Horseshoe Shepherd's Lodge

General

Restore your equilibrium with the perfect privacy, incredible views and stylish comfort of Horseshoe Shepherd's Hut. Hand-built down to the very finest detail, Horseshoe nestles at the end of a private lane in its very own orchard, with a wide, raised deck that's home to a lovely al fresco dining area and gas BBQ as well as a superb hot tub, all illuminated by atmospheric outdoor lighting. Whether it's a cooked breakfast, a sundowner or toasted marshmallows under the stars, you can truly relax in this welcoming spot. Step beyond and there are 200 acres of ancient, unspoilt woodland to explore - including wild swimming in the river at the bottom of the valley. Chickens live at the foot of the orchard, the owner's sheep graze in a nearby paddock, and the entire area abounds with wildlife, some of which you'll be bound to spot perched on the bird table outside your bedroom window. This really is the place to shake off any stress and refresh your senses.

The hut features traditional wooden cladding and a corrugated metal, barrel-shaped roof, but inside it's full of modern luxuries. Super-spacious, its open-plan layout features a mix of painted tongue-and-groove cladding and pretty wallpaper, and includes a well-equipped kitchen with an oven, induction hob, ceramic sink and fridge/freezer, a dining-area with a window overlooking the orchard, and a comfy sofa that faces the view through the double French doors. There's a wood-burner for cosy nights in - backed up by under-floor heating, no less - and a king-size bed opposite a window with a view and a wall-mounted TV (with DVD player), so you can lie in bed and either watch the weather or binge-watch your favourite box-set. Last but not least, the en suite shower-room is simply magnificent, with a walk-in shower, proper flushing WC, wash-basin (and storage!) and even a heated towel rail.

Eco-features

Horseshoe Shepherd's Hut is powered by solar and there's also an electric car charging point for guests to use (at an extra cost).

Out and About

The hut is based in the welcoming village of Chittlehamholt, a proper rural community with a welcoming pub and great little shop offering fresh local produce. There's plenty to see and do nearby, including the market town of South Molton which offers a twice-weekly panier market and independent shops, while if you take the seasonal foot ferry across the estuary you'll reach the historic fishing village of Appledore, with its tiny whitewashed terraces, variety of pubs and restaurants and interesting maritime museum. Explore further and you'll find dramatic coastlines with wild cliff paths, rocky coves and excellent surfing beaches, and there are miles of golden sand to be found on the beach at Instow, about half an hour's drive away on the north Devon coast. The Highbullen Hotel, within walking distance of the hut, offers tennis, golf, a gym and a spa, plus a bar and fine dining restaurant, while if you feel like a day's shopping you may either drive or catch a scenic train to the bustling Cathedral City of Exeter. Walkers and cyclists will be happy, too - both Exmoor and Dartmoor are relatively close, while the Tarka Trail from Braunton to Meeth is a delightful, easy cycle along estuaries and through wooded valleys.

Layout

Open plan living-room with kitchen, dining and bedroom areas. Electric oven (with two-ring induction hob), fridge/freezer, wood-burner, TV (with DVD player) and king-size bed (5'). Shower-room with shower, WC and wash-basin.