Ukai at Cove Valley

2
-1

near Tiverton, Devon

An inspirational rewilding project cradling a stunning cabin for 2

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Alfresco tub

Eco conscious

Parking

WiFi

Woodburner

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)

Yolanda, owner of Hopi and Ukai Cabins

“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

My Kip favourites

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 nature-themed art.

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

Book your stay.

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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.

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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near Tiverton, Devon

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near Tiverton, Devon

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£245-£280/night