Devon
Cadhay, Ottery St. Mary, Devon, EX11 1QT
Weekends
£2,564 - £4,392
Full Weeks
£3,589 - £6,716
Cadhay is a beautiful house in East Devon, perfect for family parties or special celebrations. There is room for 36 guests to stay over the weekend or a week; accommodation is offered in the main house, Stables, Coach house and Cider Press (all rated ‘gold’ by VisitEngland).
Cadhay House itself has 12 bedrooms, sleeping 22. Three of the bedrooms have four-poster beds, and there is a downstairs bedroom, with an en-suite with disabled facilities.
There is plenty of space in Cadhay for guests to enjoy their time together, whether that’s in the kitchens and comfortable reception rooms, the library or the study.
The house sits in beautifully restored gardens (that carry their own fame), and that lead gently down to medieval fishponds.
Further cottages on the estate can sleep 14; the Stables and Coach House sleep a further 12 (with 6 guests in each) and the Cider Press sleeps 2.
Sleeping arrangements
Amenities
Please see the key features below. If stag and hen parties are not listed then the property is sadly not suitable for them.
Catering Available 
Countryside Walks 
Games Table 
Self Catering 
Wedding Facilities 
WiFi 
Working Fireplace 
Gardens 
Marquee Available 
Self-Catered Weddings
Wedding Catering 
Wedding Licence House Facts
The house was bought back by the family in the 1930s using the fortune made in Australia by a convict. Mary Reibey was caught stealing a horse at the age of 14 having run away from home when she was 12. She was dressed as a boy and sentenced to death but, having established she was a girl, this was commuted to transportation. She did so well in Australia that her image appears on the Australian $20 note.
Reviews
Kane Herbert
We hired Cadhay for our wedding reception and turned our big day into a big weekend. The gardens were absolutely stunning and we were showered with compliments by our guests. (Which we later passed on to the gardners). We filled all rooms including all the cottages and there was still plenty of space for everyone to find a quite corner throughout the grounds. All staff at Cadhay are passionate about the house and it shows. I can fully recommend Cadhay for anyone planning their special day. 10/10
Mike Walker
We visited as part of a group tour. Our guide was delightful and very knowledgeable. A very interesting history with lots of personal stories. Tea and cake in the walled garden lovely
Ken Lloyd
Only open on Friday afternoons and with a limited season this is nevertheless a worthwhile visit if you are in the area at the right time. The coffees and cajes were acceptable and the ambulance was attractive. We enjoyed an excellent tour full of interesting detail and then walked around the very attractive gardens. Amazing Autumn colour and we were lucky enough to see a kingfisher cross the kake
Paul Clements
Just visited the house and gardens. Very nice, small version of the big houses. It can be rented out too. Small windy road unless you go past Ottery leisure centre. Only open Fridays.
Andy Smith
Stayed here for postponed 60th birthday party it was fantastic rooms spectacular 20 people sat down for dinner and afternoon tea It teams with history a place on one of the guided tours is really interesting Grounds and gardens were glorious Owners so helpful and friendly A great place for that special event
Linda Hollins
Only open some Friday afternoons for tours but well worth a visit. Fascinating place and wonderful grounds.
Matt Styles
Beautiful house within a great setting. I would recommend anyone to go to the Friday tour as the house is oozing with history. Only down side to the house was we didn't stay there longer. Amazing house
beverley taylor
Nice gardens but pricey for cake and coffee, charged £8.50 for two regular coffees and one piece of cake. Also, when paying, found that after paying it was only entry to the gardens and found the lady was very unpleasant and not helpful. Shall not go back.
Kevin Jenkins
A friend hired the house for a birthday weekend for a large family group. What an amazing experience. You are embedded in the home of another family as if they just walked out before you arrived. Fantastic facilities, lovely artworks and more than everything needed to make you comfortable. Quite simply the best kept and serviced place I have ever stayed in. Many thanks to the owners for a very special event.
