be self-catering, but tea/coffee/sugar and all the basics are provided.

We have our own supply of natural water and brand new filtration and pump system that is (and I quote from the water quality inspector) the best quality water in North Devon!

There is freedom to relax, pray, sing or have Bible study time in peaceful surroundings. There is a very large garden and a fire-pit. You can enjoy a picnic or BBQ. There are a couple of friendly chickens that wander around, and we have 4 tame sheep who can be fed by hand. There are also 2 house cats, who aren’t allowed access to the guest areas.

There is WIFI and (limited) phone signal, and plenty of car-parking space.

When we are home, you are only likely to see us in the downstairs hall, or outside. We are happy to leave you to yourselves, or have a chat if you like.

Additional Photos

Click to enlarge

A cosy dining room in an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse features a long wooden table, several chairs, shelves, floral wallpaper, a clock on the wall, and two hanging lights. Sunlight streams through a curtained window, infusing the space with warmth and rustic charm.

Close-up view of a wooden dining table with a visible join in the centre, set in a cosy room reminiscent of an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse, with shelves, chairs, wallpaper, and a window at the far end letting in gentle natural light.

A long wooden dining table with mixed chairs sits in a cosy kitchen reminiscent of an Exmoor farmhouse during a Christian holiday. There’s a cooker, kettle, and oven in the background, patterned curtains, and framed photos on the wall. The floor is tiled.

A wooden dresser with glass doors displays teacups, glasses, and ceramic items. The lower shelves hold books, figurines, and folded linen. Wicker baskets sit on top. The wood is rustic and warm-toned, adding a cosy Christian holiday farmhouse charm reminiscent of Exmoor’s inviting countryside homes.

A wooden cupboard with books, glassware, and decor stands against a floral wallpapered wall, exuding the charm of an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse. A framed picture hangs beside a wooden door, complementing the tiled floor and cosy vintage style.

A dark green vintage wood-burning stove with a metal kettle on top, set against a white wall under a wooden mantel, brings cosy warmth to this Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse. The stove features multiple compartments and black stovepipes, perfectly blending rustic charm with countryside comfort.

A green vintage AGA cooker with multiple compartments, a silver kettle on top, and tiled flooring, set against a rustic kitchen wall in an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse.

A white utility sink with wooden worktops on both sides, washing-up liquid, a washing-up brush, and other cleaning items on the right, and a water heater mounted on the wall above the sink evoke the practical charm of an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse.

Kitchen shelves neatly stocked with pots, pans, glassware, mugs, plates, bowls, utensils in a basket, and mixing tools organised by item type under a sloped ceiling evoke the cosy charm of an Exmoor farmhouse kitchen—perfect for gathering during a Christian holiday.

Vintage wooden cupboard with glass doors displaying floral china teacups, saucers, and dishes brings charming Christian holiday farmhouse vibes to the scene. A hanging lamp is reflected in the glass, whilst the softly lit, cosy room in the background evokes the warmth of a peaceful Exmoor retreat.

A cosy bedroom in a Christian holiday farmhouse, featuring a blue floral bedspread, matching pillowcases, a tan blanket, blue walls reminiscent of Exmoor skies, a mirror, floral wallpaper, a chest of drawers with towels, and a blue lamp on a white bedside table.

A cosy attic bedroom in a Christian holiday farmhouse with two beds, blue walls, skylights, a rug, chest of drawers, and a string of bunting hanging across the room. A black support beam divides the space, creating a charming retreat nestled in the heart of Exmoor.

A small attic bedroom with a single bed, floral bedding, a green cushion, a white bedside table with towels, a side table, and a floral wallpaper feature wall evokes the charm of an Exmoor farmhouse retreat. Text reads: a single bedroom attic.

A cosy attic single bedroom with a floral bedspread, wicker storage basket, towels, a bedside table, and a decorative wall tapestry—perfect for relaxing after exploring Exmoor or enjoying a peaceful Christian holiday farmhouse retreat.

A small room with a single bed covered in blue and yellow floral bedding, a green cushioned chair with a patterned cushion, blue walls, and sunlight coming through a skylight evokes the cosy charm of an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse.

