Steeped in history dating back to the mid-1400s, The Old Mill at Sydenham Damerel was originally a Corn Mill, constructed by the Abbots of Tavistock who owned the entire lower part of the Tamar Valley. Located just half a mile from the River Tamar, the natural boundary between Devon and Cornwall, this tranquil setting spans just over an acre of forgotten valley. The landscape here has scarcely changed over the last millennium, ensuring unmatched peace, quiet, and beauty on the western edge of Dartmoor. Yet, we are a mere 10-minute drive from the historic West Devon county town of Tavistock. This vibrant town offers a wide array of shops, pubs, eateries, and the renowned Pannier Market for any essentials you may need. The Leat, a sympathetic stone-built extension to The Old Mill, was constructed over what used to be the mill leat. This channel once fed water to the wheel and then flowed into the brook, which now meanders at the bottom of our garden. The encompassing valley is a pristine sanctuary for wildlife. Regular inhabitants include weasels, deer, birds of prey, butterflies, slowworms, water voles, and pipistrelle bats, plus a multitude of songbirds. The only sounds that punctuate the silence are the local lambs and calves in the fields, and the dawn chorus every morning. It's a genuine haven of tranquility.

The Old Mill serves as our residence, and while The Leat adjoins it, we've designed the spaces for our guests to ensure they provide plenty of privacy, separate from the main house and garden. Our organic homestead fruit and vegetable garden might pique your interest. Don't be surprised if you end up with a basket brimming with homegrown fruits, salad, or other seasonal produce! We are animal lovers and our Border Terriers, always up for a cuddle, are very friendly. However, our cats don't take well to dogs belonging to others, so we regretfully cannot accommodate guests with dogs. As a professional gay couple who left London in pursuit of a simpler life, we extend a warm welcome to couples from all backgrounds, races, and ages. We are proud supporters of the LGBT+ community. We kindly request that you treat our home with respect. In return, we will go above and beyond to ensure that your stay at this extraordinary place is both special and relaxing. While we reside on-site, our goal is to offer a comfortable 'home away from home' atmosphere. If you prefer solitude, we've ensured that you can enjoy your private spaces undisturbed. You might barely notice our presence, thanks to our commitment to respecting your privacy. Some previous guests have become dear friends, so we're open to creating whatever dynamic suits you. In terms of specific needs, such as assisting with laundry (for a small fee) or storing sports equipment, we're always ready to accommodate. Viv & Howard

In 2021, we transformed The Leat into a chic, self-contained annexe for the enjoyment of both our family and paying guests during select times of the year. Despite its modest nature, The Leat offers all imaginable comforts. This includes a fully-equipped, self-contained kitchenette, dedicated dining and seating areas, high-speed broadband, a 4K TV, and a luxurious king-size mattress adorned with crisp bed linen. The bathroom boasts a top-notch shower, high-end fixtures, and a heated shaving mirror. With its stylish, neutral decor, 10-foot ceilings, and plenty of natural light, The Leat exudes an airy ambiance. Guests have exclusive access to the sunken garden, an exotic gem alongside the mill-race, furnished with an outdoor dining area and a BBQ. Our private orchard, with its charming shepherd's hut featuring Moroccan seating and a wood burner, is also at your disposal. This space offers breathtaking views down the valley. At night, you can enjoy a celestial spectacle around the fire pit, as there's virtually no light pollution. Pristine cleanliness is our top priority, and our meticulous attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of The Leat. We take extra precautions to sanitize thoroughly between guests. As such, we appreciate your understanding on changeover days.