Bowerman's Cottage is located on Dartmoor close to the small community of Manaton. Girl Guiding Devon were fortunate enough to be able to acquire the cottage in 1969 from the Bindloss sisters and between then and now it has benefited from substantial additions, extensions and modifications to make it suitable as self-catering accommodation. Over the years we have been fortunate enough to have been left legacies by people that wanted Bowerman's to continue into the future and those funds have been well spent. Investment for the future continues and the present Committee are continuing that process of improvement and benefit to our end users.
On the ground floor there is a good sized kitchen, utility room, dining room, activity room, leaders lounge and a shower/toilet room. Outside there is a large garden space with picnic benches, brick built BBQ and a rotary clothes dryer. There is parking for up to 6 cars at the property. Arrangements for access to the cottage will be supplied to you with your booking confirmation.
Whilst we have tried to retain the atmosphere of a granite built Dartmoor cottage we have also tried to sympathetically modernise it with double glazing, an oil fired heating and hot water system and improved insulation on the newer construction.
The cottage makes an ideal base for Guide members of all ages and can be hired by adult groups as well as youth groups, it is an ideal base for Dartmoor walking or can be used simply as a retreat to 'get away from it all'.
The leaders lounge is equipped with comfortable easy chairs and can be used as a quiet room if needed. The room has been fitted with an electric log burner in the hearth to create the focal point for the room.
This room also has the souvenir cabinet holding any souvenirs that you might wish to take home with you to remember your time at Bowerman’s, just complete the purchase form detailing out what you have taken, and how many, and return this with your final payment form for your stay.
The kitchen is fully equipped for the number of spaces at Bowerman’s. It has a 6 ring range cooker, a microwave, two kettles, a toaster and plates, cups, saucers, mugs, crockery and cutlery for your stay. Just off the kitchen is a small utility room that has a further sink and drainer, in addition to the one in the kitchen itself, and an upright double height fridge/freezer and a fridge under the drainer.
The activity room can be used in a variety of ways to suit your stay. The room has fold away tables that can be used for crafts, sewing, artwork or other activities.
Some users have ‘themed’ the room for a weekend stay and the white boards can be used as required. Please use the white board pens supplied as this makes the boards easier to clean.
There are games and other activities stored in the space underneath the bench seating for your use, please return these when finished with them. This room has just benefited from a new carpet so please put some protection down if you are painting or carrying out similar ‘messy’ activities.
The dining room has tables and chairs and is located next to the kitchen. The oil fired boiler is also in this room and next to it the hot water cylinder cupboard with shelving so that it can be used as an airing cupboard.
At ground floor level is the toilet/shower room. This comprises of two electric showers, three hand basins and two toilets.
Sleeping accommodation at first floor comprises of two dormitories, Easdon and Hound Tor each with a mix of single and bunk beds to take six people in each dormitory.
For adult Leaders there are three beds in the third bedroom and this is also complete with an en-suite toilet and shower cubicle.
Thanks to funding from Devon County we have been able to open up the lower portion of the garden and remove the fencing around the cess pit and create a new decking area and generally open up this otherwise dead area of the garden. This can be used for presentation of any awards earned during your stay at the cottage, a place for Leaders to relax in the sun, presentations by the children to their piers or decorated as you wish (but only with drawing pins, no nails or screws please) and please leave it as you would wish to find it.
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
- Heatree Activity Centre
...and accessible with transport:
- Stover Country Park
- Haytor, Haytor Quarry & Granite Railway
- Miniature Pony Centre, nr Moretonhampstead
- Pennywell Farm, Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh
- Outdoor pool at Bovey Tracey
- Decoy Country Park
- Trago Mills
- National Trust, Parke
Activities for perhaps "less fine" weather
- House of Marbles
- Indoor Swimming Pool at Dyrons, Newton Abbot
Adventurous activities, all within reasonable distance with transport:
- Dart Rock Climbing Centre
- Dartmoor pony trekking
- Canoeing at Decoy Country Park
- Caving at Pridhamsleigh
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can stay at Bowerman’s?
A maximum of 12 plus 3 leaders.
What does it cost to stay at Bowerman’s cottage?
See Fees as set out below.
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?
Send an e-mail to the Booking Secretary at bowermanscottage@yahoo.com 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 with an adult who has an appropriate Walking Qualification.
Current Fees
Group A
All Guiding TG and Scouting Members including D of E with submission of membership/ Registration Numbers on Association business.
£10 per head per night.
Day visitors £4.00 per head per day.
Group B
All non-guiding events regardless of membership £17.50 per head per night.
Day visits £4.00 per head per Day.
For both Groups under 3’s are free.
For All Bookings there will be a minimum hire fee of £50 per booking this will be in the form of the non-refundable/transferable deposit.
E-mail the booking secretary - bowermanscottage@yahoo.com(link sends e-mail) - for information and forms.