West Down Estate Lodges

West Down Lodges are secluded little boltholes with hot tubs on the edge of Exmoor National Park. They are self-contained, self-catering hideaways in a location surrounded by nature. If you’re looking for a rural getaway for two, what more could you want than that? Oh – you want to bring the dog? Well, that’s okay too, as your four-legged friends are as welcome at this place as you are. And if these lovely little lodges aren’t quite cute enough for you, you can opt for the West Down Shepherd’s Hut instead. It offers the same amenities and luxuries on a slightly smaller scale – with the added bonus of being within walking distance of a village pub.

These bijou boltholes on the West Down Farm Estate offer cosy living spaces that connect you with what’s on the doorstep: the Great Outdoors. The lodges, Squirrel’s Rest and Hedgehog Retreat, are situated on a track that’s used by red deer, and the surrounding trees are home to tawny owls. On the nearby River Yeo, you can spot kingfishers, dippers and dragonflies. The shepherd’s hut is in a different location, in a field offering views across the countryside and foothills of Exmoor. The National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve with very little light pollution, making for incredibly starry skies on clear nights – and the hot tub, fire pit and outdoor seating at both the lodges and the shepherd’s hut are there to help you enjoy it all.

Inside, both lodges offer an open-plan kitchenette, a dining and living space, plus a separate bedroom and bathroom. Choose a lodge if you want more space and a kitchen that’s better equipped (both have proper ovens, and Hedgehog’s Rest has a dishwasher too). While all the West Down boltholes are perfectly sized for two, Hedgehog has a sofa bed and a roll-top bath so can comfortably sleep a family of four. Meanwhile, the shepherd’s hut is definitely just for two – choose this option if you’re after romance and far-reaching views.

From the shepherd’s hut, it’s a walk of less than a mile to The Poltimore Inn for lunch or dinner. From the lodges, it’s a short drive, or if you prefer to cook for yourself, it's just a couple of miles to nearby South Molton, where you can stock up on local produce at the twice-weekly market. The edge of Exmoor National Park is just four miles away, the sand and surf of the North Devon coast is about half an hour. This is a tip-top location, and if you decide you want to share it with more than just your significant other, the estate also has a large holiday home, West Down Estate Country House, which sleeps up to 18.