Bark House Hotel, Oakfordbridge

History

Originally this building was used for the storage of bark, in the Exe valley, used in the tanning industry throughout the local area and for export to Ireland. The building possibly had accommodation at one end with a storage area being the main part of the building. It is probable that there was a structure on this site for some time prior to the stone building which has been added to over the years.

The pantile roof was possibly brought to the area as ballast in Dutch boats during the 18th century when Tiverton was a major town in the district. It is unsure when the Bark House became a bed and breakfast but it was possibly in the 1940's. The Foxford Inn, which was near the bridge over the Exe was open in the early 1900's, then became the Oakford Hotel and closed during the first half of the 20th century leaving an opening for the Bark House to become accommodation.

Food & beverage

All dishes are home made. Meat, fish and vegetables are locally sourced. Melanie bakes bread and cakes as well as doing the desserts and starters. Martin cooks main courses and vegetables on the Aga, and also produces biscuits, ice creams and marmalade.

Full English breakfast is served 8:30am to 9:00am

Dinner is served 7:00pm to 7:30pm, three courses on Friday and Saturday, and two courses on Wednesday and Thursday and should be booked in advance. Dinner is not normally served on the other days of the week unless by prior arrangement.

Lunch is available by prior arrangement on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sunday is available for a traditional family lunch for bookings made three days prior and only for family groups of between 6 and 12 people. The Bark House is then closed to other guests and available as a private venue.

Please make requests in the Additional Information on the booking form.

Drinks can be served in the lounge, restaurant or garden. The wine list has a choice of some 20 wines from around the world including a local Exe Valley wine from Yealstone vineyard at a very good price.

Grounds & Gardens

The wisteria is a prize feature and weather permitting flowers during May, and possibly again in July to a limited degree. It covers most of the front of the Building, white at one end and mauve at the other. The cottage alongside the Bark House is covered in roses which flower continuously from June.

The garden is fairly natural with an abundance of flowers. There is a small lawn alongside the Bark House with a wildlife pond fed by a waterfall when it rains. Across the road, there is a small orchard where one can sit and enjoy the view across the meadow to the River Exe. Foxes are present, as are otters, both leave signs during the night. Birdlife this year includes lesser spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, barn owl, blackcap, chiffchaff, willow warbler, goosander, egret (although rarely this year), nuthatch, treecreeper, tawny owl, buzzard and many others.

Other facilities

Good local knowledge and advice on the area can be given with places to walk, ancient sites to visit, historic houses and gardens to see, plus a variety of activities.