David Bruce
Opulent, historic, very comfortable Elizabethan country house with ample space for 22 old friends; surrounded by exciting brilliant flower gardens with small lake, set in parkland a mile of so outside Ottery St Mary
William Dainton
Amazing place beautiful wedding last week, incredible accomodation in the coach House ideal venue .thanks for everything.
Colin Blake
Speaking as an allotment holder in the walled garden . I have to say I can't rate it highly enough . A wonderful peaceful place when the weather is good .Open to the public on Friday afternoons. Cream tea's and leisurely strolls.
angela perry
Great garden, lots of beautiful dahlias
John Coates
Charity event this afternoon for FORCE, Ottery St Mary in aid of Cancer, included walk around these delightful gardens followed by a very nice cream tea When these gardens are open on Friday afternoons, make it a must visit, these gardens are so charming.
Jane T.
Beautiful garden borders in a tranquil setting. Well worth a visit to give you inspiration for your own garden.
Leslie Retallick
This review only covers the gardens and not the self-catering apartments. The gardens are gorgeous, a quintessential English country garden set around a Tudor manor house. Due to its relatively 'off the beaten track' location, it doesn't seem to ever get over-busy and there are plenty of quiet places to just sit and take it all in. The staff on duty in the tearoom (also currently serving as an admissions desk) are unfailingly pleasant and friendly. There are occasional tours of the garden if anyone wants in-depth knowledge about the various plants and the history of the garden (the 'lakes' are the remnants of medieval fishponds) but although I've been several times I've always 'just wandered'.
Harry Atkinson
Glorious herbaceous borders, tea and cake made a pleasant afternoon visit.
Matthew Le Breton
Well what a gem! A haven of tranquility, beautiful gardens and lovely teas. Visited here with a herd of 7 children ages between 5 and 15 and they loved it. Note that the gardens are only open on Friday afternoons between 2 and 5.30. The 'formal' gardens by the house are centered around a number of focal points, the lawns and the ponds. But the paths meander and there are numerous benches to sit and absorb the gently bee humming sight lines and abundance of flowers. The walled garden is productive with lots of edibles. Looking like a good harvesting is now required! We had teas and coffees and cake which was served with friendly helpful service by the staff. A great afternoon. Look forward to revisiting when house tours are back on. Oh and the toilets were beautifully clean (always a litmus test).
Tracey Marshall
We were a group of 11 friends originally destined to go to Greece, however, that got cancelled due to Covid and so I set out to find a staycation to accommodate all of us. What a find!Cadhay House is simply beautiful..It was grand without being enormous, with comfortable sitting rooms, of which there were several, and very comfortable bedrooms, all en-suite. They had even provided separate kitchens and lounges to accommodate the 'rule of six' thus providing large outside get-together areas for us all to congregate.The house is steeped in family history, and the owner of the property was able to fill us 'in' with the bygone era of family life. It even has it's own museum. A must to see!The Gardens were also delightful. So pretty, with flowered walk-ways, various ponds and super Flora and Forna specimens. Not forgetting the stunning views...We all loved it so much, that we are planning a return next year.
Joanna S
A wonderful place for a family group. Plenty of space to get together and also escape when you want peace and quiet! Great kitchen with everything you need if you are self catering. Very warm for such a large house at this time of year. Lovely bedrooms and nobody had to queue for the bathrooms - plenty of hot water. Excellent communication prior to stay. Just perfect - we don't know when but we will be back!
Piercewebbs
We love coming to Cadhay every year for our family gathering...22 of us enjoying this unique, historic manor house. Every one of the luxurious rooms has its own bathroom. Over the years we all, and especially the children, have enjoyed exploring the house and the beautiful gardens. There is a timeless feel in the house which endures. The kitchen is particularly well equipped so that the foodies amongst us can enjoying cooking there. One of our more successful entertainments was the family Bake-Off competition.There is plenty to do at Cadhay, and nearby there is the sea and wonderful walks.We always wish we could stay longer.
Luke Elliot (InlandLoki)
Fantastic venue. We were here for a wedding and had an absolutely amazing time.
Mark francis
Visited Cadhay for a family wedding and was so impressed with the grounds and house. Absolutely stunning!!