A cosy bedroom with a single bed, floral bedding, a bedside table, a chest of drawers with a mirror, and colourful bunting captures the charm of an Exmoor farmhouse. Sunlight streams through a slanted skylight window, creating an inviting retreat that feels perfect for celebrating quiet moments or even a cherished Christian holiday.

Cosy attic bedroom with patterned wallpaper, double bed under a skylight, quilt, pillows, wicker lamp, basket, and bunting decorations. Sunlight streams through the window in this inviting Exmoor retreat reminiscent of a Christian holiday farmhouse.

A cream-coloured chest of drawers with four drawers and two small doors, topped with books held by daisy flower bookends, sits below a skylight window. Reminiscent of a charming Christian holiday farmhouse in Exmoor, a colourful patterned rug is on the floor in front.

A small bathroom in a charming Christian holiday farmhouse with a glass shower, white loo, green walls, a wall shelf with jars and a plant, a floral bench, radiator, and framed art. Light streams from a window above the loo, creating an inviting retreat after exploring the beauty of Exmoor.

A bathroom with green fittings, floral wallpaper, a skylight, a green bath, basin, and toilet, a wooden cupboard, a plant, and various toiletries. Sunlight streams in, creating a cosy, vintage feel reminiscent of an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse.

A green bath sits under a skylight with a view of the trees, bringing the tranquillity of Exmoor into this cosy retreat. Leaf-patterned wallpaper, a potted plant, soap, a shell, and a towel decorate the bathroom with farmhouse charm—perfect for relaxing after celebrating a Christian holiday.

A bathroom with a green basin, mirror, and white tiles exudes the cosy charm of an Exmoor farmhouse. The shower has a curtain printed with bees, while the wallpaper features large leaves and birds. Towels are folded under the basin, and hand soap is on the basin—perfect touches for a restful Christian holiday retreat.

A cosy bedroom in an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse features blue floral bedding, an orange-brown sheet, floral wallpaper, a white bedside table with a blue lamp, and a rustic wooden beam in the foreground. A framed picture hangs on a teal wall, completing the charming and tranquil retreat.

A bed with blue floral bedlinen, a patchwork quilt at the foot, and an ornate wallpaper backdrop brings charm to this Christian holiday farmhouse. Two bedside tables with lamps are visible on each side. The room has a cosy and vibrant Exmoor feel.

A neatly made bed with floral bedding, a yellow blanket folded at the foot, and a heart-shaped cushion creates a cosy atmosphere reminiscent of a Christian holiday farmhouse. A bedside table sits beside the bed, while blue walls and carpeted flooring complete this inviting Exmoor-inspired room.

Two books stand upright between wooden bookends painted with white daisies, evoking the charm of an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse. One book’s cover is faded and worn, hinting at many years of cherished reading. A bright blue sky with rooflights is visible in the background.

Knitted triangular bunting in various colours hangs from a dark wooden beam above a bright window, with sunlight streaming in and soft blue walls visible in the background, evoking the cosy charm of an Exmoor farmhouse decorated for a Christian holiday.

A cosy bedroom with blue walls, a skylight, a bed with a blue floral duvet, a white chest of drawers, folded towels on a stool, and triangular bunting hanging from the ceiling—perfect for enjoying a relaxing stay in an Exmoor farmhouse during your favourite Christian holiday.

A small river flows over rocks surrounded by autumn trees with orange leaves in the heart of Exmoor. Text over the image reads River Bray.

A sunny grassy field with bushes and trees, a dense forest in the distance under a clear blue sky evokes the tranquil charm of an Exmoor Christian holiday farmhouse. White text overlays the image describing walks and pick-up service.

Costs

If you are interested in staying with us these are our reasonable costs.

Adults (17 years old +) – £23 pp/pn

Children (7-16 years old) – £13 pp/pn

Children (3-6 years old) – £10 pp/pn

Children (0-2 years old) – free

Energy Provision: included in the above tariff

Availability

Available: All Year, depending on weather and circumstances.

Arrival and Departure times: 3.00 pm arrival time. 10.30 am departure time.

Booking arrangements: Flexible

Pets: Sorry -no pets.

Contact the Owners

Name: Peter & Brioney

If you would like to make a booking or ask a question, please use the form below. Your enquiry will be emailed to the owner, who will reply to you directly.