WELCOME TO THE COTTAGE AT LOWER MERRIPIT FARM
Lower Merripit Farm is one of the oldest dwellings on Dartmoor, established as one of seventeen ancient tenements in the 13th century. The story of the farm-house goes back even further. During renovations in the early 1990’s, an ancient fire pit was discovered in the sitting room, with the last fire to burn there dated around 1240. It is estimated that Lower Merripit Farm is at least 1000 years old.
Lower Merripit Cottage was originally built in the 16th century as part of the ancient farm settlement, to house family and farm workers. The farmstead stayed intact and inhabited by one family for most of the 20th century, until 1985 when the cottage was sold. We arrived to Lower Merripit Farm in 1995 and, with the visionary help of our family elders Peter and Angela Shaw, the farm and cottage were united again within a few years.
Since then the cottage has been a place of restful enjoyment, wild sanctuary and creative exploration for family, friends and thousands of people from all around the world. As well as being a wonderful holiday location, many retreats, music events, workshop experiences, walking trips and other gatherings have been held here. Our guests have included musicians and artists from Siberia, Japan, USA, Tibet, Egypt, Brazil, Arctic Sweden, Negev Desert and all around the British Isles. This piece of land has been infused with the songs, music and stories of many cultures and traditions.
Lower Merripit Cottage is now run and cared for by the Cottage Collective, a small group of family and close friends whose vision is to maintain, nurture and share this place of wild sanctuary for the benefit of the nature that dwells on this land, and for the enjoyment and nourishment of those who come to stay. We continue to run small events, workshops, retreats and concerts here.
RENTING THE COTTAGE
The cottage is available to rent for self-catering holidays or for small private groups. There are 4 bedrooms (sleeping 8 people, one ensuite), 2 sitting rooms (both with wood stoves), a traditional cottage kitchen with all amenities, scullery, bathroom, toilet, and large private garden area. The cottage backs onto a wildflower meadow and undisturbed views down the valley and across the moor. For full details, rental costs and date availability please visit our Air B&B page: Lower Merripit Cottage
