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(See also Travel directions.)
Lea Hill cottages are remote, yet within easy
reach of the Devon market town of Axminster,
with its many hidden gems such as the River
Cottage shop and canteen.
There is evidence that people have lived in this
beautiful corner of the Blackdown Hills since
prehistoric times. The first record of
a dwelling here at Lea Hill is in what is
called the Lay Subsidy of 1352, when an Edith de
Legh was the owner.
The oldest part is the thatched, flagstoned and
low-beamed farmhouse, which dates from the 14th
Century, when people were a lot shorter than they
are today! In those days both the animals and the
humans lived under one roof separated by thin
walls and screens.
For most of its life Lea Hill has been a working
farm with far more than the 8 acres which remain
today. John Smith, the leading local Quaker once
lived here and was sentenced to death in 1685 for
supporting the Duke of Monmouth's attempts to
seize the English Crown, when he landed at The
Cobb Harbour in nearby Lyme Regis,
Dorset.
Ties with the Quakers continued for many years and
today there is still a converted meeting House
down the hill below the house and a Quaker burial
ground on the hill above us. An annual pilgrimage
is made to this site.
Today Lea Hill is a characterful country house
with its historic barns converted into pretty
cottages. It is owned and personally run by the
Avis family. Lea Hill offers not only a respite
from stressful times; it's a gateway to the
beautiful and stunning South West of England.
Your cottage is a short stroll from the friendly, pretty village of Membury (one of a
handful of English parishes still celebrating the tradition of Oak Apple
Day in May). Visit Membury Castle, one of several impressive iron
age hill forts in this historically rich area. History and nature
abound; the Hawkswood
and Thurlbear
Wood nature reserves are nearby. Borrow our binoculars to view the
abundant birdlife or encounter shy deer in our copse.
Lea Hill Cottages are set among a network of bridleways and footpaths
wandering through some of the most attractive country in the whole of
England. A perfect place for off-road walking and riding with livery
available locally by arrangement. Easily reached starting points give
access to the famous South West Coast Path
walk along the coastline of Dorset and Devon with public transport
pick ups to return you to your starting point.
Take a trip to Axminster, with its historic carpet making tradition
and heritage centre. Enjoy a range of shops, eating places and visit
the historic Minster church
with its summertime season of concerts.
Venture further afield and we are an ideal centre for discovering a
delightful, unexplored corner of Devon bordering both Somerset and
Dorset. To the North the quiet roads and charming villages of the Blackdown Hills, the
Somerset levels and Vale of Taunton. Or go South to enjoy the World
Heritage Jurassic Coast—from Seaton's tramway along the
wildlife-rich Axe estuary to Charmouth's visitor centre and fossil
hunting.
Dogs
Lea Hill is a great place for dogs and we hope your pet enjoys his
holiday! There are many lovely walks and dogs can be exercised off the
lead in one of our fields.
Not all local beaches permit dogs all year round: please see our
table of dog beaches in East Devon and
Dorset.
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