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The Bark House

One of the most picturesque bed and breakfasts in the area, the Bark House was built in the 18th century, is a historic building relating to the tanning industry and was originally used for the storage of oak bark. The building has been added to and modernised over the years becoming a small hotel in the 1950's and latterly a bed and breakfast with a popular restaurant.

The Bark House is on the A396, just 25 minutes from junction 27 M5, and 6 miles south of Dulverton, which is a centre for Exmoor National Park, within easy reach of Exmoor, and North Devon. Nearby are the villages of Bampton and Dulverton, both have lovely walks, an ancient church and a good selection of shops. South Molton is about 10 miles away with the B3227 going past Oakfordbridge to South Molton and continuing on to Torrington.

Melanie and Martin have run the Bark House for several years, providing a warm welcome to everyone. We will assist with baggage and provide a welcoming pot of tea to our guests. There is ample off road parking and assisting with baggage is all part of the service.

The ground floor of the Bark House has a cosy lounge with an open fire on cooler days, and intimate restaurant. All the bedrooms have 'en suite' facilities, colour televisions, and tea making facilities, as well as a telephone (mobile telephone reception in the area is limited).

During July and August the Bark House offers cream teas, in other months a two course dinner is available as well as Sunday Lunch. As much of our produce as possible is bought locally and all dishes on the menus are home made.

For guests touring the are there is information on Exmoor walks (Winsford Hill, Anstey Moor, Cow Castle) , horse riding (at East Anstey), river fishing (Hart Fly Fishing at Exbridge who offers tuition). Wimbleball Lake is a centre for watersports operated by South West Lakes Trust and have a variety of courses in sailing and kayaking.

Nearby National Trust properties include, Knightshayes Court, Killerton (near Exeter), Arlington Court, Castle Drogo, and the small but beautiful Piles Mill.
Although Exmoor is on our doorstep Dartmoor and North Cornwall are an hour away, both areas making an excellent day.

Dartmoor has great walking where you can easily see Bronze age sites. In Cornwall the Eden project is well worth a visit and on the north coast a must is Morewenstow where Reverend Hawker is held in high regard, the writer of Trelawny, the Cornish National anthem.