Big Sky Retreat – Devon
- Cabin for 2
Inspired by legendary American yurt builder Bill Coperthwaite, and his iconic 70s book, A Simpler Life, owners Alison and Scott set about building Big Sky Retreat to his wooden yurt plans. Scott and Alison’s passion for sustainability can be seen in everything they do and the yurt is entirely constructed from recycled and natural materials.
Situated between Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, the yurt has spectacular 180 degree views across undulating countryside, and sits next to a pond. Splash about amongst the lilypads in the little tub boat and say ‘hello’ to Big Red (the resident koi carp). In summer the swing makes an appearance too.
The wooden furniture, including the Swedish style enclosed king-sized bed, was all handmade by Scott. The homely interior is filled with colourful cushions and thick rugs and though owners Scott and Alison try to live ‘the good life’ as far as possible, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are some modern touches from the hot shower to the gas hobs.
Hookhill Plantation offers plenty of scope for exploring. Wander the extensive ornamental grass gardens (featured on Gardeners World!), explore the ancient woodland – complete with bluebells in season – or have a picnic by one of the large landscaped ponds.
We're sorry, Big Sky isn't suitable for children or pets, which cannot be accommodated
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Special Offer: Local drinks hamper! - A selection of local beers & cider whenever you book a stay in May. Try Exmoor Gold, Exmoor Beast and Ciders from the Sandford Orchards.
Valid from 30/04/2013 till 31/05/2013
Price discounts have been automatically applied unless otherwise stated
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Our guests say...
"The location is stunning, the views were beautiful and the photos do not do it justice! The yurt was beautiful; having no electricity was not a problem and we didn't even use the solar lights, choosing to use lots of large candles instead! The log burner was easy to use, keeping it nice and warm inside. The food was lovely. We cooked for ourselves mostly but took the offer of the curry, which was pretty tasty. The owners are lovely and I would return. It was so nice to be secluded from the world and play games (provided in the Yurt) in the candle light with a bottle of wine."
Kirsty, 26/02/2013
"We really enjoyed our stay. The owner was lovely and gave us all the info we needed. The Yurt was well looked after and had EVERYTHING we needed there. The views were amazing and it was so peaceful - just what we were looking for."
Rebecca, 09/11/2012
"We had an amazing time at the yurt! The surrounding area was absolutely beautiful with great views for miles. The yurt itself had clearly been built with love and the attention to detail with the storage spaces and little kitchen was fab. We really enjoyed keeping the fire going (although we clearly need more practice!) and it kept the yurt nice and warm. We had dinner the second night at the pub recommended by Alison and the people and food there were lovely. The only thing that could have made our stay better would have been the sun coming out to make full use of the big swing and fire pit!"
Bev, 02/10/2012
"Big Sky Yurt was truly beautiful; the surrounding countryside and the location the yurt is based within is stunning and utterly peaceful. The yurt itself is full of personal touches to make the stay unique, and it had everything we need. We especially loved the romantic feeling from the furnishings and hearts carved into the bedroom doors; arriving after a long drive from London to watch the sunset over the valley whilst laying on their large 'swing' was magical. I would love to come again for a relaxing weekend to get away from it all."
Tessa, 14/09/2012
"We absolutely loved our stay, it was so relaxing and lovely to really get back to basics (luxurious basics admittedly!) The village is within walking distance should you need to pick up extra food and such but we took most with us a good stack of books and a wind up radio and loved bunkering down in the cabin of an evening or enjoying the last of the September sun by day. The cabin is beautifully finished, with gorgeous detailing and is ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE - for reluctant campers such as ourselves it was perfect! The ideal place to 'relax and reset' for two busy city folk."
Natalie, 11/09/2012
"Brilliant time, amazing place, so much wildlife and quiet...Didn't want to leave, wouldn't change a thing!"
Tom, 23/07/2012
"We had a WONDERFUL time. This location is utterly brilliant. Quiet and secluded but with lots of scope for exploring. The weather wasn't brilliant but it didn't stop us making full use of the outside seating area, the huge swing - I woke up very early on the Sunday morning and went back to sleep on it under a blanket, heaven!"
Fiona, 29/06/2012
"Had an amazing time - totally away from it all and really well kitted out. Loved it so much we have decided to take the whole family away to a similar place. Very friendly owners with right amount of input from them. Gorgeous!"
Kate, 19/06/2012
"We had an absolutely brilliant stay. The location is stunning and the Yurt is better than it seems in the photos. Inside and out was immaculately clean. Very homely and the log burner kept us beautifully warm despite the persistent rain. Bed very comfortable and cozy. Alison's meals that she supplied us with were excellent. A lovely family who were all welcoming and helpful. We knew what to expect as our daughter and partner had already stayed at the yurt last year so had recommended it to us. If you read the description carefully and expect no electricity, a sawdust toilet (amazingly clean, comfortable and odour free) and miles of open countryside around and are happy with these things, you will be delighted with this little gem. We would love to return."
Corinne, 03/06/2012
"It was wonderful, the yurt was fantastic and the views were beautiful. The fact that we had so much space all to ourselves, it felt like not only was the yurt and pond ours but all of the surrounding fields too! The yurt has been beautifully kitted out and the details were lovely, like the wooden decorations, tealights and solar powered fairy lights. We appreciated that all of the essentials were provided such as crockery, cooking pans, towels and blankets. "
Charlene, 23/05/2012
"We loved it! We really liked the way that we left the car at the top and couldn't see it from the Yurt so for 2 days we felt cut off from the real world. The yurt is totally secluded and there is a beautiful old fashioned hay meadow sloping down from the Yurt which was filled with flowers. Inside it is really comfortable and has everything you could need (except a tea pot). We did a couple of walks using footpaths and back roads. The whole area is very much lost in time. It is difficult to realise that Crediton and Tiverton are so close. Alison Scott and their son were really welcoming and helpful with fresh eggs but also left us to ourselves. For potential future vistors I would recommend some insect repellant or citronella candles as the pond next to the Yurt has an explosion of insect life in the evenings which drove us inside. Also there is no fridge so our G and Ts were warm although I'm sure that Alison would have provided ice if I'd asked. i just couldn't face the trek back up the hill!!!!!! We would love to return."
Kathleen, 10/05/2012
Kay and I both had a wonderful time - the yurt is fantastic, as is the surrounding area. The only downside was getting chased by a cow while out walking! Some things you just can't plan for!
Mark, 17/10/2011
"Thanks for sharing your little bit of paradise with us! Love Jenny & Paul & Bump xxxx"
Jenny & Paul (and Bump), 21/07/2011
"We had a wonderful relaxing week in this beautifully made wooden yurt. From the windows we watched buzzards, falcons, an owl, pheasants, deer; swallows swooping about above the lily pond and listened to the silence - except for birdsong or occasional cow or sheep calling. Even stormy weather was fascinating as we watched it roll over the Devon landscape. It really was a retreat from city life."
Eve & Sarah, 19/06/2011
"Just a quick note to thank you and say that we had a fantastic time at the Big Sky Retreat! It's a great location and the yurt itself is amazing!"
Magali & Paul, 09/05/2011
"Just had an amazing stay at the Big Sky Retreat! Would HIGHLY recommend it..... Was soooo wonderful! Pretty sad to be back in London I must say! Thanks Canopy & Stars!"
Niki, 15/04/2011