StarBed Hideaways
Yelverton, Devon, United Kingdom

Reviewed by
Abi Colgan
This is glamping with a whole new level of glamour. Tucked away in fields on a National Trust estate in the lush Tamar Valley (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the edge of Dartmoor) are 2 utterly romantic shepherds hut hideaways. Set far apart from one another, each double oak-clad cabin is completely private, with spectacular views from their high-up vantage point down to historic Buckland Abbey.
Inside, beautiful hand-crafted interiors create a real sanctuary of cosiness and elegance; owners Bertie and Bryony have seriously raised the bar on rural stays. Each hideaway has a roll-top bath, a high-end kitchen and a totally unique curved glass skylight for gazing at the starry night sky from the comfort of your kingsize bed. Linens are top quality, toiletries are by Ren and there's a log-burner and sheepskin rugs to keep things snug. Every last detail has been thought of. Your adventure begins as you and your luggage are transferred from your car to your hideaway by an army-style Supacat, then you're left to enjoy complete isolation, peace and the feeling of being cocooned in your own world. Explore the estate or walk on Dartmoor by day, and as the sun goes down, pour yourself a homemade sloe gin, light the firepit, and enjoy the sound of... nothing at all, apart from the occasional passing owl.
Inside, beautiful hand-crafted interiors create a real sanctuary of cosiness and elegance; owners Bertie and Bryony have seriously raised the bar on rural stays. Each hideaway has a roll-top bath, a high-end kitchen and a totally unique curved glass skylight for gazing at the starry night sky from the comfort of your kingsize bed. Linens are top quality, toiletries are by Ren and there's a log-burner and sheepskin rugs to keep things snug. Every last detail has been thought of. Your adventure begins as you and your luggage are transferred from your car to your hideaway by an army-style Supacat, then you're left to enjoy complete isolation, peace and the feeling of being cocooned in your own world. Explore the estate or walk on Dartmoor by day, and as the sun goes down, pour yourself a homemade sloe gin, light the firepit, and enjoy the sound of... nothing at all, apart from the occasional passing owl.
Highs
- Spoiling luxury while still feeling utterly immersed in nature
- Sitting outside by the firepit for hours, gazing at the view by day and up at the stars by night; wildly romantic
- Breakfast ingredients and home-cooked meals from an honesty shop (Moroccan spiced lamb; slow-cooked cider pork; rich chocolate torte), along with local deli spoils and hand-picked wines
- Complimentary tickets for Buckland Abbey, as well as free rein of the National Trust estate and formal gardens (amazing in the evenings when everyone has gone home)
- Total peace and no WiFi - we relished the opportunity for a digital detox
Lows
- If you come and go from the estate, you'll have to walk 10 minutes from your car across fields to your hideaway (a torch is provided for when it's dark)
- The glass ceiling above the bed isn't brilliant for light-sensitive sleepers, but eye masks are provided
- No WiFi or mains electricity (so no hairdryers or TVs), but there are USB charging points and decent 3G/4G signals
- No kids or dogs allowed
- A strict payment and cancellation policy
Best time to go
Spring, summer and autumn offer the best chance of sunshine, but the hideaways are idyllic whatever the weather, and wood-burners keep things cosy in winter. Dartmoor’s wild beauty is resplendent at any time of year. Be aware that Devon can be very wet so packing wellies and wet-weather gear is a good idea, whenever you come. The hideaways are closed early Jan-early March annually.