Chatan at Cove Valley

near Tiverton, Devon

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Breathtaking interiors and remote seclusion at these cabins in mid Devon, part of an inspirational rewilding project (each sleeps 2)

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Alfresco tub

Eco conscious

Parking

WiFi

Woodburner

Woman preparing a meal in the kitchen of Chatan, Devon

Woman outside the front door of Chatan, Devon

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Space & setting.

*Brand new*

We didn’t know how much we needed a wood-fired hot tub amongst the treetops until we sunk into one at Chatan, a tiny-house-on-stilts at Cove Valley — a 130-acre rewilding project in Devon. Shaped like a birdbox, the name itself means hawk in Lakota and you’ll find features inspired by Native American design throughout: traditional woven textiles, hand-painted scenes of Seneca canoes and carved reliefs in the furniture (plus Ralph Lauren ceramics and a tree-branch-turned-stair-rail).

In the bedroom hangs a print by Adam Bridgland & Benjamin Taylor Thompson that reads ‘I need this wilderness for my heart to beat’, underscoring how Cove Valley is designed to meet our innate need for nature, and the endless benefits it can have on our wellbeing. A long, star-lit soak in the Swedish wood-fired bathtub can help hit reset on the busiest of brains, whilst few can resist the deeply relaxing qualities of just being here, unplugged, in these beautiful surroundings. You’ll likely run into red deer, goshawks, owls and hedgehogs while you walk through the looping forest trails – and, blissfully, no one else.

Getting here: train to Tiverton Parkway then taxi (20 mins)

“We purchased our farm 7 years ago, and for the past 5 we have been rewilding the land. This means allowing nature the time and space to heal and become what it needs to be to thrive. As a family, we are very passionate about nature restoration and about reconnecting people with nature. We understand the importance of protecting and restoring natural systems for the planet, but also for our own health and wellbeing. We wanted to create a wilderness that allowed people to feel at peace, to disconnect from their busy lives and surround themselves in nature.” Owners, Benjamin and Yolanda

They love
“Sitting outside with the fire crackling, listening to the sounds of nature: the dawn and evening chorus of birdsong, the sounds of red deer rutting in autumn.”

We love
The unique design, and early morning forest bathing.

You may not love
A 3-night minimum over weekends. Limited phone signal but good WiFi. Quite remote and you’ll need to walk to it from the car park (luggage will be transported) so not suitable for those with limited mobility. Sorry, no kids or pets.

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"We were lucky enough to be one of the first guests here and were blown away. Benjamin and Yolanda have transformed the land into a re-wilding project and the results so far are breathtaking. On our first morning’s walk through the woodland valley and wildflower meadow, along the stream, we spotted a roe deer and calf, the magnificent long-horn bull (truly a sight to behold!) and his equally impressive ladies, herds of wild red deer, beaver dams and a curious fox just meters away. The cabin is beautifully designed with everything you could need - a steaming hot shower, vast sprawling sofa, insanely comfy bed and little curiosities and antiques throughout. Within seconds of arriving we had fired up the BBQ, lit the hot tub and happily sipped on wine looking out over valley views. We departed having had some much needed decompression, surrounded by the best of nature (left alone to do her thing), and are already working out dates to return and try out the two additional cabins. Thank you to Ben and Yolanda for creating a complete idyll!"
Bella & Rory, 2023
“This cabin is a real treat for the senses. The forest is all around, immersing you into a wilderness that allows you to switch off from daily life. The cabin is incredibly comfortable and stylish, with colours that reflect the vibrant hues of the foliage and the sky. We felt so peaceful and relaxed sitting on the decking enjoying the rhythmic sounds of rustling leaves, chirping birds and the warmth of the sun on our faces. We spotted a variety of birds, deer, and rabbits as they passed through the forest. The outdoor tub is an excellent feature, allowing us to soak up the energy of the forest. We didn’t want to leave, and we are excited to return soon to try out one of the other cabins”.
Sam & Jo, 2023

Sustainability.

