Bowerman's Cottage

Bowerman's Cottage

Bowerman's Cottage is owned by Girlguiding Devon and is situated near Manaton on Dartmoor. It is in a very safe environment, surrounded by beautiful peaceful scenery. On a clear night the stars are amazing! Since 1964, members of Devon Guiding have tried hard to maintain the character of Bowerman’s whilst moving it forward with standards acceptable to today’s members. Following a very generous legacy left by Florence Slade, the cottage has under gone a major refurbishment.  It has new curtains/blinds, new carpeting and vinyl flooring and has been totally re-decorated.  All the windows have been fitted with trickle vents to assist with ventilation and walls treated for damp.  Great care has been taken to maintain the cottage's appeal whilst meeting the demands of its users in the 21st Century.

Accommodation (first floor) Easdon and Hound Tor dormitories, each  room has a combination of bunk beds and single beds for 6 girls.

 

There is a separate leaders’ bedroom which is now en-suite providing shower, wash and toilet facilities for the adult team. 

  

 

 

 Maximum residential accommodation is 12 girls and 3 leaders.

 The cottage is also very suitable for sleepovers, one-day activities (e.g. Rainbows) or as a base for moorland walks and we are willing to accommodate families, when the cottage is not needed for Guiding groups.

Ground floor accommodation comprises of a modern wash/shower room, a dining room, a day/activities room, a small sitting room and a well-appointed,modernised kitchen for self-catering.

Dining area

 

 

                                Dining Room

 

         Sitting Room

Day /Activities Room  

                                                          

Modern wash/shower room, with 2 loos, showers, hand basins and single cubicle wash basin                                

  

The kitchen has been totally re-fitted and now boasts new cupboards, work surfaces, tiling and a 6 ringed double-oven with hood.

The room has been made more spacious by the removal of the back door lobby and the opening up of the doorway into the pantry. 

Utility Room which offers an additional sink and also provides space to house an under-surface larder fridge plus a fridge/freezer.

  

Outdoors there is a pleasant garden with barbecue, composter, flag pole, whirlygig washing line, picnic benches, and car parking space 7 cars.

 View across the garden

 

 

 

 

Friends of Bowerman's

A “Friends of Bowerman’s” group has been formed, as so many people in Devon are very fond of the cottage and we, the committee, are sure many of you would like to help us perpetuate the use of our lovely cottage.

Naturally we’d be delighted for any offers of help but also we hope you’ll be willing to pay an annual subscription, e.g. minimum of £5. These contributions will be spent on “those little extras”. We will, annually, send you a leaflet/brochure showing how the “Friends’” money has been spent.
If you are interested in joining, please let us know and we’ll put you in contact with the Chairman of “Friends of Bowermans”
 

Activities

Activities from the cottage could include various walks e.g.

  • Bowerman’s Nose Grid ref 742805
  • Easdon Tor and Downs Grid ref 729823
  • Hound Tor Grid ref 743790 via Jays Grave Grid ref 733799;
  • Becky Falls Grid ref 760800
  • Widecombe in the Moor
  • …and accessible with transport:- Stover Country Park
  • Haytor & Granite Railway
  • Trago Mills

Activities for perhaps “less fine” weather

  • House of Marbles
  • Miniature Pony Farm , Nr Moretonhampstead
  • Indoor Swimming Pool at Dyrons, Newton Abbot

Adventurous Activities - all within “reasonable” distance with transport

  • Chudleigh Rock Centre (climbing etc)
  • Pridhamsleigh caves (caving)
  • Windsurfing/canoeing at Havenbanks, Exeter
  • Pony trekking

 Frequently Asked Questions

How many children can stay at Bowermans?

A maximum of 12 plus 3 leaders

What does it cost to stay at Bowermans cottage?

See Fees as set out above

When the cottage is available?

The cottage is available all year round but peak weeks are during school holidays and weekends. You may book 9 months in advance if you wish.

How do I book?

Contact Hilary Hughes 01803 873245 who will advise on availability and send an information booklet and forms.

May families use the cottage?

Yes, but priority is given to groups of e.g. Brownies, Guides & Rangers.

Are girls in Guiding allowed to walk on the moor?

Yes, but must be within 30 minutes of a road.