Set amidst rolling countryside in the quaint village of Winkleigh, resting by a beautiful fishing lake, is this charming, single-storey lodge, Pippin Lodge. Within easy reach of amenities for your self-catering desires and settled adjacent to an orchard, lined with apple trees, this idyllic dwelling is the perfect hideaway for a family or group of six friends. Be greeted by two off-road parking spaces, where you can unload your luggage inside with ease and breathe in the country air and notice how the lodge is excluded from the others, offering a private oasis. Entering the property, you will discover a handy utility room, with washing facilities to keep your holiday attire fresh. Stepping through the lodge, find the open-plan living space, bathed in natural light from the French doors and boasting a sumptuous corner sofa, a large TV on the wall and picturesque views of the lake. Prepare heart-warming meals in the contemporary kitchen, well-equipped with all the necessities, where you can make use of the electric oven and gas hob; there is also a dishwasher to assist with the cleaning up. When dinner is served, gather around the dining table to tuck-into a feast and catch-up on the adventures of the day out in nature. Carry the conversation outdoors where you can savour a glass of wine on the decking and admire the peaceful lake, encompassed by greenery. As the sky grows dark, retreat inside and find the family bathroom to indulge in a leisurely soak in the bath before resting your head. There are three charming bedrooms to choose from, including a king-size with an en-suite shower room and two twin bedrooms with zip/link, all offering great storage to house your belongings. In the morning, relish the tranquil setting with a cup of tea besides the lake as you ponder the adventures of the day ahead. A short stroll will lead you to two traditional pubs, which offer home-cooked meals and scrumpy from the Winkleigh Cider Company or hop in the car and explore the pretty Halsdon Nature Reserve, with a trickling stream and a variety of trails. Visit the traditional market town of Okehampton, renowned for its excellent walks, here you can tour the ruins of the 11th-century Okehampton Castle, uncover the history of Dartmoor at the Museum of Dartmoor Life and enjoy the agricultural school at Okehampton Show ground. Venture to the ancient city of Exeter, where you can admire stunning architecture at Exeter Historic Guildhall, stroll along Roman walls at Northernhay Gardens or view the ruins of the Medieval Exe Bridge. For a splendid escape to the glorious countryside of Devon, choose Pippin Lodge.

Winkleigh is a small rural community in the midst of Devon's rolling countryside with a shop, post office, butcher, and cafe, as well as two pubs, one of which serves food and the Winkleigh Cider Company's traditional ciders and scrumpy. Twice a week, a van serving wonderful fish and chips visits the area. The area is defined by winding alleys, tall hedgerows, and a slower pace of life. Nature enthusiasts and walkers will enjoy Dartmoor's open tors, while Exmoor's hills and surfing beaches can all be accessed in under 40 minutes by car. Historic Torrington, home to RHS Rosemoor and an arts complex, is only 13 miles away, while Exeter, with its Roman city walls, shopping centre, theatre, and restaurants, is a terrific day out.

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