Skylark Cottage

Skylark Cottage: Devon

Tucked away among the ancient woodland of the Teign Valley, on Dartmoor's northeastern edge, this beautiful semi-detached stone cottage offers you a tranquil rural retreat, far removed from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Inside, your hosts have preserved the home's original character while adding all the modern amenities you could need for a relaxing stay. You'll find a cosy seating area centred around the warming wood burner on the ground floor, with a solid oak dining table adjacent. Elsewhere, the well equipped compact kitchen is a veritable Tardis, with elegant storage solutions making the most of the space.

Upstairs, there are two charming cottage bedrooms. The main room includes an additional single bed that would work well for a child, especially considering the dedicated playroom upstairs on a small mezzanine floor. A stylish family bathroom with a bath is perfect for post-walk soaks.

A private south-facing garden with a table and chairs is a lovely spot to spend a sunny afternoon watching the birds flitting about the feeder. Once the sun sets, listen to a cacophony of local wildlife and gaze up at the stars. Elsewhere in the communal grounds, there's a rustic barn filled with games, communal lawns and a serene lake, one of the best wild swimming spots in the South West.

Slightly further afield, Dunsford Nature Reserve is a few miles downriver, while Castle Drogo is approximately five miles in the opposite direction. This walk will see you pass through 850 hectares of unspoiled nature at the National Trust's Fingle Woods – complete with footpaths, mountain biking trails and yet more wild swimming – and a fantastic waterside pub in Drewsteignton. For small city charm, Exeter is around half an hour's drive. Keen bird-watchers will love Bridesmere Bridge where swallows, house martins and bats can be spotted from a comfortable covered wooden structure, which also makes a scenic yoga platform.

Home truths:
*The barbecue and washing machine are shared between two cottages
*There is no charge for the games barn and borrowing bikes from the bike pool, though these facilities are shared between three cottages
*The hot tub is also shared between three cottages with only one session available per day – contact your host if you'd like it on a particular night
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot, highchair, fireguard, stairgates, tableware, books and toys are available on request
*Check yourself in on arrival with the lockbox
*Access to the cottage is via a private entrance
*A supply of logs is provided for the wood-burning stove