Debbie and Des moved to Devon seven years ago in search of simpler life, and they found it in spades at a beautiful grade-II-listed thatched cottage in the small hamlet of Buckland Filleigh, in the west of the county. They have 3 acres of garden and 14 acres of woodland, and the good news is that you can share this rural idyll with them at The Gamekeeper's Cottage – a gorgeous self-catering retreat for couples set within the grounds of their own property. It's a beautiful spot and you couldn't be in better hands, plus the cottage is perfectly placed for exploring both the coast of North Devon and also Dartmoor to the south.
Tucked away and secluded, it's easy to see what made Debbie and Des fall in love with this place, as it's well set up to do nothing much at all, enjoying lazy days relaxing in the garden and evenings around the firepit, or just wallowing in the hot tub they have added. The couple renovated the cottage themselves and since then have added the chickens that roam the garden along with a team of pets that includes two dog, a a pair of cats and even a rabbit, who combine to make you feel throughly at home as soon as you arrive. Des works in his office while Debbie tends the garden, and both are on hand to share tips and ideas for things to do in the surrounding area.
The cottage has a bright, light bedroom with a high quality king-size bed with feather-and-down duvet and pillows. There's a cosy sitting room area with French doors opening onto the garden, a large sofa and wood-burning stove, along with a very well-equipped kitchen and a very well-appointed bathroom with a double-ended rolltop bath and a separate walk-in shower, plus robes and Neals Yard toiletries. The cottage has underfloor heating throughout, fast wifi, a 43" Smart TV and Bluetooth speakers, and there are games and book stashed in cupboards for those rainy days.
Outside, the cottage has its own private garden divided between two patio areas, with a dining table and chairs, sun-loungers and parasols, firepits and a barbecue – perfect for outdoor dining and enjoying a sundowner or two. The second patio is home to an eco-friendly wood-fired hot tub, and they even have a pizza oven and offer 2 balls of homemade dough to make your very own wood-fired pizzas! All fuel for the barbecue, firepits, pizza oven and the hot tub are supplied for your stay and you can access Debbie and Des's' garden and private woodland for an after-dinner stroll. Could you be in a better place? More pampered? More relaxed? We don't think so!