Nethercott Manor

Nethercott Manor, Iddesleigh – An Authentic Devon Farm-Stay & Learning Retreat

Set amid 400 acres of lush pastureland near the village of Iddesleigh in rural mid-Devon, Nethercott Manor is a handsome Victorian country house best known as the founding centre of the charity Farms for City Children.  While the estate’s core mission is to host week-long residential visits for primary-age school groups, the manor also welcomes selected family, corporate, and community retreats at certain times of year—giving guests a rare chance to stay in an inspiring historic home and experience real Devon farming life up close.

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Accommodation & Setting

• Historic manor house (late-19th century) with high ceilings, grand reception rooms, original fireplaces, and countryside views from every window.
• Sleeps up to 80 in simple yet comfortable dormitory-style and private family rooms—perfect for schools, youth organisations, or large reunion groups seeking a unique rural venue.
• 40 hectares (100 acres) of working farmland right on the doorstep: dairy cows, Dartmoor ponies, sheep, free-range pigs, orchards, a kitchen garden, and wildlife-rich woodland.
• Large dining hall, library, breakout rooms, and landscaped lawns for outdoor activities and team-building.

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Why Choose Nethercott Manor?

1. Immersive farm experience – milk the cows, collect eggs, groom ponies, or help harvest seasonal produce, all guided by experienced farm staff.
2. Education & wellbeing – tailored programmes on food provenance, sustainability, and countryside skills; perfect for school residentials or wellness retreats.
3. Idyllic location – rolling Devon hills, star-filled skies, and traffic-free lanes only 25 minutes from Okehampton and the A30.
4. Exclusive use – book the entire manor and farm for your group, ensuring privacy, safety, and a fully bespoke itinerary.
5. Community impact – profits from private rentals directly support Farms for City Children, funding life-changing rural experiences for urban pupils.

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Facilities & Extras

• Commercial kitchen and catering team offering hearty farmhouse menus (locally sourced, seasonal).
• Indoor classroom spaces with AV facilities for workshops or conferences.
• Outdoor firepit area, nature trails, and wildlife hides for evening storytelling or ecological study.
• Accessible ground-floor bedrooms and washrooms; farm tours adapted for varying mobility levels.
• Optional add-ons: guided river walks, craft sessions, archery, mindfulness in nature, and visits to nearby RHS Rosemoor or Dartmoor National Park.

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Practical Information

• Address: Nethercott House, Iddesleigh, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8SN
• Travel: 35 min from Exeter (A30), 25 min from Crediton rail; ample coach/EV parking on site.
• Booking: School residentials via farmsforcitychildren.org.  Private or corporate retreat enquiries by email to bookings@farmsforcitychildren.org or phone 01805 804 229.
• Seasonality: Peak school term weeks reserved for education groups; limited weekend, holiday, and off-season dates available for private hire—early booking essential.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly entrance, lift to first floor, and farm trail adaptations.  Full accessibility statement available on request.

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Conclusion

For groups seeking a truly authentic farm-stay—complete with hands-on animal care, home-grown food, and the charm of a Victorian manor—Nethercott Manor stands out as one of Devon’s most meaningful countryside venues.  From educational school weeks to restorative corporate retreats, a stay here delivers fresh air, practical life skills, and memories that last long after you leave the fields behind.