Directly across the Exe estuary from my flat in Topsham is a charming old lock-keeper’s cottage. Having lain empty for nearly fifty years, the cottage is now available to hire as a self-catering holiday property for most of the year, and in the summer holiday season, it is run as a cafe. This weekend, we decided to take a closer look.
The easiest way to get to the cottage from Topsham is to take the ferry across the Exe – the same one I wrote about in this post. However, instead of turning left at the other bank, as I did to walk to the Turf Locks, you turn right and the cottage is just a short distance ahead.
What charms await! The location can only be described as idyllic. A bramble-lined path leads to the cottage, which sits unassuming in its beautiful garden on the edge of the canal, a haven for wildlife and birds. It feels like being in a secluded private garden, and even though there were lots of other cafe users, nothing spoiled the sense of peace and beauty that pervades the place.
The treats do not stop there. Inside, a wonderful array of homemade cakes and drinks are on offer. We chose pecan flapjack and ginger parkin to have with coffee, a real treat after our 30 days of abstinence from all such pleasures.
The best treat, however, was to be served by the two most gorgeous flame-haired sisters, Catherine and Helen, looking resplendent in their matching blue aprons over lovely vintage dresses.
(I had in my head that this photo reminded me of the painting of Gabrielle d’Estrées and One of Her Sisters in the Louvre, but having checked, it’s nothing like it at all, apart from being of two sisters!).
What more could one ask for to perfectly end a weekend stroll in the beautiful Devon countryside. I think I will have to go back to sample more of those cakes – the Spiced Apple Cake on the counter for sure!
Check out the of the Topsham Lock Cottage for more details about both the cafe and the cottage as holiday let.
How stunning! Must come for a visit – although you’d have to keep me off the canal!
You’d love it Liz – please come soon 😉 x
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on August 5, 2013 at 9:47 am
What a lovely looking cute cafe!
Mmmm tea and home made cake…
If you’re ever in Devon Zoe …
You’d love it and it’s not accessible by road, only walking or by bike, so you could cycle there x
This place looks right up my street and I adore the two sisters in their lovely frocks!!
They are gorgeous, aren’t they. You should come on holiday here Kat!
What a gem! Isn’t it great to find such a wonderful place. Found you through the ‘Love All Blogs’ Blog Love Day!
Thank you! I didn’t know about ‘Love All Blogs’ Blog Love Day! so someone must very kindly have nominated my post – that’s very sweet of them 🙂
Aww I love little places like that.
yes, very sweet – we went back last weekend for more cake, lemon ricotta cake for me this time, yum!
Oh how lovely! You can’t beat a good Devon tea and that cake looks delicious. I’m another visitor from the Love All Blogs day too, and your blog is gorgeous!
Awh thanks! thanks for visiting from Love All Blogs, a real treat x
What a lovely looking place – and I too love those matching aprons! Ahhh I do love Summertime and getting out and about 🙂
I think the matching aprons were the icing on the cake so to speak! Thanks for popping by x