For holidaymakers dreaming of switching off surrounded by nature, one Devon hideaway is earning rave reviews from guests who describe it as 'a slice of heaven'. Nestled in the countryside near Great Torrington, the Hembury Gate Shepherd's Hut has prices beginning at £899, down from £1,024, for seven nights from July 17 to 24 on Holiday Cottages.
Seven nights offers a glamping experience that combines rustic charm with plenty of home comforts. Set within its own secluded paddock, it's designed for people looking to escape busy daily life and enjoy a slower pace surrounded by rolling Devon countryside.
Despite its compact footprint, the accommodation feels surprisingly spacious, according to visitors, with an open-plan living area featuring comfortable seating, a dining space and a cosy wood burner for cooler evenings. The kitchen is equipped with everything needed for a self catering break, including an electric oven, a two-ring gas hob, a microwave and a fridge with an ice compartment.
The cosy bedroom area features an elevated double bed accessed via a ladder, creating a unique and characterful sleeping space. A porthole window allows guests to wake up to peaceful rural views, while the contemporary shower room includes a shower and WC.
Outside is where the property really comes into its own. A decked veranda with outdoor furniture provides the perfect spot for morning coffees, while steps lead down to a spacious lawned garden designed for relaxing and entertaining.
The hut is furnished in a contemporary country style and has been described as 'immaculate'
Prices vary
Holiday CottagesGuests can make the most of an undercover outdoor cooking area, complete with a charcoal barbecue, pizza oven and Smart TV. There's also a wood-fired hot tub, allowing visitors to soak beneath the stars after a day exploring Devon's countryside and coastline.
The location is ideal for walkers and cyclists, with direct access to a public footpath and easy reach of Dartmoor National Park. Popular coastal destinations, including Westward Ho!, Clovelly and Hartland, are all within driving distance, while attractions such as RHS Rosemoor and Dartington Crystal offer plenty of options for days out.
For those who want to visit the area, there is a dog-friendly option available to book via Sykes Cottages. Honeysuckle Cottage, in Bude, Cornwall, is a popular destination but there is still some availability in July and August.
Another dog-friendly cosy West Country staycation that does have some availability in June is Puffin Cottage, in Ilfracombe, North Devon. On the edge of Exmoor's North Devon coast, it is close to lovely beaches, has electric car charging and a communal heated indoor pool and even a soft-play area for little ones.
The Hembury Gate Shepherd's Hut has been rated highly on Holiday Cottages. After their second stay, one holidaymaker said: "This place is a slice of heaven! This is our second time staying here and we enjoyed it just as much this time as before. The hut itself is so cosy and cute, an added bonus is the separate bed to sofa/dining table, as this isn't found in a lot of huts.
"Everything within the hut was immaculate. The hot tub and separate space with a pizza oven were perfect. The location is secluded and private with no one overlooking the hot tub/entrance etc. We would happily stay here again!"
Another said: "Stunning location, beautifully presented and wonderful to see so much wildlife and amazing skies. We would love to go back again!"
A third commented: "We loved it. It was our first mini-break away together and it was everything and more that we could have wished for. A perfect romantic getaway, or somewhere to get away from all the busy life and just relax overlooking the stunning views."
Holidaymakers also described it as "very private", and one said that "every little detail from the crockery to the bedding was high class and spotlessly clean". Several had been more than once and others said that they would return.
There's only one bedroom but a travel cot and highchair are available, so it's suitable for couples who have recently become parents. One drawback is that pets are not allowed, so no furry friends, and it is about 22 miles from the seaside, the closest point being Bude and, a little further south, Widemouth Bay, both over the border in north Cornwall.
One enthusiastic visitor added: "The best trip ever! Such an amazing hidden little gem, with everything you need and more! The most welcoming and cosiest holiday!"
The Hembury Gate Shepherd's Hut is available to book through Holiday Cottages.
