Three hideaways designed to recharge and inspire, amongst wild gardens and artist studios in N Devon (each sleeps 2-4)
The Praktyka Dome
See Specifics for more details.
The Praktyka Barn
See Specifics for more details.
The Praktyka Cabin
See Specifics for more details.
Space & setting.
If you’ve always daydreamed about going on a ‘creative residency’, but haven’t quite found the nerve, we’ve found just the spot to do it. Set back from the N Devon coast amid the rolling hills above Westward Ho, this secluded retreat has been designed to inspire individual journeys and outdoorsy family holidays.
There are 3 options for your stay, depending on how much stargazing you intend to do. If the answer is, as much as possible, choose the architectural mastery of the Dome; a geodesic sleeping space and striking red open-air pavilion housing a kitchen and dining area. Flooded with natural light and nestled into the landscape under an ancient oak tree, you’ll enjoy sweeping, panoramic views out to Exmoor, and a celestial display after sundown. For the ultimate creative escape, the brand new (2024) Cabin offers a simple minimalist structure with a bed, desk and WiFi, and a beautiful very private garden with a wood-fired bath to help you tune into nature. Or for a more traditional bolthole, there’s the beautifully converted Barn; the owner’s background in art, design and photography is evident at every turn in this one – from the mid-century furniture, choice of paint colours and a slick Danish wood-burner. Surrounding wild gardens cradle a firepit, hammock, hot outdoor shower, and there’s a fabulous library of fiction and non-fiction.
Whichever you choose, there’ll be everything you need to recharge and get inspired, including peace and privacy. Should you want to be more social and try new things, you can book an art or contemporary jewellery-making classes with artists in residence. Utterly unique.
For families, we’d recommend booking The Dome and The Barn together, accommodating up to 8 guests in total.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive
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Sustainability.
“Every decision we make is steered by our environmental values to tread as lightly as we can on the planet. We are rewilding the gardens with spectacular native species, establishing wildflower meadows and native woodlands. We use renewable energy from our ground source heat pump and electric energy provider Octopus. All toiletries and cleaning products are eco.”
Surrounds.
- After a hard day’s writing, spend some quality time in a good local pub – the Coach & Horses is just a 1.5km stroll away in the village. Cheers to that!
- Walking boots on, the hikers’ paradise of North Devon is yours for the taking. Head along the coastal path and cliff-tops towards Hartland, where you can stop at The Wreckers Retreat for lunch and incredible views.
- Westward Ho is ideal for surfers, whatever your skill level – if you need a refresher, take a lesson with Mark at Westward Waves.
- Visit the area’s secret beaches – Peppercombe is spectacular.
- If you’re looking for further artistic inspiration, seek out some of North Devon’s talent – from print maker Merlyn Chesterman to graffiti artist Mau Mau.
- Rent bikes and cycle along the traffic-free Tarka Trail.
- A trip to Devon wouldn’t be complete without excellent ice cream – Hocklings are the best in the area, keep an eye out for their yellow vans.
Specifics.
- Three acres of grounds; a retreat of artists’ studios and 3 accommodation units
- The Dome (sleeps 4): geodesic tent warmed by a woodburner with kingsize bed, double futon, single bed, shower bathroom, compost loo and eco toiletries. Adjacent open-air pavilion with kitchen (induction hob, fridge, kettle, toaster and BBQ) and dining table. Children over 2 welcome.
- The Barn (sleeps 4): cottage with kingsize bedroom, twin bedroom, shower bathroom and open-plan living space warmed by a woodburner (sofa, hammock chair, dining table, full kitchen). Garden with firepit, hammock and hot outdoor shower. Children of any age welcome.
- Book The Barn and The Dome together to comfortably accommodate a family of up to 8 people.
- The Cabin (sleeps 2): minimalist square room split by a diagonal curtain, with kingsize bed, underfloor heating, writing desk and kitchenette. Separate bathroom with hot outdoor shower and compost toilet. Private garden with firepit and wood-fired alfresco bath. Adults only
- Each unit has a library of fiction and non fiction, board games, a DVD player & DVDs, and art materials
- The Barn and Dome are child friendly, with kids’ toys and outdoor games
- The Cabin has WiFi but the other 2 units don’t
- Sorry, no pets allowed
- The owners live on-site
- Walk to a shop and pub (1.5 miles). The local farm shop do deliveries on a Friday
- Booking conditions: min 2/3 nights
- Remember to pack: outdoor shoes, a torch, beach things and a thermos for taking out and about with you
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
FAQs.
Yes – you can book the three units together and use the communal barn as a dining and chill out space for no extra cost. Please contact Kip for more information.
We are tucked away in the green lanes of Devon 15 mins drive to the coast. It’s only a 15 min walk to the village pub!
We have good phone reception and strong 4G signal.
The barn has strong wi-fi connections.
Yes we provide a detailed handbook for each space to guests along with local recommendations.
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