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GOTHIC FOLLY, Sleeps 16, Indoor Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Jurassic Coast East Devon

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for GOTHIC FOLLY, Sleeps 16, Indoor Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Jurassic Coast East Devon

Spa
Spa
Spa
Point of interest
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
    Hot tub
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Honiton, ENG
  • Blackdown Hills
    9 min drive
  • East Devon
    13 min drive
  • Chard Museum
    15 min drive
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.)
    24 min drive

Room options

About this property

GOTHIC FOLLY, Sleeps 16, Indoor Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Jurassic Coast East Devon

Stunning panoramic views from the this hilltop Fort. Unique large house with Moroccan influenced heated indoor pool, and roof top hot tub, perfect for star gazing. Ample living accommodation and the largest kitchen table, for family get togethers.
8 miles from the World Heritage Jurassic coast at Seaton, Lyme Regis, Beer and Branscombe, and you can see the sea from the Fort, through Axe Valley as the River Axe flows into Seaton.
More hours of average sunlight per day than anywhere else in the UK.
Excellent pub with good food, & local Otter Ale
Our recent Visitor Book comments:

August 2023 "Such a lovely place to stay with family. Can't wait to come back again, Lovely hosts.

"From the States, we were Englishmen in our Castle for a family gathering. What an excellent venue. Children loved the heated pool, so did the adults. A real special, quirky find, we would love to repeat. thank you Mark & Georgina for opening up your home. We'll keep in touch" August 2023

"Wow! The word doesn't do Rower Fort justice. What an incredible experience, from arrival to departure we were both overwhelmed and enchanted by this superlative location, and the warmth and generosity of wonderful hosts Georgina & Mark. We had the best sleeps ever in amazing beds with beautifully soft linen. Lazy evenings by the log fire and cozy breakfasts in the incredible kitchen with its huge homely table and Aga. We cannot recommend Rower Fort highly enough; you have to experience it. Very many thanks to Georgina & Mark - we will definitely be back'. The Carnaghans, July 2023

"This was a gathering of family and friends to help us celebrate our 50 years of marriage and our 70th birthdays. It found us in this ideal setting of Rower Fort with excellent company and the very best of hosts. Attentive, thoughtful and considerate hosts. Thank you Georgina & Make and family" Nina and Family,

"Visited Rower Fort for a 70th birthday and it was the perfect venue! Loved the pool, hot tub and the beautiful house. Everyone had a fantastic time. We went to the Stockland Fair and even entered the 'Egg Catching', great fun! Wonderful holiday and great family memories created. Thank you". Lynsey and Family

"We brought our family here for our 50th wedding anniversary. The family arrived, we had lots to eat and drink - the sun came out and WOW! What a lovely place! Lots of room for 14 of us so we didnt trip over each other. The children just couldnt stay away from the pool. The views are simply amazing. I have to admit it took me a while not to get lost in the house. It is the most amazing place to stay and I am so glad that we booked it. Mark & Georgina thank you so much. This has been an anniversary to remember. I wish I didnt have to go home now". Jenny, Ian & family

"A wonderful family weekend to celebrate a 50th birthday. Perfect venue, amazing views and where else but our own castle in which to watch a Royal Wedding! Sun, fun and family warmth. Thank you for letting us stay in your home xxx" Richard, Family & Friends

"Well - what can we say about the hosue that has everything? So many delights, so many surprises. We had just such a memorable weekend. Thank you for everything". Nick, Philippa and friends

"Thank you very much for making our festive season very joyful in your stunning quirky home! We have all loved it very much and couldnt have asked for anything more. Your hosting has been to the highest of standards and nothing was ever too much. Wish you the happiest of years. Thank you" Caroline & Family

"Where do I even begin? Mark and Georgina were absolutely incredible, from start to finish. I stayed at Rower Fort with a group of friends for my 30th birthday. The Fort (personally I call it a castle), is so much more than the photos show, if that’s even possible. The kitchen, and lounge spaces couldn’t be more homely and accommodating, the bedrooms are absolutely superb, beautifully decorated, with the comfiest mattresses I’ve ever known. I honestly don’t think any of us have ever spent more time in water, whether that be the swimming pool - divine, I recommend bringing inflatables! The roll top baths - bring bubbles, or the hot tub - I’m not sure which was best, watching the sunrise with a cup of tea, or the sun set with a glass of champagne. From start to finish, our stay was magical, with the little touches from Mark and Georgina making our time even more spectacular. We’re already plotting a way to come back!" Natasha & Friends

