Maime's Cottage Guest Guide
Maime's Cottage
Maime's Cottage, Bucks Mills, North Devon EX39 5DY
Thank you for choosing Maime's Cottage for your stay. Tucked away on the seafront in Bucks Mills, this rare find is full of charm — wooden floors, oak beams and a granite fireplace sitting alongside vintage and contemporary touches. This guide will tell you everything about the house, its facilities, what's provided, and our recommendations for the local area.
When you arrive
Directions
You'll approach Bucks Mills from Bucks Cross, down a narrow, tree-lined lane. Follow the road to the small square — park in the allocated parking spot - 2nd from left. Follow the footpath down to the sea, Maime's is the last house on left.
This what3words address will take you to Maimes's front door
///loafer.estuaries.lake
https://w3w.co/loafer.estuaries.lake
Travel time: 4–5 hours from London, 2 hours from Bristol, 3 hours from Birmingham and 4.5 hours from Manchester.
Parking
There is a dedicated private parking space for you in the square, just a few metres from the front door. If you have a second car, there's room to park on the road (subject to space) or in the village car park, a five-minute walk away.
For the parking spot, here is the What3words location
///sofas.blushed.ensemble
https://w3w.co/sofas.blushed.ensemble
Getting in
The cottage is reached via a short footpath about 20 metres from your parking space.
Key code: this will be sent out 48 hours prior to arrival
Check-in is from 3pm. If you arrive early, please don't let yourself in before then — our housekeeping team need the time to get everything ready for you.
Finding us — Google Map
Welcome hamper
You'll find a welcome basket waiting for you with milk, bread, coffee, tea and a treat or two to get you started. If you have any allergies, do let us know in advance so we can adjust it.
Everything else you need for cooking and eating is in the kitchen.
A Few Essentials
WiFi
Free WiFi is provided — Password is maimescottage. Please note mobile signal is poor in this area, so the WiFi is genuinely useful for staying in touch.
Contact details
Charlotte (host):
Phone: 07841 447339 Email: charlotte@secretbolthole.co.uk
Heating
The cottage has electric radiators throughout, managed via WiFi, so they're pre-set and shouldn't need adjusting. The bathroom has electric underfloor heating.
Wood-burners
There are two wood-burners — one in the kitchen and one in the lounge. We provide a basket of logs, kindling and firelighters for each for your stay.
Linen and Towels
All linen and a set of towels are provided - bath sheet / hand towel / face cloth. Please bring your own beach towels.
Cleaning supplies
Dishwasher tablets, washing liquid, cleaning cloths, scrub and antibac spray are all provided under the sink.
TV
A satellite TV is provided in the lounge for streaming your favourite shows and films.
Books, games & music
There are books and games in the lounge, plus a Roberts radio with Bluetooth connection if you'd like to play your own music.
Spills and accidents
Accidents happen — please don't panic. For any spills, soak up as much moisture as possible straight away with a cloth or paper towel. Please let us know so we can sort anything out before the next guests arrive.
Broken crockery etc.
We expect the odd breakage. A broken glass or mug won't be charged — just let us know so we can replace it.
Access
There is a step between the kitchen and lounge, and a winding cottage staircase up to the bathroom and bedrooms. The terrace leads off the lounge with no steps. The footpath down to the beach is tarmac but steep, and the beach itself is pebble with sand at low tide.
The Terrace
Double doors open from the lounge onto your private, sea-facing terrace — with views out to Lundy Island and along the coastline. It's the perfect spot to watch the sun go down, with soft lighting and a deep stone bench to curl up on.
What's out there
- A table and chairs for al fresco brunches and dinners.
- A lounge chair and deep stone bench.
- A ceramic BBQ — you'll need to bring or buy charcoal locally.
- Cushions, stored in the large wicker basket in the lounge — please bring them in if rain is forecast.
- A switch for hte festoon lights is just inside the door on the right
A note on safety
The terrace is secure, but please supervise children closely around the edges and steps down to the footpath. Please clean the BBQ after use and cover it back over when you're done.
Your Rooms
Main double bedroom
Sea views that will stop you in your tracks. Simply styled with a mix of mid-century and vintage touches, wooden floors, built-in storage and deep window sills with shutters for a good night's sleep.
Second double bedroom
Overlooking the hamlet, styled in the same relaxed cottage palette as the main room, with wooden floors and built-in storage.
Twin bedroom
Also overlooking the hamlet — ideal for older children sharing, friends, or anyone who fancies their own room. A travel cot can be provided on request; just let us know at least 48 hours before arrival.
Bathroom
Maime's has one beautifully renovated bathroom, shared between all three bedrooms, with a walk-in rainfall shower, green textured tiles and gold fittings. There's no bath — the walk-in shower is generous and the underfloor heating makes it feel like a treat.
We provide bath, hand and face towels, plus organic body wash, shampoo, conditioner and hand soap.
Linen & towels
Fresh linen and towels are provided for all guests. Please leave used towels on the bathroom floor at checkout.
Bedroom & bathroom photos
Kitchen dining space.
The Front door opens into the contemporary fitted kitchen. There is a basket for your shoes and hanging on the back of the doors for coats.
The kitchen has plenty of storage with a pull out tall larder. Well stocked with pots, pans and crockery for your meal making.
Here is a breakdown of the electrical facilities:
- an electric oven and grill
- induction hob,
- microwave,
- coffee machine (cafetière and Nespresso pod machine),
- Small dishwasher,
- Electric kettle,
- 4 slice toaster,
- washing machine (no dryer)
- tall fridge freezer.
