Dog-friendly Romantic Breaks

Tucked away in the heart of the mid-Devon countryside lies Hazelnut Lodge. With views over surrounding fields to the countryside beyond, this is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet. Located in the grounds of the owner’s smallholding, there is a private drive leading down to the property. Skirted by the private woods, there is a large garden and sitting-out area. The spacious open plan living space is complimented by an inviting bedroom with its super kingsize bed. Patio doors lead from the living area onto the patio giving further access to a decking area for dining al fresco. Hazelnut Lodge is a comfortable base from which to explore all that Devon has to offer. Exeter is easily reached, and has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and, of course, its historic cathedral. Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks are accessible and provide walking for all abilities and stunning scenery. There are a number of National Trust properties in the area, most notably Castle Drogo and Arlington Court. Also within easy reach (20 miles) is Powderham Castle. This remarkable 14th century castle, set in a beautiful deer park on the banks of the River Exe, has been home to the same family since 1391. Visitors are encouraged to explore the picturesque gardens, discover the interior beauty of the castle and to take part in some of the events which are held throughout the year. The wonderful RHS gardens at Rosemoor and the Dartington Crystal Factory are worth a visit and both these attractions are based at Great Torrington. There is golf, fishing and horse riding available in the local area and cycle hire can be arranged on the Tarka Trail at various locations. Shop 3 miles, pub 1¼ miles and restaurant 5 miles.

Birdsong Cottage is the perfect escape for couples and is close to the North Devon and North Cornwall coasts. This pretty semi-detached cottage sits within the grounds of Hartland Forest Golf Club, surrounded by hundreds of acres of Forestry Commission Land. It is just 2 miles inland from the Atlantic Highway (A39) on the North Devon/Cornwall border in between Bideford and Bude, and is the ideal choice for a relaxing break.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and birdsong, you can relax in the large enclosed lawned garden to the side of the cottage and enjoy a lazy breakfast whilst you plan your day. Lovely country, woodland and coastal walks abound, and there many dog-friendly beaches close by. This really is the perfect spot to relax and unwind at any time of year, just 4 miles from picturesque Clovelly with its donkey transport and quaint cottages lining its cobbled lanes. Just a short drive from the secluded, dog-friendly, sand and shingle beach in the tiny clifftop hamlet of Bucks Mills, one of the most beautiful villages in North Devon. This secluded hidden gem has pretty white washed cottages speckled along a wooded valley at the end of a no-through road.

A village store and post office is just 3 miles away for your daily essentials, and the popular village inn at Woolsery has a highly acclaimed restaurant and adjacent fish and chip shop, perfect for an evening out or an evening in with fish and chips. Fabulous beaches for relaxing and surfing can be found at Westward Ho!, Saunton Sands, Woolacombe and Croyde Bay, and are all within easy reach. Visit the bustling resort of Bude, the spectacular coastal pathways around Hartland Point and the market town of Bideford, from where visitors can take boat trips to the island of Lundy, England’s only marine nature reserve.

The owner supplies a fishing pass so you can enjoy the adjacent lakes, and golf, surfing, sailing and horse riding are all on offer close by. For cycling enthusiasts and walkers, the nearby Tarka Trail is not to be missed and there are numerous National Trust properties in the area. Beach 6¾ miles. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Escape to the leafy countryside of Devon and indulge in wonderful comfort in these beautiful cottage. This is the ideal place for blissful escapes, rural adventures and memorable breaks with friends and family.

Fair Maid (ref UK11078) sits in the courtyard of a former farm in the heart of the village of Kentisbeare, East Devon. With its wood clad exterior, it is well laid out with a comfortable interior, making the property perfect for couples, friends or a small family. There is an enclosed patio at the rear of the barn which is bordered by a stream and is the ideal spot for a morning coffee or a glass of your favourite tipple on a balmy summer’s evening. This is a superb house which has been decorated and furnished to a very good standard and boasts a cosy wood burner, together with many original features. The kitchen/breakfast room looks out over the grounds.

Glimsters Cottage (ref UK31014) is a lovely thatched cottage which has been sympathetically restored to uncover much of its original charm and character boasting original exposed beams, stone walls and lots of welcoming touches such as a blazing a wood burner. A spacious living room and a well-equipped kitchen/dining room have been make up the ground floor. On the first floor you will find two sumptuous bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower room, as well as a family bathroom.

Famed for its laid back vibe and surfing lifestyle, Devon hosts an enchanting cocktail of golden beaches, traditional villages and a rich, rolling countryside steeped in history. For walkers and birdwatchers, this really is the most suitable location as there are so many walks to enjoy from the front door. Many activities available in the area include golf, fishing, horse riding and sailing. There are also numerous National Trust properties within a short drive. Exmouth is close by and has a lovely 2-mile stretch of beach and was once home to the wives of Horatio Nelson and Lord Byron, whilst a little further afield lies the genteel town of Budleigh Salterton with its white-washed and thatched cottages which attracted visitors such as Noel Coward and PG Wodehouse. At Exeter, the South West Coastal Path Park is an ideal family day out. Exmoor National Park is also worth a visit with its rugged landscape and roaming ponies. Beach 19 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.
These cottages can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.