"A fabulous weird and wonderful place. A Brilliant week with family. Lovely hosts and lots of memories made with our children who loved hide and seek, the pool and the hot tub. Thank you so much" S & V and Family

"We could not have picked a better location for our small wedding celebration. RF is a beautiful property set in picturesque English countryside. Our family of 15 enjoyed a splendid time together for meals at the long table,great for conversation amongst big groups, and swimming together in the beautiful indoor pool. The hot tub is also not to be missed, especially at night when the stars are out. M & G were amazing and responsive hosts - from giving directions to our next destination abroad to lending my brother goggles for the pool, to showing my family the incredible tank that sits on the property - they went above and beyond to make us feel welcome"
A.S. New York USA

"Beautiful house! We all had an amazing time celebrating a 30th Birthday! Beds were so comfy. Hot tub with views were fantastic, and we loved the swimming pool. Loved the quirkiness of the house, finding new things every day. Georgina was a great host, very helpful and she made us incredible Birthday Brownies complete with candles! Really hope to come back one day" Sarah & Friends

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend in your beautiful house. The decor and facilities are fabulous, especially the pool and hot tub" Huge thank you Georgina & Mark for being so helpful & welcoming. We'd love to come back". Tom & Friends' birthday celebrations,

"Amazing 70th birthday celebration with all our children and grandchildren. Party of 14 in all. Mark & Georgina, you have an amazing place here and your kind hospitality knows no ends. Thanks for a brilliant week. Martin & Family

"Georgina & Mark are brilliant - helped us when we needed them and so very kind when one of our gang was unwell. The house is wonderful, so relaxing and felt so easy to be here. Its hard to leave this place - amazing weekend thank you!" David's 50th birthday

"Great find for my surprise 60th weekend. Quirky, great great views and a kitchen table even bigger than ours! What a fantastic place - love the decor and wonderful moroccan influence. Loved the views from the hot tub. Hope to return with children, great fun." Sue & family,

" Beautiful views, fun in the hot tub even in the rain! Fascinating house, beautiful setting, hot tub and pool key assets to our enjoyment for a long Bank Holiday weekend" Mr & Mrs A & Family
"Just right for grandchildren, dogs & those a bit older! Unique & quirky and very comfortable. It made for a superb location for a real family Xmas. Thank you for all your help"

"What an amazing place you have here! From Water polo to beer pong we did it all and had such fun. The views are incredible. I could sit in that hot tub for endless hours looking out. Every room is full of quirky surprises and it suited us perfectly. Hopefully we will be able to visit and stay again soon..." DS

"What an absolutely wonderful place. It is stunning! Iwas taken away for the weekend as a surprise and what a surprise. The Fort is fabulous. The beds are really comfortable, the pool and the hot tub were amazing and Mark & Georgina were great hosts (really enjoyed the Moroccan vegetables). Being in the hot tub when it was raining up the top of the trees was incredible and the stars and night were twinkly. Thank you both". K, K & L

"We went to Rower Fort with 13 immediate family members ranging from 5 years to 67 years. We never expected to please everybody all of the time, but Rower Fort did! Never a dull moment, always something to look at in the house, the pool and Jacuzzi were excellent. Georgina, Mark and their son, were so friendly it made for a very laid back week. The large kitchen table was the highlight every morning and evening. If you are looking for something different you wont be disappointed!!"
Phil & family

"Thanks to Georgina & Mark for a fantastic stay. The property is wonderfully quirky and your family are amazing hosts. We had a superb time".

"Ab Fab place. Eclectic in the main!"

"The house is wonderful - so many artistic itmes, thank you so much for letting us share it"
"What a way to celebrate a 60th birthday - had a fab time, spa & pool amazing. Thanks for wonderful time"

"Great house with everything you need. Superb pool and best positioned hot tub ever with splendid views. Owners very welcoming and helpful. A well enjoyed weekend" Dawn & family,

"A wonderful week in a perfectly sized house - with amazing views...loved the way it feels. luxurious but not precious."

"Possibly the best placed jacuzzi on Planet Earth"!