Christopher Connelly
Brill place lots of history
Stuart Woolger
A beautiful manor house.
Paul Snow
Super ambience to this lovely house. Rooms are spacious and appropriately furnished. The careful addition of modern pieces of art and furniture is really well done. A fantastic place to stay. Can't write more as I've been called outside for croquet.
Paul Snow (ShortNicholasNomenclature)
Super ambience to this lovely house. Rooms are spacious and appropriately furnished. The careful addition of modern pieces of art and furniture is really well done. A fantastic place to stay. Can't write more as I've been called outside for croquet.
dispeg
We knew absolutely nothing about Cadhay, before visiting it on the rainy last day of our holiday. It was an absolute delight. The house and garden are beautiful and its history, as revealed by the wonderful guide (Dave?) was fascinating. Add to this, a super cream tea and it's the perfect day out in Devon.
conveyancer20
Luckily we were in the area on a Friday afternoon and so able to visit this wonderful place. There are timed tours of the house in small groups. Our guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We found the visit very interesting. The gardens are beautiful and very well maintained.
David V
Only open on Friday afternoons in the Summer … a beauitful Tudor manor house, superb grounds, very nice tea room with excellent home made cakes... Friday afternoons is 'changeover day' as the house is often rented out, the house tour covers those rooms which are rented out. The exterior of the house is stall largely Tudor and the inner courtyard is wonderful, the interior is of course heavily refurbished. A most enjoyable visit.
Gill Holmes
Very enjoyable tour of the house and lovely gardens.
Charlotte Waite
Beautiful wedding venue. Accommodation was perfect!
Steve 6 does it
Beautiful area of Devon. Really nice old house with a visit and book a long weekend to stay with friends
Hugh Webster
Our extended family stay here over Christmas some years and it's a great place. Beautiful house, and the improvements made over the last few years (adding en suites to some rooms, upgraded heating and stable, high-coverage WiFi), has put the icing on the cake.
JustcallmeJudith2013
Open only on a Friday afternoon 2-5pm with guided tours every 15 minutes. (the house is rented out and this is the changeover day). Manor set in beautiful grounds. Tour really interesting and lasts about an hour. Sovereign’s courtyard with 400 year old statues a star feature. Gardens with spring fed ponds are lovely with water lilies. Tea room with courtyard serves yummy cakes and cream teas. The allotments in the walled garden are well tended. Worth a visit!
thegraduate31
Never being able to visit on the Friday (normal opening day), we visited yesterday (Saturday 25/08/18). It really was worth the wait. We had a guided tour of the house, which is so light and welcoming. The information received from the knowledgeable guide was very interesting. We didn't visit the tea room, because there was an added bonus. On our way to the house, we saw a summer fair advertised. It was such a lovely afternoon: there were lots of stalls, ice-cream, a bar, food, grand raffle - all in aid of St. Mary's Church Ottery St. Mary. The MC was fantastic. The entertainment was fabulous, with The Blackdown Steel Band, Ottery Silver Band and the amazing Johnathan Marshall Falconry and Spanish Horse display. The commentary from Jonathan during the display was emotional and the story of Picasso the one horse enlightening. Now I know about the annual summer fair I look forward to returning.
Peter W
We visited Cadhay on a Friday afternoon - unfortunately the only time in the week it is open to visitors, which is a shame. It was busy from first opening at 2 pm. Tours of the house are guided and last about one hour. They seem to start at 30 min intervals. The guide was informative and personable and explained so much which would otherwise not be apparent. Gardens are lovely and the allotments rented by local residents are excellent. Didn't use the cafe but it looked excellent.Show less
Peter W
We visited Cadhay on a Friday afternoon - unfortunately the only time in the week it is open to visitors, which is a shame. It was busy from first opening at 2 pm. Tours of the house are guided and last about one hour. They seem to start at 30 min intervals. The guide was informative and personable and explained so much which would otherwise not be apparent. Gardens are lovely and the allotments rented by local residents are excellent. Didn't use the cafe but it looked excellent.
