Devon Dens A woodland garden retreat www.devondens.co.uk
Hidden amongst the deep lanes of West Devon is a pretty and pioneering off-grid sanctuary. Designed to offer comfortable, year round, hard-structure camping, the site comes complete with an extraordinary solid timber cabin, which sleeps up to four. Kitted out with everything you need for your stay, as well as compost toilet and hot shower. Solar panels provide light and power. And, of course, a brilliant BBQ / fire pit to enjoy. The woodland is in one of the least light-polluted areas in England and is surrounded by glorious countryside. There are plenty of walks to explore, taking in local pubs and delightful villages. Nearby Roadford Lake offers a myriad of activities and a circular cycle route with tea rooms. We are cock-a-hoop to offer guests home-grown veg from our kitchen garden, with bee-hives on the way too. So if it s calmness you seek, you can laze in the hammock and enjoy the sight of dragonflies darting about their business, the sound of birdsong and the gentle murmuring of the stream. Eat, sleep, read, walk, reconnect and repeat.
Our aim is to offer cosy and comfortable year-round accommodation, appealing to those wishing to escape this wonky world, whilst protecting the environment and creating a place where you can reconnect with nature without distractions from technology or the constant update of news. The woodland is surrounded by extraordinary countryside, with wonderful walks taking in pretty villages and the local pub. We re big fans of West Devon, which we think is the south west s best kept secret. There s castles, churches perched on granite lumps, dramatic gorges, secret swimming spots and the site is within easy reach of some of the finest beaches (and ice cream ) in Britain. From vineyards to cider makers, bacon and sausages to local eggs, honey and cheese, we re keen as mustard to introduce you to the delights on offer in the area and can provide you with a basket of goodies as chosen by you. We are thrilled to have our own produce to offer guests, grown on site with love. Currently with just the one cabin on site, now is the perfect time to relish the quiet and privacy of this glorious, relatively undiscovered piece of Devon.
The Cabin This super toasty space makes a perfect place to hide, rest and explore. It comes fitted out with the following Comfy double mattress Sofa bed (double) Wood burner 2 ring gas burner with grill Table with four chairs Hot outdoor shower Washing up sink BBQ / Fire pit Solar PV for lighting Power capacity for 1 device Mains water Double chamber compost toilet Hand basin Torches Tea, coffee, sugar Cool box What you need to bring Bedding (There is a protector sheet over the mattress but nothing else) Food (There are supermarkets in Okehampton as well as lots of local producers we can tell you about) A readiness to relax and unwind! Saucepans, frying pan, cast iron stew pot Plates, bowls, cups, beakers, wine tumblers Cutlery, bottle opener, ladles, serving spoons Very sharp brand new knives! Jigsaws Books and games Guitar Maps What we can provide Bio-logs and wood for the wood burner - 4.50 a bag Locally made charcoal - 4 a bag A grocery basket of yummy locally sold food bacon, sausages, eggs, honey, veg, cheese, ale, wine or cider. ASK! There is no mobile phone reception or WiFi on the site This is an off-grid site hairdryers, hair straighteners etc will not work in the cabin! In extremely cold temperatures, the outdoor shower and washing up area may need to be shut down.
The Site The woodland is located 8 miles from Okehampton and 10 miles from the Devon and Cornwall border. Originally a piece of agricultural land, it was planted with conifers as part of a carbon off-setting scheme. In the few years since buying the land, we have planted an edible hedge with plum, cherry, greengage, crab apple, gooseberries, blackcurrants, wild raspberries, elder, blackthorn and rosehips. We have laid extensive lengths of hedge and planted beech whips along the boundary. We ve cleared lots of the stream, getting rid of the invasive willow and brambles that were choking it up, and have planted fruit trees, with more to come. The poly-tunnel and raised beds are now bursting into life. Fresh, homegrown salad, veg and herbs from our kitchen garden are available for guests. Amazing local produce is available to order in advance, such as ale, cider, wine, eggs, cheese, honey and meat.
Prices & Details Based on two sharing Prices 2017 Jan/Feb/March/Nov/Dec Apr/May/June/Sept/Oct July/August One night 95 (two nights min on weekends) 100 (two nights min on weekends) N/A Two nights 170 185 215 Three nights 225 265 295 Weekly 435 495 550 Please note (please get in touch for Christmas and New Year prices) Two nights minimum on weekends from Sept July. Two nights minimum throughout the whole week in July & August. Children are very welcome at Devon Dens. However, there is open water, the mezzanine does not have rails and the wood burner doesn t have a guard. There are also areas out of bounds to little uns. If you re still keen on this basis, we d love to see you. One well-behaved dog on a lead will be very welcome for 5 a night. Poo absolutely must be picked up. You will currently have the campsite to yourselves to enjoy (although we may be there gardening on occasional days). It is a very quiet area - if you're looking for a wild and noisy weekend, I m afraid it's not for you. We trust you will respect our neighbours and the tranquility of the Devon landscape. If you're looking for a stress-free, tech-free break, soaking up the joys of nature, pure silence and total darkness at night, then get in touch. Devon Dens, Germansweek, Devon, EX215AL enquiries@devondens.co.uk www.devondens.co.uk 07969948631