Rackenford Estate Hero

Rackenford Estate The South West

History and luxury, where the red deer roam

Rackenford Estate in Devon has space. Acres of space. A large entrance hall with a galleried landing, three further reception rooms and big bedrooms. Outside, lawns sweep into the distance, 38 acres of parkland are yours to roam, and far-reaching views reveal Devon’s inner beauty. This historic estate, for up to 18 guests, has been a long time in the making, from the Domesday Book to its Elizabethan layouts; from its Georgian Gothic additions to its Victorian and 20th century extensions. Present day comforts include Smart TVs, a games room and a wine chiller, among many thoughtful details.

Play some melodies on the baby grand piano in the drawing room, enjoy a banquet in the book-clad dining room or be sociable in the kitchen, with its comfy seating area. Outside, rediscover your sense of freedom, playing games on the lawns, wild swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake, and spotting wild red deer, birdlife and bluebells in the woods and parklands. Pack a hamper and head for the picnic tables and firepit, or fire up the barbecue and relax on the terrace beneath the vines. When you retire to your room, you might find an ensuite with a slipper bath angled to take in the views, or perhaps a private terrace overlooking the gardens. The main house has six bedrooms and the self-contained East Wing has an open plan living area and three further bedrooms, giving you flexibility, and privacy for those that want it. Rackenford Estate is spacious, historic and luxurious, and puts you in the heart of the Devon countryside for a memorable holiday.

Topleft Bottomright

What we think

At Rackenford Estate you’re in the lap of luxurious comfort and grandeur but so many of the windows beckon you towards the great outdoors. Whether it’s romping through the estate’s woodland, wild swimming in the lake, al fresco dining on the terrace, or laying back on the lawns – this slice of Devon can be all yours.

Mark, Big House Experience

What to Expect

Rackenford Estate Grounds

We’ve tried to think about everything to make your stay at Rackenford Estate just perfect. In all of our big houses to rent, we provide all the essential features to cater for a large group. Here’s a list of all the practical provisions we have at the house. If there’s anything you can’t see here but need, just ask as we’ll see what we can do.

  • Welcome hamper
  • Luxury bed linen, bath towels and swimming towels
  • Well-equipped kitchens in the Main Hall and East Wing, plus a second kitchen ideal for prep or for visiting chefs in the Main Hall
  • Dining table that seats 18 guests in the Main Hall and dining table that seats 6 guests in the East Wing
  • Wi-Fi
  • Three 50” Smart TVs and six 42” Smart TVs with Freeview channels and Netflix
  • DVD player with a selection of DVDs
  • Sonos sound system on the ground floor of the Main Hall
  • Games room with a quarter-size pool table
  • Baby grand piano
  • Board games and library of books
  • Open fire in the drawing room and log burners in the dining room and kitchen (logs provided)
  • 38 acres private gardens, parkland and woods to explore
  • Spring-fed natural swimming lake
  • Rowing boat, canoe and paddleboards to use on the lake (life jackets provided)
  • Terrace with outdoor seating for up to 24 guests
  • Sun loungers
  • Gas BBQ (gas provided)
  • Woodland picnic area with firepit (logs provided)
  • Rounders and boules sets and football net and football
  • Outside power point on the drive for electric vehicles

Countryside Location

Nestled in 38 acres of private grounds in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, approximately 8 miles north west of the market town of Tiverton.

House FAQs

  • What are the check in and check out times?

    Check in is at 4pm on the day of your arrival and check out is at 10am (or 4pm if checking out on a Sunday).

  • How many cars can park at the property?

    There is parking for 12 cars at the property.

  • Are children welcome?

    Children are very welcome at Rackenford Estate. One travel cot and one highchair are available on request (please bring your own cot linen). Please note, parents should supervise children at all times due to the proximity of the lake and there is also a stream on the wider estate (not fenced).

  • Are pets allowed?

    Up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed at Rackenford Estate, subject to a fee of £30 per dog. Dogs are not allowed upstairs or on soft furnishings.

  • Are stag and hen parties allowed?

    Respectful hen and stag parties are sometimes permitted, subject to prior agreement with the property owner. Please contact us before booking to discuss. 

  • Can I arrange a supermarket delivery to the house?

    Yes, you can order online with Waitrose, Sainsbury’s or Tesco for a delivery direct to the house (Majestic Wine also deliver). We usually suggest booking a delivery for after 4pm on the day of arrival.

  • How many guests can sit at the dining table?

    The dining table in the Main Hall can seat up to 18 guests. The dining table in the East Wing can seat 6 guests.

  • Can you recommend any local places to eat out?

    Yes, we'd recommend the following pubs and restaurants, all within a short distance of the property:

    The Lost Kitchen, Chettiscombe

    Great food, service and atmosphere for breakfasts and lunches.

    Woods, Dulverton

    The owner's personal favourite. Amazing food, service and ambience – cater for all food requirements (state when making a reservation). Booking essential.

    Beachside Grill, Saunton Sands

    Perfect for lunch while visiting Saunton Sands.

    The Pyne Arms, East Down

    Excellent Gastro pub.

    The Masons Arms, Knowstone (Michelin starred)

    Open for lunch and dinner (Tue-Sat). Advanced booking essential.

    La Petite Bouchée, Witheridge

    French ‘pop-up’ restaurant that has a reputation for producing authentic award-winning menus.

    Spelt, Bampton

    Offering an array of sharing platters.

  • Where is the East Wing located?

    The East Wing adjoins the Main Hall (to the right from the garden front) and has separate access from both the north and south fronts.

  • What is the nearest train station?

    The nearest train station is Tiverton Parkway (16 miles). Trains from London Paddington take just over two hours.

  • What is the nearest airport?

    The nearest airports are Exeter (30 miles) or Bristol (63 miles).

  • Will you hold a damage deposit during our stay?

    Yes, we ask to hold a cautionary deposit of £1,000 during your stay at Rackenford Estate. This is requested just two weeks prior to your stay, and is returned shortly after, assuming no damage to the property or its contents (see our Booking T&Cs for more information).

  • How do I book?

    You can check availability and pricing and place your booking request online, or by calling our team on 01242 352 747.  

    When booking, we ask for a deposit of 33% of the total price, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to your stay (or the full balance when booking within 12 weeks of your stay).

Check availability & prices

or call to book 01242 352747