North Devon Connections. From Bristol to Bucks Mills

I so enjoy watching "Great Canal Journeys" with Timothy West and Prunella Scales. This week, as they were bobbing on the floating harbour at Bristol, the historic Schooner Kathleen and May sailed by. Leaving their canal boat they enjoyed a trip on The Matthew of Bristol then made the crossing from Clevedon to Ilfracombe aboard the Waverley Paddle Steamer, both vessels are regular visitors to North Devon The Kathleen and May was purchased by Steve Clark, OBE in 1999. It was restored and berthed in Bideford until 2010. Tim and Pru finally made a nostalgic trip to Bucks Mills and Johns Cottage where Prunella spent her childhood during the war. They were welcomed back to Bucks Mills at St. Anne’s Church by Chris Braund and 90 year old Conrad William James. At one time, almost every resident was related to the Braunds. King Cottage was once the home of the "King of Bucks", Captain James Braund.

Beyond the gate John's, Bucks Mills,- Photo copyright Pat Adams

The Lime Kiln and the steep walk down to the  beach at Bucks Mills - Photo copyright Pat Adams

King Cottage at the top of the hill - Artists Judith Ackland and Mary Stella Edwards used the Cabin on the left as their studio - Photo copyright Pat Adams

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The Waverley is the world’s last sea going paddle steamer

The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of the 15th century caravel that John Cabot sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497.

The Kathleen and May Schooner was purchased and towed to Brunswick Wharf, East-the-Water, Bideford then restored by Steve Clark in 1999. As a result of his efforts in this restoration he was awarded the OBE in 2008. Since 2010 Kathleen & May has been berthed in Albert Dock beside Merseyside Maritime Museum.

Bucks Mills Breaks and "The Braunds"

Melinda's Cottage, is a delightful cottage in the quiet village of Bucks Mills within a conservation area on the edge of beautiful Bideford Bay. Rumour has it that the cottages were built from the timbers of Spanish galleons fleeing the Armada. The Braunds, who lived in every cottage in the village, were thought to be descended from the Spanish survivors. However it is believed that this cottage was built in about 1830. The last Braund to live here was Melinda with her husband, who worked as a chauffeur, and her seven children. The cottage was originally thatched and it is now listed. It retains many original features including the very old range which was made by Bodley in Bideford. Today the cottage is owned by the Stevens who have stayed in many self-catering cottages and have tried to provide everything for a super holiday. It is available for holidays and short breaks all year round and is a good base for exploring Bideford, Barnstaple, Clovelly, Westward-Ho! and is also close to Hartland Quay. An honest 5 minutes walk from the cottage, the path leads you passed the old lime kilns to a pebbly, sandy beach with lovely rock pools and safe swimming. The North Devon Coast Path crosses the village, leading to Clovelly in one direction and through the woods to Peppercombe in the other. Click here for more accommodation details and availability
 

MELINDA'S COTTAGE
Melinda's Cottage, 5, Forest Gardens, Bucks Mills, Nr. Bideford, North Devon, EX39 5DY
Tel: 01458 850349 Email: john.joanna@btinternet.com
Click here to visit Melinda's Cottage's Web Page

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Explore Bucks Mills with the North Devon Focus Picture

North Devon Focus on the Braund Society - "A Name to be Reckoned With"