A celebration of nature and respect for the planet in its many staggering guises is the theme running throughout our latest selection of unique new getaways.
Rural settings, unrivalled viewpoints and hand-crafted delights that blend seamlessly with their surroundings are what you will find here, with four Devonshire retreats yours to appreciate and enjoy, as well as a West Wales thatch retreat and a unique earth house in the Herefordshire countryside.
Lovingly created as the ideal romantic retreat for a stressed-out couple in need of a country remedy, The Nest Roundhouse (above and main picture) is positioned at the very top of a farm site with outstanding views across the green fields. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting to wake up with every day. This is the newest addition at The Yurt Retreat, set an organic farm, on the border that crosses Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Described as “the love child of a yurt and a luxury treehouse”, you’ll find plenty of creature comforts inside. Think ensuite with luxurious rainfall shower, fixed double bed, indulgently dressed in Egyptian cotton and soft blankets and of course the delightful outdoor freestanding bathtub allowing you to take in the nature of the area whilst you soak.
Fisherton Farm’s Vintage Vardos
If you’re aching to unplug your laptop and leave your phone at home for a change, an off-grid glamping break at Fisherton Farm’s Vintage Vardos is just the excuse you’ve been looking for. Featured on the popular Channel 4 show George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, you’ll know you’re in for a special stay from the moment you arrive on the 100-acre North Devon working farm and are shown to your traditional, intricately decorated bow-top wagon or ‘vardo‘. There are three lovingly restored options to choose from, plus a quirky 1960s tip-up trailer for groups of up to fourteen (hens are also welcome). You’ll find them all nestled in a privately secluded meadow, right next to a babbling stream and idyllic woodland – the perfect natural escape.
Owners of Wolf Wood Sam and Rachel care deeply about their local Devonshire environment, which is obvious from the outset. Teeming with wildlife, and full of natural delights that include a gently babbling stream (that flows into the River Wolf), winding footpaths and vibrant clusters of wildflowers, it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic spot to rest your heads than this. The same quality of care has been instilled into the luxurious, comfortably furnished houses, Black Wolf, Stargazer and (soon to come) The Lookout, that stand high above the treetops, crafted from a combination of sustainable, locally-sourced larch and Douglas fir.
Nestled right on the water’s edge amongst tropical coastal gardens, you’ll find a characterful selection of beach huts and suites at Cary Arms & Spa on the South Devon coast, complete with luxury spa and outstanding views. Cradle your morning coffee on your private terrace, as you take in all the dramatic beauty of the Jurassic coast…and that’s just for starters!
There’s plenty of traditional seaside charm imbued in your luxurious hut, some of which are also dog-friendly, and they faithfully reflect their gorgeous setting with lovingly selected furnishings, contemporary artwork and huge wall-to-wall glass doors (meaning you won’t miss out on a single moment of that fantastic scenery, whatever the weather).
There’s something particularly earthen looking about thatch, and this next retreat is no exception. A warm Welsh welcome awaits at Glan yr Afon; this beautifully restored thatched cottage is set by a babbling brook near the coast in West Wales, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped refreshingly back in time. Expect plenty of comfort inside your respectfully restored cottage, with original materials used throughout and the roof insulated with toasty sheep’s wool. Standout features, including the original quarry tiled floor and solid oak worktops, exposed roof beams, inglenook fireplace and oil burning stove, blend perfectly with your surroundings and more contemporary features include dimmable lights, roll-top bath tub and luxury beds.
The DugOut
The DugOut is a creative turf-roofed, handcrafted Herefordshire earthhouse set by the woodland, ideal for couples in need of a romantic break amongst nature. Nestled within the hill and featuring magnificent views both inside and out, this unique home not only overlooks its own private garden, but you’ll be greeted each day by vast, far-reaching scenery that takes in three green counties. If you’re a fan of the Channel 4 TV show Grand Designs, then there may be something very familiar about the setting, which was part of the longest-running Grand Designs ever…with presenter Kevin McCloud admitting that he didn’t think owners Ed and Rowena would “pull this off”, but of course they did, and now this incredible space is ours to appreciate – lucky us!
