Editor’s Picks: Rustic Retreats

Pack your bags and break free from the monotony with one of these breathtaking spots, all located in the beautiful South West of England.

Whether you are thinking of a summer break or planning ahead for later in the year, to satisfy the feelings of wanderlust you don’t always have to stray far from your own doorstep. Whilst the idea of hopping on a plane and being transported to a foreign country can be exciting, the logistics can sometimes cast a dark cloud over your trip. Whether that’s the lengthy commute to the airport or the dreaded flight delays eating into your holiday, a simple car journey to a local destination will cut this time tenfold and will make the most of this precious time you have given to yourself. It’s no secret that we live in an exceptionally beautiful part of the country that we can sometimes forget is at our fingertips.

If it’s a solo trip, a romantic getaway or a family staycation you’re looking for, I’ve researched and selected 6 unique places in the South West which will provide the perfect canvas to create lifelong memories, experiences and the ultimate stay.

Kudhva
Tintagel, Cornwall

The unique plot was founded in 2015 with a goal to revive and restore the natural ecosystem and invest in sustainable land management, allowing a space for people to share and enjoy the abundant beauty of nature without the risk of destroying it.

Step back from the rat race of the digital world and immerse yourself in Kudhva. Proudly off-grid, plug yourself back into nature with cold water swims, clean fresh air and gaze upon the uninterrupted blanket of stars at night.

A perfect spot for a solo trip or with a partner, you can meet other like-minded visitors around the large campfire and build long-last connections. Explore the 43-acre site and discover the Kudhva waterfall, yoga sessions and the wood-fired hot tub. With the famous Kudhva cabins, the hilltop Tipis or the one-of-a-kind Danish Cabin to choose from, there’s an option for it all to have a truly unique stay.

www.kudhva.com

Cabin On The Cliff
Whitsand Bay, Cornwall

Nestled on the cliffs of Whitsand Bay with glorious sea views, this beautiful, dog-friendly retreat for couples is what romantic seaside living is all about. Cabin on the Cliff is a love song to the sea - from the luxurious interiors which beautifully complement the colours of the ocean, to the healing qualities of water with both a hot tub and bathtub. Cabin on the Cliff is perfectly positioned to explore the pretty south Cornish coast, from the wonderful Rame Head Heritage Coast to Fowey and beyond, whilst inland you’re not far from the lush Tamar Valley and the wilds of Bodmin Moor. Perfect whatever the weather, this firm favourite is a year-round retreat.

www.boutique-retreats.co.uk

The Shepherds Hut
Crewkerne, Somerset

If you’re looking for a rustic woodland retreat then these award-winning luxury lakeside huts could be for you. The Shepherds Hut Retreat is a great place to switch off an indulge yourselves by plunging in the outdoor private hot tubs and be captivated by the beautiful surroundings and be serenaded by the local wildlife. There are 6 luxury huts to choose from all exceptionally designed including their newest hut, Hut 1898, their grandest hut both in size and style. Create your perfect retreat by toasting marshmallows on the fire pit, prepping your pizza in the pizza shed or marvel at the lakeside view.

www.theshepherdshutretreat. co.uk

Loveland Farm
Hartland, Devon

Known as ‘north Devon’s most unique eco-retreat’, Loveland Farm is located on the breathtaking Hartland peninsular with beautiful sea views making it the ideal location for a truly relaxing staycation. Loveland Farm is perfect for anything from a romantic getaway with smaller pods for two or for a tranquil family retreat with larger domes comfortably sleeping up to 7. Each pod is complete with its own private shower, award winning compost toilet facilities and a heated pool which is powered by renewable energy. The Hartland, Stargazer and Welcombe Pods are also dog-friendly – can it get any better?

www.loveland.farm

Dart View Barn
Aish, Stoke Gabriel

Nestled in the small hamlet of Aish above the village of Stoke Gabriel near Totnes, you can sit in front of the wood-burning stove and peer out of the double-height window to the fields and the river Dart beyond. Some mornings, you’ll find the resident male pheasant on the garden wall and occasionally, you may also spot a deer or two in the orchard or fields below which can be enjoyed from the terrace. Using organic produce, you can enjoy your morning brew with local milk and plastic-free teabags and end the night with their ‘honesty’ mini bar. The quiet hamlet is close to amenities of Totnes and South Devon with ample countryside walks to truly embrace the surroundings.

www.airbnb.co.uk

Sunridge Treehouse
Worston, Yealmpton

Planted in the serene Devon countryside, the luxury treehouse retreat is a hidden gem on the edge of a peaceful valley. Tucked away amongst your very own private woodland, Sunridge Treehouse is an enchanting haven that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The contemporary open plan living with a state of the art German kitchen, the treehouse is designed to offer you unlimited comfort. With a relaxing seating and dining area to soak up the surrounding woodland views, you can truly immerse yourself within nature. The treehouse is perfect as a year-round getaway with underfloor heating and a vintage log-burning stove.

www.sunridgeretreats.co.uk