Weeke Barton, Dartmoor, Devon, UK - Explore & Book
"When Jo and Sam swapped their hectic London life for the wilds of Dartmoor, they set about opening the hip yet homely rural retreat they’d always dreamt of – the kind of place where guests can kick off their shoes and unwind. You’d expect a former Conran restaurant manager and a graphic designer from Hackney to know about hospitality and cool, and they’ve certainly created a winning formula: stylish interiors, total tranquility and a refreshingly laid-back vibe. The building – almost 500 years old and rumoured by locals to be the longest longhouse in Devon – is delightfully quirky, with ancient nooks and spiral staircases offset by sleek urban furniture and contemporary art. The six bedrooms have beamed ceilings, deliciously comfy beds and sheepskin-covered window seats; one has a dreamy double-ended bathtub. Downstairs, Jo’s excellent home cooking is just the ticket after a day's walking, and there's a very cosy bar with an honesty system. Perfect for stressed-out city folk who need a countryside fix; you can even bring your dog. Highs Glorious landscapes and views, and plenty to do nearby: moorland walks or bike rides, horse riding, historic houses Plus an enormous garden and a cosy lounge with DVDs, for those who want to do nothing at all Delicious food, with lots of local treats: Devon sausages at breakfast, wild venison for dinner, meat pies, bio-dynamic wines and local ales Book the whole house for a large family or small group getaway, catered or self-catered (a 2-night minimum) Surprisingly easy to reach given its remoteness: 20 mins' drive from Exeter (which is 2 hrs by train from London) Lows When booking B&B, you'll need to pre-order picnic lunch packs; no lunch is served on the premises No TV signal, but there's a flatscreen for watching DVDs Over Christmas and New Year, Weeke Barton is only available on a self-catered whole-house basis Only Henry's room can be a twin The low, beamed ceilings might mean tall guests need to crouch a bit" - Abi Dare
