Welcome to Pickwell Manor

We believe that holidays are a special time and hope that Pickwell Manor will provide the perfect space for you to unwind and breathe out. We particularly value friendship, family, community, celebration and hospitality; and we hope that Pickwell Manor will allow time and space for celebrating these aspects of life.

Pickwell Manor is situated in a stunning location and we hope that as you wander around the beautiful gardens, explore the local beaches, enjoy the local food, and that you will feel energised and inspired by this amazing place.

We hope you enjoy your stay.

About Pickwell Manor

In August 2008 two families (The Bakers and Elliotts) - longstanding friends - took ownership of Pickwell and moved to Devon to explore a different way of living and working together. After 11 years of developing the business and the house, Simon and Julia Hawthorne came on board to join our small team. The Hawthorne's and their Border Terrier Harry, now live onsite and take care of the day-to-day running of the business here at Pickwell. Simon and Julia can be contacted on 07901 332750. They may not always be onsite during the day so do leave a message and they can contact you as soon as they are able to.

You will also see Terri our House Keeper who joins us 3 days a week.

Pickwell's History

Pickwell Manor dates back to the 10th Century and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, by which date it had already been in existence for almost a hundred years.

It is steeped in history and legend, from the first Saxon resident Edmar to the Norman Knights (who were not above seizing the odd shipwreck or two in the nearby bay). An effigy of a medieval knight in Georgeham parish church is reputed to be that of Mauger St Aubyn, who held the manor in the 13th century.

Legend has it that after the death of Thomas Beckett in 1170, three of the murderers fled to Pickwell. They were captured here and beheaded in front of the house. Whenever there is a full moon on December 29th (the anniversary of Beckett's death) it's reputed that the three knights can be seen riding from Pickwell to the beach - without their heads!

The current house was rebuilt in 1906 in a Jacobean style, after a fire destroyed nearly all of the previous building. It is grade II listed to preserve its stunning architectural and historical treasures.

The Environment and sustainability

We are passionate about protecting our environment and living sustainably here at Pickwell, in the top garden we are now drawing most of our electricity from solar panels and we have installed a biomass boiler in place of oil to fuel our heating and water. Our water is supplied by our own borehole and water treatment plant.

In 2019 we were so delighted to be awarded the Gold Standard in green tourism. We have insulated every inch of roof space we can get to, all our light bulbs are LED, our cleaning products are environmentally friendly where possible, we reduce plastic and packaging where possible and even the loo rolls are kind to the environment as well as your bottom. If you would like to read more go to our Sustainability page on the website or take a look at what the Pickwell Foundation is up to.

We have 2 electric charging points in the main car park and round by the east entrance for guests to charge electric cars and 2 electric bikes you can hire to explore the area.

We are keen supporters of Surfers Against Sewage and beach cleaning is a regular activity for us. If you do take a trip to the beach why not put a carrier bag in your pockets and remove any litter you find while out and about.

How you can make a difference

We would absolutely love you to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle wherever possible. You could take your reusable mug to local cafés, borrow buckets and spades or bodyboards from our Surf Store rather than buy new and buy local produce where possible. We are proud to be a plastic-free business champion as part of our local initiative, Plastic Free North Devon.

If you’d like to find out more and support local shops involved when you come to stay with us, then take a look at their brilliant website for ideas of what you can do, or use their directory of local shops to help you shop locally whilst you are staying with us. Plastic Free North Devon

The Pickwell Foundation

During the last 3 years the Baker's and Elliott's have set up 'The Pickwell Foundation'. We hold a strong belief that we have a responsibility for the welfare of displaced people and looking after our planet. The foundation is growing steadily in its partnerships and relationships with individuals, groups and charities working within those sectors and it has been a great journey so far! Do take a look at what the Pickwell Foundation is up to on our website or ask if you would like to know more.

General rules

We have tried to think of ways to help make your holiday as easy as possible and we want adults and children alike to explore and enjoy all that we have on offer here. However, all the facilities and provisions are shared so we ask that whatever you borrow or use you return to its home once you have finished with it.

Noise

We would kindly ask that you are aware of noise levels outside in the evenings and whilst traveling on the shared staircases due to the close proximity of the apartments. If noise can be kept to a minimum after 10pm to avoid disturbing other guests with young children, that would be really appreciated.

We also ask that children are regularly supervised and help keep the toys and play equipment tidy and in their correct places.