Y8643VQpeterf
Restricted opening hours so read carefully! We didn't and had to return later, but it was worth it! Lovely grounds and very sensible charges ( £4 each) we used the Gardeners World 2 for 1 ,so only £2 each. Head Gardener a true character with obvious passion for his job, even left us a couple of Dahlias at the tea shop after discussing them with my wife. Don't miss it if you visit the area ,its a little gem.( Free ample parking, and tea rooms) I've got some lovely pictures but TripAdvisor don't usually bother posting them !
Peter F
Restricted opening hours so read carefully! We didn't and had to return later, but it was worth it! Lovely grounds and very sensible charges ( £4 each) we used the Gardeners World 2 for 1 ,so only £2 each. Head Gardener a true character with obvious passion for his job, even left us a couple of Dahlias at the tea shop after discussing them with my wife. Don't miss it if you visit the area ,its a little gem.( Free ample parking, and tea rooms) I've got some lovely pictures but TripAdvisor don't usually bother posting them !Show less
Peter F
Restricted opening hours so read carefully! We didn't and had to return later, but it was worth it! Lovely grounds and very sensible charges ( £4 each) we used the Gardeners World 2 for 1 ,so only £2 each. Head Gardener a true character with obvious passion for his job, even left us a couple of Dahlias at the tea shop after discussing them with my wife. Don't miss it if you visit the area ,its a little gem.( Free ample parking, and tea rooms) I've got some lovely pictures but TripAdvisor don't usually bother posting them !
kenperritt730
Thank you Cadhay for giving us a chance to see your wonderful home and gardens, we are in love with it, its no to big that you cannot see all of it, and not to small ether its just perfect for a day out, with lovely cake and tea room, to end your visit with.I am wheelchair bound but the access and accessability for me was wonderful, i could get aroung the garden and the ponds with no real problems at all, the path was not deep gravel so was not an issue for anyone pushing you, or for myself pushing around the gardens, even after all the rain we had i could still get around on the grass with ease and the staff were so helpful and friendly if you wanted to ask about anything, the only area you had to take care on was the cobbled path but so long as you went careful it was not a problem for my wheelchair.Thank you so much for a wonderful day, we are looking forward to our next visit.Very Best Regards Ken & Lyn Perritt
kenperritt730
Thank you Cadhay for giving us a chance to see your wonderful home and gardens, we are in love with it, its no to big that you cannot see all of it, and not to small ether its just perfect for a day out, with lovely cake and tea room, to end your visit with.I am wheelchair bound but the access and accessability for me was wonderful, i could get aroung the garden and the ponds with no real problems at all, the path was not deep gravel so was not an issue for anyone pushing you, or for myself pushing around the gardens, even after all the rain we had i could still get around on the grass with ease and the staff were so helpful and friendly if you wanted to ask about anything, the only area you had to take care on was the cobbled path but so long as you went careful it was not a problem for my wheelchair.Thank you so much for a wonderful day, we are looking forward to our next visit.Very Best Regards Ken & Lyn PerrittShow less
melaniemR4904QR
This is a beautiful home opened to the public on occasions such as the Church fete. The gardens are beautiful and twice we’ve been fortunate to have a fantastically interesting guided tour with a really knowledgeable lady which made the old manor house come alive through the varied families which have owned it. It’s a shame the present owner is unable to live here and enjoy it full time but he kindly allows it to be used for the May fair each year so we all can appreciate it.
melaniemR4904QR
This is a beautiful home opened to the public on occasions such as the Church fete. The gardens are beautiful and twice we’ve been fortunate to have a fantastically interesting guided tour with a really knowledgeable lady which made the old manor house come alive through the varied families which have owned it. It’s a shame the present owner is unable to live here and enjoy it full time but he kindly allows it to be used for the May fair each year so we all can appreciate it.Show less
LangrishHouse
We took Cadhay for a week to celebrate a very special 90th birthday. Four generations of our family gathered there from all over the world! It was sensational. It is a lovely house - beautifully maintained, and extremely comfortable. There is lots of space - we could all be together or we could gather in groups. It is full of history and yet has a very homely feel. It has the most wonderful gardens, a croquet lawn which provided lots of entertainment, beautiful borders and a marvellous old swing from one of the trees. Over the week we had a couple of large formal dinners provided by caterers but also a few quieter kitchen suppers. The house has a very happy and welcoming atmosphere and it all contributed to the happiest of weeks.
