This is glamping with a whole new level of glamour. Tucked away in fields on a National Trust estate in the lush Tamar Valley (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the edge of Dartmoor) are 2 utterly romantic shepherds hut hideaways. Set far apart from one another, each double oak-clad cabin is completely private, with spectacular views from their high-up vantage point down to historic Buckland Abbey.
Inside, beautiful hand-crafted interiors create a real sanctuary of cosiness and elegance; owners Bertie and Bryony have seriously raised the bar on rural stays. Each hideaway has a roll-top bath, a high-end kitchen and a totally unique curved glass skylight for gazing at the starry night sky from the comfort of your kingsize bed. Linens are top quality, toiletries are by Ren and there's a log-burner and sheepskin rugs to keep things snug. Every last detail has been thought of. Your adventure begins as you and your luggage are transferred from your car to your hideaway by an army-style Supacat, then you're left to enjoy complete isolation, peace and the feeling of being cocooned in your own world. Explore the estate or walk on Dartmoor by day, and as the sun goes down, pour yourself a homemade sloe gin, light the firepit, and enjoy the sound of... nothing at all, apart from the occasional passing owl.
Highs
- Spoiling luxury while still feeling utterly immersed in nature
- Sitting outside by the firepit for hours, gazing at the view by day and up at the stars by night; wildly romantic
- Breakfast ingredients and home-cooked meals from an honesty shop (Moroccan spiced lamb; slow-cooked cider pork; rich chocolate torte), along with local deli spoils and hand-picked wines
- Complimentary tickets for Buckland Abbey, as well as free rein of the National Trust estate and formal gardens (amazing in the evenings when everyone has gone home)
- Total peace and no WiFi - we relished the opportunity for a digital detox
Lows
- If you come and go from the estate, you'll have to walk 10 minutes from your car across fields to your hideaway (a torch is provided for when it's dark)
- The glass ceiling above the bed isn't brilliant for light-sensitive sleepers, but eye masks are provided
- No WiFi or mains electricity (so no hairdryers or TVs), but there are USB charging points and decent 3G/4G signals
- No kids or dogs allowed
- A strict payment and cancellation policy
Best time to go
Spring, summer and autumn offer the best chance of sunshine, but the hideaways are idyllic whatever the weather, and wood-burners keep things cosy in winter. Dartmoor’s wild beauty is resplendent at any time of year. Be aware that Devon can be very wet so packing wellies and wet-weather gear is a good idea, whenever you come. The hideaways are closed early Jan-early March annually.
Our top tips
- Boutique Shepherds Huts
- 2 one-bedroom units
- Self-catering; meals available; on-site honesty shop
- Adults only
- Closed: rarely
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
There are 2 gorgeous hideaways, Aurora and Halcyon. Each is made from 2 conjoined shepherds huts, providing a surprising sense of space inside, yet they still feel romantically cosy. They are completely separate from one another, both set in their own wooded copse overlooking green fields, forests and the magnificent Abbey nestled in the valley below.
Open-plan, half of the living space contains a kingsize bed with luxury linens under the curved glass skylight, a stunning roll-top bath with an overhead shower and Ren toiletries, and a wood-burning stove for chilly days. The other half houses a dining area, a separate WC and a beautiful galley kitchen fitted with a gas hob, oven, farmhouse sink and fridge. Every element is bespoke in design, and the level of detail and care is extraordinary. You feel enveloped in luxury yet constantly in-touch with the stunning natural surroundings. Windows are at exactly the right height for enjoying the view from the bath or bed, and glass runs floor-to-ceiling at the point where the cabins join together. Note, there are no wardrobes so pack lightly, though you'll find hooks and under-the-bed storage.
Aurora stands at the top of the hill with panoramic views and a deck which basks gloriously in afternoon and evening sun. Halcyon is more tucked away in its woodland grove, and feels completely and utterly private. Both have big outdoor terraces with firepits and furniture.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
Eating
The bijou kitchens are very well equipped for self-catering, with all the cooking kit and basic ingredients in place, but there's no need to lug all your groceries here: you can shop at The Larder, 10 minutes' walk away at the Cider House B&B (also run by Bertie and Bryony). Help yourself to local produce, deli spoils, ice cream, wines and beers, and then pay on departure. There's also a range of home-cooked dishes, which you can heat up in your hideaway. We loved the beef bourguignon with Thai rice and seasonal greens, followed by a delicious ginger treacle tart served, as per Bryony's instructions, with lashings of double cream. For breakfasts, there are freshly baked pastries, homemade granola, even a DIY Full English.
There's no actual need to leave the estate during your stay, but Bryony and Bertie can recommend restaurants and book taxis if you want a change of scene. For spoiling occasions try the Michelin-starred Treby Arms (a stunning countryside pub). Closer by, The Cornish Arms in Tavistock has just been voted Devon gastro pub of the year (a 20-minute drive), or you can walk to the Who’d Have Thought It? in Milton Coombe (3km). Bertie can also arrange for a chef to come and cook for you at your hideaway.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Fridge
- Hob or stove
- Kitchenette
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Meals on request
Activities
- Just sit on your private terrace and revel in the peace and views. In the evenings, light your firepit and stargaze; the pollution-free night skies are incredible
- Soak up the magic of Buckland Abbey, home to Sir Francis Drake in the 16th century. Don't miss the ancient chapel, high altar and newly discovered Rembrandt
- Stroll around the National Trust estate: formal gardens, green pastures, and a walled kitchen garden which overflows with produce
- Woodland trails are a dream for nature lovers - keep an eye out for deer, owls, badgers and, down by the river, kingfishers, otters and beavers
- The enchanting wilderness of Dartmoor is a quick drive away. Bring your walking boots or bikes and explore; there are various spots for wild swimming, too
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Well being
Kids
StarBed Hideaways is an adults-only escape.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
StarBed Hideaways is part of the Buckland Abbey estate, near Yelverton in Devon. It's run by the same people who own the Cider House B&B, which is where you'll initially park up, before you're transferred to your hideaway by Supacat! It's approximately 7 miles south of Tavistock and 10 miles north of Plymouth, in the southwest of England.
By Air:
Fly into Exeter airport (85km); click on the links below for a list of airlines.
By Car:
If you want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations. There is parking at the Cider House.
By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel by train, head to Plymouth (around 4 hours from London Paddington), then take a taxi to Cider House.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- Exeter 85.0 km EXE
Other:
- Beach 38.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape