Butterhills Escapes

FAQs FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What does off grid mean?

The Linhay is off grid which means it isn't connected to mains utilities (electricity, gas, drainage and so on).

Lighting is provided by solar power, we have our own spring water and hot water is supplied by a gas water heater.

The Linhay is heated by wood burner (all kindling & logs supplied) and cooking is on a 4 burner gas hob & small oven in the wood burner.

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Can we drink the spring water?

Yes, the spring water is most definitely drinkable! Its fresh and chemical free with none of the nasties you get in tap water. It goes through a UV sterilising treatment and is regularly tested by the public analyst. You'll find it makes the best cuppa.

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Is there a fridge freezer for us to use?

Yes, there's a fridge freezer in the facilities building by the car parking space. We provide freezer blocks for the cool box in the Linhay and the fridge is for your exclusive use.

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Can I charge my phone or plug in a hairdryer?

There's a phone charging point in a secure lockable cupboard for guests to use as well as usb charging points and an electric socket. These are all in the utilities building.

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What are the cooking facilities?

The Linhay kitchen is very well-equipped with a 4 burner gas hob and small oven above the wood burner. In addition there's a Webber kettle BBQ and a firepit with grill for cooking outside.

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Do I need to bring bedlinen or towels?

All your bedlinen, personal towels, bathmat, tea towels and a dishcloth are provided. All you will need to bring are your own beach towels.

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What’s the best way to light the wood burner?

The best way to light the wood burner is with a small log at the back and the front, then pop a few pieces of scrunched up newspaper in between the logs and a wood wool firelighter. Then top the newspaper with a few sticks of kindling. Full instructions for lighting and operating the wood burner are in the Linhay and in our digital Touch Stay guide.

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Are logs and kindling included in the price?

Yes logs and kindling are included in the price, there's no extra charge or limit to the amount supplied. It's really important to us that our guests are comfortable so please just ask if you need more.

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Is the shower room en suite?

Yes the shower room is en suite on the ground floor with a large walk in shower cubicle, basin and proper flushing loo.

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Is your holiday accommodation dog friendly?

We are very dog friendly here at Butterhills Escapes. As the Linhay isn't huge, we usually stipulate just one dog to ensure our guests comfort but are happy to accept two dogs if there are only two guests staying so please do ask. There's a whole page on this website with lots of information about Dog Friendly Holidays. 

 

Are the local North Devon beaches dog friendly?

Saunton, Woolacombe, Putsborough, Lee Bay and many other North Devon beaches welcome dogs all year round - sometimes on certain areas of the beach only but generally the dog friendly areas are a lot bigger than the restricted areas! Croyde beach welcomes dogs from the beginning of October until the end of April.

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What are your check in and check out times?

Our check in time is from 3pm until 10pm. Checkout by 10am.

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Is there a firepit and BBQ?

There's a firepit area with benches - all wood for the firepit is provided - and a Weber kettle BBQ with a bucket of locally produced charcoal supplied to get you started.

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How far are you from Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough & Woolacombe beach?

We're about 6 miles from Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough & Woolacombe Beaches - a 10 to 15 minute drive in most cases.

 

Can you provide a vegan cream tea?

If you would like a vegan or plant based cream tea instead of our traditional Devon cream tea then please ask. We can supply cashew cream instead of clotted cream and delicious scones made with plant based spread and oat milk rather than butter and yogurt. Our daughter is dairy intolerant so I've had plenty of practice baking them!

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Are you open all year round?

The Linhay is open for guests all year round, it's a great holiday experience whatever the season - whether you're looking for a snug winter bolthole by the wood burner or a relaxing summer holiday on the beach and in the sea. Autumn is a great time to visit with quiet beaches and the water at it's warmest or spring when everything is bursting into leaf and the primroses are in flower.

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Can we walk to a pub and shops?

The village of West Down is a mile and a half away by road so definitely walkable. You'll find a wonderful community village shop run by volunteers which has a great range of groceries and local delights as well as a welcoming pub serving great food.

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Is it possible to have a car free holiday?

Many of our guests have enjoyed a car free holiday, either travelling to us by train and bus or coming by car and leaving it parked up during their stay and walking, cycling or catching the bus. The nearest bus stop is a mile from Butterhills with buses running regularly every half hour or so.

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How far is the Linhay from the parking?

The Linhay is 1 and a half minute's walk from where you park your car. We provide a wheel barrow for you to transport your luggage and also a 4 wheeled trolley if you have a lot of gear.

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Do you live on site?

Our home is at Butterhills so we will be on hand to greet you when you arrive and show you around. We respect the privacy of our guests during their stay, which means, we are here if you need us but otherwise we will leave you to yourselves to enjoy the peace and seclusion of our beautiful valley.

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Is the Linhay child friendly?

We welcome children from 5 years of age upwards to experience the magic of a holiday in the Linhay and to explore the valley. Due to issues of safety the Linhay and it's surrounding area is not suitable for children under 5 years old. The supervision of children remains our guests' responsibility at all times.

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Do you have a hot tub?

We are an eco site and hot tubs are by no means environmentally friendly due to the volumes of drinking water wasted, the chemicals that often have to be used and the fuel required to heat them which could be used more sustainably. So, whilst they are a lovely luxury, we have taken the decision not to provide a hot tub.