Two ever-so-sweet birdhouse cabins with a spectacular perch above a beach in South Hams (each sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
High in the trees above beautiful Start Bay, these 2 cabins feel like a secret passed among close friends. You wouldn’t even know they were there — tucked away in the woodland of a private estate — so it’s easy to feel blissfully disconnected when you stay, but a secret door at the end of the Victorian planter’s garden leads you straight onto stunning Blackpool Sands, with its cool beach cafe and nearby pubs.
It was the blue-flag beaches, quaint villages and glorious coastal walks of South Hams that drew the owners to this idyllic corner of South Devon; an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Determined to build something with no permanent footprint on the land, their labour has produced 2 of the most sustainable cabins we’ve ever seen — but with off-grid luxury down to the very last detail. Each has a sleeping pod and adjacent bathroom pod and there are no composting loos or cold showers here — a Cinderella incinerator toilet and spring-fed filtered water use the latest technology for maximum comfort and minimal impact. Add in a biofuel fireplace, recycled Atlantic blankets and Devon merino duvets and you’ll be cosy as can be, and whilst digital detoxes are encouraged there’s 4G if you really have to stay connected. You’re right on the coastal path, so heading off in either direction will bring you to the very best of the southwest, with beautiful coves all around for an impromptu dip. Return in time for sunset to toast the day’s end, when this scene is made all the more magical with a moonrise and sea of stars.
Getting here: best to drive
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Sustainability.
All the structures are made from sustainable wood including locally-sourced larch. We have no foundations; we use ground screws so if we took all structures away there would be no footprint of us having been there. We use eco-friendly products, solar power, off-grid loo (no 7 litres of water being flushed). Our bedding is sustainable linen and the duvets and pillows are made from Devon merino plus recycled Atlantic blankets. The fire places inside the birdhouse cabins are bio fuel. We have an electric motorbike to go to and from the site.
Surrounds.
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Blackpool Sands -
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- Start the day with a swim and sauna at Blackpool Sands. Conde Nast Traveller’s no 1 UK beach, it has clear waters and a soft shingle shore, plus a sauna cabin and great beach café for a post-swim breakfast. The bay is also perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking – all can be hired here.
- Walk to The Green Dragon village pub for Sunday roasts, fireside drinks and live music nights (15 mins).
- Head along the coastal path all the way to Dartmouth Castle. Have a peek around then jump on the little taxi boat which drops you right in Dartmouth harbour, for a waterside pint in the Dartmouth Arms. If you’re too tired for the walk back, there’s a bus home which drops you right by the secret garden door!
- Or if you’re up for a more challenging hike (that ends in a hearty meal), walk 2 hours in the opposite direction to Slapton, a small village with a dog-friendly beach and lots of country pubs. Bus or taxi home.
- Further afield, we love Dittisham, a pretty riverside village where you can sit with a drink on the banks of the River Dart and watch the boats go by.
- Spend an evening at The Pigs Nose, one of the quirkiest pubs in South Hams. The traditional 16thC pub hosts fantastic music nights featuring local up-and-coming bands and well-known artists. You’re sure to meet some characters there – it’s the kind of place you’ll come out with a story or two (30 mins’ drive).
- Go surfing at Bantham Beach (newbies can take lessons with Bantham Surfing Academy) or simply float up the river on a SUP and let the tide take you on a gentler ride (40 mins’ drive).
Specifics.
- 2 standalone cabins on a private estate
- Each has
- Double bed
- Adjacent private bathroom with shower and Cinderella incinerator toilet; eco-friendly toiletries provided
- Gas hob for tea and coffee making (milk, tea & coffee provided) and Yeti cooler
- Biofuel fireplace
- Private deck with sea views and bistro dining set
- USB charging
- Bose speaker, books and binoculars
- Hi-viz sash, beach bag and RED dry robes to borrow
- Shared kitchen cabin with gas hobs, Gozney gas pizza oven, kettle, coffee maker and wood stove; basics provided
- No WiFi (4G only)
- Children 8+ welcome (in the same cabin as 1 parent)
- Free parking onsite
- The owners are available by WhatsApp should you need anything
- Direct access to the beach
- Walk to local shop, beach cafe and pubs (5-10 mins)
- Hire electric bikes locally
- Sorry, no pets
- Booking conditions: closed Nov-March. A 2-night minimum stay
- Remember to pack: beach towels and slippers
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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.
Yes, you’re a 15-minute stroll from Stoke Fleming, which has The Green Dragon pub and a village shop.
It’s a dirt track, a little uneven but fine for cars. The cabins are set in a woodland on a hill with grass and dirt pathways so there’s a short walk from the carpark.
No, very fine shingle. It’s a beauty though!
In real life, they are staggered so feel much more private. Each is on its own deck, with a sleeping pod and private bathroom pod.
Each cabin sleeps a max of 2 guests, whatever the age. There isn’t really space for a travel cot.
Regrettably not.
It’s very easy to use but very important to read the simple instructions that are in the bathrooms. The main point being, ALWAYS add a paper liner first.
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