The whole project is a salute to sustainability and the owners rewilded the land here for 4 years before starting on their build. A lot of reclaimed materials were used for the cabins and there’s a nice amount of upcycled and antique furniture inside. They’ve installed a bore hole for water source, and the toiletries are Commune, an ethical brand who use no harsh chemicals and natural ingredients, which means they are very low impact on the land, as are the plant-based cleaning products.

Surrounds.

Exmoor National Park
Exeter Cathedral © Exeter Cathedral
Saunton Sands
Sidmouth
Lynmouth
Lynmouth
Valley of the Rocks

Really, the whole point of this place is to stay put. Walk, picnic, sit and gaze, sleep, stare at the stars.
But if you’re staying for a while and want to explore, a 20-minute drive will take you to Exmoor National Park, 267 square miles of windswept moors, ancient woodland and dramatic coastline. Look out for wild ponies on your moorland walks, then stop for cream tea at Tarr Farm Inn.
With the north and south Devon coasts an hour in each direction, you’re in the perfect spot to explore the county’s best beaches. Budding surfers will find gentle peeling waves and golden sand at Saunton, and we love Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast where rugged red cliffs rise up out of the sea, hugged by sweeping stone beaches.
A clutch of unique National Trust properties are close by – head to Knightshayes to see the grand Gothic Revival architecture of William Burge (8 mins); Killerton House for woodland walks and fashion exhibitions (35 mins) or Watersmeet, a 19thC fishing and hunting lodge with riverside gardens (1 hour 15).
Visit Exeter City for a cultured day out (and great retail therapy). Meander through the medieval underground passages or marvel at the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, and check out the exhibitions at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM; 40 mins).
Down a steep wooded valley an hour away lie the little seaside villages of Lynton & Lynmouth. Best seen from the famous Cliff Railway, a 19thC water-powered railway that takes you 500ft up to views of the pretty harbour and wide bay below.
Just along the coast from there, the Valley of Rocks is an otherworldly landscape of craggy cliffs that tumble down to secluded coves; fearless goats teeter on the edge of impossibly steep rock faces. A slow drive along the valley floor is enough to take in its strange beauty, but the more adventurous walkers will be rewarded with sweeping seascape views from the top.

Specifics.

Standalone 2-storey cabin on a 130-acre rewilding project
Kingsize bed
Bathroom with shower, Commune toiletries and bathrobes
Small but well-equipped kitchen with fridge, freezer, oven and hob; basics provided
Open-plan kitchen/living area with sofa, woodburner and books
Decking with woodfired hot tub
Covered front porch with seating
Yoga mats provided
Firepit
The manager is available by phone should you need anything
Drive 7 minutes to the nearest town for shops, pubs and restaurants
Sorry, no kids or pets
Booking conditions: 2-night minimum stay mid-week; 3 nights on weekends. Check ins and outs Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. £1 will be charged to your card by the owner ahead of your stay, allowing a breakages or damages fee of up to £500 to be charged, after your departure, this will be non-refundable.
Remember to pack: walking boots, outdoor gear, binoculars and beach towels

Book your stay.

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Booking & cancellation policy

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 12 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs

FAQs.

What is check in/ out time?

3.30pm / 10.30am

Is it possible to drive right to the cabins?

Parking is allocated 250m or less from the cabin. On site you’ll need to drive slowly and carefully to avoid disturbing the wildlife!

Can I bring a dog?

Unfortunately not. Since this is a rewilding project, pets are not allowed on site.

Do the cabins have electricity and WiFi?

Yes, but limited phone signal.

Can you get there by train?

Yes, Tiverton Parkway is the nearest train station, with regular trains from Bristol and London. The owners can recommend taxi companies for the short drive to the cabins.

Is there any sort of welcome hamper?

You’ll find welcome treats in each cabin with items such as fresh bread, butter, milk, eggs, and other essentials to help you start your stay.

Can I bring a child?

Only a babe in arms. Otherwise, children under 12 years are not permitted on site for safety reasons.

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