Praktyka
- Premier host
- Bideford, Devon, England
- See on map
- Sleeps: 2-4 guests per unit
- Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per unit
- Bathrooms: 1 per unit
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
“Praktyka” isn’t just the Polish word for “practice”, but the inspiration for a dreamlike sanctuary in North Devon.
Here you’ll find the time and encouragement you need to relax, reconnect with nature, and explore your long-lost creative spirit… whilst bedding down in magical, lovingly-crafted retreats.
Friendly owners Ania and Henry have worked hard on transforming their farm into a rural paradise. Now a small and perfectly-formed nature reserve, there are over 150 whispering trees, sweet-scented wildflower meadows, and ‘secret’ gardens with plenty of sumptuous space to stretch out and watch the world go by.
Ania and Henry also come with plenty of credentials that helped them shape Praktyka into such a blissful haven. Ania is a renowned artist, photographer, and jewellery designer, while Henry is a geographer and charity fundraiser.
So, where exactly will you be staying?
Artisan-crafted, and designed in collaboration with award-winning architects, Heartwood is a unique retreat that combines an exquisite sculpted pavilion shelter with a cosy geodesic dome.
Nestled under an ancient oak tree, and surrounded by breath-taking views to Exmoor, the dome is a large, welcoming living and sleeping space with a roaring fire. The pavilion, meanwhile, is home to a well-equipped kitchen, dining area, and a piping hot outdoor shower (trust us: you’ll never want to freshen up inside again!)
Keep readingAt a glance
- A dreamlike retreat with unique, self-contained accommodation and creative workshops, set within a peaceful farm and nature reserve in North Devon.
- Heartwood is an architect-designed, artisan-crafted pavilion and geodesic dome that sleeps 2-4 guests.
- The Barn is an imaginatively converted space that’s ideal for small families, sleeping up to 4 guests in 2 bedrooms.
- The Cabin is an intricate, architect-designed sanctuary for 1-2 guests, with a private garden, a hot al fresco shower, and a wood-fired bath.
- Book the entire site for larger groups and get exclusive use of the brand-new Black Barn as a kitchen and chillout space.
- There will be an on-site programme of art and wellbeing workshops, some run by resident artist-owner Ania, whose work has been featured in many prestigious publications.
- This is an ideal base from which to explore the abundant charms of North Devon, with an array beaches, activities, pubs and restaurants in easy reach.
Features
Large Groups
Seaside Breaks
Facilities
Heartwood (2-4 guests): architect-designed, artisan-crafted pavilion shelter with bespoke kitchen including an induction hob, large sink, mini fridge, storage, utensils, plates, pots, cutlery. Sheltered dining area, hot outdoor shower, firebowl and barbecue, large deck with hammock chair, private modern compost toilet. Large 7m geodesic dome with oak floorboards, kingsize bed, single bed on request, futon sofabed, panoramic windows and skylight, 8KW woodburner, electric radiator, library.
The Barn (4 guests): large well-equipped kitchen with oven, grill, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, toaster, kettle, all utensils, cutlery, plates, bowls. Living space with sofa, armchairs, Danish wood-burner, underfloor heating, well-stocked library with books and games. Kingsize bedroom with wardrobe, study or 2nd bedroom with double or twin beds. Bathroom with toiletries.
The Cabin (1-2 guests): Luxury kingsize bed, writing desk, Sonos Bluetooth speaker, Wi-Fi, small library and games, kitchen area with two-ring induction hob, fridge, kettle, toaster, cooking and dining equipment, underfloor heating, luxury kingsize bed, private garden, hot outdoor shower, wood-fired bath, firebowl and barbecue, luxury compost loo, towelling robes.
On site: artist-designed gardens, programme of art and wellbeing workshops, Black Barn kitchen and chillout space (whole-site hire only).
Local Activities
Arts and crafts, photography, yoga, meditation, beaches, watersports, swimming, historic sites, walking, cycling, nature-watching, gardens, galleries, shops, pubs, restaurants
Accommodation Options
Praktyka Dome
Family Friendly- Seaside Breaks
More information
Relax outside in the sun or shade, with a projecting canopy providing shelter whenever you need it. The secluded gardens are mesmerisingly beautiful; designed by Ania herself, with inspiration from the Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco’s work: ‘Thinking in Circles’.
Designed by the award-winning architect Niall Maxwell, The Cabin is an inspiring, simply-named retreat that reflects its ethos – an experiment in living simply. Ideal for lone travellers or a romantic couple, the wood-crafted sanctuary is secluded for idyllic relaxation, complete with a private garden, an al fresco shower, and a dreamy wood-fired bath.
Perfect for small family escapes, The Artist Barn has been stunningly refurbished into a homely haven, complete with underfloor heating, a well-stocked library, and a chic Danish woodburner. Furnished in mid-century style, there’s a spacious open-plan kitchen, and plenty of comfy seating that’s ideal for curling up in front of the fire with a glass of wine.
Travelling as a larger group? You can book the entire site all to yourselves, with exclusive use of the brand-new Black Barn – complete with lovingly home-made furniture and a large SMEG range cooker – as a communal kitchen and chillout space.
With focus on providing the time and space to inspire, create, and “practice” your chosen crafts, there will be an on-site programme of art and well-being workshops to choose from. Some are run by Ania, and others in collaboration with local artists and makers.
Learn how to paint, sketch, take amazing photographs, or make jewellery… or simply get lost in the idyllic here and now, with a relaxing yoga or meditation session.
There is also, of course, plenty of scope to explore the abundant charms of North Devon too, whether you prefer sandy beaches and sheltered coves, or bustling pubs and restaurants!
Things to note
Exclusive use of the Black Barn is conditional upon all other site accommodation being booked. Please bring towels, a torch, and waterproofs/footwear suitable for the outdoors. Pets are regrettably not permitted. Wi-Fi is available in the barn, and there is a strong mobile and 4G signal.
Where you'll be staying
Bideford, Devon
What the guests of Praktyka say
“A truly wonderful stay! The Dome tent is enormous and beautifully furnished…this is the bar all glamping should aspire to. Although still a spring chill in the air it was very cosy and and joy to hang out in the space. Their place is a work in progress but everything they have achieved so far has been done with a high degree of passion, an eye for design and with great though and care – its exciting to know what will come next?! We highly recommend. Thank you Ania and Henry, can’t wait to come again.”
“This is the perfect place for a quiet get-away. The property is beautifully furnished in a style that is both minimalistic and comfortable at the same time.”
“We absolutely loved staying at dreamy Thorne Farm with Ania and Henry at Praktyka. We all loved waking up to the sound of the birds, the kids had so much fun running around the garden and adjoining meadow. Early morning walks down to the stream at the bottom of the hill, fresh eggs from the local farm. Days spent taking the epic wild and rugged North Devon coast.”
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