The Hideaway

Bude Hideaways, near Bude, Devon-Cornwall border - Explore & Book

"This is the essence of rural bliss, all tractors, sheep and winding grassy lanes where you can almost pick the hedgerows as you brush past. And just smell that country air – essence of fresh-cut grass with an ocean tang, a hint of wild garlic. But Bude Hideaways is no country hick. Its chic conversions feature white walls and bold art, Eames chairs, chunky woollen blankets and cool patterns and textures. There are modern wood burners, too, and heating under the sleek wooden floors. Conrad and Karen Allen moved down from London to live the Cornish country dream, and now combine freelance fashion careers with raising a family and running this 3-acre smallholding near Bude, with its three guest hideaways. They began by restoring the bijou 2-bedroom Small Barn before enlisting the help of renowned architects to start the dramatic conversion of the enormous adjacent 4-bedroom Big Barn. Next, they renovated the 16th-century 4-bedroom Farmhouse, where they lived for 15 years, creating a wonderful light-filled space. They now live nearby and are warmth itself; there if you want tips on the area; totally discreet if you prefer to be anonymous. Many guests are young families, and this is an enormous safe haven for kids, with large lawns to kick a ball around, free-range chickens strutting around, even a woodland den. Which leaves parents free to read books, relax in the Big Barn's hot tub, admire the wildflower meadow or do nothing at all. Guests here are perfectly placed for the spectacular South West Coastal path with its sensational views and geology as well as Bude’s beaches and restaurants. Highs Deep in the countryside, miles from traffic and crowds; the peace is incredible, yet sandy beaches and the dramatic cliffs and surf of the north Cornish coast are an easy drive away Stylish open-plan living spaces accentuate the carefully-chosen décor; bright, fresh interiors with modern zings of colour and lovely details (fresh flowers; great books; tiny plants; quirky art) Extremely well-equipped for self-catering; both the Farmhouse and the Big Barn have sociable kitchen-diners opening to private terraces Book all three together for a big gathering for your own private space within a large group. Shared facilities include goal posts, pizza oven and hot tub plus the extensive grounds which have lawns for roaming, woods for exploring and a more formal garden for admiring Lows The farmstead is a bit out of the way – no pubs or shops within walking distance – and you will need a car to get to supermarkets The Small Barn’s bedrooms are a little compact Note that the three hideaways are adjacent to each other, all have their own private exterior space however We have yet to see The Farmhouse in person" - Lesley Gillilan