Watchet Hill Cottage (The Blackhouse)

The squat, dark stone structure perched on Watchet Hill looks like something from a folk tale - all blackened timber and weathered slate, exactly the sort of building that makes you wonder how many centuries it's actually survived. This is The Blackhouse, a rare surviving example of Devon vernacular architecture that's genuinely worth the pilgrimage if you're staying nearby, especially near Woodland Springs Touring Park just five miles away.

What you're looking at is a working snapshot of how ordinary people actually lived centuries ago - not the manor house interpretation you get at most heritage sites, but the real thing. The exterior's the main draw; the blackening comes from centuries of smoke and time rather than deliberate staining, which somehow makes it feel more honest than its name suggests. It's the sort of place where you stand outside for ten minutes absorbing the details - the proportions, the stone work, the way it sits into the landscape - then move on to the next thing. Don't expect interactive exhibits or a café.

History buffs will find it genuinely valuable; families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're already passionate about rural heritage. The location itself is pleasant enough, a proper walk from Exeter's bustle, so combine it with other countryside pursuits rather than treating it as a standalone destination. Worth a detour if you're exploring Devon's architectural back catalogue, but not worth rescheduling your holiday for.