Old Pound Smithy

• Sleeps: 2 (+2) per unit
• Bedrooms: Open plan
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 1-2 nights

It’s hard to know where to start listing the benefits of a stay at Old Pound Smithy, since there are almost too many to mention.

But for starters, you’ll be nestled in soul-soothing North Devon countryside that’s just two miles from the captivating coastline, staying in luxurious accommodation that promises to lift life’s everyday cares from your shoulders.

The beloved home of artist blacksmith Bex Simon, and her husband Dave (both of whom you may have spotted on the popular BBC One show, Money for Nothing) the site comprises 14 magical acres of protected, flourishing nature.

Accredited as a North Devon Biosphere Business Partner, you can expect to be greeted by the most incredible natural scenes of young woodland, rare flora and fauna, and a nature lake where kingfishers can be spotted.

You can also unleash your creativity and learn a brand-new skill on one of Bex and Dave’s many blacksmithing courses. Held in a dedicated, authentic teaching space complete with restored 19th century bellows, you’ll have everything you could possibly need to create all manner of intriguing sculptures.

All that’s left to do is choose your dog-friendly accommodation, each sleeping two adults. The unique, enchanting Whittlers Yurt is gently secluded among the whispering willows, near a meandering stream.

Inside awaits a soft-glowing log-burner, eclectic furnishings and creative accessories crafted by Bex, with a downy bed positioned for sublime morning views. Why not indulge in a spot of morning yoga from your private al fresco platform, to help ease you fully into the day?

At a glance

• Unique, creatively-styled accommodation and creative blacksmithing courses on a 14-acre site in North Devon, just two miles from the coast.
• Whittlers Yurt boasts private kitchen and bathroom facilities, along with a dedicated deck for morning yoga and private hot tub.
• Drifter’s Village features four furnished bell tents, with generous communal facilities.
• Each retreat sleeps two adults. Two children can also be accommodated in each bell tent or in the yurt – just bring beds and bedding or hire these on site.
• The blacksmithing course schedule changes regularly, please see the owners’ website for details.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs

Accommodation Options

More information

You’ll also have plentiful kitchen facilities, housed in a wooden shed deftly constructed by Bex and Dave from old furniture, and a private shower room.

Prefer something a little more communal? Drifter’s Village is home to four beautiful 5-metre bell tents, each one bespoke-styled for curiosity and comfort, and named after a different blacksmithing tool.

(If you’d like to bring the kids along too, you can either bring beds and bedding for them, or hire fold-out beds direct from Bex and Dave).

You’ll have plenty of private space to stretch out and relax, including a raised sun-and-fairy-lit deck, and a private firepit to stargaze by. But if you’d like to chat with friends you haven’t met yet, The Hub is a wonderful communal space with cosy corners for chatting, and shared kitchens for cooking. There’s also a ready supply of board games, books, and vintage records to play.

After a indulging in a little creative blacksmithing, or simply exploring the local beaches and fantastic eateries, convening at the Hardy Hole – a 28ft tipi with an enormous communal firepit, is the perfect way to greet the emerging stars, toasting marshmallows and swapping laughter-filled stories all together.

Things to note

Check in from 4pm, check out by 10am. Bell Tents are available for summer bookings only. The site is dog-friendly, with up to two well-behaved dogs welcome in each retreat for an additional fee. Private parking is available for one car per retreat, but please note that there is a one-minute walk from the parking area to Drifter’s Village.