The Brake

£148.50 per night

The colour and light of this romantic retreat are a beautiful blend of art and craft, which is what you’d expect in a cabin built by an artist and a craftsman. Nick made most of the furniture and Dolly’s creativity brings the colour, along with a scattering of finds from their life in Mexico and extensive travels. The style is easily matched by the substance, with a big double bed, fully-equipped kitchen and modern shower room with Mexican tiles and a handmade copper sink, meaning you have everything you need in the intimate, characterful space. There’s also bunk space cleverly installed above the sofa so you can bring the kids. Just outside the cabin you’ll find Jackson’s stand out feature, the private wood-fired hot tub surrounded by trees and shrubbery in a corner of the garden. With the lanterns lit and the stars out above you, a late night soak adds an extra dash of magic to a restorative, romantic break. If you’re not content to spend time just soaking and lounging, Nick and Dolly, who live on site can include you in their summer Monday pizza events using the great earth wood fired oven. They can also give you pointers on exploring south Devon, from canoeing on the river Dart, walking the Kingsbridge estuary to wild hikes on Dartmoor. There’s great surfing at Bantham beach, hidden coves all along the coastline and quaint country villages with pubs serving superb local ale. At the end of a day the cabin welcomes you home to pull up a chair by the wood burner and enjoy the quiet as you wait for the hot tub to heat.