LangrishHouse
We took Cadhay for a week to celebrate a very special 90th birthday. Four generations of our family gathered there from all over the world! It was sensational. It is a lovely house - beautifully maintained, and extremely comfortable. There is lots of space - we could all be together or we could gather in groups. It is full of history and yet has a very homely feel. It has the most wonderful gardens, a croquet lawn which provided lots of entertainment, beautiful borders and a marvellous old swing from one of the trees. Over the week we had a couple of large formal dinners provided by caterers but also a few quieter kitchen suppers. The house has a very happy and welcoming atmosphere and it all contributed to the happiest of weeks.Show less
Richard Boon
Cadhay is a beautiful Tudor gem set in the most lovely grounds with delightful lily pond. We visited on the 8th August and as we were booked on the 4pm tour we decided to have tea. The cream tea was excellent with scones perfectly cooked. We sat in the lovely garden behind the barn and enjoyed the view of the well kept allotments. After tea we wandered around the gardens and couldn't resist the swing in a tree.
simonholler
We rented Cadhay for our annual family reunion and it was marginally more expensive than other places we had visited previously but wow... what a fabulous decision! This place is heavenly... the Owners has managed to retain all the history and yet combine it with the warmth, comfort and facilities of a modern house. The location is fabulous- a pleasant walk to Ottery StMary. The grounds are beautifully kept with ornamental ponds. The house is just gorgeous, steeped in History yet with functionality. So much attention to detail too, comfortable beds, luxurious linen , nice en suite bathrooms with plenty of hot water. In December, with snow and cold it was warm and cosy. Thoroughly recommend it. We shall return!
simonholler
We rented Cadhay for our annual family reunion and it was marginally more expensive than other places we had visited previously but wow... what a fabulous decision! This place is heavenly... the Owners has managed to retain all the history and yet combine it with the warmth, comfort and facilities of a modern house. The location is fabulous- a pleasant walk to Ottery StMary. The grounds are beautifully kept with ornamental ponds. The house is just gorgeous, steeped in History yet with functionality. So much attention to detail too, comfortable beds, luxurious linen , nice en suite bathrooms with plenty of hot water. In December, with snow and cold it was warm and cosy. Thoroughly recommend it. We shall return!Show less
stephenbM1372HP
Fabulous place, the gardens a riot of colour and plants. The huge variety of dahlias especially impressive. Really friendly, helpful gardener too. Make sure you have a proper walk around as loads of different paths, especially at the bottom of the large (and beautiful) pond. Lots of unusual fungi to spot as well.House tour very interesting, again with a knowledgeable and friendly guide (Arthur). Apparently, the whole house can be rented by the week!Good value tea room.Plenty of parking space, but one field can get very muddy.
Stephen B
Fabulous place, the gardens a riot of colour and plants. The huge variety of dahlias especially impressive. Really friendly, helpful gardener too. Make sure you have a proper walk around as loads of different paths, especially at the bottom of the large (and beautiful) pond. Lots of unusual fungi to spot as well.House tour very interesting, again with a knowledgeable and friendly guide (Arthur). Apparently, the whole house can be rented by the week!Good value tea room.Plenty of parking space, but one field can get very muddy.Show less
Stephen B
Fabulous place, the gardens a riot of colour and plants. The huge variety of dahlias especially impressive. Really friendly, helpful gardener too. Make sure you have a proper walk around as loads of different paths, especially at the bottom of the large (and beautiful) pond. Lots of unusual fungi to spot as well.House tour very interesting, again with a knowledgeable and friendly guide (Arthur). Apparently, the whole house can be rented by the week!Good value tea room.Plenty of parking space, but one field can get very muddy.
