Croft Cabin

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Blackdown Hills, Devon

Gorgeous eco-cabin in the green heart of Devon, close to the coast and national parks. Ideal for families; sleeps up to 5

2 Bedrooms

1 Bathroom

Child friendly

Dog friendly

Eco conscious

Parking

Private garden

WiFi

Woodburner

Space & setting.

*Brand new*
Inspired by living in Australia and its vast landscape, the owners of this eco cabin sought to find a home in England that gave them the same sense of freedom and immersion in the natural world. As they first drove down the track here in deepest Devon, they were immediately captivated by the magical, unspoilt Bolham Valley unfolding in front of them. They hand-built this cabin, cradled in 14.5 private acres, to live in with their young family whilst they embarked upon the restoration of a 16thC Devon longhouse.

Intentionally simple and pared-back, Croft Cabin’s bare wood walls and picture windows draw your gaze outside to the meadow of wild mixed grasses. Cut footpaths lead to an orchard and down to the meandering River Bolham for paddling, picnics and fishing. Kids can run free here, discovering a rope swing, trampoline and football goal; adults can relax on the big south-facing deck, soaking up the peace and big views whatever the weather. There’s a firepit too, and with very little light pollution the sky is huge and brimming with stars. The wider valley is excellent for walking and cycling, or hop in the car to zip to North or South Devon beaches plus Exmoor, Quantocks and Dartmoor for walks, wild swims and epic views. This cabin is in plum position to explore them all, should you want to. But if you’re just after seclusion, peace and your kids running free amongst nature, you’ll have everything you need, right here.

Getting here: you’ll need to drive.

“We moved to Devon after 3 years in Australia where we were blown away by the  raw nature of the country. It was our dream to live in an English small-holding that gave us a similar feeling of freedom with the natural world all around us. The land here is steeped with artistic history: our 16thC house and the surrounding land has been painted repeatedly by the Camden Town Artists, most notably Robert Bevan. We recently unearthed the old names of the fields around us, and the field the cabin is in was called The Croft Field 400 years ago, so we’ve named the cabin in its honour.” Owners, Charlotte & Humphrey   

My Kip favourites

They love
Early morning walks through the fields to steal a peaceful moment by the burbling River Bolham.

We love
The carefully chosen brocante pieces, plucked from French markets over many years.

You may not love
Remote (you’ll need a car) and a very bumpy access track. The bathroom is simple and functional rather than pretty. No TV, but WiFi is strong enough to stream. Intentionally no curtains to embrace the immersion into nature (luckily the kids’ room is quite dark). The owners live next door though you’re completely private.

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  • "Absolutely brilliant. We managed to secure Croft Cabin for the August Bank Holiday. Charlotte and Humphrey were helpful, responsive, and we feel fortunate that they shared a little slice of their heaven with us. The cabin itself is comfortable, clean, spacious, warm has has almost all the amenities one can ask for. If you are looking for a comfortable break, away from the city and a place where you can bring your furry pals, this is the place!"

    Micky, August 2024
  • "Loved this place!! The serene environment allowed complete relaxation and unravelling from the usual demands of life. So thoughtfully arranged to create a calm and inviting place to stop and breathe, from the beautiful surroundings to the small touches - books, fresh bread and local produce on arrival as well and the most luxurious bath towels! To top all of that - the view of the stars from our ridiculously comfortable bed was breath taking and waking to the morning dew across rolling hills - there's no better way to wake up to a new day and our pooch Louis even made a new friend! The lovely owners were always on hand with small touches too - extra firewood, info on local amenities. The perfect spot for visiting all it has to offer. Thank you for providing such a perfect retreat— we can't wait to return!"

    Jill, August 2024

Sustainability.

Bespoke hand built cabin in its own field, in 14.5 acres of naturally farmed pasture (no spraying). Timber frame, larch cladding. Refill toiletries. Water supplied by private bore hole. Re-wilding grass and rush area; restoring the land with biodiversity in mind.

Surrounds.

  • Branscombe Beach by Arthur Hinton via Unsplash
    Branscombe by Arthur Hinton via Unsplash
  • Budleigh Salterton by Sarah Doffman via Unsplash
    Budleigh Salterton by Sarah Doffman via Unsplash
  • Surfing on Croyde Beach by Max Randall via Unsplash
    Surfing on Croyde Beach by Max Randall via Unsplash
  • Knightshayes © National Trust
    Knightshayes © National Trust
  • Exmoor by Sam Vernon via Unsplash
    Exmoor by Sam Vernon via Unsplash
  • There are incredible cycling, running and walking routes across the Blackdown Hills (AONB); head up to Culmstock Beacon for a circular walk (making a pit stop at Strand Stores for lunch), or down to Culmstock River to paddle at the bridge, followed by a drink at The Culm Valley Inn (20 mins).
  • Wellington and Honiton are sweet, local towns where you can get picnic lunch supplies; head over in the morning to have breakfast first at Brazier Coffee Roasters (20 mins).
  • We love the shingle shore at dog-friendly Branscombe Beach (35 mins’ away) for swimming and paddleboarding. Stop off at The Folly at The Pig for an easy pizza dinner on the way home.
  • Cycle along the Grand Western Canal through stunning countryside.
  • Go surfing on the North Devon coast or head to the south coast for strolls along pebble beaches with an ice cream in-hand — Budleigh Salterton is beautiful (40 mins).
  • Visit Knightshayes (National Trust); a stately 19thC Gothic house with vast parklands and post-war gardens to roam. Have lunch or dinner en route at the fabulous Lost Kitchen in Tiverton.
  • Spot wild ponies in Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks — both are great for long walks and and country pubs.

Specifics.

  • Standalone cabin on the owner’s 14.5 acres of land
  • Open-plan kitchen/living area warmed by a woodburner
  • 2 bedrooms: 1 double + 1 double with a single overhead
  • Bathroom with electric shower over bath; toiletries provided
  • Fully equipped kitchen including fridge, electric cooker and microwave; basic supplies
  • Highchair to borrow, please BYO baby cot
  • WiFi but no TV
  • South-facing deck with table, chairs
  • Private meadow with firepit, gas BBQ, trampoline, swing and football goal
  • 1 dog welcome (see FAQs)
  • The owners live next door and are available by phone
  • Drive to local shop (5 mins), pubs (10 mins) and supermarket (20 mins)
    • Palmers Farm Milk Stand for fresh milk and milkshakes (5 mins)
    • Strand Stores in Culmstock sells local produce, homemade cakes and cooked breakfast & lunch; Friday evening food van
  • Hire bikes nearby in Tiverton (Abbotshood Cycle Hire)
  • Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay
  • Remember to pack: beach towels, walking boots, a torch — there are few outdoor lights to help with star watching and to benefit the local nature (e.g. bats). It’s a good idea to bring lots of provisions too as the nearest shops are 20 mins’ drive

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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.
See our full booking Terms and Conditions.

 

FAQs.

Yes, on small or medium well-behaved dog is welcome. A £15 fee/stay applies; no dogs on the sofa or beds please; must be kept on a lead outside  as there are grazing cattle and sheep nearby.

In: 3.30pm / out: 11am

Yes, you can park 150m from the cabin

Yes – it’s good; Starlink. Good phone reception, too.

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