About
Melanie and her family have lived and farmed in and around the Blackdown Hills for generations, raising prize winning pedigree cattle and sheep. The acquisition of the neighbouring farm and modern Wayside farmhouse in 2010 enabled Melanie to realise an ambition and share this beautiful part of the Blackdown Hills by starting Blackdown Luxury Lettings.
For many years both Wayside and Millgrove House have catered for family holidays, stag and hen parties, corporate meetings, large groups and relaxing breaks, with many happy guests returning year after year. The facilities at both properties are of a very high standard - both 4 Star Awarded from Visit Britain with Wayside also achieving the GOLD standard as well - with indoor swimming pools, making Millgrove and Wayside the perfect family holiday accommodation.
Wayside and Millgrove House are the perfect base for walkers and cyclists set at the foot of the Quantock Hills, and in the heart of the Blackdown Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). This fabulous setting offers plenty to entertain all ages, with numerous events and days out available all year round.
The Westcountry's hidden gem
The Blackdown Hills form a tranquil, beautiful, and relatively isolated landscape on the Devon and Somerset border. Steep ridges, high plateau, valleys and springs create a charming mosaic of countryside dotted with farms, villages and ancient features.
This special place is home to wildlife and people, with valuable habitats existing alongside living, working communities. Unique geology creates an exceptional environment where rare plant, insect and invertebrate species can flourish.
About the Alford family
The Alford family is steeped in tradition and success, raising prize winning pedigree show cattle and sheep at their farm Foxhill in the heart of the Culm Valley in the Blackdown Hills. Melanie and Michael have been winning armfuls of trophies and rosettes yearly for their prize cattle and sheep since the early 80’s, their name is synonymous with fine breeding across the farming and show community.
Daughter Charlotte is following in her illustrious family’s footsteps making a name for herself as a young handler winning all five of the 2012 young handlers championships she competed in. Her accolades are equally as impressive showing ponies at Olympia, Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show.
As well as showing from a young age, Michael Alford has also been in the butchery trade ever since he was old enough. Michael and Melanie own Stillmans Butchers, a traditional family run butchers that has been in the family for nearly 100 years and is still going strong with three local shops across Devon and Somerset, and a local delivery service.
To find out more about Stillmans Butchers, or to place an order online for delivery straight to the door of Wayside House or Millgrove House, please go to www.stillmansbutchers.co.uk
To find out more about Foxhill Farm and show team please visit the website www.foxhilllivestock.com
The entire Alford family wish you a wonderful holiday with Blackdown Luxury Lettings – we hope you love this part of the world as much as we do!
We look forward to meeting you,
Melanie Alford
Call us today for more information: 01884 849127
Opening Hours
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 09:30 - 16:00
Tuesday and Thursday: 12:00 - 15:00
We are closed on Bank Holidays
