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.