The Orchard

Families and groups of six will find The Orchard works well for a stay where nobody needs to manage stairs. The bungalow sits on a private road above Bideford, with views across the River Torridge toward the estuary. Everything happens on one floor: three bedrooms (two with zip-and-link super-king beds that convert to singles, one standard king, plus a pull-out single in the third room), a bathroom with both bath and shower, and an ensuite shower room off the main bedroom. The open-plan kitchen and dining space doubles as somewhere to gather, with doors onto a large decking area that captures those river views.

The kitchen has a gas oven and hob, dishwasher, microwave and full fridge-freezer—enough to cook for a group properly. Heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi are included. There's parking on the sloped driveway, and the property has a ramp as well as steps to the front entrance; the enclosed garden has a patio and terrace where you can sit out. One dog stays free. The Bideford Railway Heritage Centre is nearby if you want a morning out, though with estuary views and the space to cook and eat together, many guests may not venture far.