An inspirational rewilding project cradling a stunning cabin for 2
Space & setting.
With Native American-inspired interiors and this lush green location, you could be in the Catskills, but this wood-cladded cabin is actually part of Cove Valley: an incredible rewilding project in Devon’s Exmoor National Park. Within moments of arriving, you can kick off your shoes, light the log burner, pile on the blankets and feel yourself sync up with the natural surroundings, glass of wine in-hand. As well as an antique backgammon table that doubles as a dining space, there are nature-inspired novels, travel tales and foraging guides to flick through, plus an enormous wood-fired hot tub tucked away for a private, peaceful soak (listen closely and you’ll hear the soothing sound of a nearby stream as you bathe).
Though just 15 minutes from Tiverton train station, you’re utterly immersed in nature, with sweeping views over woodland and wildflower meadows, all alive with the flurry of butterflies and birdsong. The rewilded forests are looped with walking trails — wander past shy deer and darting hares — and if you’re really lucky you might spy native beavers building their dams. Utterly inspiring.
Getting here: drive, or 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 cabin, part of a 130-acre rewilding proje
- 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 chairs and a separate platform with wood-fired hot tub
- Yoga mats
- 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 each 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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