Meet Willow De La Roche, creator and owner of Wilderhus Glamping – a selection of creative eco-retreats with Scandi-style wood-fired hot tubs for stargazing, beautifully secluded on the edge of a traditional working South Devon farm.
What first inspired you to create our tiny house and then Wilderhus as a retreat?
What first inspired me was a desire to live more closely to nature and the seasons, in an independent way that was flexible and felt free. I lived in my tiny home for five years before I chose to share it with others. That came after I submitted an article for a book that became an international best seller (Tiny Homes on the Move: Wheels and Water by Lloyd Kahn). From this I saw considerable interest in the ‘tiny homes’ movement, and that people had an appetite to experience the lifestyle I created. That’s how WilderHus was born.
Have you always been in hospitality? If not, what else did / do you do?
I’m a part-time actor and artistic director. I’ve also been developing my wellness lifestyle consultancy. I’ve got a personal website that showcases my work at www.willowdelaroche.co.uk.
What’s the best thing about being the owner of Wilderhus Glamping?
The best thing about being the owner of Wilderhus Glamping is that people who come to stay often describe a new-found feeling of connection to nature, themselves, and their loved ones. I bridge the gap between luxury and ethics, and provide inspiration through doing good as often as I can.
Mostly, I show how possible it really is to live in perfect comfort without damaging the planet. I love working on the interiors best: spending time choosing textures, fabrics and colour schemes, as well as overall themes for my spaces (often native British birds). I also commission murals from my talented artist mother, Anthea De La Roche, which is a fun part of the job! I also love designing spaces from scratch and building new places to stay.
What’s your favourite feature of the retreat?
My favourite feature of the retreat (other than guilt-free and Impeccable ethics) is the feeling of connection to nature from the new green interiors of my shepherd’s hut and tree house. Both off-grid, they celebrate the Great Outdoors, with pure spring water, abundant wildlife and birds nesting in the bird-boxes we put up. I’m so proud to have been awarded a Gold certification from Green Tourism recently.
What do you love about the local area?
I love the abundance of wild swimming spots, and our proximity to both Dartmoor and the famous South Devon coastline… with all its magical coves and water.
I also love Ashburton – famous for food and antiques – and of course the market and transition town of Totnes (the alternative capital of the South West!) where guests can find the nearest train station.
Whats next for Wilderhus Glamping?
We are hoping to expand to our own property with a swimming lake and sauna. From there, we can implement even higher ethical standards through re-wilding and immersive natural activities.
If you couldn’t stay at your place, where would your ideal holiday be?
Probably somewhere really remote, on the Highlands or coast of Scotland perhaps, with big cosy fires and easy access to water.
Sum up Wilderhus Glamping in three words.
Authentic, bohemian and ethical.
If you were visiting, how would you spend a day at Wilderhus Glamping?
I’d go for lunch at one of our local eateries, such as Amelia‘s or Riverford Field Kitchen. I’d also like to have coffee at Rafiki’s or The Hairy Barista, chatting with friends. Then I’d simply drift blissfully and aimlessly through the shops and Totnes Market, enjoying people-watching and cultural immersion.
From there, I’d go to Ben’s Farm Shop and pick up some groceries for a meal cooked on our Morso Forno outdoor oven. I’d also take a walk and dip in the River Dart, then stoke the fire of the wood-burning hot tub for an after-dinner soak… from which I’d marvel at the (hopefully clear!) night sky full of stars.
Find out more about Wilderhus Glamping via their Host Unusual listing below!