Lounge
Maime's lounge has a wood-burner, with wood basket, and kindling
Seating is a generous three seater sofa an armchair as well as a chaise.
There are french doors leading out to the terrace from the back of the Lounge.
A door also closes off the Kitchen and the stairs making it feel snug.
There is a satellite Tv and wifi box in the room also. S well as books, and a Roberts DAB / speaker radio.
There are wall lights, lamps and candles - please take care and extinguish candles before heading to bed or going out.
Outside
The cottage sits perched above the footpath down to the sea, right on the seafront at Bucks Mills. On your doorstep is the South West Coast Path, with the beach and remains of old lime kilns just a short, steep walk away.
The beach
Bucks Mills beach is pebble with sand at low tide — locals launch canoes, paddleboards and fishing lines here, and it's a lovely spot for a cooling dip after a walk.
Dogs
We're delighted to welcome one well-behaved small/medium dog at Maime's Cottage. There's a £25 charge, applied at booking, which covers additional cleaning plus a bed and bowls if needed. Please ensure your dog is fully flea free and not in season during their stay. Thank you.
- Dogs must stay downstairs and be kept off furniture all times - remember some guests are allergic to doggies!
- The Kitchen is a secure space with a door for sleeping at night.
- The terrace is secure, and the footpath to the beach passes the front door.
- The South West Coast Path and woodland trails through the valley are right on the doorstep.
- Bucks Mills beach and the surrounding countryside are wonderfully dog friendly.
- Please clean up after your dog in the garden, square and on walks.
Children & Babies
Maime's is a lovely cottage for a small family taking things at a slower pace. However it is unsafe for toddlers and children under 5 years due to the nature of the terrace and bannisters. For babes in arms we can provide:
- A travel cot / Baby bath / Booster seat.
- The twin room is ideal for children sharing.
- Please supervise children closely on the terrace and on the steep footpath down to the beach.
- There's a step between the kitchen and lounge, and a winding staircase to the first floor with a door from the lounge, but no stairgates are fitted, so little ones will need to be supervised.
Checkout
We kindly ask guests to vacate the property by 10:30AM
Please leave the cottage as tidy as you can. If there are any breakages or damage, do email ahead so we can plan the turnaround — we'll always be fair, and a broken glass or mug won't be charged for.
Please return the key to the key safe before you leave.
- Leave all used towels on the bathroom floor.
- Wash up or fill and start the dishwasher, and wipe the kitchen surfaces.
- Put all rubbish and recycling out as directed in the kitchen.
- Cover the BBQ if you've used it.
- Bring terrace cushions in and pop them back in the wicker basket.
- Make sure all windows and doors are locked.
- Check and double-check you have all your belongings.
Emergencies and Contact Information
In case of fire
Leave the property immediately and call 999 for the Fire Service. Do not stop to collect belongings.
Fire equipment
A fire blanket and fire extinguisher are located in the kitchen.
Emergency contact numbersEmergency services (fire, police, ambulance): 999
Devon & Cornwall Police non-emergency: 101
Hospital
Accident & Emergency
North Devon District Hospital: 01271 322577
Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, EX31 4JB
Pharmacies
Boots, Bideford: 2 High Street, Bideford EX39 2AA — 01237 472019
Boots, Northam: The Old Library, Bay View Road, Northam, Bideford EX39 1AZ
Vets
Torbridge Vets, Bideford: 01271 371115
Medivet Northam: 01237 473278 (emergencies to MiNightVet Barnstaple after 7pm)
Food & Drink
Local favourites
The Farmers Arms, Woolsery
Wonderful pub and restaurant with an attached fish and chip shop and provisions store — just a few minutes' drive.
The Red Lion, Clovelly
Harbour-side dining in the picture-perfect village along the coast.
The Flame Factory, Appledore
Pizzas, steak and great burgers.
Inba Devon
A stunning farm-to-fork café bar, well worth a visit.
Nearest supermarkets
Tesco Superstore, Bideford — Manteo Way, Bideford EX39 4AJ
Co-op Food, Bideford — 62-63 Mill Street, Bideford
John's Deli & Café, Appledore — cheeses, pastries, fresh bread and goodies
Contact us
Why not upgrade your self-catered stay? Get in touch and we can help arrange extras for your visit.
Get in touch
Explore the Area
Activities
Surfing at Woolacombe
One of the UK's best surf beaches, with Putsborough Sands a quieter alternative.
Dog-friendly beaches
Instow and Saunton Sands are both wonderful for dogs.
South West Coast Path
Runs right past the cottage — spectacular clifftop walking in both directions.
On the water
Sea kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing lessons at Westward Ho!, and coasteering are all available nearby.
Tarka Trail
A lovely way to spend a day cycling along the Taw estuary.
Pony trekking
On Exmoor — just over an hour away.
Places worth visiting
Clovelly
A privately owned, car-free fishing village just along the coast — utterly unmissable.
RHS Rosemoor
Beautiful gardens for garden lovers.
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
History and gardens together, a short drive away.
Bideford
A historic port town with independent shops and galleries.
Hartland Peninsula
Dramatic coastline views.
Bucks Mills
The lime kiln remains and the artist's retreat perched on the cliff are right on your doorstep.
Reviews and Rebooking
We love to hear what you've thought of your stay — please do leave us a review or drop Charlotte a private email at charlotte@secretbolthole.co.uk.
Review us on: Cool Places, Facebook or Google
If you'd like to rebook, get in touch and we'll send you a loyalty discount.