Breathtaking interiors and remote seclusion at these cabins in mid Devon, part of an inspirational rewilding project (each sleeps 2)
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)
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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.
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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
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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 12 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
3.30pm / 10.30am
Parking is allocated 250m or less from the cabin. On site you’ll need to drive slowly and carefully to avoid disturbing the wildlife!
Unfortunately not. Since this is a rewilding project, pets are not allowed on site.
Yes, but limited phone signal.
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.
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.
Only a babe in arms. Otherwise, children under 12 years are not permitted on site for safety reasons.
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