erodwell
visited cadhay house really lovely house with a guide with some great tales to tell, wonderful gardens well worth a visit but only open Friday from 2pm till 5pm tea rooms for a hot drink, weddings and rooms for rental great place
Waygoose
Well worth a visiting. A knowledgeable guide gave an interesting talk covering the history, architecture and owners of the house. Small groups are taken through this gem of a Tudor manor house and can see how the house was changed and restored over its long history. Although not lived in by the present owner, the house feels lived in and is furnished as a family home. The gardens have received a lot of attention and add to the ambience of Cadhay.Open every Friday 2pm to 5pm. NW of Ottery St Mary, best approached from the Daisymount junction of the A30, take the B3174 east and turn into Cadhay Lane just before Ottery St Mary.Show less
Martin_Gorjup
Fascinating historic house, informed guide, beautiful location, nice tea room, very friendly atmosphere. Recommended.
Avante540
Our visit was all a bit rushed. The house, garden and tea room only open on one day a week and not until 2.00pm. Guided tours are somewhat inflexible to those who want tea before the tour. Listen out for the bell. It could be ten minutes earlier than you expect - possibly whilst you are still eating your tea!!! The house tours are a short term filler between the major income earner of wedding venue or holiday lets. The property is disappointing with huge gaps in the historical records and is a strange mix of Tudor and Georgian styling. The most interesting contents are those made by the owner. Gardens have two stew ponds suggesting an historic relationship with the towns collegiate church (where we actually saw an excellent flower festival and with top quality refreshments.) It was cheap though.
troffa
We stayed here with a group of friends just before Christmas 2013 and had just the most amazing time. The house is beautiful and the staff were most welcoming. We loved it so much that we're going again...
Landed Houses
Cadhay, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1QT Cadhay will feature on the main Landed Houses site shortly but here is a preview. By chance much of the house was built around the same time as Pekes (reviewed above) in 1550. As with all old houses extensions have been added on and the result is a charming rectangular house with a courtyard in the centre. Outdoor furniture is provided in the courtyard for use in warmer weather and inside the dining room happily caters for all up-to-22 guests. Cadhay's grounds are impressive and its gardens are open to the public on Friday afternoons when public tours are conducted around the house (the only one I have seen with 'brown road signs' on surrounding roads!). There are two full-time gardeners who were hard at work when I arrived planting beds for the summer months and maintaining the winter ones. Of all the houses seen to date Cadhay is the only one with such extensive gardens, which explains why it is so popular for weddings. Inside there is a multitude of sitting rooms and plenty of seating - the main sitting room also has a fireplace and wood is included. All of Cadhay's downstairs rooms are light and airy with original features such as wooden beams on view. There is a good balance struck between having old paintings and furniture and the avoiding too much clutter. Upstairs the bedrooms are well presented, comfortable and clean. Some of the beds are four-poster, some regular doubles and some twins. Much of the bedroom accommodation and bathrooms are closer to the luxury end of comfort and if you are willing to pay a small premium for the privilege of living like kings and queens in Cadhay then it is a good bet. I have no criticism for it; the kitchen has both an Aga and regular cooker and the rest of the house over-delivers rather than under-delivers. One of our best options for those with a larger group than 18 and those that value gardens and comfort. In case readers are interested there are three additional properties available for rent a hundred yards away, though owing to dining room capacity in Cadhay they are considered completely separate (the dining room chairs in Cadhay are enormous!).
Contact Cadhay
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4.9
(61 Reviews)
This house usually responds within 11 hours. We'll follow up for you if there's a delay.
Paul Snow (ShortNicholasNomenclature)
Super ambiance to this lovely house. Rooms are spacious and appropriately furnished. The careful addition of modern pieces of art and furniture is really well done. A fantastic place to stay. Can't write more as I've been called outside for croquet. Update: Can see that this is a super wedding venue. The new pieces of ... art that have updated the Nursery are really very fine. This is our third week-long stay here. Nuff said!
Cheryl Taysum
We managed to get the timing right this year for a visit, beautiful gardens and had a lovely, informative chat with the gardeners. We'll definitely return another time.