General

As you chug along on the back of a tractor, you may not realise it but you're on your way back in time. The gentle ride that takes you and your belongings to the fabulous Poppy Yurt is just the first step in a process that will have you breathing deeper, loosening those shoulders and generally rediscovering your former carefree self.

The glamping glamourpuss that is Poppy is set slap bang in the middle of what we like to call Devon heaven - four and a half acres of wildflower meadows, woodlands, a stream and a large lake that all add up to an idyllic rural escape. Ashley's Shack shares the huge site - but don't worry, here you'll be perfectly private to do your own thing. The yurt itself stands on a wooden deck built into the side of the meadow, and this is where - step aside Jamie - you'll create culinary masterpieces on the full-size gas barbie. Read a book, sip a coffee, watch the wildlife (don't forget your copy of The Observer Book of Birds), or else do nothing but chillax in front of the eye-achingly gorgeous views. From the very moment you pull off the Totnes to Dartmouth Road (which can be busy during the day) you'll start to switch off and slow down.

Inside, Tardis-like, Poppy Yurt is huge - an open plan living area with a wooden floor, colourful rugs and a log burner (which, as well as keeping you warm as toast, also boils the kettle). At the foot of the comfy double bed is a poppy-red futon sofa that - ta da! - transforms into an extra bed should the need arise. There's electricity for gadgets galore but, better still, switch the technology off, lie on the bed and gaze up at the stars through the clear covered roof. This is, after all, what luxury camping is all about. And it doesn't stop there. Double doors lead to the baby yurt next door, home to bunk-beds and a sparkling shower area with a wash-basin (naturally, there's hot and cold running water on tap) and flushing loo. For washing up, there's a nifty outdoor kitchen sink, also with hot and cold water, right next to the barbecue. The Owners even provide a box of scrummy locally-made goodies for you to enjoy, including their home-made honey and local cheese!

So far, so grown up. Romantic getaway? Definitely. But this place is also perfect for a family break. If you decide to bring the kids they'll have hour after hour of good old-fashioned fun, running free in the glorious woodlands, meadow and orchard - they may even bump into the Owners' free-range chickens. Or let them row on the lake and play Swallows and Amazons on its two small islands, Alice and Milo. Best to keep an eye on them near the water at all times, of course - but no doubt you'll be joining in soon enough!

Out and About

If you can tear yourself away from this fantastic place, there's heaps to do nearby, whether you want bucket-and-spade fun, a spot of shopping or something cultural. You're slap bang in between Totnes, with its fab Friday morning market and eco-friendly shops, and Dartmouth, which boasts yet more great shopping and a proud naval tradition. Blackpool Sands, one of the South Hams' most gloriously beautiful beaches, is just a short drive away, as is Greenway, once the holiday home of Agatha Christie and now a National Trust treasure.

Layout

Step up onto the decking. Poppy Yurt has an open plan living-room with fridge (with small freezer compartment), wood-burner, double bed and futon bed. There is a door into a smaller yurt with bunk-beds and en suite shower-area with WC and wash-basin. Outside there is a full-size gas barbecue and sink with hot and cold water