About this property
Get back to nature in a slice of rural heaven with a break at this unique destination that’s just perfect for a solo adventure or romantic retreat for two. Cleave Retreat, comprising a "living hut" and adjacent little brother "shower hut" sits at the top of a valley and feel incredibly private, with stunning views towards a rolling, wooded hillside. You’re surrounded by nature, and if you sit still long enough you may spot foxes and deer, and hear owls and other birds, yet you’re just a mile from the nearest pub that serves award-winning food and drink. Wander for miles among beautiful woodland or through Exmoor National Park, the edge of which is just 5 miles away. For an interesting day trip, the National Trust’s Arlington Court is just 3 miles away, while the market town of Barnstaple is 8 miles away. Beach days are easy too, with Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands all reachable within 13 miles.
This superb getaway is a pair of adjacent shepherds’ huts – one for living, one for bathing – which have been hand-crafted to a traditional design by the owner, with a barrel-shaped roof and corrugated-metal cladding. After wheeling your belongings across a couple of small fields, you’ll reach the gate to your private meadow and the level, gravelled outside area where the huts are located. Head up five wooden steps to the stable door and enter the ‘living’ hut, an open-plan space with a cosy wood burner and a cabin-style double bed at the far end. An award-winning hybrid mattress and Egyptian-cotton bedlinens will help you slip off to the land of nod, and in terms of practicalities, you’ll have under-bed storage, reading lights and thick curtains at the window (though you may want to keep them open and simply take in the gorgeous view). Also in this hut, there’s a kitchenette that’s equipped with everything you’ll need to put together simple meals, and a fold-up dining table with two chairs. So many thoughtful touches have been included, such as a radio, books and board games, so you can switch off from technology and enjoy your time together. Don’t worry, though – there are plug sockets for charging phones and other devices. The bathing hut is separate but just a few steps away, and fluffy robes are provided for your comfort. There’s a walk-in, hot-and-cold shower and a flushing WC, as well as a vintage-style copper basin.
The huts sit in a private meadow and has a gravelled outside space with a picnic bench and two armchairs. Linger here with a coffee as you watch the sun come up, grill something delicious on the charcoal BBQ or pour a sundowner and enjoy watching the stars come out in the clear night sky. Light the fire pit for a little extra warmth and glow, and perhaps toast a marshmallow or two as you enjoy getting back to nature. Just below the hut is a Swedish-style, wood-fired hot tub (which can also be used as a cold plunge in hot weather) with incredible views over the valley. Perfect for soaking weary limbs after a day outdoors. You’ll have a parking space for one car in the shared farm car park, two small fields away from the huts.
Additional information and rules
. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog
- 1 double bedroom (cabin-style, in the open-plan ‘living’ hut)
- 1 bathroom (in a separate hut) with shower and WC
- Gas ring, microwave, small fridge
- Welcome pack, including a Devon cream tea
- Wood burner (first basket of logs supplied; further logs available with an honesty box payment)
- No Wi-Fi
- EE mobile phone signal only. The owner can provide a ready-to-use EE mobile for your stay if essential. Please enquire at the time of booking
- Sheep sometimes graze in the adjoining fields; please keep dogs on a lead until within your meadow
- Private meadow and a gravelled outside space with a picnic bench, 2 armchairs, charcoal BBQ and fire pit (BBQ coals and logs available via not-for-profit log store. Please do not bring your own or disposable bbqs)
- Parking for 1 car, two small fields away from the hut. A wheelbarrow is provided for luggage
- Private wood-fired hot tub/cold plunge (hooded robes and first lighting provided, further supplies via not-for-profit log store)
- Property has private water supply
- Pub 1 mile, shop 6 miles, beach 5 miles
- This property can be booked alongside another property that sleeps a further 2 guests. Please contact us for details
Nearby points of interest
- Woolacombe Beach