Although Lower Aylescott makes a £5.00 charge for day tickets, angling in the lake is free of charge for residents, who can night fish the water if they wish.

Because of its location a short drive off the main road between Barsntaple and Ilfracombe, Lower Aylescott is an ideal base for exploring the region, its beaches, harbours and attractions, whilst the village of West Down (above left) is charming and quiet with its own pub, village shops, tea rooms and church.

If you fancy eating out during your stay, The Crown (right) in the village centre has a good reputation for its food, whilst a short drive away are a host of other country inns and restaurants. As one would expect, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple offer a mass of other eating places which range from fish and chips, pizzas and burgers to pub meals and a la carte restaurants.

One of the first things which stikes you on visiting Lower Aylescott is its peace, tranquility and quietness.

The venue nestles in a wooded valley whilst the cottages themselves are converted barns which have been fully refurbished to a high standard and come equipped with modern facilities, creating a tasteful blend of 21st Century convenience with the character and charm of the original stone and timber buildings.

The cottages are linked by an outside terrace which in summer is bedecked with hanging baskets, pots and flower troughs and provides an ideal spot to enjoy a drink, meal or simply to relax.

All the cottages have the use of the indoor heated swimming pool which overlooks the grounds and lake, as well as the all-weather tennis court which, for those what way inclined, will help to work off those few extra pounds you are likely to put on during your stay!

The biggest cottage is The Byre (right), a three bedroom detached cottage which offers one double bedroom with its own en-suite facilities plus two twin bedrooms. The Byre has full central heating, a large lounge and a separate kitchen/dining room.

The Duror is the second three-bedroom cottage, again with one double bedroom and two twin rooms. The Duror han an open-plan lounge/kitchen/dining area.

The Aylesbury offers two-bedroomed accommodation - one double, one twin - with a separate lounge and a large kitchen/dining room.

The Thursley, pictured left, has a double bedroom and a second bedroom with bunkbeds together with a large open-plan kitchen/dining room/lounge area.

The Curance offers a double bedroom and a twin bedroom and has a large open-plan kitchen/lounge/dining area whilst the Frensham is similar with a double and a twin bedroom, a lounge/dining area but with a separate kitchen.

All the cottages come fully-equipped with dishwashers, washer/dryers, fridges, microwaves, a television, video, DVD player and CD player. All electricity is included in the price, as are towels and fresh bed linen.