The Nest Treehouse

Tantalisingly tucked away in the corner of a mature southeast Devon woodland, after a short walk through the woods, The Nest is the ultimate romantic retreat, a remarkable and luxuriously crafted treehouse suspended nine metres above the ground in the branches of a large English oak tree. With its own wood-burning stove, it's a cosy, quirky place to stay at any time of year, whatever the weather – the perfect honeymoon hideaway, Valentine's Day or birthday treat, or just a peaceful venue when for couples who fancy a hermit-like break in a particularly beautiful yet accessible part of the country.

You reach the treehouse via a spiral staircase, and it has a double bed along with a kitchen, sitting and dining area with a two-ring gas hob, microwave and grill and fridge/freezer, and a fully-equipped bathroom with a hot shower, basin, and toilet. All pots and pans are provided, as is all the wood you need for the stove, and there is TV, DVD Player and lots of games, books and other bits and pieces for rainy days. It's an environmentally friendly option too, with recycling and composting on-site, and is easily accessible by mainline train to Honiton; plus produce is available from the nearby farm. In short you could spend a very nice short break at The Nest, emerging occasionally to sit on the balcony and enjoy an al fresco meal or glass of wine while savouring its peace and solitude.

But the location among the beautiful but relatively little-known Blackdown Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is another good reason to come, with walking, cycling, horse-riding and other activities making it possible to ditch the car while you're here and really get back to nature. It's not far, either, to the nearby Devon and Dorset Jurassic coast – the seaside towns of Sidmouth and Beer are just a short drive away, as is the Dorset resort of Lyme Regis.