North Thorne Cottages and Glamping

• Sleeps: Varies
• Bedrooms: Varies
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 3-4 nights

Friendly owners (and seasoned campers) Sarah and Andrew spent two years searching for the perfect location to create their own glamping paradise… somewhere guests could savour idyllic rural views, whilst enjoying hotel-style facilities.

And as soon as they stumbled across North Thorne Farm, they knew they’d found it!

Their south facing, five-acre site is beautifully set amongst rolling countryside bordered by the wildlife-steeped Wistlandpound Reservoir, achingly close to both the sweeping North Devon coast, and Exmoor National Park.

Rich in star-sprinkled sky views, gentle nostalgia, and soothing luxury, there’s a wealth of quirky delights to be found here, from whimsical ‘watering can’ shower heads and a whisky barrel sink, to well-chosen vintage accessories that create a dreamlike stay in the countryside.

There are ten gorgeous glamping units to choose from, designed to suit couples and families alike. Each unit boasts its own private, individually styled shower and toilet room in a dedicated nearby barn, where you’ll also find generous kitchen facilities (so all you have to do is relax!)

Styled as canvas ‘hotel rooms’, the vintage-styled bell tents each feature a downy double bed and 2-4 singles. You’ll have plenty of outdoor space to dine and relax in, complete with a showstopping upcycled firepit!

You can also choose from two authentic gypsy wagons – Primrose, a cheery and romantic Bowtop for two, and Lavender, a larger Burton wagon sleeping up to four. Both wagons share a furnished al fresco dining area, which is ideal for larger groups booking together. (please note, the wagons are not currently available to book for 2022)

At a glance

• A friendly, family-run glamping site with eclectic vintage-styled accommodation secluded in a five-acre North Devon field that’s bordered by Wistlandpound Reservoir.
• Enjoy close proximity to some of the finest beaches on the North Devon coast (including Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton) and Exmoor National Park.
• Accommodation includes a selection of furnished bell tents (2-6 guests), two gypsy wagons (2-4 guests) and a horsebox (4 guests).
• Cottage-wise, the converted Calving Barn sleeps 4 guests in two bedrooms.
• There is a separate facilities barn with a kitchen area, and private toilet and shower facilities for each glamping unit.
• On-site facilities include a small onsite shop for essentials, a second barn for relaxing and socialising, and a tennis court. There is a farm shop within a 20-minute walk, or 3-minute drive.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly

More information

Meanwhile, the imaginatively styled Bluebell Horsebox secluded sleeps up to four guests and their well-behaved dog. Perfect for families in need of a little extra tranquillity, the space has been beautifully designed to help you make the most of the far-reaching views from Exmoor to Dartmoor.

But if you’d prefer a more solid retreat, the Calving Barn has been transformed into an elegant two-bedroomed cottage for four, surrounded by the original farm courtyard.

With Exmoor Zoo just a few fields away, you’ll awake not only to a soundtrack of joyous birdsong, but exotic echoes of the jungle!

There’s also a shimmering natural pond in the centre of the glamping field, from which you can observe the comings and goings of the local ducks and geese… and a tennis court, cleverly created from the farm’s old silage area.

With a warm and cosy second barn on hand for relaxing and socialising on rainy days, you could feel so calmed and cosseted at North Thorne, that you put those plans to explore the local area on hold… for today, at least!

Things to note

Minimum 3-night stay on weekends, 4 nights mid-week. One well-behaved dog can be accommodated in the horsebox. Please bring towels, tea towels, a torch, and matches/charcoal for the barbecue.