Bearing down on a sweeping Devonshire valley speckled with longhorn cows and bleating sheep, it’s easy to see why Cistercian monks made this their home many centuries ago. Sir Francis Drake lived here during the 16th century, and when the Abbey and its 700-acre estate were later bequeathed to the National Trust, the opportunity arose for someone to transform Drake's old farm- and cider house.
Bertie and Bryony Hancock leapt at this once-in-a-lifetime chance, and relocated to Devon to turn the ancient stone building into a relaxed and spoiling retreat. Thankfully, they did away with any semblance of monastic asceticism in favour of luxury, and today the 4 bedrooms feature vast Egyptian-cottoned beds, chandeliers and fresh flowers, decadent bathrooms with clawfoot tubs and soft robes. At certain times, you can book individual rooms on a B&B basis; the rest of the year it's a blissful self-catering house rental for families or small groups. Either way, it's a true jewel: surrounded by flowering gardens and Dartmoor views, you feel miles away from the rest of the world, and a step closer to heaven.
Highs
- Welcoming hosts and a serene, relaxed atmosphere
- Neighbours don’t come much more illustrious than Buckland Abbey; there's even a Rembrandt to admire
- A stunning garden maintained by The National Trust, plus free access to the Abbey, estate and its formal gardens
- B&B guests get delicious breakfasts: honey from the estate's bees, eggs from their rare-breed hens, bacon from free-range pigs
- Great walks from the front door and up on Dartmoor; the unspoilt area is a haven for deer, owls, badgers and otters
Lows
- The estate grounds can be busy during the day, but everyone disappears by late afternoon
- You'll need a car for exploring and pub visits (the nearest is just about walkable: 15 mins)
- The estate is closed for 10 weeks a year. The upside is the grounds are peaceful and deer roam close
Best time to go
Dartmoor’s beauty is resplendent at any time of year. The gardens are most beautiful in the spring and summer, but in winter (when the neighbouring National Trust building is closed), the area takes on an utterly tranquil atmosphere. We love the idea of returning at the end of a year, when the lounge's fire is roaring and the friendly nearby pubs are steamed up with mulled wine and festivities.
Our top tips
If you’re looking for a truly spoiling meal, try the thriving Cornish Arms in Tavistock, which has gained a Michelin Bib Gourmand and serves hearty, unpretentious meals.
Location
The Buckland Farmhouse is part of the Buckland Abbey Estate, near Yelverton in Devon. It's approximately 7 miles south of Tavistock and 10 miles north of Plymouth, in the southwest of England.
By Air:
Fly into Exeter airport; click on the links below for a list of airlines.
By Car:
If you want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations. The B&B has 1 parking space per room.
By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel by train, head to Plymouth (around 4 hours from London Paddington), then take a taxi to the house.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- Exeter 85.0 km EXE
Other:
- Beach 38.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km