Ash Woods Retreat

A sumptuous, family-sized shepherd's lodge with hot tub in a magical woodland setting, on a historic South Devon farm that's close to the coast.

Peacefully and privately nestled amongst five acres of ancient woodland, Ash Woods Retreat feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of life back home.

Part of a working dairy farm that's achingly close to the charming town of Dartmouth, and a mere pebble-skim from Blackpool Sands on the windswept South Devon coast, the wood-clad retreat offers a truly idyllic setting to reconnect with your loved ones.

(The farm boasts an interesting history, too. Owned by several successive generations of the same family, General Eisenhower himself once stayed in the mansion in Ash during the Second World War, and the farmhouse hosted the US soldiers).

Simply meander along the enchanting woodland track to access your lodge - perhaps meeting some of the friendly local wildlife on your way! -  then swing open the door to discover everything you'll need for a relaxing break.

Sleeping up to six guests, there's an enormous double-double bed, plus a large sofa bed to relax in, as you drift off to calming scenes from the huge circular window... which has remote-controlled blinds, just in case you need a rest from the twinkling starlight outside.

There's a bespoke fitted kitchen to help you rustle up rural feasts, equipped with a gas hob, an electric cooker, a Belfast sink, and a handy under-counter fridge-freezer.

Enjoy the fruits of your culinary labour at the sociable dining table, with plenty of room for everybody to break bread, and comfy chairs to help you while away conversation-fuelled mealtimes (not to mention long, occasionally heated board game sessions!)  

Meanwhile, if the evening starts to turn a little chilly, all you have to do is light the log-burning stove for a gorgeously warming glow.  Oh, and if you were thinking you'd have to compromise on entertainment, think again. There's a TV, DVD player, and a Bluetooth radio on hand for when you're all talked out.

There'll also be no midnight dashes across the woodland when you need the bathroom, with a shower room and fully flushing loo nicely housed inside the lodge.

With everything taken care of, you're blissfully free to spend indulgent brunches, lazy summer afternoons, and balmy evenings on the decked area just outside, furnished with a solid wood table and chairs, and that all-important barbecue.

(Perfect after a long day spent at the beach, or exploring the local area!)

In fact, if the mood should take you, why not pop open a bottle of bubbles, get the wood-fired hot tub going, and carry on chatting as the first stars appear in the sky. After your soak, why not stoke the firepit and toast a few tasty marshmallows?

Things to note

Check in from 3pm, check out by 10am. Regrettably, due to the lodge being part of a working dairy farm, pets are not permitted.  There is no Wi-Fi at the lodge, but there should be a good 3/4G mobile signal.