Rower Fort is a unique property for family holidays, reunions, weddings, special occasions and celebrations. Sleeping up to 16 it stands out as a holiday 'cottage' with a real difference. The combination of the traditional farmhouse and part castellated folly tower, complete with battlements, is eclectic in style, original and imaginative. On top of the folly tower you will find the most remarkably sited hot tob you'll ever come across, from which you can enjoy the panoramic views by day and shooting stars by night. With ample living accommodation and a large kitchen table to seat 16, family and friends can sit, relax, chat and socialise.
During your stay at this castle, you'll be close to Yarcombe Village Hall. You'll find features such as 1 hot tub.
  • Free WiFi
  • 7 minutes by car from Yarcombe Village Hall and 9 minutes from Blackdown Hills
GOTHIC FOLLY, Sleeps 16, Indoor Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Jurassic Coast East Devon offers its guests a hot tub, barbecue grills, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Honiton castle is smoke free.

Property manager

Georgina Hughes

Languages

English, French, German

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

More

  • Note from host: strictly no smoking in the house
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 6 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Private pool
  • TV

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

More

  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room
  • Washing machine

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.
  • Note from host: 2 dogs

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Please discuss any party/celebration in advance
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Gothic Folly OCT Sleeps 16 Indoor Heated Pool Jacuzzi
Gothic Folly Isolated Sleeps 16 Indoor Heated Pool Hot Tub

GOTHIC FOLLY, Sleeps 16, Indoor Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Jurassic Coast East Devon Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Simon W., null

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent place for large group
As a 3 generation family group we all loved this place to stay. Fabulous location: amazing views of countryside, but close enough to the coast. Accommodation was comfortable (beds amazingly so), lots of games and activities for children, and of course the pool and hot tub which were very well used. Our hosts Mark and Georgina were very helpful and accommodating, and communicated really well. Highly recommended. Simon and family.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alistair C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A fantastic family getaway
This is a wonderfully unique holiday property. Quirky and so much fun, the pool and hot tub on the roof were fantastic, kids loved it, beautiful countryside all around and stunning views from the property. Easy to get to the seaside for some beach time. The hosts were really, really nice. Would definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Graham T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Stay
We were a group of 14 adults having a week away together. The house was quirky, and Georgina & Mark were very friendly and informative. The rooms were spacious, and overall we had a wonderful time
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard K.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Fantastic Break - In a Unique setting
We are a Family group of 3 generations - 15 of us in total - We stayed in August for a week and had the mixture of weather a British Summer can deliver (Mixed!) the hot tub, indoor heated pool, extensive grounds and indoor space meant we never felt a victim of the elements - Rower Fort is tucked away and feels very calm and private - but is close to some excellent sea side resorts and we easily got food delivered by supermarkets and takeaways - A truly memorable stay and Mark and Georgina were Excellent hosts .... Needless to say we are planning our return visit
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous
A piece of bucolic, bohemian paradise. The building and its surroundings are enchantingly beautiful. The hosts were extremely welcoming and relaxed. An incredible stay !
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fort Rower Stay
The hosts were welcoming, helpful and pleasant. The house was bizarre in the extreme but interestingly quirky. The pool was great for the kids and adults alike. The jacuzzi was a bit difficult to access for the older members of the family and the controls were also a bit of a chore but we managed in the end. We enjoyed our stay and would be happy to go back there.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

stuart b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Second visit
We came here 15 years ago for a family get together and really glad we came back again for a similar event. The property was big enough for 15 of us (mostly adults) with the kitchen and lounge great hubs for spending time together. The house is really interesting and quirky, well equipped and has the benefits of the hot tub on the roof (what a view) and the fab swimming pool. Georgina and Mark were fab hosts, super helpful and answered all our questions really quickly. Fab!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lesley M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely holiday
The owners Georgina and Mark were very good hosts and were always available if we needed any help. The pool and swimming pool were great favourites with everyone and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Philip A.

Liked: Cleanliness
A unique, fun, perfect home for a special family gathering.
To celebrate a number of family birthdays (a special 70th and 40th, plus a 44th, delayed 40th, and an 8th) we chose Rower Fort because it just looked like a fun house, with everything we could have asked for to keep everyone happy. Georgina and Mark, our hosts, we’re so welcoming, helpful and friendly, and instantly made us feel at home. From the big cosy kitchen, to the fun bedrooms with Moroccan and Indian decor, the football table, the luxurious Moroccan style swimming pool, and the rooftop hot tub, we wanted for nothing. The kitchen was well equipped and cosy, and the Aga great for cooking, and drying clothing. We couldn’t have had a more enjoyable and memorable time, and were sad to leave. Thank you so much Georgina and Mark.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

HAYLEY L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Fun Weekend
Great property for a family weekend - so private. Very quirky house but comfy - kitchen was the hub of the house. Great bbq but the outside sitting area bit untidy - didn’t affect us as too wet to sit outside!!! The pool was a big success
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah D.

