Devon group accommodation
A Devon Cottage Built for Groups of 12+
Hole Mill is an exclusive-use group cottage in Branscombe, Devon, sleeping 12+ across 5 ensuite bedrooms — a 17th-century water mill on 2 private acres, with a 2024 kitchen, glass-roofed dining hall, organic swimming pond and wood-fired hot tub.
Most large Devon cottages are converted from a single farmhouse, with one big communal area and bedrooms tacked into the eaves. Hole Mill is different. We're two connected buildings — a 350-year-old water mill and a 19th-century cottage — joined by a glass-roofed dining hall built for long shared meals. Five ensuite bedrooms, four bathrooms, two acres of garden and meadow. Everyone gets space; everyone gets a bathroom.
We host extended families, three-generation reunions, big-birthday weekends, walking groups, friends-from-uni meet-ups and post-wedding hangovers. The 2024 kitchen is sized for 14, the glass-roofed dining hall seats everyone in one place, and the grounds give kids two acres to roam while the grown-ups soak in the hot tub or swim in the pond.
Sleeps 12+ in real beds
5 ensuite bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, plus two sofa beds in the lounges. Travel cots and high chairs free on request.
Kitchen for 14
Brand-new 2024 fit with range cooker, two American fridge/freezers, dishwasher and crockery for 14 — plus a glass-roofed dining hall that seats the whole group at one long table.
Everyone gets their own bathroom
Three ensuite bedrooms, one shared family bathroom and a downstairs WC. No one queues for the shower.
Wild swimming in the garden
A 3 m-deep organic swimming pond with a diving jetty — naturally filtered, chemical-free, open year-round. Kids love it; cold-water swimmers love it more.
Wood-fired hot tub
Handcrafted cedar tub on the back lawn, lit on request by the host. Seats 6–8 — perfect for sundowners with a glass in hand.
Two acres of privacy
Hidden valley setting with no neighbours in sight, woodland, a stream, wildflower meadows and direct footpath access to Branscombe Beach.
Multi-generational stays
Designed for grandparents, parents and kids in one weekend
The downstairs cottage king is perfect for grandparents — no stairs, a bath next door and the garden two steps away. Upstairs in the mill, the loft super-king and twin work as a kid-and-parent pairing with their own ensuites. The result: everyone gets their own corner, but the glass-roofed dining hall pulls everyone together at mealtimes.
See full sleeping plan →
Group catering
Built for long meals and big breakfasts
The 2024 kitchen runs an induction-plus-gas range, two American fridge/freezers and a dishwasher rated for two cycles a day. We stock starter consumables and full crockery for 14. For the main celebration meal, Nina Groves — our recommended private chef — cooks on-site in the dining hall so hosts can enjoy the weekend too.
Tour the property →Two private acres
Room for the kids to disappear
Most Devon group cottages give you a tidy garden. Hole Mill gives you a valley. There's woodland to den-build in, a stream that's safe to paddle, wildflower meadows for tag, a table-tennis table in the games room and a dressing-up box that has saved many a rainy afternoon. Two acres means no shared walls, no neighbours, no nervous looks at 9pm when the kids are still feral.
Garden & grounds →What guests say
From recent stays
“The outdoor grounds. Children loved exploring the stream, the trampoline, the natural swimming pond and beautiful garden for playing. Beautiful peaceful surroundings.”
Nina Bradley
May 2026
“The property was in a quiet valley where we could walk in shade on a hot Bank Holiday weekend. The pond had newts and dragonflies and was a wonderful place for the children to see nature. All the amenities were first class, kitchen, dining area, lounge, games room, bedrooms and bathrooms and gave our large extended family space to have fun.”
O’Beirne
May 2026
“For three years running, our group of friends—held together loosely by a shared enthusiasm for getting in the water—has stayed at Hole Mill. It’s simply the nicest place, ever. We’ll be back. It seems only sensible”
Eva and swim gang
May 2026
Common questions
Frequently asked
What's the biggest group Hole Mill can host?+
Hole Mill sleeps 12+ across 5 ensuite bedrooms and 4 bathrooms (12 adults in beds, 2 more on the lounge sofa beds, plus travel cots for infants). For day events such as weddings, milestone birthdays or retreats we can host up to 50 daytime guests and 30 evening — please ask the host for an events quote.
What's the minimum stay for a group booking?+
Off-peak minimum is 3 nights. During UK school holidays, summer (July–August) and Christmas/New Year it's 7 nights. Friday-to-Monday and Monday-to-Friday short breaks work well outside peak weeks.
How does the deposit work for a group of 12?+
Hole Mill takes a 25% deposit at booking to secure the dates, with the balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Most groups split this between organisers and settle internally; we can also issue a simple itemised invoice to one card if you'd prefer.
Can we host a milestone birthday or small wedding?+
Yes — Hole Mill is licensed for exclusive-use events including weddings, milestone birthdays, hen parties and retreats. Up to 50 daytime guests and 30 evening guests with overnight accommodation for 12+. Contact the host for a tailored quote at /events.
Can we book a private chef for the group?+
Yes — we recommend Nina Groves (Private Chef Devon). She regularly cooks on-site at Hole Mill for reunions and milestone birthdays. See our private chef guide for how it works, then arrange menus directly with Nina at devoncooks.com once your stay is booked.
Can the whole group bring their dogs?+
Up to 3 well-behaved dogs are welcome at no extra charge. The grounds are fully secured by hedgerows and there are countless dog-friendly walks straight from the door. Dogs aren't allowed in the swimming pond to protect the ecosystem.
Plan your stay
Live availability and instant booking — direct, no platform fees.
Group catering
A private chef for your reunion or birthday weekend
Self-cater for easy breakfasts, then hand Saturday night to Nina — she'll take over the kitchen and serve the whole group at the long table in the dining hall. Menus tailored to your party, budget and dietary needs.
Nina Groves
Private Chef Devon
Arranged directly with Nina — not included in your Hole Mill booking.