A dog-friendly reset at Harvest Hut

With the out-of-office on and no agenda, I couldn’t wait for a few days of R&R somewhere special. With my perfect companion by my side, we embraced a leisurely pace from the moment we left home to the moment we returned. 

As we made our way to our hideaway situated in the beautiful South Devon National Landscape, we were spoilt for places to stop and have a walk. Eager to soak up the county’s breathtaking mix of landscapes, a woodland trail along the River Dart was just the spot to sit waterside with some lunch and enjoy the rich colours of autumn. We strolled along the sun-dappled paths with crunchy leaves underfoot, looking forward to later reaching our hideaway and settling in for the night. 

Nestled along a country lane and overlooking patchwork fields, Harvest Hut is a little slice of paradise for nature lovers. Within moments of arriving, we were greeted by birds flitting around the hut and views of cows gently grazing on the horizon. As dusk settled over the fields and the sky was brushed with pink hues, I stoked the wood-fired hot tub as my dog curled up on the decking, both of us relaxing into the abundant peacefulness. 

After a soothing soak in the tub under a blanket of stars, I retreated to the sumptuous king-size bed for the most restorative sleep. Cocooned in comfort, it was equally blissful to wake to the gentle calm of the countryside. Beautifully decorated in rich blue tones and whitewashed wood cladding, the hut feels luxurious and spacious. The comfy sofa and wood burner are perfectly placed to enjoy the sweeping views beyond the large window, inviting slow mornings with coffee and a good book, before stepping outside for brunch at the bistro table. 

Bundling my binoculars, blanket, camera, and flask into my backpack (some favourite things to take glamping), we set off towards the coast. Promising beautiful scenery and wildlife, nearby Slapton Ley Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to walk. We ambled along boardwalks and trails winding alongside the lake, stopping to admire the many birds who call this place home. 

We whiled away the hours with nowhere else to be, with the gentle sound of the reeds swaying in the breeze and glistening autumn sunshine warming us. As the sun slowly descended, we finished our adventure with a walk along the long golden stretch at Slapton Sands, before returning to our cosy hideaway.  

Harvest Hut is just a few miles from the vibrant town of Totnes, boasting many delicious eateries, boutique independent shops, and things to do. It’s also wonderfully easy to pick up local produce and supplies for those evenings when the hideaway's wood burner and tranquillity are too appealing to leave. I spent our second evening cooking up a meal in the lovely, well-equipped kitchen, before dining with a view and returning to my book. It felt refreshing to spend less time on screens, though the hut is well-connected should you wish to. It struck me that Harvest Hut would also make a perfect retreat for a writer’s staycation or those looking to do a little work without the distractions of everyday life. 

After another restful night, and reluctant to leave our little sanctuary, we savoured a slow morning simply soaking up our surroundings and reflecting on how beneficial it can be to step away from the normal routine for a few days. 

Before returning home, an obligatory stop in Dartmoor National Park was in order, another magical place within easy reach from Harvest Hut, and one of my favourite places in the UK to visit. A ramble on the moors, meeting Dartmoor ponies and cows along the way, was the perfect end to our dreamy staycation - three days of soul-nourishing escapism and making memories with the pup. 

Discover Harvest Hut in Devon for your own magical escape.