Liked: Cleanliness
40th birthday celebration
We stayed at the folly for a long weekend as a group of family and friends to celebrate a 40th birthday (with an age range of over 70 to under 2). The hot tub on the tower and pool were definitely highlights. The folly was comfortable with some lovely quirky spaces and well equipped for large groups. We hired a private chef for a celebration dinner which worked really well. Georgina and Mark were fantastic hosts, very helpful and accommodating both before and during our stay. Thank you for a wonderful experience. We definitely recommend staying here and would love to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Cathy L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun and memorable weekend in rural Devon
My family and I really enjoyed our long awaited pre-Easter break at Rower Fort in rural Devon. Georgina and Mark were very welcoming and the Fort is a wonderful and quirky place to stay. Lots of different rooms all unusually decorated. My family loved the indoor pool and the kitchen was a great space for family dining. A few things in the kitchen were not quite up to standard, such as the toaster only half working, but this could easily be fixed. I felt the roof top jacuzzi wasn’t a great experience as only part of it worked at any one time. I assumed it had been damaged by mis-use over time. With a little TLC I’m sure Rower Fort could be the excellent holiday home it deserves to be!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L.

Liked: Cleanliness
60th birthday
We rented this amazing property for my 60th birthday trip with our children and grandchildren We couldn’t of had a better time relaxing ,playing games ,swimming and watching the sunset come up in the hot tub Mark and Georgina were brilliant hosts anything we needed they helped us with including chats about their beautiful home and interests Could not recommend any higher
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Timothy P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great party house
Fantastic, eclectically furnished property. Stayed 1st weekend of December, house was toasty warm, Hot tub and pool really warm. Linen was fantastic. Plenty of room to chill out or be social. Kitchen table is a great social hub. Georgina and Mark were lovely hosts. Thank you both.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

juliette t.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceptional
A fascinating property in a truly enviable location. Georgina and Mark could not have done more to make us welcome and to enhance our stay. Thank you to you both.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kylie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
A great stay in a beautiful property
Thank you Georgina for being such an attentive host - we really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

DENIS P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet and Quirky
We were looking for something different to celebrate our 70th birthdays and our 50th wedding anniversary. With family and friends this property certainly fulfilled all our requirements and expectations making for an excellent weekend. The swimming pool and hot tub were extensively used by all and the kitchen area and lounge area gave that friendly party feeling where everyone could be at the same time with plenty of room . All the bedrooms were completely different and it was difficult to choose which to stay in. The interior had many quirky items that even included an ex prison cell door among too many to list. Although the property is located in a remote quiet area there were tremendous views with great walks for the dogs. Our hosts were away on holiday for our arrival but all was taken care of and we were able to meet them when we were departing. We would have no hesitation in recommending this property and judging by the visitors book comments many others have said the same. Excellent venue, Excellent host and a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Georgina S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Golden Wedding Celebration
This was the perfect venue for us all It is a special property that can comfortably house fifteen people ranging in age from three years up to seventy nine years of age and provide them all with sufficient resources to keep them happily engaged for the whole weekend The well equipped comfortable kitchen where we shared all our meals and enjoyed each other’s company holds a special place in our memory as does the time in the beautiful swimming pool and sat in the hot tub up on the roof looking over the beautiful East Devon countryside Even the weather was perfect Georgina made us so welcome and was helpful and obliging Thank you we will be back
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Pat L.

Magical & Unforgettable Venue
Words can’t really do it justice but I will just say that Rower Fort seated at the top of a hill with amazing views in every direction is an ideal & very special & unique destination for a large group of friends & family including children & dogs. You walk in through the entrance porch into a fabulous welcoming kitchen which despite it’s size manages to feel cosy, with the biggest kitchen table I have ever seen & a great oil fired Aga & a separate electric cooker. Huge American style fridge freezer & separate large fridge. There is loads of comfy seating in the lounge & a further smaller lounge/games room. Both rooms have huge inglenooks. The style of the house is an eclectic mix with furnishings collected from all over the world. There is a strong Moroccan influence especially in the swimming pool building. The beds & bedding were sumptuous. The indoor pool is amazing & lovely & warm. The hot tub on the turret was so relaxing with 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside & sea on a clear day. The photos do not do it justice. Mark was great & extremely welcoming & very helpful with any answers to questions & practical help & advice, just a text message or call away. We went as a large family group to celebrate our sons 40th birthday & we couldn’t have chosen better. Thank you Mark & Georgina.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019