Explore Bude From The Beautiful Venn Farm
The Cornish seaside town of Bude is on the up! It's the first town over the border from Devon on the north Cornwall coast and doesn't make the headlines like some of its neighbours further south (we're looking at you Newquay and St Ives!)
With stunning cliff walks on both sides, a fantastic sea pool and some great surf down on the beach; it's a real up-and-comer. If you're looking to explore the area the brilliant Venn Farm, just a short drive inland, is a brilliant place to base yourself. Owners Conrad and Karen Allen have been lovingly renovating the farm over the last ten years, and the recently completed farmhouse is the jewel in this already stunning trio of properties. Architects Fielden Fowles has led the way, with award-winning contemporary design throughout.
A visit to Venn Farm
Venn Farm is a real rural retreat, the driveway itself is a meandering 500 metres of green laneway — and that's after some narrow country roads have already been navigated. With that comes fantastic privacy, set amongst lovely Devonshire farmland (yes, it's just over the border in Devon) you'll have the place to yourself.
The accommodation is split into three properties, each with its own unique look and feel. They can be rented individually, or as a trio for a larger group. And having those separate buildings is ideal for a multi-generation trip; whether there are young kids that need somewhere quiet to sleep or the grandparents just want a bit of privacy — it's a fab setup!
The Red Barn
The smallest of the three buildings, The Red Barn has a super cute upside-down setup. There's a light and airy open-plan living room come diner upstairs opening out onto the deck and lawn. Downstairs there are two lovely bedrooms — one double and one twin — and a family bathroom. There is plenty of space for a cot, too.
The Cob
The Cob is a brilliant, family-friendly barn conversion. Designed by Fielden Fowles, the historic barn has been restored to a place that is perfect to gather and celebrate. There is a vast open-plan living space, opening out on a terrace complete with a hot tub and views across the fields.
The Cob sleeps 9 + cot, with three double rooms (one on the ground floor) and one fun bunk room for the kids with trundle bed. One of the doubles can be set up as a twin if required!
The Farmhouse
Just over the yard from the barns is the newly opened Farmhouse. The 16th-century farmhouse has been lovingly restored, with a stunning glass and timber extension to the back which creates an amazing space for entertaining.
There's a cosy TV room for the kids to enjoy and four beautiful bedrooms upstairs. Open the doors to the terrace and you'll find a Gozney pizza oven, perfect for long summer evenings after a day on the beach.
So, what to do Around Bude?
There are lots of fantastic things to do in and around Bude — and most of them can be found by the sea. Here are our top five:
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Take a dip in the sea — or the sea pool
Bude's sprawling Summerleaze beach is worth a visit all year round. You'll likely fund the hardier locals taking a dip whatever the weather. In summer there are plenty of surf schools offering lessons for those wanting to try getting up on a board. If you'd rather something a bit calmer, the Bude Sea Pool is great option, filled daily by the tide, it's a great place to get your salt water fix. - Walk The Cliffs
The South West Coast Path — the UK's longest National Trail — passes right through Bude. There are stunning walks along the cliffs in either direction, with plenty of interesting coves and beaches to explore along the way. You can check out some of the best walks around Bude here.
- Sample the best of Bude's cafes and restaurants
There are some fantastic places to eat and drink in Bude. For fantastic pastries, baked goods and coffee swing by Electric Bakery. It's the perfect spot to grab some takeout treats for a walk on the cliffs or a day on the beach. In town there are no shortage of great places — try Temple for dinner, or North Coast Wine for to try some excellent glasses of the good stuff.
- Take a hike on Dartmoor
If you want to get out into the hills, head inland for Dartmoor. The beautiful National Park is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature, with lots of great walks to enjoy.
- Feed the chickens
This one is right on your doorstep! Venn Farm has chickens that need feeding, and they'll provide you with some eggs for your brekkie in return! Great for the kids (and the adults too).
Book your visit today
Venn Farm is available for short breaks and full weeks throughout the year — we recommend booking in advance for the school and bank holidays, as those dates always get snapped.
You can contact Karen via the Venn Farm page here.
