Business Details
Luxury Shepherd's Lodge in Tranquil South Devon Woodland
Ash Woods Retreat offers a unique countryside escape nestled within a tranquil woodland setting on a working dairy farm in South Devon. Established by the Wallis family - four generations of farmers - our retreat combines heritage farming practices with modern comforts, providing guests with an immersive rural experience. The retreat features a bespoke shepherd's lodge sleeping up to six, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, wood-burning stove, and private hot tub, all surrounded by 5 acres of ancient woodland.Our family-run operation emphasizes sustainable practices honed over decades, balancing dairy farming with hospitality. Guests benefit from direct access to South Devon's coastal attractions while enjoying peaceful surroundings where wildlife thrives. The lodge's strategic location near Dartmouth places visitors within easy reach of historic sites, coastal walks, and family-friendly attractions while maintaining a sense of secluded rural charm.
Services
Shepherd's Lodge Accommodation
Woodland Experience
Self-Catering Facilities
Hot Tub Access
Family-Friendly Stay
Pet-Friendly Policy
On-Farm Experience
Wildlife Observation
Local Attractions Access
Seasonal Availability
Highlights and features
- Family-run retreat with 5 generations of local farming heritage
- Unique woodland location on a working dairy farm with wildlife access
- Sleeps up to 6 guests with modern amenities in natural surroundings
- Proximity to South Devon's coastal attractions and historic Dartmouth
- Sustainable farming practices harmonizing agriculture with hospitality
Services
Shepherd's Lodge Stay
Our bespoke shepherd's lodge provides luxury woodland accommodation for up to six guests. Featuring a spacious living area with a giant bed, kitchen facilities, and wood-burning stove, it offers comfortable stays year-round. The lodge's secluded woodland setting allows guests to experience South Devon's natural beauty while maintaining modern comforts.
Outdoor Living Experience
Guests can enjoy private outdoor spaces with barbecue and fire pit facilities. The lodge's decked area provides seating for relaxation amidst ancient woodland. Seasonal activities include evening stargazing, wildlife observation, and access to walking trails through our 5-acre woodland estate bordering a working dairy farm.
Local Attractions Access
Situated near Dartmouth, our retreat offers convenient access to South Devon's coastal attractions. Within minutes guests can reach Blackpool Sands, Totnes' historic market town, Agatha Christie's Greenway estate, and the Paignton steam railway. The retreat provides a central base while maintaining peaceful rural seclusion.
Family-Friendly Facilities
Designed to accommodate families with primary-school age children, the lodge includes sleeping arrangements for six and indoor-outdoor recreational spaces. The property maintains safety features for younger guests while providing educational farm experiences and woodland exploration opportunities. Bedding configurations adapt for family comfort.
Sustainable Farm Experience
Our working dairy farm with pedigree Holstein Friesians offers unique agricultural insights. Guests observe traditional farming practices while experiencing sustainable land management balancing agriculture with hospitality. The 150-acre estate combines arable land, pasture, and woodland, demonstrating multi-generational farming expertise.
Questions
Is Ash Woods Retreat suitable for families?
Yes, our shepherd's lodge comfortably accommodates families with primary-school age children, featuring sleeping arrangements for six and both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces.
What nearby attractions are accessible from the retreat?
We're within 5 minutes of Dartmouth's shops and restaurants, near Blackpool Sands, and offer easy access to Totnes, Agatha Christie's Greenway, and the Paignton steam railway.
Can guests experience farming activities?
While not an active farm tour operation, guests can observe our working dairy farm's operations and learn about our 5 generations of farming heritage.
What amenities are included in the lodge?
The lodge features a kitchen with gas hob and electric cooker, wood-burning stove, hot tub, modern bathroom, and outdoor living spaces with barbecue and fire pit.
Is the retreat accessible year-round?
Yes, our fully insulated lodge with wood-burning stove allows comfortable stays in all seasons, with central heating and modern amenities for winter visits.
What wildlife can be seen at the retreat?
Our 5-acre woodland is home to squirrels, deer, woodpeckers, and various bird species. Guests often hear owls at night and spot local wildlife during daytime explorations.
Reviews (7)
Samantha Jinks
Jan 19, 2022
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Just spent a fabulous 4 nights here for my husbands birthday. We really didn’t want to leave. Absolute peace and quiet, a perfect break away from the chaos of life! The Shepherds Hut is beautiful, cosy, warm, stylish and the hot tub is such a bonus. We’ll certainly be back. 😀
Sophie Clinkard
Sep 29, 2021
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Magical place in very private woodland. The owners had thought of everything and were very helpful. The wood fired hot tub is inspired- we had many a happy hour in there. Would highly recommend & will be back! Thank you for a wonderful, family break
Tim Wood
Aug 01, 2021
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Second visit to this amazing place. Better weather so able to use the brilliant outside facilities this time including the new wood fired hot tub! Fantastic couple of days.
Kelly Hawkins
May 03, 2021
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We had the best weekend in this beautiful place.so much to do for the kids they were never bored.surrounded by nature and everything was perfect! Lots to do around the area to if you do want to get out.can not wait to return we all loved it.highlights were the campfires, massive bed all 4 of us shared comfortably, the log fires hot tub and the adventure walks and not forgetting the cool swings.thank you 😃
A. T.
Dec 10, 2020
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We have just spent a week at Ash Woods and it is a remarkable place. So quiet and peaceful. The shepherds hut is stylish, incredibly comfortable, practically kitted out with everything you need and the setting is just beautiful. Carmen and Chris are so welcoming and 2 of the nicest people you could wish to meet. Our children have loved exploring and playing on the swing. We have had such a relaxing time we will definitely be back again soon. Thanks so much for having us!
Sam Wallis
Sep 28, 2020
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Having spent 2020 doing lots of Uk based trips for obvious reasons, this has got to be the stand out one for me of the year. In fact, this ranks right up there with breaks had all over the world. Ash Woods Retreat truly is unique. The hosts Christopher and Carmen are amazing. From the meet and greet and warm welcome to the secluded shepherds hut, to checking out, everything went seamlessly and nothing was too much trouble. It doesn't stop there though......words, pictures, even videos cannot do this luxurious, yet perfectly in keeping with its woodland location, shepherds hut justice. Whether someone
Rusty Shackleford
Jan 23, 2020
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As I have already stated on their Facebook Page - ANIMAL LOVERS BEWARE - Very shocked to see that this wood is now open to the public. It has been renowned for many years as a hot-spot for both illegal fox hunting and the sinister badger cull. I hope anyone who is planning on using the (ironic) 'retreat' reads this and thinks twice before handing over money to the owners who have fox and badger blood on their hands. Fox hunting and cubbing season is about to start - are your visitors going to be woken up at 4am by your best friends the Dart Vale and South Pool Harriers blowing their hunting horns
