The Linhay

Reconnect with nature at The Linhay, an off-grid holiday spot where the noises of hustle and bustle are replaced by the sounds of birdsong and the bubbling river. This stone built retreat is located in a secluded valley near the North Devon village of Braunton & the golden sandy beaches of Croyde & Woolacombe.

The Linhay has been lovingly restored from a three walled ruin, with all the materials locally sourced - including oak trees from the surrounding Butterhills woods being used for the roof timbers and floor. It is an eco-friendly property with solar battery lighting, and heating provided by the cosy wood burning stove and its own spring water supply. The accommodation can sleep up to four people in its cleverly designed, spacious interior.

After parking the car and walking down the old cart track, guests head inside into the open plan living space. Here they will be treated to a homemade Devon cream tea and an assortment of organic eggs. There is a comfy futon sofa which converts into a double bed, as well as a dining table seating up to four people, and a well equipped galley kitchen with a four-burner gas hob. The wood burner also has a small oven. With exposed stone walls and French doors that open out onto the superb outside area overlooking the beautiful stream meadow and countryside beyond, this is the perfect space to relax and unwind.

A wooden ladder leads up to the mezzanine bedroom where there is a king size bed. Despite the off-grid status there is a modern en-suite shower room with basin, flushing toilet, and plenty of hot water heated by gas.

Guests have exclusive access to and use of the oak woodland, meadows and riverside pastures and now they can enjoy the yoga deck by the river. It's perfect for morning sun salutations - immersed in nature with just the sounds of the river and birdsong, meditation, impromptu picnics, relaxing with a good book or simply gazing at the sky & watching the buzzards soar overhead. There are 2 yoga mats in the Linhay as well as a picnic hamper to borrow.

As well as being set in an idyllic location, the outside space has a charcoal barbecue and rustic dining furniture so guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the fresh air. There are also benches and a hammock to while away those lazy afternoons and an open fire pit for evenings under the stars toasting marshmallows and sharing campfire stories. Alternatively, those staying can get out and about and explore. Braunton itself is just a 10 minute drive away and has plenty going on as it is considered to be the largest village in England with great places to eat out, plenty of surf shops and excellent grocers selling local produce.

Just a little further beyond are the beautiful golden sands of the North Devon coast. Surf, swim, paddle, or just take in the rays at one of the glorious beaches at Croyde, Putsborough, Woolacombe, or Saunton. Stunning Exmoor National Park is also a short drive away; with its breath-taking landscape, rugged coastline and wild ponies it’s definitely worth a visit during your stay.

There are plenty of guides and maps in the Linhay to help you plan your excursions – why not walk to the nearby Crown Inn at West Down for a delicious pub meal? Or for a car free holiday the bus stop is just 1 mile away with buses running every 20 minutes. The Linhay is also a great destination for cyclists, with amazing scenery and challenging hills or more leisurely level cycling along the Tarka Trail where you can take in the glorious sights surrounding the Taw and Torridge Estuaries – there are lots of places to stop for refreshments too!